Mount Mushmore

Charlie has learned the names of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore and recognizes the monument as "Mount Mushmore". He knows that Washington and Adams were the first and second presidents and continues to learn. Papa is a HUGE history buff so it was awesome for the two of them to go together. Gabe, Kyra, Chris, Mary and Mak were all able to join us as we played "tourist".

Charlie educating Uncle Chris on the sculptures

Kyra's first trip to Mount Rushmore with Daddy

Papa tried to explain how to use this "contraption" but Charlie just played with it

Olsons enjoying the Hills - Home away from home

The boys wanting to leap off the edge - at least Mak did

'Are you guys crazy?! It is freezing out here!"

(It actually started snowing when we were out there)

The perfect picture

"I can see it Papa. It's really real!"

This is the sculpture in the gift shop at Mount Rushmore. Charlie's Uncle Gabe MADE this!

Happy Birthday Lil' Tots!!

On Mother's Day we celebrated Isabelle, Charlie, and Malaki's second birthdays in the hills. Grandma really knows how to throw a party. Each tot had their own pinata, new beach chair, cake, and party bags filled with goodies. It was a great way to celebrate these little gifts from God.

Izzy and Charlie trying out the new chairs

Aunt Tina starting the party out by playing dress up

Aunt Tina said 'Smile" and this is what we got - the cheesiest cheesy smiles - too cute

Uncle Chris' personal cake for making it home in one piece

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDOS!

Aunt Faye and Izzy opening presents

Maki trying to figure out the new whistles

Sophie joining the fun with 'sissy"

Time for some outside fun

Charlie coaching Grandma with the scooter - never too old to ride!

Charlie loving his aunties to pieces

Izzy/Dora, Charlie/Thomas, and Maki/Lightning McQueen

Their individual birthday cakes

This is Charlie's new bike trailer from Papa and Grandma - Loves it!

"Lets Go, Lets Go Daddy!"

We can't leave Pilsi out of the bike ride

Lil Sis is Jumpin' Out of Her Skin Today!!!

My brother in law, Christopher has been overseas for 8 months and FINALLY gets to come home for a ten day visit!! Mary and Malaki have been counting the days since he left home and the counting stops today @ 1:30!!!! I couldn't be happier for my sister right now and wish I was there to welcome him home at the airport. Charlie hasn't stopped talking about Uncle Chris and wonders why he isn't in Rapid everytime we go home. I was finally able to tell him that Uncle Chris will be home on Charlie's birthday.

We are so happy that you are safe and back at home even if it is for a short time! Now the family is COMPLETELY back together for at least a weekend. I think Tim is just as excited as Mary is to have his sidekick back in town. He misses your help in the kitchen and selecting the right beer! We love you Chris!

This is a picture of Chris working over there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

On Sunday we were able to celebrate Charlie's and Tim's Aunt Michele's birthday along with Mother's Day with the Olson family. Charlie could not have had more fun with his second cousins, Ellen, Caleb, and Sarah, Nama, and Aunt Heather. He loved the company of all of his Great Aunts and Uncles and of course Great Grma Millie nd Great Grpa Rol. Before everyone got here Charlie said to Tim and I: "I think Papa likes Grandpa Rol". It's funny the things he comes up with.

Last year we decided that every birthday Charlie has (all of our children will do this) he will make a donation with or without the help of others. Last year and this year again, he has gotten tons of help! Tim and I want our kids to know that it feels better to give than "get". We have chosen the Theresa House again this year. They are struggling to find a new building for their shelter. Please keep them in your prayers.

His new Thomas book from cousin Sarah

Charlie giving his Thank Yous for his gifts

Aunt Heater, Ben, Uncle JP, Aunt Em, and the girls gave Charlie a b-ball hoop!!!

He can't wait to play ball with Uncle Terry and Papa

This was cousin Caleb's soccer towel and he is turning it down to Charlie now, along with a soccer ball and cones. What an awesome gift! Charlie definitely looks up to Caleb.

Discovering his bowling set from Aunt Becky and Uncle John

Enjoying his new ball from Grandma Millie and Grandpa Rol

All the excitement wore Ellen out - too bad she had to go to work later :)

Having lunch with Grma Millie - I'm sure she would have sat at the table with him but she has been going to the doctor for sciatic nerve problems.

Playing with Ellen and sidewalk chalk

Ellen trying to be "one of the boys"

Charlie hanging out with the family

He likes to sing Happy Birthday to himself just like Grandpa Ed use to

THOMAS THE TRAIN - LIVE FOR CHARLES T.

Charlie's Nama bought him tickets to see Thomas live at the Target Center for his birthday. We went with my good friend Kari, her husband Eric, and son Michel. She has been my sole support here, helping me with Charlie so I can get to doctor's appointments and a shoulder for me to lean on while I'm more homesick than ever. Her son is a huge Thomas fan as well and the boys were excited to go together.
After Thomas, we had a birthday lunch for the boys at Hard Rock Cafe, then a shopping trip for Charlie at Choo Choo Bob's, and ice cream at Izzy's Cafe (we stumbled across it after Bob's). It was the perfect way to spend Charlie's birthday as a family.

Charlie and Michel and their buddy Thomas

"Is Thomas coming or what Daddy?"

Kari, Eric, and Michel

Charlie, Daddy, Momma, and babies

Thomas pulling the Circus car

Percy, Gordon, and James

Charlie's eyes glued to the stage

Charlie had to sit on Kari's lap for part of the show

He was so excited that he couldn't just SIT there

This was while we were waiting for Michel - Charlie was very antsy

"This is an awesome 2nd birthday!"

"On our way to Choo Choo Bob's"

"We saw this ice cream shop by Bob's and had to have ice cream for cousin Izzy!"

"I'm thinking about you Izzy. This ice cream is AMAZING!"

Our 2 year old baby on the way home