Snow Storm 2009

December 8th and 9th brought some of the worst snow Iowa has seen in 20+ years.  Jim, Charlotte and I even got to stay home for a snow day all together!  The snow fell on Wednesday, and continued to fall on Thursday along with extremely high winds.  It was incredibly beautiful and trecherous at the same time. 

As you can see it is still snowing at this point.  I think we got up to 15 inches and after it started blowing it was down to 13.

The next morning we couldn't even open our front door or see our stairs because the drift over took them.

This is the snow up our front windows.  I very large drift.

These were the ripples of snow in our front yard caused by the wind.

View out our back door.

When we opened the garage.

View out of the garage.  I have a picture on my cell phone of when Jim starts snowblowing it that really shows just how deep it was.

After 3 hours of snow blowing and digging out (and helping the neighbors like the amazing man he is) this is what Jim looked like!

Tacky Christmas Sweater-Baby Style!

Getting Charlotte all decked out for the Holidays!  These were taken 12/7 after we finally felt a little more Chrismasy around this home of ours!

Just Another Weekend

A happy girl Saturday morning!

This last weekend, Dec 5th, I participated in a vendor fair for my photography work.  I also brought my Dad and Deb's artwork to help fill my space.  It was a good opportunity to do something different and get my name out there a bit more.  We had a lot less traffic than we expected but we all still had a good time.  I gave out some business cards and sold a few things too. 

Charlotte got to hang out with Dad while I was there although he brought her by at the beginning and end to help me pack up and she got to entertain the others.  Of course, while at home she enjoyed some intense play time...with some intense drool to go with it!

On Sunday I had a photo shoot in the morning but came home to finally get the tree up!  I hate starting the holidays feeling behind but it got up and looks great.  Charlotte hung out while Jim and I did most of the work.  Actually, I did most of the work because I found out this year that Jim really hates decorating the tree.  He says he has never liked it...who knew?!

We found an ornament that looks SO much like Odie it cracks me up. 

Of course we took the opportunity to take our 33 week family picture in front of the Christmas tree.  Nothing like a beautiful Christmas tree to start getting you in the holiday spirit! 

32 Weeks

Taken Thanksgiving weekend at my Mom's on Sunday, November 29th. 

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving was wonderful for us this year.  It was in Dubuque last year so this year we headed to Omaha.  We took off Thanksgiving early afternoon and planned to stay at my Mom's because my Dad just had surgery on a hernia and my Mom and Frank were out of town.  We got there with barely enough time to get ready, make our stuffing balls, and head over to Linda and Dave's. 

As usual, the meal was good and the company great.  My Dad took this opportunity to feed Charlotte her first "real" food.  She got to indulge in sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes and enjoyed them both.  Probably the sweet potatoes more.

She still got her regular baby food for the day, pears, that Nicole helped feed her.  Her and Nicole were buds quite often throughout the day.

They really enjoyed playing together and laying down.  They were cracking everyone up!  We ended up staying there until quite late before heading back and winding down for the night.  Actually, Jim and Charlotte wound down and I browsed the ads and decided to head to toys-r-us at midnight.  Yep...kinda crazy!  The line was insane, I had no idea that many people would be there, but I got everything I wanted and made it home with no where to go on black Friday morning so I was ok with the craziness of it all.

Friday morning Charlotte was having a blast just playing before heading out to Papa's to check on how he was healing up.

While at my Dad's she was being quite adventurous and climbing all over me.  I love this picture of us.

Saturday night we had some wonderful babysitters (Jesse and Cheryl) as we headed out for a nice date night.  We had dinner and wandered around the old market.  It was such a great evening.  When we picked Charlotte up everyone had survived but I think she definitely gave her Aunt and Uncle a run for their money!  She still isn't that great with other people but she's getting there!

We stayed at my Dad and Deb's on Saturday night.  I had a photo shoot on Sunday with Shaun, Sara, Sofia and Sara's family.  When I got back Charlotte and her Papa were playing great. 

My Mom and Frank got back in town from Texas on Saturday early evening so we stopped by on Sunday before heading out.  As usual she was being a rascal but still adorable so we probably put up with more than we should.  Maybe we're just suckers!

After a long weekend she konked out in the car on the way home with the toy right in front of her face.  It cracks me up!

Nov.19th - Nov. 25th in Pictures

Because I am so behind on posting I thought I would catch up with a series of pictures, after all, they are usually the best part. To start, here is Charlotte trying on my glasses. She spends way too much trying to grab them off my face so we let her try them on. Saturday afternoon Dad and Charlotte took a nap. Some things never change!
Saturday was quite the bad hair day. The funny part? Her brush was her favorite toy all day. On Sunday Dad was finishing up all the yard work and we were hanging out together. She loves her jumper!No day would be complete without chewing on the feet and a nap to follow. I made chili for dinner and some cornbread to go with it. Charlotte found the cornbread box a little too tasty!Sunday night playing with Mom and Dad.
We celebrated the retirement of our lawn equipment by taking our 31 week family picture outdoors. Sure you can't see the lawn...but we know it's there...mowed, raked and looking fine!

Jim and Char Char hanging out monday night.

I had to throw this picture in too (taken 11/25). My Mom won Charlotte this outfit at an auction in a gift basket. I didn't think I would like it but I ended up thinking it was very cute!

Charlotte's Friend, Boomer

This poor cat already puts up with a lot from this girl, mostly because he loves being around her as much as she loves "playing" with him. I do have to say, they are pretty good buds though.

30 Weeks!!

This was taken Sunday, November 15th.

Holy Blow Out!

I am sure none of you want to see this but I am sharing it any way. Charlotte had the biggest blow out EVER on Sunday. Up her back, down her arm, to her neck...just gross. The sleeper went into the garbage...the smell wasn't worth it.

Highchair

On our way home from Minneapolis we had to stop and feed the girl and get her ready for bed. When it was cereal time we popped her into a highchair at the McDonalds and since we have only been using the bumbo at home that made it her first time in a highchair. Ronald looks proud.