Ava's First Haircut

At over 2 years old, we had yet to cut Ava's curly locks. The ringlets hid all the frizzy baby hair and uneven lengths. The inability to put a comb through even super-conditioned hair brought me to the point that I dreaded -- bringing her to the salon. If Colin's first trip (see below) late last summer was any indication as to how Ava would react, I would be up to my ears in tears. Michael was very smart and sly about saying that he'd stay home with the boy for some alone time. This way he wouldn't have to experience the horror. Thank goodness that Snip Its has seatbelts on their salon chairs and a kind bubble-blowing receptionist to calm Miss Ava down!

Oh and of course I forgot both my camera AND my phone on the kitchen counter. So here's the blurry after picture taken at home!




*Colin's first trip to the salon

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We know it's a day early, but we couldn't wait to show you that we can sit still for at least a few seconds.

See we're the best of friends -- we hug, hold hands and laugh together. And the best part of our day is when you come home from work to give us kisses and run around the house chasing our giggling lil bodies!! We love you and you look the same as the day we were born! XOXO

The big time

Okay, so we're not completely transitioned to our boosters, but Mommy lets us eat at the big kid table once or twice a day. (as long as the food we're eating isn't super messy!!)

Snow Park

We snowblowed (snowblew?) a snow park out of the 20" of snow covering the side yard.



The snow is so deep that these guys needed some paths cut out in order to play and get exercise. Or, sit back while Daddy gets all the exercise...

Snowman!

Snowman is one of Colin's favorite words along with "mess" "funny" and the phrase "all aboard."

Here's just a few pictures to give you a taste of our first winter here in Charlton...these first pictures were taken before this past Wednesday's storm which brought us 20 inches.













And here's Michael chugging along with his beast of a snowblower Wednesday afternoon...

Holiday Hiatus

As I'm sure you all know -- the holidays are hectic. Packing, unpacking. Packing unpacking. Laundry, cooking, cleaning. Repeat. We made the trek up to Caribou in northern Maine for Christmas...hard to believe their lack of snow up there in comparison to even central Maine. We even attempted to take them to church on Xmas eve. I say attempted because at first we sat with all the regular folk before the realization sunk in that 2 wiggly toddlers really needed to be in the cry room. Then the whole church became standing room only and the heat was cranked making my patience wither. So, out to the parking lot we go only to realize that we were boxed in. Oh the nightmare! Major fail! In the end, Ava was content being held by Pepere and Colin watched Yo Gabba Gabba videos in the car with Daddy.

In the end, we had a great time...we took the twins out sledding and Pepere even gave them each a ride on his snowmobile. They got to sit on Santa's lap for a photo op and even got to ride Santa's train at the Aroostook Centre Mall.










Ava not only ate her ice cream cup, but stole Colin's as well!


Hard at work on our new laptops!












Colin trying out his new toolbelt


Ava needed a turn with it as well


Ava working hard to "peel" all her fruits and veggies!

Christmas Party

Colin and Ava met Santa for the first time at the Mom's Club Christmas Party...


Ava looking for a seat.


Colin hamming it up...


All the kids waiting patiently.


And waiting...




Santa arrives, Ava investigates from a distance.


Ava decides to get a bit closer...


Really warming up to Santa now.


And Ava parks herself right in front of the big guy!


A Colin sighting...


Ava couldn't be budged from in front of Santa - she's a big fan!