ALL ABOARD CHARLES T.'S TRAIN

Charlie's Papa and Grandma left yesterday after a great week of trains, trucks, cookies, and tons of hugs and kisses. Each day Charlie got to do something special with Papa and Grandma - go to the train store, count the trucks from Waldos, play in the play center at the mall, and go for walks. Unfortunately I wasn't able to join them as much as I wanted, b/c of the two babies that I care for. BUT it was awesome for Charlie to get the one-on-one time with his grandparents. Every morning Charlie would wake up and yell "Papa" from his crib. He talked their ears off and made them recognize EVERY semi that drove down main street in St. Peter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYS!

Dad got new shoes and a hat and Tim got his much needed new kitchen knives and $$

Grandma and Charlie playing with the trains - Charlie has to be in the middle of the track

In half of his Halloween costume playing trains

Helping Grandma make cookies

notice the egg carton is EMPTY!

Playing at the mall

Papa taught Charlie to wave every time we pointed the camera his way

Dinner at Dino's

"Papa, you forgot to wave!"

"Enough Mom, we're reading"

After a long morning of playing with Grandma and Papa

"Sorry Mak and Izzy, I got the first ride in Papa's new carseat AND it's the Cadillac of carseats!"

Papa and Grandma trying to say good bye but there was a UPS truck in the parking lot - Sorry guys

"Friends are like thighs, they always stick together"

Jess, Tate, Charlie, Tim, Chuck, and Sheena (and me behind the camera)

Last weekend we finally made it out to Omaha to visit Chuck and Sheena. Tate and Jess were able to join us later Friday night. It was the best opportunity for old friends to share laughs, cries, and drinks of course. We were able to celebrate Tate and Jess' engagement, Chuck and Sheena's 2nd wedding anniversary, and Tim and I's 3rd. We can't wait for our children to be as good of friends as we are. Charlie fits right in (as you will see from the pictures). He made himself at home with his toys and playing with their dog, Malibu. On Saturday, we made it to the Omaha Zoo and a brewery (Tim's request) for lunch. The zoo was amazing - way too many animals to see in one day.

Thanks for a great weekend guys. We love you all very much and can't wait for the next trip. Hopefully it will be to a WARM island!

Charlie saw a fire truck first thing at the zoo. He could have cared less about the animals at that point.

"See you guys in a few"

The Olsons in a cave

"Uncle" Tate, Charlie, and "Uncle" Chuck in the desert

Tate, living his dream of being a farmer

"Maybe I should move before I get a horn in my leg?"

This goat was determined to get in the stroller with Charlie (he was eating a graham cracker).

My favorite part of course

"I love you Bu! I think you will fit in my suitcase"

"Back off Tate, Jess is MINE"

Charlie helping Sheena make breakfast

"Cheers to my brothas"

Aways by your side

A Science Lesson

Charles T. and Dad planted our first two trees (sienna maples) a few weekends ago. Those of you that know where we live, know that we don't have any trees :( . They had a great time in the dirt and Charlie learned a thing or two about roots and tree growth.

"A little bit more on the right Dad. Good Job"

"Mom look what I have"

"More dirt Dad. Geez do I have to do everything?"

Pumpkin Pickin' Time

Saturday afternoon we went to Emma Krumbee's pumpkin patch and apple orchard. We took Charlie a year ago and decided to go again (check out the picture comparison). We had lots of fun walking through the pumpkin patch and "stealing" a bite of an apple in the orchard. Charlie is just like his dad when it comes to picking out the perfect pumpkin (who knew there was such a thing). Hope everyone is enjoying their fall as much as we are!

Daddy Kisses

What a good lookin' family!

Mom and Char checkin' out the donkeys and ponies

This was obviously more fun last year

Picking out the perfect pumpkin

Don't tell!

Saddle Up

Charlie is in love with trains lately

Making his Great Grandpa Ed proud

"For Sale? What?!"

HAIRCUT #8

After Charlie's friend Luxie was brave enough to sit in the big salon chair, he thought he would try it again. A half an hour, two suckers, inches of hair, and a few tears later, Charlie was transformed. He truly looks like a mini-Tim! When it was all over with and he got down out of the chair, there were two tears remaining on his cheeks. I told Charlie to thank the nice lady for cutting his hair and he said "tank you".

"Do you have to take my picture every time I get a haircut?!"

Decked out for church

"Take a number ladies"

"Enough Momma, I'm gonna tell Papa!"