Charlotte's Web & Claire's Lair

Valentinepalooza

2012-02-14T20:32:00.021-05:00

Sending pugs and kisses for Valentine's Day!

We went a little nuts for Valentine's Day this year. It started with a little baking...

...a little Valentine making...

...and continued with fun valentine messages on our bedroom doors when we woke up.

For breakfast, we had our annual VDay heart pancakes, strawberries and pink milk.

An hour after Charlotte left for school, I woke up to fun valentine messages on my bedroom door, too!

I thought breakfast was pretty yummy!

Mommy went a little crazy with lunch, too. The heart shaped hummus was a bit of a stretch...

After lunch, it was time to head to Charlotte's first grade class for a VDay ice cream social. I insisted on wearing my finest princess dress for the occasion. The first graders were still in phys ed when I showed up, so I took a few minutes to practice my model poses.

Everyone had a great time eating ice cream and opening their valentines. I love hanging out with the big kids.

After school and dance class were over, it was time to make a heart shaped pizza for dinner - Mommy wanted to go 3 for 3 on heart shaped meals for the day :)

We were quite proud of the results!

We ended the night with delicious (not heart shaped!) cupcakes. We hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Storytime

2012-01-09T13:38:00.001-05:00

Apparently Emmet is not interested in today's story...

Broadway Debut!!

2011-07-09T15:45:00.002-04:00

Charlotte had her Broadway debut today!!

Well, it was off off off off off off off off Broadway, but it was still a big day! :)

All week long my big sister has been attending Broadway Bound Camp at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. She learned so much about being on stage and made lots of new friends. The camp ended with a short performance today at the theater. The production was called Princesses and Pirates. Can you guess which part Charlotte played? :)

Mommy recorded most of the show. She did miss one of the pirate songs because of a technical difficulty, but Charlotte was sitting down on the back of the stage for that song, so no harm done :) She recorded the show in 5 segments. Enjoy!!

We are so proud of Charlotte!! Broadway, here she comes!!

Just Another Day at the Castle..

2011-07-05T16:47:00.002-04:00

Baby, You're a Firework!

2011-07-04T22:48:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, America! Even though I am happy to celebrate the birthday of our country, I think I'll enjoy it a little more next year when I can participate in more of the festivities. I'm not allowed to stay up late, so I didn't go to see the fireworks with my family. I also missed out on some craft time - Mommy and Charlotte made some candy and goodie bags for their trip to Long's Park to see fireworks while I was napping.

Mommy and Charlotte made Jell-o Patriotic Popcorn and a bag to carry the goodies. Mommy, Charlotte, Daddy, Aunt Sammi and Auntie Tara all took one to the park (they made one for Nana, too, since she stayed home with me that evening.)

Charlotte loves to be crafty!

Auntie Tara loved her bag! It's too bad she wasn't smiling like this on the drive home. She thinks Daddy drives a little too fast...:)

Mommy, Daddy and Charlotte had a great time at the concert and fireworks. They said they missed having me there and are looking forward to taking me next year. I can't wait!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Kindergarten Graduate!

2011-06-14T15:35:00.010-04:00

Charlotte is a kindergarten graduate!! Congratulations, Big Sis!! Here she is on her very last day as a kindergartener.
This is Charlotte on her first day as a kindergartener. What a difference a school year makes!

Charlotte was very sad to be leaving kindergarten, but luckily her last day was filled with lots of fun and games. She didn't have time to be sad! The mommies planned a great luau themed party to end the year. Charlotte loved playing pass the pineapple.

She was a bit slow on the relay race, but she sure did look cute :)

Run, Charlotte, run!!

Charlotte and her good friend, Sophia.

Charlotte with her BFF, Anna.

Charlotte is going to miss all of her classmates.

Charlotte and her amazing kindergarten teacher!

Mommy, Daddy and I are so proud of Charlotte. She received another outstanding report card, and she also received the attendance award for her class. She missed the least amount of days - only one (darned stomach flu!)

Watch out, first grade! Charlotte is ready for you!!

Claire's Canine Walking Services

2011-05-10T10:53:00.005-04:00

Now that I am two, I have been awarded the privilege of walking one of our pugs. We took our inaugural walk this morning, and Trixie and I did great!!

Since we had such a lovely stroll, I thought maybe I could start my own dog walking service. I think it would be an easy way to make some extra hat money!

If you hire me to walk your dog, I'd give her special attention. I wouldn't let her walk too far ahead of me.

I would even let your dog pick the route!

I would always let her stop for a quick shake.

My only requirement is that your dog be at least ten years old and not walk too quickly. Oh, and your dog can't run after every squirrel, rabbit or horse that she sees. Your dog can't weigh more than 18 pounds. I'd also prefer it if your dog did her business before we went on the walk - I don't like stopping to clean up. Other than that, I'd welcome any dog on my strolls!!

I promise I will be very gentle with your dog... :)

Charlotte Clijsters

2011-05-03T21:25:00.005-04:00

Watching Daddy play tennis for so many years has made Charlotte want to learn how to play, too. She really wants to go out on a court and spend some time with Daddy. She also really likes the outfits :)

Yesterday she finally went to her first clinic. I spent the afternoon with Nana while Mommy took her to the rec center. She looks ready to go, doesn't she??

The kids started off practicing with bean bags. Charlotte was able to keep hitting the bean bag for quite a long time!
Once they started working with the balls, it was time to practice the forehand.

Charlotte had trouble with the stationary drills, but once they did drills where she had to move to the ball, her racquet made contact a lot!

Charlotte said that she enjoyed the entire hour, and she wants to go back again next week. That means she'll need more tennis outfits, which I'm sure she will just dread shopping for... :) Charlotte is well on her way to hitting the court with Daddy! Now Daddy just needs to buy me my own racquet so I can get started, too!!

Crafty Charlotte

2011-05-03T21:03:00.002-04:00

Charlotte has been a busy little bee lately while I am napping. She loves to craft, draw, paint and color. She told Mommy recently that she wants to be a clothing designer when she is a grown up - maybe she can design some fancy royal wedding hats for me!

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and if there's one thing that my mommy and Charlotte do, it's appreciate the hard, wonderful work that teachers do every single day. Charlotte wanted to make a handmade gift for her teacher and her librarian.

Charlotte wanted to give her something that she could use everyday, so she decorated a container that had lots of little compartments (Mommy and Charlotte got the idea from a craft blog that they like.) She glued some pretty scrapbook paper and a giraffe (Mrs Ditzler's favorite animal) to the top.

Then Charlotte filled it with lots of things that Mrs. Ditzler can use in her office! Charlotte was so excited to give it to her, and Mrs. Ditzler said that she loved it!!

Charlotte decided that she wanted to show her librarian how much she appreciated her, too, she she decided to make her button ribbon bookmarks. She made one with her first name initial and another with her last name initial. Charlotte was very proud of how they turned out!

Then Mommy found a template of a library check out card online - she printed it out and Charlotte wrote her message to Miss Barnett. She decorated the library card envelope and presented it with the bookmarks. Miss Barnett thought that Charlotte did a really good job making the bookmarks. :)

I hope that I get the same teachers that Charlotte has this year. Charlotte always talks about how much she loves school, so she really wanted to do something special for Teacher Appreciation Day.

I wonder what Mommy and Charlotte will do while I'm napping tomorrow...?!

I Don't Want Your Freedom

2011-04-28T13:37:00.003-04:00

As some of you might remember, I took my sweet ol' time learning how to walk last year. It wasn't until the end of the summer that I finally put one foot in front of the other. Honestly, though - if someone was carrying you everywhere you wanted to go, would you bother learning to walk on your own?

