MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!


This was Charlie's first Christmas!


I started opening some gifts on Christmas Eve.


Charlie helped, but he kept trying to eat the wrapping paper.


I LOVED opening gifts and seeing what's inside for me.


We had lots of gifts and will have no problems staying busy this winter.


Opening more gifts


Kisses for Cha-choo


The next morning, Santa had visited and left even more presents!


Opening presents AGAIN!


Charlie played in his jumper while I did all the work


Mamy and Papy bought me a tricycle!


Snuggling with Mama


On Christmas Eve, we went to the mall in hopes of getting a picture with Santa, but he was booked. So Charlie and I took a photo in front of the Christmas trees.


Wow - so pretty


Speaking of pretty.....


Am I super cute in this dress or what?


Bisous a Papa


"Mailing" my letter to Santa. I think he read it because I got everything I asked for.


MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear friends and family

LOVE
Natalie and Charlie xoxo

Winter Fun!

December promptly brought cold winter air into Michigan! But we are hardy up north, and went outside to watch the Berkley Christmas Parade with some friends. There were bands, cars and fire trucks, and light displays. I LOVED hearing the bands, Mama joked that I'm gonna be a band geek when I grow up.



Michelle and Laura all bundled up


My friend Kyle and his Daddy Adam


My friend Abby and her parents Becky and Jim


Me and Papa!


We also went to "Santa Romp" at the Rec center. I got to meet Mr. Claus himself, though as you can see me and Charlie weren't so sure about this guy. I was going to cry, but Mama said he'll be bringing me presents on Christmas so I decided to toughen up. But I still wouldn't smile.


Charlie had fun watching us big kids make crafts and play.


Storytime!


Mama snuggling with me and Cha-choo


Papa snuggling with Cha-choo

I am 3!!!!!

Happy Birthday to me! I turned 3 years old and I tell you, where did the year go?

When I was born 3 years ago, there was an ice/snow storm. So guess what? Today there was another ice and snow storm on my birthday!

We celebrated my birthday over the entire weekend. First, we went to Oakland Mall so that I could ride the train three times! Even Charlie came along for the ride!




On Saturday night, my favorite friends and neighbors came over to celebrate with me! First, I helped Mama frost (okay, eat) the cupcakes - egg-free of course!


I played with Grace, Faith, and Hope. Charlie slept through most of the fun.


My cake wasn't fancy, but it was yummy!


Francesca and Allie helped me blow out the candles!


The next day, I got to open my presents! I got lots of cool toys and even a Maisy doll. Thanks for all the birthday wishes and presents. Mwah!






We got our first snow of the season and Papa took me for a sled ride. I LOVE walking and playing in the snow!

Happy 7 Months, Cha-choo!

Vegas Baby!

Last week, we flew on a big airplane out to Las Vegas so that we could spend Thanksgiving with Mamie, Papy, Tati Val, Uncle Dave, and of course cousin Talia!

Charlie did really well on his first ever airplane ride! We read lots of books on the plane, played with lots of toys, and watched Elmo. Like Mama, both of us had a tough time sleeping on the plane. But after 4 hours in the air, I finally passed out as we were landing.....


So Mama and Papa had to wait for everyone to get off the plane, pack up our stuff, get the stroller, and carry me to the stroller. I slept for another 30 minutes before finally waking up!


Later that night, Cha-choo finally got to meet Uncle Dave, AKA "The Godfather".


I got to play with cousin Talia a lot! She is such a cutie pie and we have so much in common. We both love Play-doh, Maisy, balls, trains, and of course Hello Kitty! Everyone at the house took turns reading Hello Kitty to us many many times. Here it was Tatie Val's turn.


Mamie's dear friend Ann was in town as well and she gave Charlie lots of love!


So....one complaint. The weather was not cooperative. On most days it was as cold as it was back home in Detroit and it even rained! The result was lots of indoor play and few trips outdoors. On one sunny but cool day, we checked out the new City Center. It's pretty cool - Papa said it reminds him of Dubai.


Riding the train was the COOLEST THING EVER!!!!!


No trip to Vegas would be complete without a visit to the Bellagio gardens.


Every season features a new themed garden.


Talia and I did our best to stay out of trouble.


The men.


Every girls dream...a chocolate fountain!!!!!


One night when Talia was sick, because Mama and I gave her our cold :-(, Mama and Papa took me and Charlie to the Ethel M gardens to see a Christmas light display. It was pretty....






Mama and Papa finally got to go on a date. They ate dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Casino.


Then they visited City Centre and Aria Hotel.


Mama fell in love with Aria. The decor is super cool (and of course talented interior designer Tatie Val had something to do with that) - modern meets ice fantasy world.