Charlotte Turns Two

My statistics:

Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 34"
Weight: 23lbs

While Bella was having fun at Vacation Bible School, Mommy and Daddy took me out for ice cream on my birthday. Boy do I love sprinkles on my ice cream.

Unexpected Trip to Houston

On Wednesday, July 24th, Dan's parents (Doug and Shirley) were supposed to come to Ohio to visit us and see Alexander for the first time. They had to cancel their trip because Dan's grandfather found out that he had advanced gallbladder and liver cancer. Due to his age, 89, the doctors were not going to treat him. Dan's Grandfather (Paul) was placed in a hospice facility since Doug and Shirley, nor Dan's grandmother (Chris) could care for him in their home. Dan had already taken the time off for his parents visit, so we decided to go to Houston. This way Dan's parents and grandparents could see Alexander and it would be our chance to say goodbye to Paul.

Our visit with Grandpa/Great Grandpa Vest

Grandpa/Great Grandpa Vest with Grandpa Howell, Dan and Alexander

Grandma/Great Grandma showing

Grandpa/Great Grandpa our family picture

from last year. They were married for 65 years. He passed away on Sunday, July 27th around 4:30pm. He is now in heavan with Jesus.

The kids with Great Grandma Vest

Meeting Alexander for the first time. He's even smiling .

Charlotte doesn't want to sit still for a picture

Are you two?

What a great close up of Bella and Great Grandma

Time spent with Grandpa and Grandma Howell

Bella loves books and being read to. Grandpa was reading from a collection of Beatrix Potter books.

Grandma holding Alexander

Charlotte doesn't have the attention span for reading long books nor does she want to be held, but she loves trying on everyone's shoes. Here she is sporting Grandma's crocs.

The Children's Museum at the Mall in the Woodlands

The girls digging in the the shredded rubber pit. Bella was filling the hat up to make a birthday cake.

Princess Bella and the Court Jester Charlotte in the castle dress up area

I spy

Charlotte concentrating on her masterpiece

The Butterfly Conservatory in Houston

Butterfly hatchery

I call this one Butterfly on a rock

Butterfly on a leaf

Cameleon butterfly

Not a butterfly but a bright blue frog

Play area at the Butterfly Conservatory

Playing with the pieces that make up a bug

Bella's bug comes with a bow and rollerskates

Playing in the busy bee hive

Our House with grass

We finally have grass. After a month of watering all the time it now looks great. No more ugly brown dirt to stare at or Bella constantly asking when are we getting grass?
Our backyard

Dan mowing the yard which is something he hasn't done since he lived at home with his parents. We did have some grass in VA, but I wouldn't call what he did mowing. It was more hack and slash with a weed wacker.

Charlotte in the backyard

Today we played outside in the backyard. Bella likes to play with the hose and play in the baby pool. Charlotte wants nothing to do with the water and she has fit if her swimsuit gets wet.

Charlotte loves wearing her sun hat. Actually she likes wearing any kind of hat.

Bella in the Backyard

Bella needed to give her shark some vitamins because he was sick.

Alexander in the back yard

Alxeander loves being outside.

Family Pictures in Downtown Elmhurst

The girls didn't really want to have their picture taken, but it was a good opportunity since everyone was dressed up for church. Alexander was sleeping in his carseat.

My mom and the girls

4th of July

Bella and Charlotte at the Centerville parade in the rain.

Daddy and Charlotte watching the parade. Mommy was holding Alexander and trying to take pictures.
Bella and her friend posing.

Bella being silly.

Dan and I on the 4th