Yeah, that's what I'm saying!

Anyway, now that I am walking and it is finally warm again, I can go out in the backyard with Charlotte and the pugs to play. We had some really nice weather a few days ago, so out to the back we went.

You'd think that with my new found freedom in the backyard, I'd be running all over the place like I was chasing a cupcake. Yeah, not so much. I decided that I was much more comfortable keeping watch over everything from the top of my slide. I didn't feel the need to go crazy with my new freedom. Mommy said that I spent at least 45 minutes sitting there while she and Charlotte played soccer. Everytime Mommy came close to me, I'd yell "Bye bye" and wave her off. I was enjoying my peaceful perch :)

I finally had to leave my spot when Charlotte decided she wanted to draw on the driveway. I was upset at first, but then discovered the joy of sidewalk chalk!

Charlotte later brought out her jump rope. She is getting really good!!

I have to do everything that my big sis does, so I tried my hand (er, I mean feet!) at jump roping. It's fun!

Blowing bubbles was a blast until Mommy told me that I wasn't supposed to eat the bubble wand. What fun is that?!

I'm thinking that maybe I should have walked sooner last summer. Maybe I do want freedom to be in the yard. Playing outside with my sister is fun!!

I hope you enjoyed my Wham! reference in the title, Auntie Tara :)

Sneaky Bunny!

2011-04-26T20:53:00.011-04:00

Happy Easter, everyone! Since Mommy is trying to keep the blog current again, she decided that the baby of the family should now have the chance to narrate the posts. Charlotte has been narrating for the past FIVE years now (yes, this blog is that old. Mommy said she started it in February, 2006!), so we all figured it is my turn. Don't tell Charlotte, though - she doesn't like to lose a turn on anything ;)

Charlotte's Web and Claire's Lair is now under the control of me, CLAIRE ABIGAIL!!! :)

This is my first post. Please be kind!

We had a very nice Easter this year. The sneaky Easter bunny visited our house again. Why is he sneaky? It starts off with this note...

We had to find eight eggs that each held a clue as to where our baskets were hidden. Luckily, my big sis knows how to read, so she was able to follow the clues.

After some serious detective work, we found our baskets hidden in our playhouse. Mommy brought them out to the kitchen, and we were able to look through our Easter surprises.

Somehow the Easter Bunny heard about my hat obsession...
He also knows that I enjoy a nice pair of shades.

He guessed correctly that Charlotte loves anything to do with fashion and her favorite movie, Tangled.

He also guessed correctly that Charlotte enjoys Barbie.

After a lovely morning spent at our house, we went to visit Nana and JoePa's house for Easter dinner. I was so busy playing that I made it very difficult for Mommy to get a nice Easter photo of me with anyone...

Even a food bribe didn't help.

Yeah, I had too many things to do and to see to be bothered with any photos!

I was willing to show off my new Michael Jackson hat, though.

Easter Bunny? Are you there? Can you hear me now?

I love how this dress shows off my muscles!

Maybe I'll smile for a photo when I'm a big kid like Drew and Charlotte.

The day before Easter, we traveled up to Grandma Betsy's house for a yummy Easter dinner. That sneaky Easter Bunny hid eggs all over her apartment. Charlotte and I had a great time trying to find all of them!

Speaking of eggs - a few days before Easter, Drew and Charlotte colored eggs together. Reed and I weren't too interested in what they were doing. Who wants to color eggs when there are instruments to play and books to read? Drew and Charlotte sure did seem proud of their work, though.

Don't bother me about coloring eggs - I want to go on egg hunts and get the yummy stuff that is inside them. Last week we went to the middle school with our empty baskets and came home with very full baskets :) The little kids got to go first.

Even though I was more than capable of finding the eggs on my own, I let Charlotte think that she was helping me by letting her walk me around the field.

Look out!! Coming through with a heavy basket!

A bit of an embarrassing moment - someone forgot to tell me that the second egg hunt was for kindergarteners...

Once I was herded back to the sideline, Charlotte and the other big kids took off on their hunt.Charlotte didn't have too much competition.

Our friend Natalie came to the hunt with us. A five year old, a three year old and a two year old - unless you are Jessica Barnak, you aren't going to get a good photo of that group! Funny Mommy thought she'd get a nice shot...

The highlight of the egg hunt for Charlotte was the face painting. That girl is a sucker for paint on her face. Especially pink paint and butterflies.

Overall, we had a bunny-riffic Easter. Charlotte and Mommy got their Easter crafts on - I assumed they took a nap every afternoon like I do, but apparently they spend that time crafting. Silly girls. Here are the bunny cups that Charlotte made for Drew and Reed.

Charlotte also made these very pretty vases.

Daisies for Nana...

...and tulips for Grandma Betsy.

We hope you all had a lovely Easter!!

Blame it on Facebook

2011-04-17T22:32:00.003-04:00

We're back after another long absence. We'd like to take a minute to blame Facebook for the long stretches of time without posts. It's just too easy to upload photos and share them with our Facebook friends. No worrying about spacing, uploading photos one at a time and hoping they are in the right order, trying to come up with clever text...Mark Zuckerberg just made it easier to share photos :) I realized that when Claire looks back on this blog when she is older, she is probably going to become justifiably angry that there is not nearly as much "blogumentation" of her early years as there was for Charlotte. In an effort to avoid even more sibling rivalry issues than we are certain to encounter in the future, I decided to suck it up and start blogging again. Don't worry, Facebook. I won't abandon you. The addiction runs too deep... :)

So, what have we been up to? After a long winter, we are welcoming spring with open arms. Unfortunately those arms are still usually covered with long sleeves, but we are hoping for warmer weather soon. Charlotte's kindergarten class is in full spring mode - they have welcomed a new class pet. Nibbles has only been in the class for two weeks, but Charlotte has spoken enough about him that you would think she's been around all year. Charlotte likes to talk. About everything. Currently, most of her nonstop chatter is about Nibbles.

Nibbles likes to eat little green pellets. Nibbles poops a lot. Nibbles gets scared easily. Nibbles is soft. I love Nibbles. I wish we could keep Nibbles. Do you think Trixie and Emmet would like Nibbles? I wanted to name her Rosie, but the class voted to name her Nibbles. Nibbles' poop is little. Nibbles' doesn't poop jelly beans like E.B. does in "Hop." Nibbles is SOOO cute!!!! Nibbles, Nibbles, Nibbles... Charlotte's class also had several eggs that hatched into chicks last week. Mrs. Ditzler invited us to come in and see the chicks (and Nibbles, of course). Claire loved visiting the room and stared at the chicks for a good five minutes.

Mommy, CHEEEEEEKS!!! Sis Sis, CHEEEEEEEEKS! Hi, CHEEEEEEEEEKS!

Charlotte very proudly showed Claire around the classroom and took her to see Nibbles. She made sure to go over all the rules with Claire. Charlotte is a rule-teller. She loves to tell you the rules. Maybe someday she'll follow all the rules herself :)

Claire, this is Nibbles. Claire, be gentle. Claire, don't scare Nibbles. Claire, Nibbles is a broken rabbit. Claire, Nibbles is a girl. Claire, be gentle. Gentle, Claire. Gentle!!

Spring has brought lots of new excitement to Charlotte's kindergarten class. Now that the weather is getting warmer, Charlotte's social schedule is getting even busier. Tomorrow she is having a lunch playdate with her BFF, Anna. It will be a quiet lunch tomorrow for Claire and me. Well, quieter than usual anyway...Miss Claire is doing her best to win the title of Chattiest Aston lately :)

Alright, Facebook. You might be a huge time suck and an obssession, but Blogger is going to do her best to avoid a complete take-over...Only time will tell!

