Say, "Circus!"

Every year we get all the Charlesworth cousins together for a picture with Santa. Many mall shoppers rolled their eyes at us as our boys ran around being various super heros and possibly getting in peoples way. Speaking of rolling eyes, as we walked up to Santa I noticed he was looking up and to the left as if checking on his reindeer. I looked up and saw nothing but a plain white ceiling. I thought maybe he's overwhelmed by the heard of children I'm bringing toward him. As we arranged all the children and were trying to get them all to look at the camera, I again noticed that Santa was not looking at the camera. To my surprise, our sweet, special, Santa was cross eyed. There is nothing like paying $40 for a Santa picture and working hard to get all 7 children under the age of 5 to look at the camera, and have Santa looking elsewhere. However, I am grateful that he has a job and that Santas helpers come in all shapes, sizes, and visual abilities. Thank you Santa for putting up with our circus.

Santa's Visit

Bennett wanted to show Santa the picture he made of him today at school.

I am still amazed that none of my kids cried or were scared of Santa. They climbed right up on his lap. What a fun night!

Here Comes Santa Claus

It is a little hard to tell, but if you look out the window you can see who came to visit my kids tonight. Santa! Just as we were sitting down to read stories before bedtime, Bennett saw some white fluff and two little eyes peaking through the window. Bennett and Carter were so excited they were running in circle. As soon as Santa came in they acted as if Santa comes to our house everynight. Bennett was casually telling him about his day and asking him questions. Carter was only interested in what was in Santa's sack. He brought the boys advent calendars and they each got a little stuffed animal. I asked Carter what kind of animal his was and he said, "no tiger, chocolate". He was a little upset at the fact that he could only open one window and have one chocolate. While I wasn't looking, he opened another window and quickly ate that chocolate. It was melt down city when I had to put the calenders away.

Tis the Season

It is officially the Christmas season. Bennett has reminded me of all the traditions that he expects to happen this month. It is going to be busy, but fun. This picture with Santa is a tradition that started 4 years ago when I just had little Bennett. I feel like Santa's lap is complete this year with my three absolutley adorable kids. I love this time of year. I love to see Bennett and Carter get so excited to turn the Christmas lights on and decorate the tree and Ava is my perfect little angel who sleeps so peacefully at night. I told Bennett I saw Santa's elf looking in the window while he was being naughty and it made him a little nervous. He promised to be good from now on, but does not want the elf to look in the window while he is going potty because he needs his privacy. I assured him that elfs never peek in bathroom windows. I wished this tactic worked on Carter, but he appears not to care who is watching when he is naughty. Even amongst their naughtiness, I couldn't ask for three more perfect kids.

Three Little Blessings

I am so thankful for these three little kids. I am sure you have heard me complain or give a frustrated sigh over the past couple of months and where I do feel crazy most of the time, I wouldn't trade my life right now for anything. I have so much to be grateful for and I don't take a second of it for granted. I have learned so much from my kids. I am grateful for the quiet times when we read books together or the little questions Bennett asks when we are driving in the car, my heart melts everytime I see one of the boys give Ava a kiss and Ava's smile can brighten the worst of days (even at three in the morning). Sometimes I wonder what made me think having three kids so close together was a good idea, but when I see them with each other I am overwhelmed with love and know that this time will pass to quickly and I need to remember to enjoy it. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving with much love wherever you are this holiday.
Love,
The Waddell's

Christmas is Coming

Over the weekend, Bennett and Ava helped me get the yard ready for winter and put up some Christmas decorations. I am not usually the type that brings out Christmas before Thanksgiving. However, with three young kids I have learned that if I don't get it done when there is time, it might never happen. So, to assure that there are some decorations up for Christmas we had to start early.

Trick Or Treat

Carter

Carter yelled trick or treat all the way from the side walk to the door of each house and thank you from the door to the side walk. I don't think he stopped talking all night.

Bennett

Bennett and Beck were great buddies tonight. He definately has trick or treating down.

Ava

Ava was happy back at Jen's house with grandma.