Charlie's 1st Christmas

Well, we can honestly say that there was no room at the "inn" this year for the Olsons! Our drive to Rapid City was brought to a screeching halt due to bad weather. We got stuck 50 miles from Rapid! BUT thanks to my wonderful brother-in-law Christopher, we had a warm place to wait out the weather (hotels were full). His friends graciously opened their door for us and the dog, giving us a home cooked meal and a cozy place to stay. We are eternally grateful for these wonderful strangers.

After we got there, it was time to enjoy ourselves. We did everything from playing games, eating our favorite Greek foods, reminiscing, shopping, to going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. From one Christmas to the next, my family is constantly changing. We had five new family members added this year (sis-in-law Faye, niece Isabelle, bro-in-law Christopher, nephew Malaki, & of course Charles T.) and we are adding two more next year (2 more babies on the way). We have so much to be thankful for, especially each other.

The Haggar Family

Mom helping Charlie open a gift

Uncle Chris w/ Malaki and Dad w/ Charlie

Mak, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Chris

Grandma teaching Charlie about grape leaves

Grandpa teaching Charlie the family business

Uncle Gabe with 2 crabby boys (Mak & Charlie)

Aunt Tina w/ Grandpa's M&M's

Malaki - Isabelle - Charlie

Tim, Christina, Charlie, Mary, Mak, Gabe, and Amber

Chris w/ Mak, Tim w/ Izzy and Faye

Happy 21st Birthday Aunt Heather!

Charlie took his Aunt Heather out for lunch on her 21st birthday. We had a great time with Heather, Nama, and great Grandma and Grandpa Olson. Everyone will be glad to know that Heather had a fun and safe birthday night with friends.

Aunt Heather's 1st drink (cosmo)

Playing with Great Grandma Millie's purse

Great Grandma showing Aunt Heather how to put one away

Playing with my fire engine after lunch

Charlie's 1st Time Sledding

It was the last weekend at home before the big trip for the lil traveler. We decided to break out the radio flyer sled that Grandma and Grandpa bought when they found out we were expecting Charlie. Dad just pulled him around the yard which was all Charlie needed to have fun.
Travel Safely!

Faster Dad!

Why'd we stop?

Time to go in

Visiting with Aunt Heather

Getting Ready for Christmas

Our tree is finally standing! Tim picked out a 7 footer this year (no fake trees in this house) and we had to trim quite a bit off to get the star on. It was a lot of fun to decorate with Charlie. We let him put a few ornaments on, including the star (with Dad's help). He has also been helping Mom wrap presents OR getting in the way - depends on who you ask.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas With The Olsons

Charlie got his first taste of Christmas early at his cousins, Karlie and Claire's house in Hutchinson. Because we are going to the Black Hills for Christmas this year, we celebrated with the other side of the family last weekend. We all had a great time watching each other's reactions to sentimental gifts and seeing the kids realize what was in the paper. Charlie enjoyed chewing on the paper and bows while Mom and Dad opened his gifts. Nama got him a huge fire truck that is the same size as his little body. Charlie did what he does best and studied that truck until his eyes crossed!

This time of year is all about family and giving to the ones we love. We are so blessed to be surrounded by people that unconditionally love and support us.

Almost Present Time!

Aunt Heather with Charlie and Claire

Clarie, Charlie, and Karlie

Nama with her babies