The end of another great year!

The holidays were a lot of fun for us this year. We had some fun parties, and we spent quite a bit of time with family and friends.
Before we left for Seattle, Regalie Grandma and Papa came over for dinner and to exchange gifts.


Charlie figured out exactly why he calls his Grandparents in WA Far Away Grandma and Papa. We had been on the road for about 13 hours when Charlie said, in a whiny voice, "Ahhh, I really want some juice. Just turn back!" He had no clue that it would take as long to get back home as it had taken to get where we were.
On Christmas Eve Day Charlie played Grandma and Papa's Weez (wii) for the first time. He was hooked!

Christmas Eve was spent at Papa Craig's. He spoiled them so much that on the way back to Grandma and Papa's Charlie announced, "I really like Santa, but I don't need any more presents." He wanted to play "weez" instead of going to bed so that Santa could come. He went to bed anyway, and Santa did come!








I had been working on some knitting projects for the boys. Adam's teddy bear was finished, but Charlie's snake was not. Just like my mom used to do, I stayed up until 3 am finishing the snake. I knew I couldn't give Adi his bear and not give Char his snake.

The boys were kind enough to let us sleep until after 9 in the morning. Uncle Paul got the air matress. Again!
Charlie and Adam were the most thrilled with the Pez in their socks!


And, of course, more candy!

Santa brought Adam a whinnie the pooh remote control car!
Santa had the same idea as Grandma and Papa Far Away. Charlie got 2 Leapsters! He returned one for some new games. He loves it!


Great Grandma Toni doesn't look a day over 80!


What's that saying? You are what you eat. What a little turkey!


Adam got lots of art goods. He color color colored the whole time we were there. I'm hoping they haven't found any works of art on their walls or floors.

Papa Craig took us to a hockey game. Charlie thought it was SO COOL!!!



Our friend Noelle was in Seattle for Christmas with her family. They came over to play one day. Kanani also came with her little boy.






New Years Eve was a pretty sleepy celebration! We all ebbed and flowed. Sometimes we were awake, sometimes we were napping. We all managed to wake up to celebrate the midnight hour. Happy New Year! It's 2010!


What a great vacation! It's wonderful to have time together, without the interruptions of regular life. We love each other, and we love our family! We are extreamly fortunate to have so much. It just means that we have a lot to give!

This Christmas Season

We have been enjoying this holiday season! It has been busy, starting with Thanksgiving all the way up to next week. The boys are especially excited to travel to Grandma and Papa's far far away for Christmas! It's coming quick!
Adam loves to color, but he must be supervised at all times! We have lovely little art projects here and there on our walls. Charlie never did that. Hmmm.

Another thing Adam love to do is carry around his stuffed animals. His main guy is Monk Monk. He's a monkey Charlie brought to the hospital when Adam was born.




I think Charlie might become an arcitect. He's incredible with his blocks! On a fairly regular basis he builds me towers and/or sky scrapers. They're really cool!



Charlie was a big helper when it came to decorating the tree. But, he did it in his unders, because he was hot.


Thanksgiving with the Rays was great! In the evening we went to Matt and Carolyn's for dessert. She's recovering from back surgery, so we congregated in her room.
Cousins are a BIG part of our fun. Above, Christian is playing games with Jocelyn, McKenna, and Kylie. Below, Charlie and Adam are eating popcorn and watching a movie with Ellie Girl.
On Thanksgiving Eve, Charlie and Adam got to have a sleep over at Grandma and Papa's with Tommy and Tyson. They had so much fun!!!!

November, so far...

From Charlie earlier today: "I really miss Grandma and Papa far, far away! I don't know why I can't go to their house."

Me: "They live too far. Why didn't you say hi to Grandma when she called this morning?"

Charlie: With a glum look, "I really miss them, you bet I do." The cold weather has arrived! We're looking forward to the holidays. The boys are (mostly) having fun with each other.
Last week Charlie told me he wanted to make pumpkin pie. He's my good little helper in the kitchen. So, we made it, and he liked it! But, he doesnt' like cool whip or whipped cream.

Adam liked it, too!
On November 18th my brother Dan and his wife Ashley had their first little baby. Her name is Presley Ray, and we LOVE her already!



In this picture with Papa, Presley's wearing the little hat that I knit for her. Super cute!

While Chalrie and Adam were watching Grandma's snow globe, it was REALLY snowing outside. They had to go out and make tracks in Grandma and Papa's new snow!

Another Funny Conversation...

Charlie: "I wish I could have a real kitar, just like Dada."

Me: "When you're bigger you can have a real guitar."

Charlie: "How big do I have to be?"

Me: "Maybe when you're as big as Tanner."

Charlie: "When am I going to grow? It's taking forever?

Me: "You're growing all the time. You're getting bigger every day. You can't grow up too fast, it will make me sad."

Charlie: "Don't worry Mom, when I'm this big (holding his hand above his head) I will still be your baby."

Me: "Thanks, Charlie"

Charlie: "And, when I'm big like Tanner, I'll still be your big boy."

Me: "Ohhh, thanks, Char. That's sweet."

Charlie: "And, when I'm really big like Dada, you can still make me lunch." (Said with a super sweet little smile.)

A Halloween Preview...more to come

We had a super spooky Halloween! Charlie was a Skeleton Pirate, and Adam was a shark. The night before Halloween we had the annual Ray Family Halloween Party, and on Halloween we trick or treated with Libbie, Kelton, Brennan, and Kaden. It was all a lot of fun, and the candy was plentiful!