Skiing

Karlie was excited to go skiing. She had been last year and knew what it was all about.


Carson wasn't quite sure what these boards were on his feet.



Hmmm...what do I do with these things?



Woo Hoo....this is FUN!

Hey dad, I want to go back up the magic carpet again...

Karlie was a pro at the magic carpet...

Karlie went down a bit on her own when Daddy let go of her.

Karlie wanted to keep going up.

Daddy says..."hands out front!"

Carson was done messing with the magic carpet...he wanted to go up the BIG LIFT!

This is SO COOL DADDY!

Since my little brother did it...I want to go up the big chair lift too.

Hmm....not sure about this.

Hey, this is pretty fun!

Focusing on "hands out front"

The smallest peanut in the chair lift line

I love this skiing thing...when can we do it again?

The little man skiing on his own!

The Moose House

We took the kids up to our home in the mountains, which they LOVE..they call it the "Moose House" because we have a large stuffed moose that they like to play with. They were SO excited to sleep in the same room together...however, not much sleeping happened as they giggled the hours away....

Thank you so much to Nana and Buppa for their pillows and blankets as seen in the picture here...they don't leave home without them!

The Little Comedian

Carson sat for 1 whole hour and watched Karlie in her gymnastics class...he was SO GOOD! And he was having a blast as you can see showing Daddy how wide he can open his mouth!

Gymnastics

I know these are a little dark, but they are the best we can get at Karlie's gymnastics class since the lighting is poor for pictures there. She loves it!

Let the fun begin!

Karlie loved her "dress up" gifts

The poor little man woke up with a fever

We have our own little personal alarm clock every morning and his name is Carson. He is up at 6am EVERY morning. We were having guests over for Christmas and boy were we surprised when Wally and I opened our eyes at 8:30am...looked at each other and thought:

1. It is a Christmas miracle - SLEEPING IN UNTIL 8:30am!

2. Where is Carson? Is he downstairs making coffee reading the morning paper eating a muffin (more on this later)?

3. OH NO!!! We have a stuffing to make and a turkey to get in the oven IMMEDIATELY or there will be no Christmas dinner for everyone!

Turns out the poor little guy was still sleeping and burning up with a fever :-(

Despite not feeling well he did pretty good through the day, and very much enjoyed the Christmas spirit! He has learned to sing "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph" and his favorite "Santa Claus is coming to town"

He woke up one morning and didn't see Wally sitting on the couch downstairs. He came downstairs, got himself a poptart for breakfast, turned on the Christmas tree lights, pulled his little stool over to the light switch to turn the lights on,etc....Wally was watching the whole time just waiting for him to start brewing some coffee and reading the paper! It was too funny!

Karlie also had a great time and warmed right up to Carlo's son and daughter's grandmother calling her "grandma" all night long!

It was a very memorable holiday.

Santa Needs Therapy

Christmas Eve

Putting out the magic reindeer food

Anticipation

Anyone notice a theme here?

The little man LOVES his Thomas the Train Boots! He tries to sleep with them on. As soon as he wakes up the first thing he does it put those boots on! He is in a big boy bed now, since he began hurling himself out of his crib not too long ago. He refuses to wear any other shoes!!

The Train is LOUD

The kids LOVE the Polar Express Movie...I think we have watched it 8,000 times...The like it really LOUD, but plug their ears when the train arrives on the movie because it is LOUD...they also love to dance to the "hot chocolate" song.

Gingerbread House

Karlie and Carson had a great time making a gingerbread house....1 candy for the house, 3 candies for the mouth....YUM!

Halloween

Carson sporting his car jammies and car slippers after a long night of trick or treating.


They just got back from an hour of trick or treating and they're excited to see just what kind of candy they gathered.

Carson and Karlie telling mommy all about their time trick or treating. Carson took to it immediately - daddy had to make sure he didn't walk into the different houses looking for candy. Karlie got the ringing the door bell down after a few houses. There was a few times when she wanted to stop and eat some of her candy, but she kept moving along for roughly an hour.

Ready to hit the streets with daddy and get some candy!

As you can see, Carson thinks he's going to take two bags trick or treating.

Carson couldn't have enjoyed himself any more. When Karlie said she wanted to go home after an hour of trick or treating, Carson wanted to stay out and go to more houses. At one point he saw the stars up in the sky and started singing, "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" in between houses.

This was a dry run with the costumes the night before Halloween. As you can see, they both have their new slippers on. Karlie with her princess slippers and Carson with his car slippers.

Our friends sent this costume down for Carson to try, as their boys wore it when they were his age. In the end, Carson decided he wanted to be Thomas the Train for Halloween.

