Conversations with a two-year old

Charlotte's vocabulary grows every day, which means our conversations become more meaningful and in turn, more hilarious. Example 1: Charlotte was taking a bath last night. She'd cover her foot with the washcloth and start laughing hysterically when she pulled it off. We played the game a couple of times and then I told her she was silly. She did it one more time, laughed super loud and deliberately and informed me, "I funny!"

Example 2: Getting ready for school this morning. I told her that her shirt was pretty. She smiles, twirls and informs me, "No, I pretty!" So vain, so young. I love her!

She is awfully pretty, though, isn't she?

Movie Party!

A couple of weeks after Charlotte's birthday, we had a kids party, mostly for the neighborhood kids. It was a pretty good turnout and Charlotte's cousin Derek even came from Kansas City for the party. We went with a movie theme and showed The Little Mermaid on a sheet up against the house for our outdoor theater. It was a lot of fun, though most of the kids didn't make it through the whole movie. It may be a theme we revisit again when the kiddos are a little bit older.

Audrey supervised the set-up.

Charlotte decided to test the punch and other treats before the guests got there and claimed her spot for "Mermaid". Behind her is a table where the kids used fingerpaints to decorate their Hollywood stars. Messy, but fun!

Finishing up the "swag bags" for the kiddos. Each one had a box of movie candy (a super cool Target find!), stickers, tickets to buy their concessions, a glow necklace and a cup for their drinks.

The Freeman theater (and Grandma and Grandpa)

Popcorn stand and popper borrowed from our neighbors

The concession stand. Each treat had a ticket value assigned to it. Grapes and carrots were free!

The swag bags, ready for the kiddos

Party guests!

The cake. I tried to make it look like a clap board. Not too bad for a 15 minute decorating job!

Eying her cake

Singing and candles! (Kirk and Debbie came into town this weekend. They didn't know until they were on their way that the party was Saturday. A small detail Matthew forgot to share.)

The only family picture I have from the day.

Charlotte's buddy Karlee asking for cake and Addison and Abby waiting their turn behind her.

Mom, did you forget that I don't like cake?

Derek and Addison enjoying their cake.

Presents! Charlotte was so excited about this gift. She was squealing, clapping and laughing as it was pulled out. It ended up being a cake decorating set for her play kitchen. She loves it!

I tried to get a picture of the movie watchers, but I couldn't quite get the setting right on my camera without a tripod. We started the movie at 8:00, but most kids were done by 8:30 or so. Charlotte, Derek and two of the older neighbor kids made it to the 9:20 end. Charlotte had a great time! I was so happy with how it turned out and in all honesty, it was really easy to put together. Granted, I was home to plan it, so that may have helped, but it was the least stressed I've ever been before a party. It was awesome! I can't wait to start planning the next one.

She Smiles

Family Resemblance?

This is Audrey just shy of two months:

This is Charlotte in the same outfit at 4 weeks:

Anyone see a resemblance?

I threw in this picture just for good measure. Love the face! (Even though it's blurry)

Puddles and Power Wheels

Audrey gave Charlotte a power wheels for her birthday and Charlotte has been having a blast with it! Her daddy may have given Audrey a little help on the idea as he lives vicariously through his daughters. I *think* he's forgiven his parents for not getting him a power wheels when he was a little boy.

Unsure start...

Then off she goes!

Farming the neighbor's yard

Puddles in the alley. Such a city girl.

I don't think Audrey is quite ready for the power wheels.

The many faces of Audrey

She's just too cute for words!

Charlotte's Birthday

On July 22, my baby girl turned two. Two! How is that possible? Wasn't it just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant for the first time? We just bought her a booster seat so now she sits at the table with us for dinner. I can't tell you how weird it is to see my little toddler sitting at the table with us. She's turning into such a little girl!

Here are a whole lot of photos from the day. It was fun celebrating our little girl's second birthday!

Special birthday breakfast- cinnamon rolls and yogurt covered raisins. Yummy!

Riding the train at the zoo. It was HOT that day so we spent a lot of time on the train. Charlotte wanted to ride the train over and over. I was totally ok with that since it was over 90 degrees outside that day!

Big girl lunch! She had a special treat of pink lemonade and then had a delicious lunch of chicken nuggets, grapes and broccoli. She chose the broccoli over fries. Is this girl not the weirdest? She doesn't like cake, either. She can't possibly be my child!

The chimps. This little guy "played" with Charlotte for awhile. She was fascinated. It was pretty cool to see him interact with her.

Fun times on the carousel

And Audrey slept.

The train again!

Watching the tigers from the train station.

Outside the Living World. Charlotte picked out her new kitty from the gift shop. She had something else picked out, but then turned around and saw this. She put the other one back, grabbed this tiger, and walked toward the checkout. Decision made!

Presents!

Playing with her new sidewalk chalk.

And Audrey slept.

Birthday Dinner at IHOP. The girl loves her eggs and pancakes.

And Audrey slept.

Playing in Daddy's car. A special treat!

Nighttime swim at the neighbors pool. Another fun treat!

And Audrey slept.

Puppies!

Blowing out her candle on her birthday ice cream.

Opening her present from Grandma and Papa Ridley the next day.

My parents hosted a little birthday party for her the Sunday after her birthday for our family. Charlotte had a great time! We didn't get many pictures taken, but here are a few.

"Big Sisters are the Best"

Charlotte walked up to Audrey in the swing to show her the shirt. It was too funny. She was trying to send a message, I think.

First ball glove! Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa Drury!

This picture has danger written all over it. I fear for Audrey.

Singing and candles and cake. I made her a brownie cake since she likes brownies (sometimes), but she still turned down this cake! She is so weird. I guess it's a good thing that she prefers her vegetables, but I just can't believe MY daughter doesn't like sweets!