I caved and turned AJ around

AJ and Memme in the back of our new van. At 18 months, I turned AJ forward facing. My goal was to make it to two years but it was just so hard getting him in and out that way. I turned Charlotte at 16 months so AJ lasted two months longer. Maybe I'll add 2 months for each future child?! He loves being able to see everything and tells me all about it.

Picture People

On our only free morning in August, I seized the moment and took the kids to Picture People for 18 month and 4 year portraits. They were both great. I'd post the actual pictures but who knows when I'll get around to scanning them. These were two I took before the photo session. Nice tie dye backround, eh?

This is what happens...

...when I leave AJ alone for a few minutes.

AJ at Costco

While picking up Charlotte's birthday cake, AJ and I scored some awesome samples at Costco. Sometimes we can literally make a meal out of Costco samples! On this day, they were handing out half Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. AJ went to town and is signing for "more" in this picture. A lady walked past us and said you should take a picture of him. These are the times when it pays to keep a little camera in my purse (and wipes to clean him up!).

This is how AJ spent most swim practices...

Super Team Swim Season

Charlotte with her favorite swim team coach, Alex, at the swim team party on July 29th. Alex was so kind and patient with Charlotte. She's a freshman at Virginia Tech this year on a running scholarship. Ironically, Dave coached Alex when she was 6 years old on the Walden Glen Super Team. Now he must feel old!

Charlotte during her last day of practice.

She was definitely the smallest 6 & under on the super team but that didn't hold her back!

My sweet little determined swimmer!

Charlotte's 4th Birthday!

Goodness gracious it's been a while since I've updated the blog. We're moving in t-minus 7 days so it's a little crazy here. More on that later. We celebrated Charlotte's 4th birthday on August 5th with a big party in Nanny and Papa's backyard. Charlotte had two sets of grandparents, one great grandmother, and many of her friends present for the big day.

Jessica might kill me for this picture but she is one of the cutest pregnant ladies I've ever seen. Here she is just 11 days before she gave birth to her son, Kellen. He weighed in at 9lbs 3oz a full week before her due date. Her two daughters, Revie and Ginny, will be such good big sisters. He's a lucky little guy.

AJ being a boy. It was a super hot day but not too bad at 10am.

My friend, Anne, and her daughter, Lily. Her oldest daugther, Grace, just turned 3. Grace and Charlotte are friends from Stroller Strides. Grace talks like a 5 year old! She's amazing and super cute.

The Great Zucchini performed at Charlotte's party for all the kids. He did a 40 minute performance and the kids all LOVED him. They were smiling and giggling the whole time. It was so much fun to watch.

Jack and TGZ. He tried to bring up each of the kids to "help" with his tricks.

Ian and TGZ. So cute!

Since Charlotte was the birthday girl, she got to help more than once.

All the kids and mommies. Dave went to work late that day.

Running away from TGZ. I can't remember the game. We got a good amount of it on video so I'll try to post some clips.

Make a wish, baby doll!

The best part of any party - cake and ice cream! Charlotte picked out a chocolate cake from Costco with vanilla ice cream on Hello Kitty plates (all her choice). Costco cakes are yummy!

Opening presents - she got some great stuff including this awesome children's bible.

The youngest baby at the party - Nora is about 8 weeks. She has two big brothers, Benny and Ryan, to look after her.

Having another bagel at home after the party before she crashed and took a nap!