First Snow

Seeing how excited Charlie was about the first snow makes me almost (ALMOST!) ready for winter.

Tickle Tickle!

For those of you who know Charlie, you know he has a slight obsession with tickling babies. He tickled Alli's baby in utero, he tickled Molly when she was born, he tickled my baby in utero and then Alex when he was born. Up until now, not one of these babies has responded with any sort of smile, laugh, etc. Despite this, Charlie still tickles away with such enthusiasm (and a high pitched squeal to go with it), hoping someone will respond. Well, Molly has finally responded and it's about the cutest thing ever!

The breakthrough happened on just an ordinary Monday night at Brookfield Square Mall. Two moms and their kids, enjoying dinner at the Food Court. The kids were getting restless so we let them "play" together on the bench of our table. Charlie started the inevitable tickling of Molly and...she LOVED it! Laughing and giggling like crazy. Needless to say, Charlie was heaven, Molly was in heaven and that made the Mommies in heaven.

Here's to many more years of tickling!!!!

10 o'clock windup (a.k.a. bedtime)

When I was little, bedtime was called the "10 o'clock windup" because that's when my sister and I would be at our most hyper. Just as our parents wanted us to wind down and settle into bed, we would become total freaks, running and jumping around the house. Unfortunately, I am being paid back in spades and bedtime in our house has become a totally psycho affair. Charlie becomes even more hyper than usual (which is hard to imagine) and runs and jumps all over the place. Most nights, I can't help but laugh because it seems like just yesterday I was doing the same thing. He seems to have gotten Alex into the mix, too. Lord help me...

A moment of calm...

All smiles

Alex has been smiling quite a bit lately -more and more each day! Today he was in an exceptionally "smiley" mood and I tried to snap some pics. However, if anyone has ever tried to take a picture of a smiling newborn, you know just how impossible this is. One hand on the camera, one hand tickling them or doing whatever it takes to get that grin, and your whole body contorted to get their attention and hold their gaze. All of this ends up resulting in a lot of blurry pictures. I did manage to get a couple that sort of show his smile. More to come, I'm sure...

What a difference a day makes!

They say in Wisconsin if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes!

Yesterday = cool and crisp. Perfect for a leaf pile.

Today = sunny and warm. Perfect for shorts, a t-shirt and Crocs!

Trick or treat...give me something good to eat!

Halloween was tons of fun this year! We carved pumpkins, attended Halloween parties and trick-or-treated all in a matter of a few days. It all started with a Halloween party hosted by our friends, the Wengers. The kids had a great time and Charlie was hilarious as "golf guy." Molly was adorable as always donning Charlie's pumpkin costume from a couple years ago. She is a spitting image of Charlie when he wore it. Too cute! Trick or treat was great and Charlie really got into it this year. He definitely knows what candy is and has been begging me each day for a "little treat." Don't they say to just give the kids all their candy at once??? Hope your Halloween was just as much fun!

Trick or treat during naptime could equal disaster!

Now we're getting into it!

Alex trying to get into the spirit.

Checking out the loot!

Joining the kids on the block

All dressed up ready for the party!

Charlie having fun at the party. Alex looks less than thrilled.

Group shot at the Halloween party.

Brian's pumpkin. What an overachiever!

Charlie decorating his and Alex's pumpkins