A Merry Christmas Griffiths Family Style

This has been such a special Christmas for us and will always be so memorable. Our first Christmas season where Charlie was able to participate in and anticipate all the activities and excitement. And while we missed our families and friends far away, our Washington friends were such a happy part of this holiday season for us. there was also something special about spending those two special days preparing and celebrating together with just us and our little boy (well Sam and Bailey too!) It was also the most snowy Christmas that I have ever had!

My favorite Christmas stories...

A few days before Christmas we're all three out driving together and the little voice in the back seat says "Santa's not coming to see me." We respond "of course he is!" Charlie says, "No, Santa's not coming." We ask, "why are you saying that honey?" Charlie's reply... "I've been a little naughty." Michael and I both laughed and agreed that while he's been "a little naughty" that he's been more good boy than naughty and "we're quite certain that Santa's going to come!"

Fav No. 2: Christmas afternoon the excitement had slowed down and I asked Charlie of all the presents Santa brought him what's his favorite. He thinks for a moment and responds "the jelly beans." The jelly beans were found in his stocking along with his Melvin the giraffe doll that he has carried around nonstop all week. Funny how kids really do enjoy the simpliest things!

It was a white Christmas for us.

Charlie made the cookies for Santa.

Christmas Eve Dinner

We had a quiet, yet beautiful Christmas Eve dinner for just three. We had turkey with gravy, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole and homemade hot rolls. Mom Wylie and Granny would have been proud!

The stockings were hung and waiting with surprises.

Santa/Daddy stayed up late putting together toys for the big day.

Sleepy Christmas Morning Baby.

Fav Santa gifts were Geotrax...

...and a remote controlled helicopter.

The stocking stuffers were a big hit.

Santa brought Daddy a new guitar!

As the weekend progressed, the Geotrax grew and grew, but notice which kid is playing... uh, I mean working on it.

A Final Christmas Party

We had a final party Saturday night with 6 families together in total. There were adults present as well, but let's face it... pics of kids eating cupcakes is way cuter than 12 adults eating Chex mix.

Charlie Griffiths

We have laughed and laughed at Charlie's latest intro. Approximately fifty percent of the time when asked by a stranger what his name is, his response is "I'm Charlie Griffiths and Nothing Gets in My Way."

I'm certain he has picked this up from some childrens' program, but whether he did or whether it's original material, we think it's rather amusing.

(Thanks for the beautiful photo Jamie!)

More soccer. He's a natural!

Thanks for the pics Andrea!

Naughty and Nice

I just had to post this photo because this is "grumpy face" with arms always included. Attached is usually "Huh!" or "No fair!" or "I'm really, really mad!" I don't like the naughty attitude but it really is nice that he is so articulate and can express himself. I should also clarify by explaining that he typically waits for a reaction to this, quickly realizes how funny he looks and we all burst out laughing together.

Thank you Nana!

Nana - we cannot thank you enough for the clothes, the shoes, the toys, the craft set and all that you send to your family. We appreciate your continuous love and generosity and we miss you! Charlie loves his bat and ball set and Mommy enjoyed all the new summer clothes that we greatly needed.

Week in review.

Whew! It's been a busy one. Sunshine and playdates and park and sunshine. We're so happy that summer is finally upon us. The week was full as you can see from our photos. Saturdays are soccer morning and then we have brunch. The afternoon was boys night (Charlie and Daddy) while Mommy got out for dinner and a movie with some other mommy friends. Sunday was church where Charlie really likes the children's ministry at www.designcc.org. Then off to brunch (yes again, we just really like to eat breakfast!) at 5 Spot www.chowfoods.com. Best omelette (spinach and mushroom) and pancakes (with pear preserves) we've EVER had and in case you didn't pick up on it, we're breakfast connoisseurs. Topped off the day with Charlie's first movie (or at least first since he's been old enough to actually watch), WALL-E http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/wall-e/. He sat and watched the entire movie.

This week we'll be patiently awaiting the arrival of the Mulcay family www.mulcay.net. Scott and Jill have traveled to the ends of the earth for exotic adventures yet still find us interesting enough to make their annual trip to Washington to visit. We can't wait to see them and share the fun with you.

Lake Wilderness

This is Lake Wilderness. We like to refer to it as "our" lake as do most in the community that live nearby. It's an easy walk to it from our house where we can enjoy the playground, beach area and trails. It's a beautiful hike around it, good exercise and great family time.

Looking for bugs.

Dandelion sword fights.

Sidewalk chalk drawing with Daddy.

Craft Time

This child cannot get enough craft time and I'm not complaining because while I now have the task of trying to consistently come up with new and interesting activities, it keeps the little man busy while learning and using his imagination.

Thank you Nana for the new activity easel. He's going to love it!

Soccer

We just started a new soccer program and Charlie's loving it. It's especially nice because it's Saturday mornings and Daddy can participate. A nice change for both of the guys since typically our toddler activities take place on week days when Daddy's working. C seemed to remember a lot from last year, the difference is now he can really kick and run. He has two little friends on his team that we know from play groups (Dillon and Elizabeth) and I'm sure we'll meet more great families throughout the summer program.

He's ready to pass...

Good kick!

Girls, girls, girls...

Our newest play group consists of 4 kiddos. Charlie and three little girls. Anna on the left and Avery on the right and this particular day Eva wasn't one with us but she is equally as beautiful as these two little ladies. How lucky is Charlie Bug!?!?

You can see more of Anna and Avery via blog links under "Make New Friends".

Teamwork.

First Kiss

This is Elizabeth a sweet little friend that we have been fortunate to get to know. She and her older sister Allyse have been so good to play with Charlie. This week we met them for play time and lunch at the lake. As we were packing up to leave, Charlie and Elizabeth went to give each other goodbye hugs and E offered a kiss which C willingly obliged. They gave each other a sweet little baby kiss mouth to mouth. I would have given anything to capture it in a photo. You obviously can't get a good look at Elizabeth here, but you should definitely check out her and her sister's blog link (under "Make New Friends"). They're both beautiful and C's a lucky little guy to have such a precious little girl give him his first kiss!

We're so thankful that summer is finally here.

Playing at the lake with friends. Seth, Allyse, Charlie (in the water of course) and Elizabeth.

There's a common expression we use at our house...

"IT'S HARD TO BE LITTLE!"

Best Buddies

Charlie and Jack have been "best buddies" or as best as two buddies can be when you're two. They've known each other for two years now and Jackie and I first wished they would sit up, then roll over, then crawl. We didn't know what was coming! It's nice to have another mom that understands the challenges of having a precocious two year old boy. They're beginning to truly play together now and it's adorable. We've overhead some interesting conversations that allow a glimpse at the future to come. "I'm going to put my shoes on and go outside (in the rain) Charlie." An emphatic "No! You can't Jack." As if Charlie is suddenly the voice of reason. Today they were standing together with the pantry door open discussing which snacks they would prefer. I think the plan was to ask the mommies for a treat and if no one responded I feel certain they would have deployed an effort to move a chair and draw straws to determine which one would then climb the chair and the shelves, bypass the organic healthy choices and go straight for those Froot Loops on the very top shelf that they know are not for eating but strictly for craft purposes. Aren't they too cute?!?!?!

Who needs a cleaning service when you can high cheap labor???

Oops! Missed a spot.