We're Back!!

2011-01-12T15:20:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay! We've had a busy holiday season (and some camera issues!), but it looks like the blog is back! We know you've all been sitting around, waiting patiently for an update...And now you are all smiles because we've returned!

Claire and I started off the holiday season by helping to decorate the tree. You might think that decorating a tree with an almost-2 yr old would be difficult, but it wasn't. It was a piece of cake! Claire only broke one ornament ;)

Here are the special ornaments that Nana bought for us this year. Claire got a Claire Bear and I got Tiana!

To officially kick off the season, we went to downtown Lancaster to see the tree lighting. While we waited, we enjoyed some sweet treats and some music at Central Market.

Next it was time for Santa to arrive!! A firetruck brought him to Penn Square, and then a ladder lifted him up to the top of the convention center.

Hi, Santa!! (this was the closest that I got to him all season. He's not so scary from this distance!)

Doesn't Penn Square look beautiful?

What a way to kick off the holiday season!

We will have more posts soon about our holiday - we are having trouble downloading pictures onto our computer. Hopefully Daddy can fix it soon!

We hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!

Trick or Treat!

2010-11-08T21:22:00.003-05:00

The pink cat and the little lady bug, ready for their first night of Trick or Treat!

The little lady bug looked a little confused at first - she wasn't sure why she was wearing a big black hood and carrying a pumpkin bucket. The pink cat and the little lady bug joined two silly cows at Nana's work to be cute and get lots of candy.

After scoring a large amount of chocolate, there is nothing better to wash the chocolate down with than your first ever juice box.

The little lady bug and the little cow, taking a break from the festivities.

Two nights later, it was time to join the neighbors for another fun night of begging for candy.

The babies had a sweet ride!

Claire is ready for some candy!

Can we please stop taking photos and do some Trick or Treating??

Hmmm. Which house was handing out beer?

It's Official!

2010-11-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

The photo is in - I am officially a kindergartener now!

Pumpkin Chunkin

2010-11-08T21:02:00.003-05:00

Once again we ventured to the Oregon Dairy for some good ol' Lancaster County autumn fun. This was the first time that Claire could pick out her own pumpkin.

First rule of pumpkin pickin' - try to pick a pumpkin smaller than you!

This one was more her size :)

Second rule of pumpkin pickin' - lift with your legs, not your back

Third rule of pumpkin pickin' - quickly try to find Daddy so he can carry your pumpkin :)

Once you have chosen the perfect pumpkin, sit on a hay bale for the required photo for Mommy (try not to fall off of the bale)

Proceed to the crowd gathered around the crazy guy with the pumpkin chucker.

Hand the crazy pumpkin guy a huge pumpkin, pull the lever and watch your pumpkin soar through the air!

After watching everyone try to hit the wagon half a mile away with their pumpkin, it's time to play with some corn!

Playing with corn is almost as fun as eating it!!!

Time to make the pumpkins look pretty!

Ta da!! Another great Family Fun Harvest Day at the Oregon Dairy!

Pumpkin Cookin'

2010-11-08T20:50:00.002-05:00

To help welcome the Halloween season, Drew and Reed came over to bake Halloween brownies. We each got to pick our own shape, and surprisingly we didn't argue about it! Drew chose the pumpkin and I chose the cat. After a few leg amputations of the poor kitty brownies, it was time to decorate!

Our hard work paid off!

They looked almost too good to eat. Almost - they were Halloweenicious!

Good enough for the cover of Martha Stewart Living?! :)

Who Needs a Bus?

2010-11-08T20:41:00.001-05:00

DPS

2010-10-04T20:31:00.002-04:00

These days, it seems as though everyone has a GPS to figure out where to go. On a recent trip to the Oregon Dairy Corn Maze, I brought along something better - DPS (Daddy Positioning System)This corn maze was shaped like a huge cow. We received a detailed map to find ten flags located throughout the maze. We had to shade the number for the flag on our paper to prove that we had been to each one (the prize for finding all ten - free chocolate milk!!)

Daddy only had to look at the map once and knew immediately how to find his way around, but he was very patient with me. He stopped at each flag to help me figure out where we were going next.

Claire wasn't concerned at all - she knew that Daddy wouldn't let us get lost :)

Even though we had Daddy with us, Mommy always kept the maze manager in sight. He was there to help anybody who got lost!

Whenever I was unsure about which way to go, Daddy always showed me where we were on the map. Who needs a GPS?! I have a DPS!

Mommy did try to help me once. Just once.

We made it to all ten flags and found the exit!! Bring on the chocolate milk!!

When we were finished, I couldn't resist riding one of the karts at the hay track. I think I made Daddy proud!!

First Day of Kindergarten!!

2010-08-30T19:46:00.006-04:00

She started school this morning, and she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her in the Kindergarten hall
And as she took her place beside the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon those first few years can pass.
Remembering, I saw her as she first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out when she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed in learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown to girlhood overnight.
My eyes were blurred but hastily, I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine I mar her first big day.
Oh how I longed to stay with her and keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places that she couldn’t understand.
And something closely kin to fear was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be a baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live, to work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn what life is all about.
And I must share my little girl with friends and work and play;
She’s not a baby anymore –
She’s in Kindergarten today.
--author unknown

Today us the day I've been waiting for - MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!! After a yummy breakfast of homemade waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, Mommy, Daddy and Claire walked me across the street to my new school.

I gave Mommy a big hug...

...and I gave Daddy and Claire a big hug, and I was ready to go! Mommy walked me into my classroom, I blew her a kiss and away I went!

Before I left the house, I told Mommy that Claire would play with my blankie and Ninny if she missed me. I never let ANYONE play with them, but I knew that Claire might be upset that I was leaving.

Mommy said that Claire looked for me a lot while I was at school, so Mommy showed her that I was right across the street :)

When it was time to leave, Mommy and Claire waited outside to pick me up - they had to hold up a sign with my name so the teacher knew who I belonged to :) Mommy had to wake Claire early to get me, so she was not too excited about holding up the sign!

We have to line up outside before we are released to our mommies and daddies.

I had so much fun on my first day!! It's too bad that Claire wasn't as excited...

To celebrate my first day, Drew, Reed and Aunt Amy came to our house for lunch. When lunch was finished, we went to the Oregon Dairy for ice cream!!

Drew will be starting kindergarten next year - I hope he has as much fun as I am!

Claire finally snapped out of her fog in time to enjoy some ice cream - big surprise!

After ice cream, Drew and I spent some time in the playground. It was such a fun morning. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

Bear on the Loose!

2010-08-28T20:48:00.004-04:00

One day before she turned 17 months old, our Claire Bear FINALLY decided it was time to walk. She took a few steps while we were in Hilton Head, but two days after we came home we were listening to some of Daddy's crazy music. Claire must have liked the songs because she got up and just started walking!! We were so excited!

She walks all over the place now. Watch out - there's a walking Claire Bear on the loose!

Dance Party!!

2010-08-15T18:51:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the delay, everyone. We've had a busy month!!!

On July 24th, I had my fifth birthday party at one of my favorite places - my ballet studio!! All of my friends came to dance, play game and eat with me. Miss Melanie, my instructor from last year, organized everything and made sure that we all had a great time. My current instructor, Miss Elaina, made a suprise appearance! I was so happy to see her because she told me that she couldn't come. After a few games in one studio, we walked to the studio next door for pizza, snacks and drinks.

