Christmas in Duluth

Merry Christmas from Duluth! Although given all the snow we've gotten, one might mistake this for the North Pole!

Well, for those of you who don't know, we're going to West Bend, Wisconsin for Christmas to see the Jacoby family. So, we decided to have our own little Christmas this morning (Sunday) Since Brian would be home from work and we'd have the whole day to spend together.

Santa came (of course) and we opened presents (at 6:15 am) and then we had an eggs/toast picnic while the kids played with their toys.

I think the most popular toy was a very large, play tool set. Charlotte and Liam have been 'ficking' everything they find.

Posing for Christmas photo's!

Above, Liam dressed up in his little suit. Trying to get him to pose for a picture was torture.
Charlotte on the other hand is quite the camera-ham. She even comes up with her own poses.

I think she has such a pretty smile, and her eyes are so big and round, just like Brian's.

She insists that the dress is a princess dress.

I couldn't get them to smile, so I asked them to scream.

Two little monkies jumping on the bed.

We're celebrating Christmas this Sunday, so hopefully we'll get the pictures up before we leave for Wisconsin!

Thanksgiving!

Ok, so we're trying to be better about updating our blog, so of course I waited until Christmas to put in the Thanksgiving pictures. I just wanted to take the opportunity to tell update everyone on what the kids are up to. Charlotte is going to be 3 in February and we're convinced that she is an evil genius. She's talking up a storm. The latest? "Sure mom, Sure." and "Ok, whatever."

Liam is talking quite a bit too, which as been a surprise for us, because Charlotte didn't really talk much until after she turned two. He just had a well-baby check and everything looked good. He was in the sixtieth percentile for height and weight, and the 97% for head size. The doctor measured his head twice and then asked me if that was normal. I told her he got that from his father.

Here's Liam at the Stensgard's house, looking adorable while up to no good.
Charlotte with cousin Kelsey and little cousin Caiden (sp?)

Uncle Erik and Liam enjoying some quality bonding time.

Liam, trying on my sun glasses on the way home.

Charlotte helping Grandpa clean the windows.

Liam, Brian, Uncle Dan and Uncle Heaser.

Aunt Katy and Charlotte at the Rollin' Hills concert.

She's get's her delicate femininity from me.

Liam, sweeping leaves off the deck in early November.

Halloweenies!!

I made sugar cookies shaped like fall leaves, and let the kids decorate them. Liam chose to decorate his face instead.
Charlotte took the task a little more seriously, she put about a pound of sprinkles on each cookie. They looked fabulous. Pink is the new fall color.

Here they are, frosting away.

We took the kids out on a particularly nice day and tried to get a few good pictures. This one was too cute!

Here they are, at Chester Bowl, posing together.

This one was my (Laura) favorite. I love the way Charlotte's hand is resting on Liam, and the sun setting in the background.

Liam dressed as Charlie Brown for Halloween. Costume made by Debbie Jacoby.

Charlotte was a princess in purple.

Liam, so excited to be at the church Halloween party!

For Halloween night I took Charlotte out trick or treating, and yes, she did say it to everyone that would listen. Liam stayed behind and helped Brian pass out candy.

The Pumpkin Patch

While visiting my (Laura's) parent's in Wisconsin We went to a pumpkin patch!
Charlotte and Liam each picked out a new pumpkin. Here is Charlotte with hers.

Posing amongst the pumpkins.

Liam, taking a breather.

The pumpkin patch had a petting zoo and the kids loved it. Especially liam, who tried to climb the fence for better access. Charlotte kept looking around for 'massars' (monsters), her new obsession.

Our Move Up North

We finally did it!!! We moved to Duluth!

We're really excited to be closer to family! Above is Charlotte feeding Liam at the Stensgard's.
Charlotte, trying to get a ride out of Liam at the Stensgard's.

Caleb (sp?) Showing Liam a thing or two on the Guitar!

Liam riding his bike at Grandma and Grandpa Jacoby's.

For those of you who don't know, Brian accepted a job with NewPage, in Duluth.

We're loving it here. We've taken the kids to the Duluth Aquarium several times (they love it) and we're enjoying the cooler weather. The other day I took the kids on a walk in the stroller and it started snowing. At first Charlotte was a little scared, but she's adjusted and she loves watching it fall from the safety of the great indoors.

Swimming Fun!!!

Lately we've been going to the pool in the afternoons to keep cool. Here is Charlotte, all ready to go!!!

Charlotte was cracking us up. She insisted on wearing her glasses, whichi is a nice change because she used to take them off instantly.

Brian carried Liam to the pool. I wanted to take a picture of his little half naked body because he looks like such a butterball.

We've been surprised to find that Liam is not a fan of the water. He likes the bath just fine, but put him in the pool and he clings to us for dear life.

Looking at the pictures afterwards made us laugh so loud.

Here is Liam clinging tightly to Brian in the water. He put his arms around Brian's neck and wouldn't let go.

Charlotte peeking at me and Liam in the corner.

Liam, watching Charlotte and Brian swim.