October 2009 Snowstorm

Our back patio with over 2 feet of snow.

Well, the last week of October brought with it a 2-day snow storm. When all said and done, we ended up with roughly 2 feet of snow.

Pumkin Festival

This was Karlie's first time on an amusement ride - she really liked the flying whales.


Getting ready for take off.

Our friends came down for an overnight stay. Here is Karlie, Carson, Shane and Ryan.

Here is Carson on his first amusement ride. He loved it.

Carson getting ready to set out in the pumpkin patch to find his pumkin.

Karlie keeping a close eye on her brother.

Shane showing Carson how to play Wii. As mentioned above, our friends spent the night and Karlie and Carson enjoyed playing with Shane and Ryan.

Ryan, Karlie and Shane at the Museum of Nature and Science.

Open house at the new Fire station

We went to the grand opening of a new fire station. All the kids held a fire hose in front of the fire station, as some drummers marched in front as part of the grand opening ceremony. Carson absolutely loved it - we spent almost 2.5 hours touring the fire station, as well as all the fire trucks.


Here is Carson getting directions from dispatch.

It was very difficult to get the little guy out of the truck.

Here he is steering having a grand old time. This picture was taken from the outside of the windshield looking in (standing on the bumper).

Here Karlie is learning how all the firemen talk to each other while they're on their way to a fire. There is a fireman sitting in front of her talking to her on his headset.

The little guy posing on Engine 10.

This picture sums up Carson's morning at the fire station!

Karlie's 1st Dentist Appointment

Karlie made her first trip to the dentist and it went just fine. We are happy to say that there were no cavities to report.

Carson turns 2

Carson sporting his new Pats sweatshirt that he got for his b-day from Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul. This picture was taken the same day that the Pats were in town to play the Donkeys.


Carson enjoying his gift birthday gift from Nana.

Carson wearing his new outfit that he got for his b-day from Nana K and Papa.

Things have certainly changed since his first birthday, when he wouldn't eat his cake. Now he can't get enough of sweets. Since we celebrated his birthday part on a wkd, we picked up a small ice cream cake to celebrate on his actual birthday and he went to town.

Carson enjoying the firetruck that he got from Aunt Kristen and Uncle Anthony.

Carson playing with his Red Sox bat and ball that he got from Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul. He's been throwing with his left hand mostly, so we may have a south paw here in the making.

What are the chances of this happening - Nana and Mommy got Carson the same gift. So, needless to say there was no problem with sharing the new toy on this day. One of the cars has since been relocated to Nana's house.

Carson playing with the Thomas train set that he got from Mimi and Bapa.

Here he is again, pushing the trains around the tracks. It's not too often that Carson is walking around without Thomas in his hand.

Here's one excited birthday boy!

Carson had a great birthday. He was excited to have a Thomas the train cake for his birthday.

Thomas the Train Day at the Golden Train Museum

Carson loved watching the model trains go around the track. Of course, he was always looking for Thomas.


Karlie on the back of a train car.

There is Thomas at the front of the train.

Here Carson is hanging out of the train trying to see Thomas up at the front. We just boarded the train for our ride.

Here the conductor came by to get everyones tickets and pose for a picture with the kids (Carson, Karlie, Sophie and Colby).

Here is Carson, Karlie, Sopie and Colby getting read for their ride aboard Thomas.

We met our friends at the Train Museum in Golden for the Thomas the Train day. The kids had a blast. Karlie and Carson are sitting on a lego version of Thomas.

Uncle Mike Visits

It was great to have Uncle Mike visit this summer. As always, a lot of laughs were had and even Carson got in on the fun.

Mimi, Bapa, Aunt Kristen and cousins Ally and Zach come to visit

Carson being a ham sitting on his bus.


Here is the crew at the Zoo. The first seat is Karlie, Zach and Ally. Carson is solo in the 2nd seat (mommy is taking the picture). Followed by Mimi and Bapa bringing up the rear.

Here is Carson enjoying his afternoon treat.

Mimi and Bapa taking in the sights at the zoo - that includes Carson.

Wii provided a lot of entertainment for Karlie, Zach and Ally.

One of the very few times that they all sat still.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Karlie and Carson really enjoyed playing with their cousins.

4th of July Fireworks

We were up in the mountains for the 4th of July and drove over to a friends place on the 4th for a BBQ. After the BBQ we walked out on the fairway at the golf course and put a blanket down to watch the fireworks. Karlie and Carson loved running around on the golf course with the other kids prior to the actual fireworks. Carson loved watching the fireworks.

Karlie loves to bake cookies!