All of my good friends were there - I was so happy they could all celebrate with me!

When it was time to open gifts, I had my own ballerina chair to sit in while I unwrapped everything.

My friends were all so generous!!

Claire LOVED crawling around on the mat. I think we need to buy her a mat for her 2nd birthday - maybe she'll be a gymnast!

After cupcakes, more games and dances, Miss Melanie brought out the parachute. Who doesn't love the parachute?!?

I was the first one to sit in the middle while everyone else whipped it up and down - it felt so funny!

Everyone had a turn to sit in the middle :)

Even though it was a ballet party, I think that Drew had fun, too!

Thank you, Encore Dance Center, for helping make my 5th birthday party very memorable - I loved every minute of it!!

Part II of my party occurred after the dance party ended. Family, neighbors, and friends who traveled from afar came to our house for food, swimming, splash rocketing and fun. It was a bit hot (almost 100 degrees!), but we still enjoyed ourselves!

Drew, Avery, Alyssa and me

Thank you to my family and friends for making me feel so special!!

And last, but not least, here is the CD favor and the cupcakes that Mommy made for all of my friends.

The CD is filled with all of my favorite dance songs. I listen to it all the time - probably too much if you ask Mommy and Claire :)

FIVE YEARS OLD!!

2010-07-20T14:37:00.003-04:00

We can hardly believe it has been five years since our little ballerina princess entered the world. She started out as a round, bald eating and sleeping machine. Five years later, she has blossomed into a petite, graceful, enchanting, charming, compassionate and outgoing young lady.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY CHARLOTTE ELISE! WE LOVE YOU!
4TH BIRTHDAY:

3RD BIRTHDAY:2ND BIRTHDAY:

1ST BIRTHDAY:

BIRTH DAY!

Dancing Queen

2010-07-07T15:29:00.004-04:00

It's official! I have been bitten by the performing bug! Last week I performed in my very first big dance recital. We had been practicing for months, and I was so excited to show off my hard work to everyone! My two ballet BFF's - Ella and Amelia, were as happy as I was that it was FINALLY recital day!

Waiting patiently backstage!

"On The Good Ship Lollipop" - I am third from the right :)

My teacher, Miss Elaina, was the best ballet teacher a dancer could ask for!

I was so happy to be able to perform for my Aunt Barb, Grandma Betsy, Claire...

JoePa, Aunt Amy, Aunt Sammi,

and Mommy and Daddy!

Daddy and Aunt Amy gave me beautiful flowers after my performance. I told Mommy that I LOVED being onstage, and I wasn't nervous at all. I could get used to being a ballerina!!

The first ten seconds or so are cut off, but here is some of my debut!!

Down on the Farm

2010-06-23T21:03:00.005-04:00

A local dairy farm recently had their annual Family Farm Days, and Drew, Reed, Claire and I had a lot of fun pretending to be farmers!

Only the coolest farmers have the greatest combine ever designed - this is one of my daddy's :)
If you're going to be a dairy farmer, it's a good idea to check on your cows often. Make sure they have plenty of food and water!

Drew, Reed, Claire and I felt that these cows were very content and ready to provide lots of delicious milk.

Even though cow's milk makes Claire irritable and uncomfortable, she doesn't seem to hold a grudge against the cows. She has enough love for the cows and for her soymilk!

After tending to the cows, we checked on the new baby chicks. Our hands are the perfect size for them to curl up and take a nap.

I want to take this one away from the farm and bring her home with me!

Ooop! I forgot there was one more cow that needed to be milked...

We milk cows Amish style - no machines for us ;)

Checking up on my "radiant" pig, Wilbur. He is my best friend, after all!

Every good dairy farm has to have a straw maze.

And what farm would be complete without a corn table?! It's a good stress reliever!

Cows are cute, but alpacas are soooo soft!

What's the point of having your own dairy farm if you can't enjoy some ice cream at the end of a hard work day??

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

2010-05-28T20:21:00.010-04:00

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the girl who'll decide where to go.

So...be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So...get on your way!

This week I graduated from preschool!! We've been practicing a long time for our commencement ceremony. I even introduced one of the songs that we sang (hopefully there will be a video to follow on my blog in a few days!)
While I am VERY excited to start kindergarten in the fall, I am very sad that I have to say goodbye to my love, Brandon. He will be going to a different school :(

I am also going to miss my girls, Alexa, Claire and Nora. We always had so much fun playing together!

Claire and Claire!

Claire was very proud of me. When she saw me in the front of the room performing, she became very excited and started waving wildy at me :)

If things with Brandon don't work out, I know that Mason will step right up to be my new love!

Daddy took time out of his very busy work schedule to come to my graduation. I was SO happy that he came!!

Mommy keeps telling me that she is very proud of me (at least one hundred times a day!)

This is one of my teachers, Mrs. Fry. I loved doing crafts with her this year.

This is my other teacher, Mrs. Kirchner. I learned so much from her!

After the ceremony was over, Mommy, Daddy, Claire and I went to Isaac's for a celebratory lunch. I got my favorite peanut butter, jelly and marshmallow sandwich on rainbow bread, and of course I topped it off with a delicious sundae!

I loved every single day of preschool (and it was literally every day - I had perfect attendance!), but I am very, very much looking forward to being a kindergartener. Is it August 30th yet?

Carnival!

2010-05-11T16:10:00.002-04:00

Last week was the big spring carnival at my preschool. I had so much fun! This is my friend, Mason. My mommy and his mommy say that he likes me a lot :)

My favorite part - the bounce house!

I amazed Mommy with my incredible balance.

Claire had a great time, too, even though I'm a little upset that she took away some attention from my boyfriends.

I asked the balloon man if he could make me a kitty. He whipped on up in less than a minute!!

This is my good friend, Nora. Don't we look pretty in pink?!

Digging for dinosaurs and trying not to get dirty...

Luckily this tiger seemed pretty tame :)

Modeling my face painting masterpiece - a butterfly!

Claire, Mommy and I had a really good time at the carnival. Claire was so good that we were able to stay for the whole two hours!! I'm going to miss all of my preschool friends when we graduate at the end of May.

A Decade of Pug!

2010-05-11T16:06:00.000-04:00

Happy 10th Birthday, Trixie!!

Goooooooaaaaaaaaaal!!!!

2010-04-19T21:39:00.003-04:00

Birthday Princess!

2010-04-12T19:45:00.008-04:00

Our Birthday Princess celebrated her 1st birthday with a great party at our house a few weeks ago. She was all decked out in her St Patrick's Day green and greeted everyone with big smiles.

Nana brought some cool personalized M&M's. They didn't last very long. I won't say who ate most of them, but it definitely wasn't Claire :)

Reed was excited to wish Claire a Happy Birthday.
Maybe a bit too excited!

Eeeeew! Boy germs!

We had to get a Care Bear cake for our little Claire Bear!

The Birthday Princess seemed a bit apprehensive at first. Princesses do not allow themselves to get messy.

The first dainty dip into the icing...

To heck with this dainty princess stuff - icing is GOOD!

I'd rather be covered in icing than be a clean, proper princess!

To work off the cake we ate, we went outside to take some whacks at the pinata. My Princess Tiana gown really helped my form.

Next up - Jimmy "Drewbie" Rollins

Nick "Avery" Swisher takes a crack at it.

Even mighty Derek "Evan" Jeter can't bring it down!

Chase "Jed" Utley manages to put a dent in it.

Only Alex "J Dix" Rodriguez can release the candy!

