Building Fires

It amazes me how much Carter has grown in the past year. Carter was recently helping Dave build a fire just like last year.

2008

2009

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Carter was really fun this year and excited. He doesn't completely understand Santa yet, but he seems to know he brings presents. When I asked him what Santa was going to bring he said "a big truck," which he of course received.

Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve.

Family photo Christmas Eve.

Carter and Lyla

Carter and Papa.

Christmas tree Christmas morning.

Cookies left for Santa.

Opening Gifts.

Festive Weekend

We had a good weekend filled with Christmas activities. We went to Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village. It was really fun and decorated nice for Christmas. I didn't get a lot of great pictures, but here are a few.
There was a bonfire in the town square...

It was really cold so we had Carter bundled up. This is inside the barn before a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Carter and I made our first round of Christmas cookies on Sunday. Carter loves to cook and he helped me roll the dough and take the wrappers off the Hershey kisses.

I need it...

Just wanted to write a quick note so I do not forget these things. Lately whenever Carter wants anything he "needs" it. As in "Daddy, I need that toast your are eating," or Mommy I "need" that crayon you are currently using, etc.... We have discovered there are a lot of things that my child "needs" not wants.

Elf on a Shelf

We started a new Christmas tradition this year. We bought and Elf on a Shelf. He sits on our mantle to make sure everyone is being good for Santa. I figure when Carter is a little older and understands who Santa is a little better it may be a useful tool!

O Christmas Tree

We brought Carter to get our Christmas Tree Sunday afternoon. He helped us pick it out and helped Daddy put it in the tree stand. We have not decorated it yet but plan to tonight. So far Carter has been good about not touching the tree but we will see if that changes once the decorations go up.

First Snow...

We had our first snow fall Friday night. It was so pretty in the morning and the sun was out so we went outside first thing in the morning to make sure we got to play in the snow before it melted. Carter got to wear his snow pants and snow boots for the first time. He had a hard time standing up when he fell down but had a great time and loves the snow.

Trip to Plattsburgh

Carter and I went to Plattsburgh to visit Grandma, Papa, Uncle Scott, and Lyla. We all played outside...

Carter and Lyla played with Moon Sand and Play Dough.

The best part of the trip was that Carter and Lyla got invited to tour the fire station by our good friend James who is a fireman. Carter had SO much fun. He loves fire trucks and he was very excited!

Ring Around the Rosie

Last Saturday we had our fantastic friends and their children over to visit. The kids has so much fun together and were really good. Gabe, Grace, Avery, and Carter played Ring Around the Rosie together. Here is a sample!

The Leaves are falling...

Carter looks out his window everyday now and informs us that the leaves are falling. Last Saturday the weather was beautiful so we all helped Dave rake the lawn. Carter had a great time. Generally as long as we are outside he has a great time! He is a very easy going kid.

Pumpkin Carving

Carter and I carved our pumpkin today. He had so much fun and actually helped me collect the seeds in a bowl. He did not want to let the pumpkin go and we had to say good night to it tonight.

Halloween past and present

We tried on Carter's costume today. He is a dragon and a really cute one. Here is Carter in 2008 and 2009!

Pancakes!

Saturday morning Carter and I made pancakes for Daddy and Carter. Carter loves pancakes and he helped me make them.

Kindermusic

Carter and I have been going to Kindermusic classes on Saturday mornings. I signed up because Carter loves music so much. It has been so much fun and better then I expected. He is so excited and happy when we are there. Last Saturday Grandma got to go with us!! Here are some pictures she took of Carter in class.

See how well he plays the triangle at 20 months?