Karlie is always willing to lick the spoon and bowl clean.

Karlie loves to help Mommy bake cookies!

Karlie turns 3

Karlie trying on her princess outfit that she received from a from a friend at school.


Another princess dress. She actually wore this one to school this summer.

Karlie opening her gifts at her party.

Karlie loves cupcakes. She had a cupcake birthday cake and as you can tell, she enjoyed each and every bite.

Here's the birthday girl sitting with her friends from school. She had 12 friends over for her party.

Karlie was very excited to have a "Princess" birthday party. So, 12 of her friends came to our house and we had quite the party. Of course the cake and ice cream seemed to be the hit with 12 three year olds.

Carson

Nana and Papa, here is Carson wearing the Florida T-shirt that you got for him.

Karlie on her scooter and wearing her Red Sox jacket

Karlie loves riding her scooter that she got from Santa Claus.

Uncle Paul and Aunt Rita, look who is ready for the 2009 Red Sox season! Now that spring is finally here, Karlie really enjoys wearing the Red Sox jacket that you got for her. This picture was taken just before Karlie and Carson went with Nana for the day.

Easter 2009

Carson strutting his Easter outfit that Nana gave him.



Karlie in the Easter dress that Nana got for her.

Trying to get them both to sit nicely and behave for a picture is not as easy as it looks. We had to bribe them with Jelly Beans. Of course once we did that, they were all smiles.

This is a genuine hug and not Karlie putting her brother in a headlock.

Now this is the look of a little boy that is up to no good.

Karlie loved seeing the Easter bunny at the Golf Club where we had Easter Brunch. Every time we went up and got food from the buffet she had to walk over and say "hi" to the Easter bunny again. In fact, she actually went and told the Easter bunny that she went pee pee in the potty while returning from the restroom.

This is Carson dancing in the family room after returning home from Easter brunch. Karlie and Carson like to put the music on and they both dance (i.e. spin around in circles with their hands out until they get dizzy and fall down).

We had a great Easter this year. Karlie and Carson loved looking for Easter eggs. In fact they found all the eggs that we hid in the family room and were thrilled to find Jelly Beans and M&M's inside of them. We all enjoyed a great Easter Brunch with Nana and Carlo.

Ski Trip

Here's the big boy wanting to take a break while walking through the ski resort. He saw this step from about 10 feet away and started walking right towards it. Daddy carried him back to the car after the brief rest.



Here's Karlie, Carson and mommy relaxing at the base of the mountain. The weather up there that wkd was phenominal.




Karlie and daddy at the bottom of the beginner hill.

Look out, here comes Karlie. Karlie loves pointing the skis down the hill and going "fast".

Carson enjoyed playing in the snow at the bottom of the hill while his sister skied. Of course he is sporting his Red Sox winter hat from Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul.

Ourt friends and their daughter Bella came over for pizza when we were in the mtns. Karlie and Bella really enjoy playing with each other.

Here's the big boy relaxing in the back of the car after we took his snow pants and jacket off.

Carson with his new Red Sox hat

Here is Carson trying to put his brand new Red Sox hat on that he got from Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul for Christmas. Karlie also loves to wear her hat when she goes outside too. They both get many comments from people that see them decked out with their Red Sox hats. In fact the last time Karlie went with daddy to Home Depot, the check out clerk commented on her hat by saying, "Go Red Sox".

Mimi and Bapa, the shirt and sweater vest that you gave Carson for Christmas is too cute. He looks like he's going to a business meeting every time he wears it.

Here's Karlie and Carson sitting in their chairs watching the movie Monsters, Inc. They both absolutely love that movie. Even Carson says the name of the characters when they are on the screen.

Gymnastics Class

Here's Karlie with the instructor learning how to do a forward roll on the balance beam.



Karlie hanging from the uneven bars.



Karlie walking across the balance beam.

Karlie (in the background) and Carson throwing balls. Carson loved chasing after all the balls bouncing around.

Overall they both enjoyed the hour at the gym. But, I think Karlie's favorite thing was drinking water from the water bubbler. We found her at the water bubbler about every 5 minutes.

Karlie Skiing and Sledding

Whenever it snowed this past winter, Karlie would ask to go skiing. So, we worked with Karlie in the front and back yard getting her comfortable on her new skis. She absolutely loved it and at times would say, "I want to go faster".



Here's Karlie helping daddy shovel the driveway.

Here's Karlie enjoying being pulled in the sled. Aunt Rita and Uncle Paul, the Red Sox winter hat is just too cute on her!

Karlie loved to get pulled in her new sled which she got for Christmas.

