tennis lessons

This is the first time that both Charlie and Bennett can do a sport together. Technically, beacuse Bennett isn't 3 yet, he wasn't supposed to be allowed in the class but the coach agreed he was ready. They both enjoy it and Bennett is overjoyed to play with his big brother. He is so excited about his new racquet from Papa and Mimi. Even though it is a kid racquet, it is almost as big as he is but he seems to manage. Who knows, maybe we'll have the next Federer or Sampras in the making.

manly man tour

One of the Dad's from daycare does legal work for a rock quarry plant so they invited the boys in Charlie's class to check it out. Charlie loved the big trucks and all of the rocks. The highlight of the trip was being able to drive down to the bottom of the mine. Apparently, the other parents had smaller sports cars while Brian drove the minivan that day. So of course, it only made sense for Brian to drive everyone through the rocks and mud to the bottom. Brian was a bit nervous but the kids loved it. At the end, each kid got a rock, a hard hat and coloring book. Pretty cool tour!

aquarium

Grammy Vicki and Poppy aka big poppy aka grandpa came for a visit. The boys got to spend the day at the aquarium with them. Yes, a bit ironic that they live in Honduras on one of the largest coral reefs in the world -- to visit an indoor aquarium. The boys had a ball and mommy and daddy were treated to yummy home-cooked meals, and a beer or wine waiting for us when we came home from work. I could definitely get used to that! Grammy and Poppy were also treated to snow while they were here.

Mardi Gras

Once again the law firm has embraced Mardi Gras and the kids were treated to a parade complete with floats (made out of boxes and carts), beads and moon pies. Charlie heard that treats were being handed out so he rode a float for a while with a giant grin on his face. (he's wearing the red coat) Anything having to do with candy will motivate that kid. Bennett, who is normally "not shy" and will try anything, decided he didn't like the parade and cried. Maybe next year.

MLK day

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., the kids talked about his speech and what they wanted to be when they grow up. Charlie said race car driver and drew a picture of himself as the driver and a car. It was cute to see what the kids said. One girl said she wanted to be a consultant and drew a woman with a suitcase. I assume her mommy travels :)
At any rate, we are happy with Charlie's current profession choice. For a long time he wanted to be a garbage man and said that Bennett could ride with him in the truck.

Atlanta Snow Event 2011

According to the weather man, this hasn't happened in the city for over 100 years. So they say... In Mableton we got about 6 inches. The kids snow boots really came in handy. )Thanks Nana and the L.L. Bean outlet.) We didn't have any sleds so we improvised with our plastic kiddie pool. Work, and pretty much everything in our area, was shut down for 4-5 days. We were able to walk to Walgreens and Publix to stare at empty shelves. One it all melted, we were all glad to get back to work and daycare. Cabin fever is rough! In anticipation for the next "100 year event" the boys now have snow pants, googles and water proof gloves. I may even get some sleds.

Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year with lots of family around. After Christmas eve dinner at home and a fun white elephant exchange, we had Christmas dinner at our favorite Chineese restaurant while the snow poured down. There were lots of parties this year and many opportunities to get photos with Santa. But... the boys are still scared of him (can't blame them) so we just look from afar. 2011 is going to be a great year and we are truly blessed to have such great friends and family.