Merry Christmas...A little late!

My second Christmas sure was a great one.  These pictures are a little out of order but the festivities were great and the day was enjoyed immensely but the whole family.  Dad and I are taking a break from our french toast breakfast to smile for the camera.

Dad is opening his stocking here and he received lots of products that will make him smell good...maybe Santa was trying to tell him something??!

I received several board books in my stocking and was very happy to have mom there to read them to me.  This Santa person must really know his stuff because I certainly enjoy books and love reading.

Check out our tree and all those presents!  I wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole thing but quickly got the hang of opening gifts.

Here is a photo of my stocking, which was sitting next to the fireplace when I came out in the living room.  My mom explained that the chimney is Santa's preferred point of entry into the house...how crazy is that?

My great Aunt Jane sent me this really cool plane and I was was so excited to sit in it.  It has pedals to drive and the wheel turns to change direction and turn the propeller.  I'm still a little young to operate the pedals but still had so much fun playing with my plane.

Here I am in my new chair, which is just next to my dad's chair in the living room.  Mom thought I looked very grown up in this photo, chatting on the phone and gesturing with my right hand.

Finally...a little sleep!  The day was both exciting and exhausting (for everyone) and my dad was eventually able to get me to sleep on the couch for a few minutes.  

And now I'm back in action, taking advantage of the relatively mild day to take my new tricycle out for a spin.  Here again I don't quite have the pedals figured out but the tricycle actually has a bar attached to the back so that mom or dad can push me around.  What a wonderful Christmas we had together!!  I felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have spent such a special day with my family.  Love, Charlotte

A Family Getaway

Mom, Dad and I spent a few days in a cottage at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island.  Though we didn't have the best weather (lots of fog and rain), we had a really nice time together as a family...it was great to get away.

Dad and I are relaxing on the bed for a few minutes...everyone seemed to want to take naps while we were away.  Except for me, of course.

Here is a snapshot of our cottage, which was only about 100 feet from the ocean.  The beach was absolutely beautiful and I was so happy to run around, even when the weather was not particularly cooperative.

Since our cottage didn't have a bathtub, I was perfectly happy to take my baths in the oversized kitchen sink.  I haven't bathed in the sink since I was a little baby but I certainly enjoyed the experience...

Here we are at lunch, and I'm ready for food.  Mom and Dad recently realized that my patience for sitting in a high chair in restaurants has grown limited...I will eat and entertain myself for about 30 minutes these days but once that time has expired I will let my parents know that I want "OUT."

Another dining shot...this time in the restaurant at the Inn where we ate our breakfast each morning.  Please take note of the fact that the surrounding tables are empty; we would arrive as early as possible in order to eat and depart prior to the arrival of the other guests.  Oh, and I developed quite a taste for banana bread on this trip.  YUM!

This is one happy girl!

Daddy and I walking up to the Inn for breakfast...it was such a lovely spot and we look forward to returning again in the summer.

I could have spent all day wandering the beach in front of our cottage.  We were fortunate to have had some sun and clear skies on the morning that we left for home - so the whole family took advantage of the beach.

So nice to see my mom smiling.  We were so happy to be together for a few days, just the family.  xoxo, Charlotte

Holiday Fun!

We've had a lot going on here lately but mom didn't want to let her blogging responsibilities slide too much.  December has been a busy month and I've been engaging in many exciting activities.  Swimming is almost over for the fall but I'm enjoying my most recent class, smiling coyly for the camera.  Thanks for the great photo, Kendy!

Here we are at the Bridgewater Holiday Party, where mom got me as close to Santa as we think I'm going to get this year.  I was definitely not a fan of the man in the red suit...nor did I want anything to do with Frosty the Snowman, who seemed to lurk around every corner.  The party was fun, nonetheless, and I was at least able to wear my party clothes and be social with dad's work friends.

On Saturday we went to the Kavanaugh's house, who hosted a Holiday Party for all of my friends (and their parents, of course) in our playgroup.  Here I am opening my great present from Olivia, who was my Secret Santa.  I got a wooden puzzle (definitely a fave!) and a set of stacking wooden boxes.  The highlight of the party was when all the parents attempted to assemble the kiddies for a group photo...HAH!  Better luck next year, moms and dads.  We had a great time and it was nice to see all of my friends.