The birthday girl doesn't have enough teeth to chew on this candy, so the rest of us went to work gathering it.

Finally! It was time for Claire to open her presents!

She was VERY excited about the farm animal magnet toy.

Avery loved hanging out with her "favorite baby."

After a yummy lunch, cake, a stubborn pinata, some Wii and gifts, it was naptime for the birthday girl. She had a wonderful time at her party and loved sharing her special day with everyone. Thank you all for coming!!

We'll be back soon with posts about Easter and my recent trip to Disney on Ice with my friends Ally and Noelle. Stay tuned!!

Build a Claire Bear

2010-03-29T13:34:00.013-04:00

Every year, one of the best parts of my birthday celebration is when Aunt Sammi takes me to Build a Bear. A few weeks ago, Claire got to go on her first annual birthday Build a Bear trip!

As the experi-
enced big sister, I had to show Claire the ropes. First, I let her choose which sound would go into her bear.

Next I showed her how to put enough stuffing into the bear so that she isn't too hard or too soft. This is a very delicate procedure!

Claire had to feel for herself to see if I performed a quality stuffing job.

Even though I was bathing the bear, Claire was the one giggling like she was being tickled!

Claire couldn't contain her excitement as Aunt Sammi and I dressed her new bear. Patience, Claire!!

The last step is to create a name for the bear. We decided that Lady Shamrock had a nice ring to it!!

We think Claire had a great time.
Our St. Patrick's Day baby loves her St. Patrick's Day bear!! Thanks, Aunt Sammi!

ONE YEAR OLD!!!

2010-03-17T11:49:00.000-04:00

One year ago today, the luck of the Irish smiled upon us as we welcomed Claire Abigail into our family!!

It has been quite a year!!

First photo with Daddy and Big Sis Charlotte

First nap with Daddy

First of a million kisses from Charlotte

First blow-out

First photography session with the phenomenal Jessica Barnak

First dip in the Atlantic Ocean

First bathing suit (getting ready for a future Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover!)

First Halloween costume

First Christmas!

First pretend sleepover with Charlotte

First Birthday!

We love our sweet, chubby, giggly, adorable, red headed Claire Bear!!! You've made our family complete!!!!

Prison Break!!

2010-03-09T14:48:00.009-05:00

Today we broke free from our winter prison!!

It was so sunny and warm that we decided we had to go to our local park to play. Mommy said we have no food for dinner tonight, but we couldn't pass up this beautiful weather just to go to the grocery store!!

While we were at the park, Claire got to swing on a playground swing for the first time EVER!! She was a little unsure at first...

I stepped in immediately to begin my role as official big sister pusher.

It only took one push to convince Claire that playing on a swing is FUN!!

Good thing we had lunch over an hour before swinging!!

Just for fun - here is a photo of me on my first outdoor swing! I was ten months old in this photo. I had more hair than Claire does, but I look as unsure about it as she did at first! :)

Lazy Sunday

2010-03-03T14:44:00.008-05:00

Just hanging out with my sis watching SuperWhy on a lazy Sunday morning...

She looked too cute NOT to kiss!!

Claire was a little bored later that afternoon, so she decided to practice her new favorite word on Emmet! (you might need to turn up the volume to hear her)

While Claire was busy bothering Emmet, my Sunday turned into anything but lazy!! Genna and her mommy took us to Build a Bear for Genna's 5th birthday!! We had SOOO much fun!!

We had to prepare the hearts before we put them in our stuffed kitties!

Proof that Genna and I are BFF's - we both made the same kitty with the same access-ories!!! She named hers Faith, and I named mine Lady Cha Cha (pronounced "sha sha" -it's my Lady GaGa name!)

Thank you SO much for inviting me Genna. I always have a blast when I'm with you!

Snowmageddon Survival Guide

2010-02-15T15:54:00.031-05:00

When you experience two monster snow storms within four days of each other (total of 38"!!), you need to be prepared with fun activities to get you through the homebound days. Somehow we survived Snowmageddon Parts I and II, so I thought I'd share our tips on surviving the madness!!

VERY important tip - become friends with a neighbor who owns a Bobcat. It makes shoveling out the driveway after Part I of the storm so much easier!!

Get together with your neighbor-

hood friends and pull each other around on sleds.

Make a comfy seat so you can relax and chat about the massive amounts of snow.

Come back inside and warm up by baking Valentine's Day cupcakes!

Nothing keeps you warm like cupcake batter!

Show off your Valentine's Day outfits!

Practice your best modeling smile :)

Play multiple games of Strawberry Shortcake Memory.

Surviving a snow storm this huge can be very tiring. Don't forget to take a nap!

When Part II of the storm hits, think long and hard before you go out to play - this kind of weather isn't fit for man...

...or beast!!

Stock up on food other than ham-
burgers...

...it's probably not a good time for an outdoor BBQ!

If you do decide to brave the elements, bundle up and beware of drifts that are taller than you are!

Try some snow art - a water bottle filled with food coloring can make you feel like a winter Picasso!!!

Pretend you are Queen of the World!

When the roads are FINALLY passable, get the heck out of Dodge and visit some old friends from Ohio who are in the area!!

Make new friends while staying warm inside.

Have a super fun day with an aunt and an uncle who live far away, and end the day with an awesome movie night!

Playing with Alienware is always a great way to pass the time... :)

Last, but not least, learn your first word!!! Way to go, Tickle Me Claire!!!

American Idol

2010-01-27T14:26:00.006-05:00

Looks like Claire is already in training to be a future American Idol!

Pink Ladies

2010-01-20T21:46:00.007-05:00

Mommy finally decided that Claire was too big for the infant carrier in the car (not to mention Mommy was tired of carrying around 20lbs of Claire Bear in it and not getting the Michelle Obama arms she'd been hoping for!) It was time to pass my convertible seat onto Claire and to go shopping for a new seat for me!!

I'm smiling in this photo because I convinced Daddy that a pink seat would be MUCH safer for me ;) He was reluctant about having something pink in his car, but he gave up the pink battle recently when Mommy told him she did a super size laundry load of ONLY pink clothes! Poor Daddy. If anyone has a little boy they'd like to loan him for awhile, I bet he'd appreciate it!

Claire loves her new car seat as long as she's not wearing a jacket while sitting in it. We're not quite sure why. I hope she isn't too upset that it isn't pink. I hope she soon learns the power of pink!!

Here is just a tiny, tiny fraction of our crazy pink wardrobe. We love to wear our pink matching jammies. In Claire's pink bed. In her pink room.

Poor Daddy.

Our Holidays - By the Numbers

2010-01-07T20:31:00.022-05:00

Sisters VERY excited for the holidays: 2

Inches of snow that fell the week before Christmas: 10

Minutes it took Daddy to shovel a path for the pugs: 3

Snow angels designed by me: 4

Reindeer cookies baked and decorated on our snow day: 32

Cousins who were very wound-up after Christmas Eve Mass waiting to open gifts at Nana and JoePa's house: 2

Babies who weren't at all afraid of the freaky talking and moving Santa: 1

Princesses that Daddy seemed really excited about: 7

Retro toys Claire and I received that Mommy also received from Santa when she was little: 3 (Cabbage Patch Kid, Care Bear, Strawberry Shortcake) The 80's are making a comeback!!

Retro toys that Claire didn't seem impressed by: 2 (and these are vintage!)

