Choo Choo Bob's Train Station

After Grandma Millie's birthday party on Saturday we took Charlie to a train store a few blocks from Nancy's house. Choo Choo Bob's is awesome! The store is full of Thomas the Train toys and they even do birthday parties. We could have spent the whole afternoon there but somehow convinced Charlie that we would come back another time. He can't wait to bring Papa and Gama to his new favorite place.

Charlie's new hat from our afternoon out (pic for Uncle Chris)

This is the birthday room

Charlie can't wait to celebrate a birthday at Choo Bob Bob's (that's how Charlie says the name fast)

There are 6 different tracks set up for the kiddos to play with

This was the display at the front of the store - reminds me of my Grandpa Ed's basement

He was trying to catch the electric train - Bob might not want us to come back

Little Boy in Awe

My new favorite picture of my baby

80, The New 40!

Tim's grandmother, Millie turned 80 on January 8th. We had her party on Saturday with the family. It was a great get - together and Millie said it was her best birthday so far. Nancy, Tim's aunt, hosted the party with a delicious brunch and a game of Jeopardy. Here's to the next birthday!

Charlie delivering his painting to his Great Grandma

Jeopardy - In the Life of Mildred Olson

Alex Tribek and Vanna? (Art and Nancy)

The birthday girl and Claire Bear

Charlie with his second cousin Julia (the family member that Charlie relates to the most!)

Charlie eating a donut - a VERY rare treat

Grandma with Charlie and Julia enjoying her party

Uncle Tim reconnecting with his niece Karlie Ann

"MY TINA"

My sister Christina came for a visit last week to spend time with Charlie. She was always working when we came out to the hills so it was nice to see alot of her. Aunt Tina taught Charlie to say "I'm a genuis" and "my tina" (b/c I had the other kiddos in the house). He already misses her and can't wait to see her again.

"I love you Tina"

Sporting new pjs

snugglin with Tina

Must be an inside joke

It was above zero so Tina and Charlie went to play in the snow

Hugs all around

"Where's Charlie?"

Charlie thought Tina was just going to the car for something NOT really leaving us. I HATE telling this little boy that family comes but has to go too. I don't think it will ever be an easy concept. It isn't for me and I'm 27!!

We love you Tina and hope you find your path (to Mankato!!)

Babysitters from Rapid City

Well I called in Papa and Gama to make the trip to MN once again so Tim and I could have fun at Ben and Jeanne's wedding and Wild game. They enjoyed each other's company as usual - puzzles, trips to the play place, baking cookies, reading stories, building train tracks, and lots of love!

Papa couldn't fit in this bus

Gama getting dangerously close to Charlie who was armed with a rolling pin

Well Gama survived w/o getting hit with the rolling pin and the cookies were delicious

"Chuga-chuga-choo-choo"

Papa would lay a piece of track down and Charlie would "reposition" it

Charlie in Papa's boots

There is a picture of me in my dad's cowboy boots w/ no pants on when I was Charlie's age

Goodbyes are always hard for everyone

Papa had to reassure Charlie that they would see each other in a few weeks

The love is overwhelming for this lil boy

A Day with Mom and Dad

"Go Vikes"

"Brrrr Freezin' Mom"

I think Tim enjoyed this ride more than Charlie - they caught a little air on a bump

We dropped Charlie in the snow bank and he sunk right in

Silly Daddy

"What a weirdo Dad"

Here Comes The Bride

January 19, 2009 - the day two soulmates united, Ben and Jeanne Oberle. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with emotion and tears.

Charlie came to the church and turned every head as he walked down the aisle. He sat in the pew and ate fruit snacks as Ben and Jeanne took their vows. Tim and I were able to go to the reception childless and had a blast dancing, singing, and "reconnecting". My parents took care of Charlie and spent time at Uncle Terry's house so we could have an adult night. Thanks Mom and Dad - we appreciate it so much.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Oberle's first dance

Tim and Ben

Jeanne and I

JP with his lil brides, Karlie and Claire

Pam and Ben - Mother Son Dance

Ben and Heather taking notes for their wedding

The Whittingtons enjoying their champagne

Best Friends, Husband and Wife, Soulmates

Each table had its own cake as the centerpiece

Linda's baby, Heather

Siblings and Friends

"Hey Charlie, we wish you were here!"

My handsome pick-pocketer

"Don't let this face fool you"

'All Done, right?" He kept saying "all done" throughout the wedding

"Time to Party"

"I Do, with all of my heart"

Vowing their love for each other in front of God

"Shhhhhh We're in church mom! No cameras"