Here I am racing through the muddy fields of Maple Row Tree Farm, where my mom and dad have come for many years now to chop down their Christmas Tree. Last year I was too small to really help pick out the tree but this year 

I am determined not to miss out on any of the fun.

 

I've finally acquiesced to let daddy pick me up for a few minutes.  After several spills in the mud, I am both exhausted and exhilarated by the day's activities.  We have finally found the Seymour Family tree and can't wait to get home and decorate it.  Happy Holidays!! Love, Charlotte

All-Day Playdate!

Today was really fun and exciting as we had the pleasure of spending the whole day with my great buddy Chandler!  Chandler and I played a lot at my house, pulling out all the toys, running everywhere and just having a grand time.  With all that play, eventually a kid needs to take a lunch break...

 

Chandler is enjoying his lunch here...some sort of couscous that his mom made especially for him.  He took a longer nap than me (over 2 hours!!!) so I had already had my lunch by the time he got up.  So he was anxious to eat and get back to playing.

Here we are finally relaxing for a few minutes on the couch with Daddy.  We've spent the whole day playing and having so much fun together, though now we're getting close to bedtime and are finally wiped out.  Mom and Dad ordered pizza for us (yummy!) and we even got to watch a little college football.  We can't wait for Chandler to come back and spend another day at our house.  He's a great playmate!!! Love, Charlotte

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, it's the day before Thanksgiving and Mommy and I are heading out to do some last-minute errands and shopping.  I've promised that I will be a big help today as I know there is lots to do to prepare for our turkey feast!

Daddy is presenting the bird that mommy cooked and he carved, a real team effort!  Our menu included herb-roasted turkey, cornbread sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli-cheddar casserole, cranberries, hot rolls and a few pies, even a sweet potato pie that mom made from scratch.  Daddy loves Thanksgiving so mommy went all out!

Here I am "eating" my turkey, which actually means throwing it on the floor...and mom and dad were not amused.  Let me explain: I was diagnosed the day before with yet another ear infection and just haven't been myself these last two days.  Nonetheless, our family had a great day together!

It is the day after Thanksgiving and the whole family is eager to get out of the house after a day of food and relaxation.  Though still a bit cranky (probably due to my 5AM wake-up time), I'm definitely feeling much better today.  Maybe I'll even consider having some lunch?...

We've finished our errands and are now back at home.  As you can see, I've started smiling again and even ate most of my lunch at Ginger Man.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I know I'm thankful for my mom and dad, for Gryffin and Bucky, for all my wonderful friends and for our home and family...what more could a girl need?  Love, Charlotte

Camera Conundrum

My mom apologizes for the recent lack of activity on the Blog front...we are having some issues with our Sony CyberShot camera and my mom is fed up.  We are going to try to replace the memory card in our old Canon camera to see if that does the trick.  Otherwise, all is well here and not much to report: I successfully survived my 15-month appointment at Willows.  Naturally I protested the exam (poor Dr. Marks!) and the shots, but was quickly back on track the same afternoon.  I measured 32 and 1/2 inches (still off the charts in terms of height) and weighed in at just under 25 pounds.  Happy Early Thanksgiving to all and we hope to have a holiday post before the weekend.  XOXO, Charlotte

Rainy Day Adventure

Yesterday Mom, Dad and I had a great rainy day adventure at Stepping Stones Museum.  I'd been there once before (this summer with Marie) but I wasn't quite walking yet and couldn't fully appreciate all they had to offer.  Below I am enjoying the water area...definitely my favorite activity of the day!

Here I am with Mommy hanging out in the playhouse in the toddler area.  The playhouse was filled with puzzles, books and other toys, though I was definitely anxious to explore.

Daddy and I are enjoying the supermarket area below, which was filled with pretend groceries and even had shopping bags like my mom uses.  

Check out the live action of me at the water table...what a FUN day!  I can't wait to go back again soon with some of my friends.