Time we returned home from Nana and JoePa's on Christmas Eve to get Santa's snack ready: 11:00pm

Coffeez delivered by Santa Gibson on Christmas morning: 2

Princess Tiana gifts that I received: ~15

Boxes that Claire preferred over the actual gifts: 17

Boyfriends that Claire made at the Gibson Christmas Party: 1

Chocolate martinis that Uncle Mar and I concocted for Mommy and Aunt Jill: 2

Ounces of home-brewed beer that Uncle Mar and I pumped: a lot

Snuggies that Mommy and I wanted to steal from Aunt Jill and Uncle Mar: 2

Baths Claire received during our two day visit to MA: 23

Girls excited about spending New Year's Eve together: 4

Barnaks that Claire wrapped around her little finger: 2

Exhausted pugs after spending five days at Nana and JoePa's house: 2

Kids who were sad about the holidays being over: 2

Numbers without photos:

miles traveled: ~900

hours Claire and I slept in the car: ~2

crying fits by me or Claire during the long car rides: 0

very generous gifts that Claire and I received from Santa, Mommy, Daddy, Nana, JoePa, Grandma Betsy, Grandpa Al, Grandma Diane, all of our aunts and uncles and friends: too many to count!!

time spent with our family and friends: not enough!

We had a fantastic holiday season. We hope you all did, too!!

Santa Baby

2009-12-10T16:33:00.004-05:00

Four years ago this month was the one and only time Mommy was able to get a photo of me with Santa Claus without any protest or crying. Not a bad photo, but notice that I'm not smiling.

Don't get me wrong, I love the big guy, but I don't really feel any need to go near him. I'm content to write him a letter telling him what I want for Christmas.

Fast forward to today - this is Claire and her first photo with Santa Claus (sorry for the bad quality!) Do you notice that someone is missing from the photo?

I love my little sister, but she was on her own for this photo session. I went shopping with Nana instead.

Mommy said that Claire didn't get upset at all sitting in the furry guy's lap. She didn't offer any big (almost) toothless smiles, but at least she didn't cry. She's braver than I am, but I also know that she doesn't know any better, yet! :)

All Claire Wants for Christmas is Her Two Front Teeth

2009-11-23T16:19:00.011-05:00

All Claire wants for Christmas is her two front teeth,

her two front teeth,

her two front teeth...

...Gee if she could only have her two front teeth...

...then she could eat a lot for Christmas!!

Looks like Christmas came early for Claire!

The Many Faces of Claire

2009-11-09T20:55:00.005-05:00

Fancy Nancy Claire

Berry Cute Strawberry Shortcake Claire

Tickle Me Claire

Red Hair Claire

Content Claire

Unconvinced Claire

Convinced Claire

Impatient Claire

Curious Claire

Cheerful Claire

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:49:00.003-04:00

We hope your Halloween is filled with lots of treats and scary fun!

Love,

Ariel and Sebastian

Eat Your Heart Out, Nick Arrojo

2009-10-27T15:15:00.003-04:00

For a long time Mommy has said that I needed a haircut, but she loved my long hair and didn't want a change. It was taking longer and longer to shampoo, blow dry and style, so instead of hiring Nick Arrojo to come live with us, we decided that it was time for a cut.

We went to my favorite salon, Kids Kutters, where they let me watch a DVD while they cut. I hopped up into the big chair, settled in with some Winnie the Pooh, and before I knew it I looked like this!!
There was A LOT of hair on the ground, but I love my new look. My stylist at Kids Kutters, Angie, is the best - this is just what I wanted. I think I looked pretty good for picture day at school, don't you think?

Even the back looks good! Thanks, Angie :)

How To Keep Your Medical Insurance

2009-10-19T16:51:00.011-04:00

Ever since Claire heard about the 4 month old boy in Colorado who was denied health insurance because he was 'overweight,' she's been very worried. She weighed the same as he does at 4 months and hasn't gotten any slimmer since. Even though we have good medical insurance, she's taking steps to get rid of her 'high weight percentile' label so that we don't lose our insurance. :)

She has heard that yoga is a good weight loss program. This is the 'foot in mouth' pose.

Claire is trying to prove that she is very flexible. If she were obese, she probably wouldn't be able to touch her toes. Take that, insurance people!

At first Claire was upset that Mommy made her wear a WAY too small pumpkin hat that used to belong to me. Then she thought it might help shrink her giant melon head and drop off a few pounds.

Claire's new exercise regimen includes working out with a hula hoop. Her goal is to have Michelle Obama arms by Christmas.

The hula hoop is multi-functional. Claire uses it for arm exercises and to help with push ups.

Claire is working on her first exercise hula hoop DVD to be released early next year.

Claire is learning to push away the spoon before she is completely full.

She's also requested frequent face cleanings - she doesn't want to be tempted by the extra calories that might be lurking around her mouth.

Distractions like music at the dinner table will help keep her from eating too much at one sitting.

Claire is pleased with her progress so far. No weight has been lost yet, but she thinks that the steps she is taking to show that she is healthy will appeal to the insurance company. Keep it up, Claire!!

Hay Day

2009-10-11T22:19:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we spent a lovely fall day with our neighbor friends. We went to a local store to pick out pumpkins and enjoy the beautiful autumn day. We did lots of fun activities, but keep reading to see a photo that will shock and amaze you.

Natalie, Ryan, Katie and I had fun playing in the barn - it was just our size!

Jumping around a hay pit is almost as fun as jumping around in a moonbounce!

Hay shower!!!

After working up a sweat in the hay pile, we decided that our pumpkins looked too plain. Nothing like a little paint to spruce things up a bit!! I felt very inspired. I think the smock helped :)

Hard at work on our masterpieces.

My pumpkin kitty turned out quite well!

Claire didn't quite feel the same artistic inspiration that we did. She just wanted to eat the hay.

It took all of Claire's willpower not to roll around in and eat the hay on the hayride.

Here is the moment to be shocked and amazed!! If you know me at all, you probably think that this photo was changed with Photoshop. Mommy can verify, though, that not only did I let this clown talk to me and get close to me, but I let him PUT HIS ARM AROUND ME for a photo. Normally I would run screaming for the hills if someone in a costume approached me, but I was feeling extra brave and let Mommy take this photo. Sure, I might not look super comfortable with the situation, but I am proud of myself for tackling one of my greatest fears!!

We had a great time with our neighbors - including going to Ryan and Katie's house later that evening for a yummy dinner and s'mores by the fire pit. The grown-ups seemed awfully happy about the cider they were drinking, but all we cared about were the s'mores!!

Fair Fun!

2009-10-02T10:13:00.009-04:00

The beginning of fall means it's the beginning of fair time in Lancaster County!! For the second year in a row, I went to the Lampeter Fair with Drewbie. Even though I don't think either of us will end up as farmers, we always have a good time at this agricultural fair!!

Mommy and I are slowly reading "Charlotte's Web" (of course). I thought this pig looked like Wilbur!

Wilbur and his buddies were a little loud, though. The sheep were even louder. They need to learn about inside barn voices!

Claire didn't seem bothered by the noise!

Reed wasn't too affected by the noise, either.

Had to get the obligatory photo on one of Daddy's tractors (even though Daddy designs construction equipment now!!)

After walking around, visiting animals and having fun, it was FINALLY time for the big event - pig catching!!

I had confidently told Mommy that I wanted to participate, but once we got close to the ring, the chaos proved to be too much for me. I chose to watch the festivities from the side.

This is the group I would have been in - the five and under girls. The piglets were on the other side of the huge field, so we didn't get a photo of them running for their lives :)

After the pigs were caught, we waited in line for the balloon animal guy. I was so excited!

I asked for a pink dog - big surprise!!

"Don't worry, Reed. I won't eat you, I promise."

