Rear View

It's official: Charlotte is potty-trained! She showed interest right before her second birthday but we never pushed, she naturally gravitated toward it over those next months. We did lots of nakey time and bought one pack of pull-ups, which we got halfway through when she was really staying dry full time. Then we tried undies (even while out running errands) in early July and she loved them! We knew we hit a turning point when in traffic coming home from fireworks on the 4th. She asked to go pee-pee, and with no potty in sight she used a McDonald's cup in standstill traffic in the car like a champion! The rest is history! She has had just two wet accidents since, and has even been in undies daily for naps. While sleeping at night, she will wake to ask to go potty. We've been amazed, and learned to offer less water near bedtime! Maybe this easy road was our reward for all the sleep struggles we went through for 16 months? Or maybe, a welcomed treat for having a strong willed toddler?

No matter the reason, we are incredibly proud! Way to go, Charlie!



And below, pretty much how you can find Charlotte most days at home. She loves to be in as little clothing as possible, go figure considering her massive wardrobe!

Très Chic

While visiting Kim's studio, Charlotte decided to strike a pose for my dad's camera-phone...

Splish Splash

Charlotte is a water baby, through and through. She is loving summertime as it has allowed lots of water play!

In Pop Pop & Mom Mom Merson's backyard (in a pair of Hunter's undies)


In the sprinkler in our yard.



Oh, wait - that is Daddy...


We can't wait for our beach vacation in August - she is ready!

Fun with Paint

This summer Charlotte enjoyed her first skin-painting experience while at our neighbor Julia's high school graduation party.




We've also been having fun with Mrs. Lisa A's great gift to us - sidewalk chalk paint.




Okay, so maybe TOO much fun!

Chop, Chop!

In case you haven't seen me lately, I recently got 12 inches of hair chopped off. Yup, a whole foot. Even with Kim's constant reminders of how badly I needed a cut (hadn't had my hair touched since September 2007) it wasn't until I saw a picture of the back of my head that I realized how out of control it had gotten. Don't worry all of you who loved my long hair - it will be back in 6-8 months...



Before & After:

Cruisin'

With three boy cousins, it comes as no surprise that Charlotte enjoys things with wheels! Our neighbors handed down an awesome four wheeler that we keep at my parents' 5 acre wonderland. Charlotte loves it!



(And yes, that is me behind the wheel of my dad's Deere gator...)



We also have been enjoying a bike trailer (also given to us, thanks Schippers!). Charlotte was a big help getting it all geared up and she loves being chauffeured through our neighborhood.





Gotta love summer nights (and crazy husbands who ride barefoot)!

Red, White and Blue

We spent the 4th celebrating the precious wedding of friends Carie & Zach (pictures to come) and then we capped off the night watching the wonderful AG Center fireworks display with the Greens. Here are some shots from our patriotic weekend.








Happy Birthday, America!