Boots and Smiles

Well, these boots might be made for walkin' but I'm not going anywhere in them.  Daddy thought it would be fun to see me standing in his boots so here I am.  And Mommy had this cowgirl hat that I wore for a more authentic look...

I'm thinking that I might want to try to go somewhere but Daddy's feet are so big that I am literally frozen here while Mommy and Daddy enjoy the moment.

Here is a photo of me in my high chair taken a couple of days ago.  I have this really cute look on my face so that mommy will perhaps prepare just one more thing so that I might actually eat dinner.  I think I have already refused several of mommy's "suggestions"...and she is probably now counting the minutes until daddy comes home!  More soon.  Love, Charlotte

Trick or Treat!

It is Halloween night and we are definitely prepared for the onslaught of trick-or-treaters.  Here I am inspecting our candy...my mom sure did buy a lot!  Last year we had over 100 visitors and mom wants to be sure that we are prepared this year.

I have now put on my monster costume and am ready to hit the road with daddy.  We have our wagon, my pumpkin and daddy is ready to show me the ropes (so to speak) of trick-or-treating.  Mommy is going to stay home for our visitors...we'll be back soon, Mom!   OK, dad - let's go!

Sitting in my wagon with my bag of candy...  I am quite cozy in my costume and mom has also given me a blanket just in case.  We enjoyed very mild temperatures for Halloween this year so I'm very comfortable being outdoors, even at night.

I've definitely mastered the art of trick-or-treating and have really enjoyed picking out my candy and putting it into my pumpkin.  At first I was a bit unsure about asking my neighbors for treats, but it seems totally appropriate to roam the streets begging for candy on Halloween night.

OK, I'm starting to get tired and am ready to head home.  Daddy and I have had so much fun out in the neighborhood while mommy has remained at home handing out candy.  My pumpkin is almost full of M&M's, Snickers, lollipops and other treats.  Too bad my mom won't let me taste any of it... Happy Halloween!  Love, Charlotte

Hayley and I have a Halloween Party!!

On Thursday, my mom and Hayley's mom planned a really great Halloween Party for us and all our friends.  We had the opportunity to show off our costumes and to run around inside of Cedar Point.  Here I am with Chandler, who is dressed like a lion today.  I think his mom had 3 costumes for him this year!!

And speaking of lions, here is Luke dressed up in his lion costume.  He was a great lion and had a really impressive "ROAR!" to go along with his attire.

I think Olivia is trying to figure out what the lobster is supposed to do!  I'm not really sure myself, but she was certainly very cute in this costume.

Jessica is posing with her mom Shelley, who is dressed as a cowgirl; Jessica was a beautiful princess with a tiara, wand, shiny pink dress and even earrings!!  I can't wait until I can dress up like a princess in a few years.  :o)

Aidan was very, very cute in his cow costume, which had a few bells attached to the tail.  He seemed to really enjoy running around the club (I think his mom wasn't as excited to chase him), smiling all the while.

Here is the lovely Hayley, dressed as a fairy with a pink tutu and pink wings.  In this photo she is about to begin riding the Fropper, which was her preferred activity of the party.  The Fropper was a huge hit... 

My new friend Alex is showing off her flexibility as an '80's aerobic instructor, by far the most fun and creative costume at the party.  She dazzled us with her moves and we are all looking forward to getting together with her soon for toddler yoga!

We were so excited that Kate and her mom were able to make the party!  I can still remember my first Halloween (OK, not really but let's pretend) where we all gathered at Willows for a Halloween Party.  Kate and I were dressed in the same cow costume...ah, memories!

Caroline and her mom are posing here for a quick photo before Caroline is off and running once more.  Caroline had a really great time running around the party, playing with all the toys (and balloons) and socializing with all of our friends.

And finally, our favorite cowgirl Mia is finishing off her pizza lunch...YUM!  We had a lot of great things to eat at the party including homemade muffins, yogurt, fruit, salad, sandwiches and, of course, pizza.  I think all our friends had a really nice time and we sure did, too.  I hope we can have a Halloween Party every year!