"Hey! Listen up! I said I wouldn't eat you! RELAX!!!"

Claire, Mommy and I were SO excited that Auntie Tara came to the fair with us (thanks for the photos!). Claire loved petting Auntie Tara. Auntie Tara loved that Claire loved petting her :)

We had a great time! Thanks for inviting us Aunt Amy, Uncle Darin, Drew and Reed!

Teacher's Pet

2009-09-25T15:02:00.004-04:00

It's my favorite time of the year!! Last week I was FINALLY able to go back to school. I'd been asking Mommy all summer when it was time to go back to class - it took forever for September to come.

On the morning of my first day, Mommy offered to make me a special breakfast, but I declined. I was too excited, so I just ate a quick bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch.

Claire was excited for me, too. Since I spent so much time deciding what outfit I would wear for my first day, Claire thought it would be nice for her to wear coordinating colors. She's such a supportive little sister!

I had to take a stuffed animal for our first show and tell. I took Rainbow, the bear I made with Aunt Sammi at Build a Bear. It was nice to take a friend into the new classroom with me! My teacher said I did a very good job of introducing Rainbow to the whole class.

I spotted my Clifford nametag right away, and I put my attendance sticker on the right date. I felt so smart!

I wasn't sad or upset at all when Mommy and Claire left. I gave them kisses then ran off to play with the Strawberry Shortcake dolls!

I had a GREAT first day! I love my new teachers and met a lot of great new friends (even one named Claire!)

As much as I loved it, I was very happy to see Mommy and Claire. I ran right over to Claire, gave her a big kiss and told her how much I missed her.

To celebrate my big day, Mommy and Claire took me to one of my favorite restaurants, Isaac's, for lunch. I ordered the rainbow PB&J with marshmallows, and of course I ended the meal with a sundae.

My first full week was fantastic. Mrs Kirchner told Mommy that I had a great idea on Wednesday. We finished a Clifford craft, and I suggested that we have a Clifford parade to show off our creations. She thought that was a wonderful idea, so we had a parade!! She liked the idea so much that she had her Thursday class have a Clifford parade, too! Mommy was so proud - she said that I'm a little teacher in training, coming up with creative lesson plans already :)

Happy Six Months!!

2009-09-17T21:17:00.002-04:00

Our "little" Claire Bear turned six months old today!!

She has developed some guns over the past six months :)

Claire can now roll both ways, is '"talking," and trying really hard to sit up on her own.

In two weeks, she'll be able to start solids! I can't believe how much you've grown, Claire!!

Twinkle Toes

2009-09-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

What a fun week!! Dance class started on Tuesday and I FINALLY have my first day of school tomorrow!

I was very excited for my first dance class. The studio was completely renovated over the summer and now it is GORGEOUS!! There are more classrooms and there is a big flat screen TV in the lounge where Mommy can watch me dance - so cool!

I was also ecstatic because we have a new uniform this year - instead of wearing a black leotard, we need to wear a pink leotard :) Since pink is my favorite color, this was wonderful news to hear!

I was a little shy for the first minute because I had a new teacher (Miss Elaina) and new friends in my class. It didn't take long before I was twirling, gliding and smiling across the new dance floor! I LOVED it and can't wait to go back next week.

Even Claire liked the new studio - Mommy was worried that she would be cranky because my class is during her normal naptime, but Claire had a great time in the new lounge with Mommy and all the other mommies. I think Claire might be a dancer there with me someday!

Don't miss the new post below about my dentist visit - this is a busy, busy week!

Tooth Fairy

2009-09-17T11:24:00.003-04:00

No, the tooth fairy didn't visit my house, but I felt like a tooth fairy princess at my second dentist visit today! I got to sit in a princess throne and have pictures taken of my mouth. Then the hygienist let me pick a flavor of toothpaste - I chose cookie dough!!

I did such a great job that I picked two prizes from the princess prize box - a purple ring and a princess tattoo!

Claire was a little bored - she didn't understand why she had to go to the dentist's office when she doesn't have any teeth!
I received another No Cavity Club certificate AND a very special gift - an Ariel toothbrush! I love the dentist :)

Music

2009-09-10T23:34:00.003-04:00

Just because our digital camera is broken doesn't mean we can't share some fun! Mommy took some video of Claire and I enjoying some music.

This is Claire's new favorite toy - her highchair music player.

Here is a video of what I love to do the most - sing and dance. About half way through you'll hear Claire and her lovely voice, too :)

Sisters

2009-09-01T14:50:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay - Mommy's camera is currently not working (hopefully it's just a bad battery, but Mommy isn't optimistic...)

We dug into the archives of the last few weeks to find these photos. Claire and I are having so much fun together. She likes to watch SuperWhy with me in the morning while Mommy makes breakfast :)

I love to read to Claire. I hope she grows to love books as much as I do!

One of my favorite things to do is to 'pet' Claire - she's so soft and smushy!!!

Hopefully we'll be back soon with new photos!

Fun with Friends

2009-08-23T23:19:00.006-04:00

Last week Mommy planned a get together with some of her internet mom friends. The moms talk about us online all the time, so they figured that we should probably meet!!

There were four mommies and eight kids total. We decided to go to the Hands on House to play and then have lunch at the Oregon Dairy. These are my new friends Connor, Emily (she's an old friend!) and Eva. We were all born within one month of each other!

Eva and I loved inspecting the eggs. The ones with cracks had to be thrown away. It was fun tossing all those rotten eggs!

Emily and I very carefully milked the cow. We didn't want to hurt Bessie!

Eva and I had to make sure that the local restaurants received their share of our fresh corn.

I wasn't quite sure what was going on here. We had to make a thingamajiggy and put it through all sorts of quality tests. It didn't involve princesses or anything sparkly, so it lost my interest quickly!

Speaking of sparkles, I found this stylish vest in the dress up room and proceeded to put on a concert for my friends.

I hope American Idol is still on the air in 10 years - I'm ready for it!

The obligatory photo on Daddy's tractor!

After an hour and a half of playing, we were tired and ready for some lunch!

When the people at the Oregon Dairy saw us coming, they realized quickly that we'd probably need our own room. They put us in the back in a private area! We felt very special :)

Lunch was yummy, but our ice cream took its sweet time getting back to us. We thought that a few rounds of "Ring Around the Rosey" would keep our minds off of the coming treats!

Maisie and I both loved our ice cream!

Claire loved hanging out with all of our new friends, too. We hope to see them all again soon!

A few days later we had another fun outing with friends. This time we went to an air show with our neighbors Tom, Libby, Natalie and baby Lillian. We saw planes to lots of cool tricks, but my favorite part was sitting on Daddy's shoulders so I could see better. I felt so tall!

Mommy's favorite part was the parachuters. They landed on a specific spot on the runway - how did they do that?!?

The pilots did all sorts of cool spins, turns and tricks. When they were finished, the did a drive by so that we could wave to them.

Natalie and I were snug as bugs in a rug in my stroller. Daddy got a good workout pushing us!!

Claire didn't seem to mind the loud planes too much, especially when I ducked under her shade to check on her. I think she really just wanted some of my fries!

It was a hot afternoon, but we had lots of fun with our neighbors!!

Return To Hilton Head

2009-08-11T15:34:00.010-04:00

We're back!!

For the second year in a row, Mommy, Daddy, and I made the long drive down to Hilton Head with our new beach buddy Claire. Daddy had a genius idea to drive overnight, so instead of taking over twelve hours like last year, we made the trip in just over ten!! Claire slept the ENTIRE trip, and I finally dozed off after chatting non-stop for about two hours :)

We arrived early Saturday morning and immediately met up with Nana and Joepa to start our fantastic vacation!!

