An ottoman, a computer & a two year old

Equals.... a computer shoved on the floor.....

So I have been living with half a screen and unable to upload all our happenings.

We're going to join the Mac world. should be interesting but taking us awhile to find the right one. In the meantime here's a photo of the little monster (affectionately of course)....

Remembering....

Spent the day thinking....where was I six years ago this time. I think its living back in CA where we lived during 9/11 that has brought it more fresh to my mind this year. Jeff was at a work dinner this evening which left me alone on the couch watching the taped 'live' unfolding of events. Emotional at times remembering being alone six years ago on my couch watching the live events- Jeff across the ocean in Singapore and family across the country. I remember wishing at the time I had a tangible piece of Jeff with me. Poor Charlie will be restless tonight as his Mama checks on him many too many times. Its a day to hug our families, husbands and kids very tight.

February 29, 2008....Leap Year!

A new brother (or sister) for Charlie due to arrive in February! Given our extended family's track record with boys vs girls (total seven boys, no girls) we are assuming we'll have another son and so bought the 'boy' shirt.... Long live the Merkel name! We are thrilled...and Charlie just likes his new shirt.

Chillin Out Time

Ahhhh so relaxing...

Every boy needs a wagon....

Charlie has a big fan in his Great Grandpa Dennis.

The first time Great Grandpa met Charlie at the age of 3 weeks,

he said 'You are the beginning of a great man.'

They were off on a sweet relationship.

On our most recent visit in July Great Grandpa was reminiscing about his childhood and became tearful remembering how he was never able to have the wagon he wanted because they were too poor. Later in our visit Great Grandpa had a special gift for Charlie...money to buy his very own wagon.

Thank you Great Grandpa!!

Happy Birthday to Jeff!

What a fun day we had celebrating Jeff's birthday. Off to church in the city, then a yummy crepe lunch after... where fire trucks going up and down the street kept our little climbing monkey happy all lunch!

We caught Charlie mimicking his Daddy after lunch. What a way to relax with a full tummy!

The day was rounded off with some watching of the British Open and a swim at the pool down the street. Happy Birthday Jeff! Be sure to ask him how old he is....seems he can never get it right!

What a discovery!!!

Charlie probably thinks we were holding out on him. But after numerous attempts in life to introduce Charlie to ice cream we decided, strange as it may be, that he didn't like it. WELL...all it took were big cousins Zach & Jae eating it, and Charlie found a new love. We're happy about that. It wouldn't be a proper end to a Lakeside day without a trip to the ice cream shop.

Lakeside 'cousins'

The parents grew up together, the kids grow up together. Doesn't get much better in life than that! Sweet Olivia, Laine, Jaedon, Charlie & Zach...happy flag wavers they are.

A little boy in a big bed...

All week at Lakeside we battled Charlie to sleep in his pack-n-play. The tiny bedroom had his pack-n-play pushed up against this comfy double bed. Too tempting for a little boy who loves to climb! You can see who persevered and won by the end of the week. We're pleased to say he's still happily sleeping in his crib at home thank goodness. But I think our days are numbered....

Celebrating July 4th Lakeside style....

Lining up for the 4th of July parade....the big event at Lakeside!
Zach, Jaedon and Charlie are ready for the parade!! Such a cute trio....Charlie kept 'undecorating' his wagon...sigh. Charlie decided the wagon wasn't for him and he'd do a little 'street entertaining' instead.
Wouldn't be a 4th of July without croquet. Poor Jeff, not much competition this year.
Trying to do what the big boys do....Kept him busy all week!

Off to Lakeside!

We'll see you all in a few weeks....we're off to Lakeside to hang out with both sides of the family. Happy 4th of July to you all!

Ball games, trains and trolleys....what a day!

Uncle Alex and Charlie getting ready for the Giants game....and why are they both wearing Cubs hats? Let's just say they are 13 & 2....they have strong opinions! and they do look very cute!

Charlie's first ride on the train up to the Giants game. He always covers his eyes as the train pulls into the station. Must be too much stimulation for one moment in time:)

A photo in the trolley outside of the ball park. Charlie & Mama took the train home and let the boys enjoy the baseball game!

Uncle Alex & Charlie

Jeff's youngest brother Alex has arrived....we have been so looking forward to his visit!! Charlie ran straight for Uncle Alex at the airport, giving him a big hug! What a greeting.

I'm not sure Alex will get a moments rest for the week that he's here. Already he is top choice for cuddling, book reading, dancing and chasing.

And of course Charlie must do everything just like Uncle Alex...even carrying in the groceries over his shoulder.

Gned the Gnome

How it all began....

During a visit to Amsterdam in April 2006, while walking around our friends neighborhood, they pointed out the little gnomes hidden in trees for the kids to find. We were totally engrossed and captivatied. Later, Jeff & I were shopping in London at the garden store for plants and he HAD to buy our own little gnome to take home. Now...anyone that knows me well would agree I'm not the type to have a lawn ornament. But... I'm also not one to discourage any light-hearted child-like behavior in my husband. Better yet, Jeff wanted to name him Gned (pronounced Ned, the 'G' is silent). Gned made the trip from our London garden to our California backyard safe and sound.

Like father like son, Charlie has developed a deep attachment to Gned. He opens his blinds after a nap and says hello, wants to 'visit' him in the backyard, and thinks that red and green crayons are 'Gned' colors.

So for Father's day, Charlie 'picked' out his very own gnome shirt and notecards to share with Daddy.

Father's Day

A little boy and a little tree. Father's Day was spent at Muir Woods. What a sweet idea, two beginnings of something great (a beautiful Sequoia tree) and little Charlie.

It feels like having a baby....

My first post. Well maybe not that scary and life changing.