Happy New Year's Eve!

So hard to believe this year is already coming to an end! 2012 has been quite a year for us. It has definitely had its ups and some scary downs but all in all I'd say it has been the best year yet! Here are our 2012 highlights

Started our year out right with a trip to Hawaii

Came home to a new baby niece! 

 Jared graduated from UNR in May

 Had fun watching my belly grow

Got our surprise fun-sized baby in June!

Brought our miracle baby home in August

Moved to Sparks in September--apologies for the lack of pictures!

This sweet girl figured out breathing all on her own in September

Blessed Charlotte in October

Cut down our first Christmas tree in December

Visited Santa just in time for Christmas!

Oh 2012, I will miss you, but my excitement for 2013 is overwhelming! Jared and I have so much planned for our little girl once we are finally allowed to take her out of the house and around people! 

Hope you all have a Happy New Year! 

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals

Merry Christmas! 

This year was extra special with our little girl! Even though she slept through most of today's festivities I loved sharing every moment with her. 

Charlie and her BFF Brooklyn got a special visit with Santa

(As much as it broke my heart I couldn't resist a classic crying picture)

We enjoyed brunch with my parents in the A.M., and dinner with the Olson's in the evening. We watched classic Christmas flicks and ate way too many baked goodies.

We had a very Merry day and shared it with the people we love most.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and hoping your Christmas was as bright and merry as ours!

Oh Christmas Tree...

Last weekend we went up to Dog Valley to hunt for the perfect tree. There was a debate if we were even going to get a tree, and when you think about it, real trees are kind of a waste of money. Since this is Charlie's very first Christmas (not that she will remember...) I couldn't take no for an answer. Jared surprised me by getting a permit to go cut down a tree. It was something I used to do when I was a kid and I totally loved it, but for me and Jared it was a first. We bundled Charlie up and headed into the storm clouds prepared for the worst. But as we got closer to Dog Valley we realized it was actually the perfect day! The sun was shining and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. It had rained the day before so it was pretty muddy but that didn't stop us from finding our tree! It didn't take long before we knew which one we'd be taking home. Definitely the best Christmas tree I've ever had, and probably the biggest. And I'm happy to report that Miss Charlotte loves the tree. It provides hours of bright, sparkly entertainment. Right now she's really into lights and sparkly things. It's a match made in heaven. 

So we're getting our Christmas spirit on over here at the Olson household and decking our halls and hanging our stockings...or whatever. Anyway, I can't tell you how excited I am for this year. Holidays are double the fun with a kid, and I have a feeling they will be even better when we can take this girl places next year! For now I'm enjoying this extra bit of family time with my sweet babes.

And one more of this cute Christmas girl.

Ahhhh! I can't get enough of her pouty lips.