Christmas 2008 - just a bit late

Carson trying on one of his gifts from Mimi and Bapa.


Carson running and telling everyone it's dinner time.


Karlie trying on her helmet and sunglasses that came with her new scooter. She doesn't leave the house on sunny days without those sunglasses.



Karlie, Carson and mommy making the traditional "Italian Stuffing" for the bird. As you can see, Karlie likes to sample the ingredients.

Karlie helping with the stuffing - grinding up the Italian bread.

Carson playing with his Christmas present from Auntie Kristen. I'm happy to report that neither one of them have hit each other over the head with the drumsticks yet.

Bapa teaching Karlie how to bowl while playing the Wii game that Nana got for the family.

Karlie walking Mimi and Bapa through the calendar that we put together for the family.

Karlie playing on the sit-n-spin gift that Auntie Kristen gave her. Both her and Carson love spinning on that together.

Here's little Pierre, I mean Carson. Hanging out next to the tree playing with Karlie's new baseball mit.

There isn't a minute that goes by that Carson isn't looking for some sort of snack to put in his mouth. Here he is on Christmas morning nibbling on a cracker.

Overall, it was a great Christmas. Karlie can not stop talking about Santa Claus and she still calls him daily putting in her request for cupcakes, cookies and dolls. Now Carson is starting to mimic her and doing the same thing every time he picks up the toy phone. We're working on changing his request from dolls to balls.

We're glad that Mimi and Bapa were able to make the trip for Christmas.

Elmo Ride

Weeeeeeeeee

Bundled Up

Snow

Annual Christmas Party

My friend Laurie had their Annual Christmas party and the kids had a great time. Carson wasn't so keen on Santa, but Karlie warmed up to him, and still today (ok, yes, it is February and I am still posting from last year...) she keeps talking about Santa and Jesus' Birthday....

Funny story...we were in the Bank, and there was a guy with long hair in a pony tail at the teller window. The bank was pretty crowded that morning, and Karlie yells out..."Look Mommy....It's Jesus!"....she proceeded to continue to say that until we left the bank!!!

Anyway...thanks Laurie and Ken for a wonderful party...and thanks Santa for the presents!

The Horsie

Karlie makes sure she is extra good in the food store so she can ride the horsie when we are done. She loves it! Carson now loves it too!

Chairs

There are way more fun things you can do with a chair than sit in it!

Nikolas' Birthday Party

My friend Laurie's son Nik had a super fun Birthday party!

Putting up the Christmas Tree

The kids had fun helping us put up the Christmas tree.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

We were fortunate to have Papa and Nana K. join us for Thanksgiving. Thanks for making the trip out to see us...we had a blast! The kids enjoyed the company and the meal...Yummmmmm.....

Yup, He's Italian!

Messy Marvin here LOVES pasta!

Western Days

Karlie's friend Alex and family

The kids had fun at the local western day fair this past summer. Karlie enjoyed petting the animals and going on the hay ride. She also enjoyed her first snow cone...shocker...it is sweet!

Carson's 1st Birthday

Hmmmm what is this stuff?



Ohhh it is squishy....



I don't think I like it...



Pleast let me wash it down with some water!

This pork is WAY BETTER than that sweet stuff!

Carson's little cake

Carson turned 1 on Sept. 29, 2008. We had a fun party for him and were so excited that we could spend his special day with Auntie Rita who traveled a long way to get here! Thank you Auntie Rita for a fabulous visit! He tried the cake, but HATED it! He put one taste in his mouth and spit it out! He hates anything sweet.....but he LOVED the pork dinner!!
Thank you everyone for the generous birthday gifts!!! I can't believe my baby boy is ONE!!!

Halloween 2008

The kids had a fun Halloween this year. My office does a "Trick or Treat Street" on Halloween, where all the kids come in and trick or treat in all of the offices. Karlie loved it! Karlie had a Halloween party at school, and went trick or treating in the neighborhood. She LOVES sweets, and I think Halloween will be her FAVORITE holiday because of all the CANDY! She picked up the concept pretty fast once she realized she would get candy at EVERY HOUSE!!!

Carson's Baptism

Ok my friends, so I know, I know.....I have been a huge blog slacker. We have been super busy with the kids and work, etc... Sooooo, Carson was baptized in September, and we were blessed to be able to spend some quality, fun time with his Godmother, Auntie Rita. His Godfather, Uncle Frank was there in spirit. Carson is usually the happiest baby ever....but we were rushing out the door to get him to his baptism in time and in the process he didn't get his bottle in time...uh oh.... So, you do the math..... hungry baby + no bottle = screaming child in Church.