Pot Luck Dinner at LCDS

Last night our family went to my school for dinner. Each family was responsible for bringing something to eat (my mom brought lasagna) and we all sat together to enjoy a great dinner. Here I am taking a few bites - there was a lot going on so I didn't eat very much dinner. Dessert was another story!

Nikita at the cookie counter, her favorite spot of the evening! But who could blame a kid when boxes and plates full of cookies were set out for all to see (and eat).

Miss Jeanne and Alexandra...so cute!

Miss Carline had to split her time between our class and her 3's class, which was having their dinner in my classroom. Here she is with Julianna, Nikita and Nikita's mommy and sister.

After dinner the whole school assembled in the gym for a musical production. Here are a few of my classmates sitting with Miss Gail and Miss Jeanne, though I opted to sit on my mom's lap. We had a really nice time having dinner at my school - I hope I have the chance to eat dinner there again soon. Love, Charlotte

Halloween Fun

What a great Halloween we had! The day was jam packed with a Halloween Parade on the Island, a party at our neighbor's house and then trick-or-treating with daddy in the evening. We all got in the spirit with costumes...here I am with Daddy en route to the Parade. Daddy dressed up as a vampire this year...very scary!

All the kids in our neighborhood turned out for our annual SI Halloween Parade - so much fun! There was a treasure hunt on the beach this year, though I was still a little young to really get into it.

Just a quick shot with my mommy the Cowgirl! She wasn't sure what she was going to wear but came up with the cowgirl idea at the very last minute. I think she looks great!

After a long day of fun, there was still more excitement in store...trick-or-treating! My first stop was across the street at the Williams house. Mr. Williams came out to say hello and to help me pick out my candy.

Do I look tired? Daddy and I spent an hour and a half out and about, visiting many neighbors and friends. I was very enthusiastic about saying "Trick or Treat!" when going to the door...and very happy to get my treats. :) Since Saturday I've been eager to continue the tradition but mom and dad told me that I have to wait until next year to Trick or Treat again. And I can't WAIT!!! I hope everyone had a very safe and happy Halloween. Love, Charlotte

Trick or Treat at Daddy's Work

Well, we finally decided on a costume...and it's Abby Cadabby! My mom and I looked at a lot of costumes online and I decided that I really wanted to be Abby Cadabby. We started our Halloween festivities with a party at Daddy's office yesterday and have lot's of activities and parties to attend today.

Here I am with Daddy! I went through the entire office and met many of daddy's coworkers: they thought I was really cute in my costume and gave me lots of candy. Mommy will post more photos later! Happy Halloween to All! Love, Charlotte

Fun fall frolicking with Chandler

This has been a year of whacky weather, to put it mildly! Spring was over before it started, summer was defined by days upon days (upon days!) on non-stop rain and now fall cannot figure out when it wants to get here. We've finally started to see the leaves changing and, thankfully, I had the opportunity to romp around in them today with my pal Chandler.

Doesn't he look cute? We spent most of our time at the park running like wild animals so Chandler is not amused to have to stop and pose for my mommy...

Here we are in action! We shared the playground with a school group of children our age, though they were not allowed to jump around in the big pile of leaves. My mom and Chan Chan's mom said, "Jump all you want, kids!"

I think Chandler is trying to figure out where to go next???

My mom had to post one shot of me in this super cool glow-in-the-dark Trick or Treat shirt...I just LOVE this. I had so much fun turning out the lights and watching it glow. And what a great afternoon we had with Chandler and his mommy! Love, Charlotte

A cold day at the Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was a really cold - and really fun - day! We started our morning at Pumpkinseed Hill pumpkin patch. When we left home it was a little brisk, however when we arrived in Shelton, it was downright COLD. Here I am bundled up on the hay ride.

As you can see, Chandler is also bundled up...though we all enjoyed the hayride nevertheless. And thankfully, it wasn't very crowded while we were there...could it have had anything to do with the Arctic temperatures?

Now to the business at hand: selecting our pumpkins! I have been very excited to point out pumpkins this season...and they are everywhere! We haven't had any at home yet so this is my first opportunity to have my very own. Now I have "one and two pumpkins..."

The pumpkin patch was really lovely and we definitely enjoyed it in spite of the cold. It sits atop a hill and the view of the valley was spectacular with the trees a beautiful blend of red, orange and gold. Maybe next year we'll try to return on an Indian Summer day!

Before leaving home that morning, my mom had said that we were going to the "farm," though this was the only cow present...or any other animal for that matter! After selecting our pumpkins, we got into our cars and headed to Chandler's house for pizza and play. Chandler's school had a holiday yesterday and we were so lucky to spend the day with him and mom Kendy. Love, Charlotte

Halloween: A Retrospective

As Halloween approaches, Mommy is still trying to figure out my costume for this year. She has some ideas but nothing that has come to fruition. The process has rendered her nostalgic, thinking of Halloween's past and how quickly I have grown: can you believe this is already my third Halloween???

Halloween #1: Moooooooooooo, I am a cow. It was an adorable costume and quite cozy, I might add. I was just two months old and wasn't able to take full advantage of my cow status, though we attended many parties that year and, thus, I made many appearances as my cow alter-ego.

Halloween #2: the pink Monster. Mommy found this costume very early and thought it was adorable, capturing my newfound toddler spirit and, like the cow, offering a cozy place to be on a cool fall night. It even had a padded tummy!

Here I am with mommy and one of our many parties last year - so much fun. I was a bit tentative about showing off my monster persona in public but everyone thought I looked "adorable" so it all worked out in the end.

And little did I know that the costume donning was really just a clever way to solicit goodies from neighbors and friends - bonus! Daddy and I went trick or treating in our neighborhood, while mommy remained at home distributing treats to a parade of ghouls and goblins. I don't think I actually consumed any of this candy but promise that I will compensate for this in two weeks. So be sure to check back to see what I'll be wearing. And Happy Halloween...just a little early. Love, Charlotte

A visit with Auntie Laura and Lincoln

We were so happy to have the opportunity to see Auntie Laura and Lincoln for a few hours on Saturday. Mommy and I drove to Northampton, Ma to meet our friends, who were staying in Vermont helping Laura's daddy. It was a classic New England fall day: sun, clouds, wind, a little warm, a little cool...you get the picture!

After lunch we made a stop for ice cream...and Linky had his very first tastes! He really seemed to like ice cream - but hey, who doesn't??!?

Mmmmm...since I'm now a "big girl" I got my very own strawberry ice cream. It was really delicious!

Later that afternoon we all took a stroll around the campus of Smith College...it was really beautiful! The leaves have turned red, orange and yellow and we saw so many old, brick buildings. Hi, Auntie Laura and Linky!!

Linky seems to be enjoying the view from his stroller!

And here I am pushing my stroller, which is my preferred mode these days. I will acquiesce to ride in it for short stretches but would much rather push it around. The hours with Laura and Linky passed very quickly and soon we were all headed home. Mommy is always sad that Laura, Ben, Jackson and Linky live so far away but we've been really, really lucky to see them three times this year! And they promise to come back to our house next summer! We love you, Laura and Linky (and Ben and Jackson, too..we missed you on this trip!). Love, Charlotte