Christmas 2006

Charlotte's first Christmas was exciting. Although she is 11 months old and dosen't understand the whole Christmas concept, it was fun watching her attemp to open presents for the first time and then play with her new toys.

Christmas morning we were up at 7:30ish, and after a quick bowl of oatmeal it was off to the living room to tackle the presents. After presents and a quick nap it was off to my parents for the day...Complete with fun, TWO meals and more presents.

We got home from my parents around 9:30pm, but it didn't end there. Since we were leaving early on the 26th for Ohio, we had to pack the car and get everything ready for the 8 hour trip.



Tuesday the 26th it was off to Ohio to visit Chris's family for the week. It rained the whole way out there, but we still made it in 8 hours...Not bad considering we now take a few more stops then we use too. It was also a good thing it was rain and not snow...I think we would never made the party at Amy's house if it had snowed.

Our week in Ohio was pretty low key...played with Charlotte, visited the family, watched some football and we even stayed in on New Years for the first time since I can remember.

On New Years it was back to balmy NY and reality...Although this weather dosen't seam like reality. They are predicting 60 degrees on Saturday...Anybody up for golf? Naaa, I'll just sit back and watch some DVDs. I just joined NetFlix.Com, so Talladega Nights should be on it's way.
Here are some more pictures from the week:

Charlotte having fun with Sean
I love my G-Mom
Katie loves Santa
I love Mommy
Charlotte having fun with Allison
Getting ready to watch Indy
Is that the Phantom?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everybody!!! Hope you and your family have a great Day and a Happy
New Year!
Love,
Aaron, Chris & Charlotte

Merry Christmas from Mr. Hankey

For those of you who don't like South Park...don't bother. Twisted, but classic!!

More Christmas, Birthday Fun

Last night the three of us went to Salty's Pub & Galley in Clifton Park for Susie's Birthday...I mean special day. This was the first time that the family went out to dinner so it was a nice change of pace. My brother, Sean, was up from New York City for the holidays...so that was a extra bonus.

Today, Charlotte and I paid a visit to G-mom, Papa and Sean while Chris stayed home and baked cookies and wrapped presents. Only 2 more days go until the big day!!

Here are some more pictures from the last few days:
Charlotte & Sean
Charlotte & G-Mom

Michael showing off his new cast

Charlotte having fun in G-Mom's kitchen. Charllote can't wait to mess up Uncle Shawn's kitchen in Ohio

I love Santa

Fire House Christmas Party...First Visit With Santa

Ever since I can remember, the Grand Boulevard Fire Department Ladies Auxilary has had a Christmas Party for the kids and this year was no exception. I always figured some day I would be taking my own kids like my sister has with Erin, Michael & Kate. Well, the three of us joined the fun this past Sunday at the Balltown Road station. The kids had fun with Arts & Crafts, a crazy scientist, food, drink and of course a visit from Santa. This was Charlotte's first visit to see Santa and she did great.

Although Charlotte was little out of it when we placed her in his lap, she was completely awake when we paid Santa another visit last night at Colonie Center and she was all smiles (I will post the picture once I track down a scanner). We are still puzzled why Charlotte freaks whenever anybody (except Chris or I) hold her, but she was OK with a jolly old man in a big red suit.

Thanks again Mom for the invite. Next year Charlotte will be able to make her own craft.

Here are a couple more pictures from the day:

Hello

Sleeping through Santa

Kate giving Santa a present

Michael showing off his new truck

It's A Wonderful Life

When it comes to Christmas movies, Frank Capra's 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life" is, by far, my favorite. The purity and simplicity of the story along with the late great Jimmy Stewart is something that could never be reproduced.

On Sunday, Chris and I saw the musical version of the movie at the New York State Theater Institute, located on the Russel Sage College Campus in Troy, NY. I must say...the show was excellent. No, you didn't have the sets that you have at Proctors Theater or on Broadway. But the acting was excellent. You felt like you were watching the actual movie at times and it even gave us the same feeling you get when you watch the movie.

If you are a fan of the movie and you have some time before the last showing on December 16th, I recommend you take a trip out to Troy to see the show. You will enjoy it.

It's Begining To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Only 15 Days to go and we are getting excitied. The tree is up, Charlotte has her outfit ready and we pretty much have all are shopping done.
Getting ready for my Christmas Picture


The Tree Is Up

Only 15 days until Santa

Maggie doing what she does best.