The boys

"Cheese"

Handsome boy before church

....and he found his thumb

Too cute

"Mark, get set..."

"GOOOO"

"Mommy, I would never go down the stairs on my truck :)"

Big morning here at the Charltons - after weeks of Thomas not taking a bottle, and many trips to Target to try new bottles, he finally took one - from me too!! It's a big deal since we're going to a wedding in Michigan next month, let's just hope he keeps up the good work!!!

The verdict...

In just a few short months, this will be home for us!  Henry got the job last week and I'm so proud of him.  As I type this, he is in France and the news is getting announced.  He is getting introduced to his new team and already planning meetings and agendas for them.  It's the end of the quarter also, so he still has his current position until July 1, so he's actually doing both jobs and I feel so badly for him.

Lake Geneva/Chillon Castle/Alps

A work visa in Switzerland isn't easy to come by, so with all the paperwork involved we most likely won't be leaving until November.  We are looking to live in either Geneva or Lausanne (lower left corner) as Henry's main office will be in between the two.  The two of us plan to go over sometime in July or August to look at places.  We will be getting a big enough place so that we can welcome visitors!

Map

We took the boys yesterday to get their passports - just trying to get everything in line for this big move!

Huge day for the Charlton household...

Today will decide the next 2 years of our life!! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous and scared to death.  At the very moment (10am PST) Henry is starting his 6+ hour interview with the executive team out in California.
About a month ago, Henry's boss approach him with a potential promotion - He asked Henry if he'd be interested in running all of Europe.  We thought it over very thoroughly and knew it would be a growing experience both for Henry and his career and for our family.  When else can you just 'yank' the kinds out of their environment and not ruin their life (with friends, school, etc)...so to speak.  I've already located a school for little Henry where he'd be learning French, German and English - how neat for an almost 2 year old!
So tonight by 8pm EST we should have an answer.  If Henry gets the job, we'll be moving to Geneva, Switzerland come the end of the summer!

I did it!!

After having each boy, I've set a goal.  With Henry it was to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November of 2010 and with Thomas it was to run the Broad Street 10 miler May 6th.  Well this past Sunday came quickly and I accomplished my goal - 10 miles 3 months post baby.  

The Broad Street Run is the biggest and (voted) best 10 mile race in the country.  It starts in north Philly and end by the stadiums and the navy yard.  This year it was crazy, 50,000 runners.  The last time I did the race was in 2009 and there was only 26,500 people.  

In order to get to the start, you have to take the Broad Street line subway...talk about packed!  I was lucky enough to get on the first train that I saw and made it to the start with plenty of time.  I then waited 45 minutes in line to use the restroom before running.  I didn't meet my goal time, but 1) I think I was trying to push myself too much and 2) you pretty much walk the first 1/2 mile to start running because of the crowds.  I finished the 10 miles in 1:31:and some odd seconds, averaging 8:30 min/mile.  In 2009 (before having kiddos) I finished in 1:25: and some odd seconds.

With waking up at 4:30am, running 10 miles and playing with kiddos after...I was exhausted Sunday night.  I'm so glad I did the race and I'm looking to do the Rock n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon in September.

Before getting on the subway

Showing my enthusiasm 

The race down Broad Street

With my boys

Loving mommy's medal

14 weeks

New phrase...and new phase

Henry's all about wearing mine and daddy's shoes around the house!  He's actually very good at it too!  

Wearing daddy's slippers

 Henry really is growing to love his brother...thankfully!! :)  Whenever Thomas cries Henry will offer him his "drink" or his "bee bee" (binky - we're working on getting that one out the door, but he's only using it for naps and sleeping now!!)  He just loves to lay down next to him when we're playing on the floor...and he always wants to hold him and now tries to pick him up :)

He loves his brother

Blurry but here's Mr. Smiles!

Daddy's running shoes...

Big smiles

Wishing he could run in the race with Mommy this Sunday!

Such a big boy

Newest love: Corn on the cob

New Phrase: Peeeeaaaaase Mommy for everything!!!  It melts my heart!  In the morning from his crib he faces the monitor and says "Peeeeaaase Mommy, all done" or "Pease Mommy treat(fruit snacks!)".  I love it.  He's also big into telling you where he would like you to sit.


Sunday was a big day here at the Charltons, Thomas rolled over from tummy to back.  He'd been trying to perfect it for some time but always got stuck on his side, but we were all able to catch a first of his many milestones!


It's race week here too...my 10 mile race is this Sunday which means I can't get injured before then!

13 weeks/3 months

Thomas - 13 weeks (3 months)

After our weekly photo this morning, I decided to dress the boys in matching outfits!  

Henry pushing the 'button' on Thomas' pants

Big blue eyes

Henry 'holding' Thomas...he's constantly asking to 'hold' him!

Getting better with the Bumbo - a little Jcrew crewcuts catalog to help!!

Just hanging out in the kitchen with mama