In the past few weeks...

We have pretended to be a Russian boy.

We suspected Natalie fractured her ankle.

Santa visited Nick.

And Natalie.

We had dinner at Grandmom's

We took up roller skating.

We napped.  A lot.

We have practiced our meanest thug mug.

We baked a purple, heart shaped cake.

We have enjoyed the sunshine in our new, glorious yard.

We have had sick days...

And we have comforted each other.

It snowed.

We sledded.

We romped on the golf course.

And romped.

And romped.

And romped some more.

We made snow balls and got rosy red cheeks.

Some of us snowboarded.

We posed in the snow.

We practiced our very best "'sup, baby?" pose.

We made snow angels for this first time ever.

We vogued.

Nickle Pickle

Nick's nickname is "Pickle", don't really know why. There are many variations: Nickle Pickle, The Pick, Nick Pick, Nickle Pickle Pants, Nicholas Picholas, Picholas, Ridiculous Nicholas Picholas.... unfortunate, I know.  Anyway, I found this ornament at Fresh Market the other day and almost died with laughter:

It's a Nickle Pickle!!!!!

The Nutcracker

Another Massive Picture Update!

Over the summer Natalie and I went to see Paul Taylor's dance company in Durham.  While we were away the boys did strange things.... like sleep in cardboard boxes.

Natalie's first professional dance experience.  She loved it!

Nick loves him some Purple Penguin frozen yogurt!

Every summer my girlfriend Jeanne and I get our children together.  Jeanne moved away two years ago and I look forward to seeing her in the warmer weather.  This is Natalie with Jeanne's little girl, Kenley.

Chase's birthday!

Natalie wrote "Dad" all by herself!

Natalie and Nick decorated his cake.

That's how you know it's been a good birthday!

Our new home in progress.  When Chase and I were looking at listings we came across this one but quickly dismissed it.  We figured we'd never be able to afford something like it.  Danna, our fabulous realtor, convinced me to at least walk through it.  So I did, very quickly, all the while thinking how nice it was but let's be real.... Funny how things work, huh?  On that first day I saw it I never in a million years thought it would soon be ours.  Thank you to all of our incredibly generous family members (Granddad, Mom, Grandmom, Granny and Pa)!

Nick's forst day of preschool.  His teacher sent me this picture with the caption "Remind me to talk to you about walking feet".  Apparently, Nick has a running problem!

Chase brewed beer!  It's his new favorite hobby!

Nothing like using your children to help you bottle beer!

Nick knew where the candy was kept in the old house, and helped himself!

I used to worry when I left Nick in the nursery at Church.  Not any more!

First trip to the dentist.  She had a perfect check up!

Junior League of Moore County charity corn hole tournament.  For those of you far away, the gal on the right is my longest, dearest friend and Natalie and Nick's godmother.

Natalie's first trip to a fancy restaurant.  Did not go so well....

Buying our dream home called for some celebration.  And if we already splurged on the home, why not some Cristal? YOLO!

Natalie's 4th birthday party and a local children's museum.  She has so much fun.  Here she is with her friend and classmate, Sophia.

Moving Day!  Goodbye May Street Meadows!

Hello Avenue of the Carolinas!

Natalie's new-to-her quilt.  Hand quilted by my very own mama.

Aunt Chelsea took Natalie to Trunk or Treat at church so Chase and I could get some stuff done around the house.  Uncle Ryan came too (Aunt C's boyfriend) which was fine with Natalie since she just ADORES him!

Halloween!

The Southern Pines Police Department brought the K9 unit downtown to meet the children.  Our kids LOVED it.

We had an indoor yard sale at the old town house.  Nick had fun.

Love boy cuddles.

Natalie got her first hair cut a few weeks ago.  She only had half an inch trimmed but she thought it was a pretty big deal.

The "After" picture.

Natalie's Thanksgiving program at school.

One of my favorite views at the new place!

Aunt Chelsea decorated a gingerbread house with the kids!

Baking Christmas treats.

I don't even care if he hates me later in life for this.  Those dimples are too adorable not to share.

Nick has been what you would call "helpful" when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree and poor Natalie has had to suffer the consequences.  She's had to stare at a bare tree for several days and has been begging to decorate it but because her brother likes to throw and shatter glass ornaments, she hasn't been able to decorate.  Chase kept her up late one night this week while I was at Nutcracker rehearsal to decorate.  It was hard to wake her the following morning, but so worth it.  

White hot chocolate.  He loved.