The big news this year (aside from our new beach companion, Claire), was that I am no longer afraid of the water!! Ocean water, pool water - I loved it all. Last year they couldn't get me into the ocean, this year they couldn't get me out!!

It seems like Claire isn't afraid, either. This is her very first dip into the ocean!

We were even able to pull Daddy away from his tennis to join us at the beach one morning!

One of my favorite things to do at the beach - sit with Nana in one of her beach chairs, watch the ocean and make 'mud pies' with the sand.

I think Claire enjoyed Nana's chair, too!

Claire, wishing she could run out and jump in the waves by herself.

This pile of sand needs some accessories - aka, pretty seashells.

Mommy didn't get a photo of me with it, but I found my very own sand dollar on the beach!! Nana was very jealous - she's been looking for one for years!!

Modeling my favorite Ariel cover-up!

I loved the pool even more than I loved the beach! Give me some floaties and move aside!

Claire loved kicking her chubby legs in the pool, too!!

Mommy, Claire, Nana and I spent LOTS of time at the pool!

Even Claire laughed when she realized that she looked like the Michelin man in her bathing suit!!

To keep with tradition, we went to the Old Oyster Factory on our first night out. There were hush puppies. Lots and lots of hush puppies...

Thankfully Daddy didn't order any wine this year!

Claire didn't seem too upset that she couldn't try the hush puppies.

The next day we explored Shelter Cove, and Mommy admired all of the beautiful boats that she wants, but will never have.

We were so excited that we got to eat lunch at the Salty Dog Cafe this year - last year the line was too long. Here I am riding Jake, the Salty Dog!!

Love my Salty Dog cup!!

Claire decided to model the Salty Dog hat that Nana and Joepa bought for Reed. It fits Claire now, so it might be a LONG time before it fits little Reed :)

Having fun with Nana and Joepa at the Salty Dog.

Claire got a bit irked when she wasn't included in the first photo!

That night we went to Sea Pines to see my favorite singer - Gregg Russell. He's been singing in Hilton Head every summer for over THIRTY years!! I have his CD and listen to it all the time.

I was excited for Claire to experience his show for the first time. Daddy was so nice to hold me AND Claire so that we could both see!

The next day we went on a dolphin cruise. We chose a different ship with a different route this year - we got to travel on the Atlantic Ocean this time!!

We saw a TON of dolphins!! I didn't get to drive the ship this year, though, so I left a little bit disappointed.
Claire didn't see quite as many dolphins as we did...

For our last night, we went to Marley's for dinner. It was delicious!! We were all in really good moods considering we had to leave the next day. Mommy even let me take this photo!

I took this photo, too. Hilton Head brought out the creative side of me!

Goodbye Hilton Head! We had a marvelous week and we can't wait to return!

A "Little" Birthday Party

2009-08-03T23:13:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the delay! Between my birthday and our trip to Hilton Head, we haven't had time to update the blog!

On July 18th, I invited twelve of my best friends to a place called the Little Gym to help me celebrate my 4th birthday. For 90 minutes, we ran, jumped, played and basically acted like a bunch of crazy kids (and no grown-ups yelled at us not to!!)

First we had some circle time so everyone could introduce themselves. For those who were a little shy, I took over and introduced them to the group.

My favorite part of the party - the Air Trak!! We were allowed to sit on it while our party leaders blew it up with air. TOO FUN!!

We bounced and bounced and bounced!

Then we played a fun game with the gym balls.

During open gym time, I showed off my gymnastics skills. Who knew I had gymnastics skills?!? Watch out Shawn Johnson!
Even Claire had fun (mostly thanks to Nana and Aunt Sammi!)

After playing until we dropped, it was time for cake!!

If you ever invite my cousin Drew to a party, make sure he gets the first piece of cake!!

I hand picked the Ariel cake - we had to go to a few different bakeries to find the perfect one!

I became very shy when everyone started to sing to me. I am used to being the person who sings, not the person who is sung to - it was very weird!

I made sure that my boyfriend Francesco sat right next to me - the beauty of being the birthday girl is that you get everything you want!

Something else that I wanted...a hug from Francesco!

I told Mommy and Daddy twice during the party that it was the best party I ever had! I had so much fun and was so happy that my friends could help me celebrate!!

Stay tuned for a post about our magnificent vacation to Hilton Head!!

4Ever Our Princess

2009-07-20T15:35:00.001-04:00

Four years ago today, our lives changed forever. A princess named Charlotte came into the world and for that we are eternally grateful.

Charlotte, on her birth day.

Our princess on her first birthday.

Our princess on her second birthday.

Our princess on her third birthday.

And our princess this past Saturday at the Little Gym, celebrating her fourth birthday.

You have grown into an amazingly smart, beautiful and compassionate young lady, Charlotte. We are so proud to be your family.

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Claire, Trixie and Emmet

Who's Who?

2009-07-16T10:12:00.005-04:00

Since I'm turning four in just a few days, Mommy has been getting very sentimen-
tal and showing me photos of me when I was a baby. She found one that she took when I four months old sitting in a booster seat, like the one she just took of Claire sitting in her new chair at four months old.

Can you tell the difference (aside from the fact that this photo appeared in the last post?!)

Then Mommy found photos of Claire and me sitting in the high chair when we were both four months old.

Who's who?

Princess Throne

2009-07-10T21:19:00.003-04:00

If you know my little sis, you know that she loves to sit up. The problem is - she can't do it on her own, yet. She sure does try, but often times you'll hear my mommy yell, "Timber!" as Claire slouches over to the side.

To help her stay upright, we bought Princess Claire a new throne. It's a special throne - it's cushy for her tushy and it has toys that will keep her entertained.

At first Claire wasn't quite sure what to do with her new throne.

Once she discovered the toys, though...

...she was all smiles and decided that she loved sitting up like a princess!

Mommy even let me take a photo of Claire in the new Claire Chair. Not a bad shot, huh?!

4th of July

2009-07-06T20:56:00.003-04:00

Happy Independence Day!

We don't have too many photos from our holiday weekend, but we did have a great time!

On Friday evening, we went with Nana to the 4th of July parade in Lititz. I was a little nervous about all the noise, and I REALLY didn't like the guy who walked around dressed up as a Rita's Water Ice, but other than that, I thought it was fun. We also discovered that Claire LOVES to ride in style in the Baby Bjorn :)

For all my Ashland peeps:

Nana and Mommy had a cow when they saw this parade entry. If you've ever been to the Ashland Labor Day parade, you'll know why...

We invited Nana, Joepa, Aunt Amy, Uncle Darin, Drew, Reed and Aunt Sammi to our house for a cook-out on Saturday. Mommy was too busy being hostess to take photos, but here's a shot of Daddy and me getting ready for our guests.

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!!

When Charlotte's Away...

2009-06-28T15:38:00.003-04:00

After princess dance camp ended on Thursday, Grandma picked me up and drove me to her house to have a two-night sleepover!! I was so excited to get some Grandma time.

While I was gone, Claire didn't know what to do. She was very sad at first and moped around the house.

When Mommy finally convinced her that I would be returning soon, Claire lightened up and enjoyed the time alone she had with Mommy and Daddy.

Claire even managed to squeeze in some quality time with Emmet while I was gone!!

She wasn't quite sure about her first attempt in the high chair. I think she was wondering why everyone else around her was eating and she wasn't...

She's still working on sitting up on her own. Normally I am there to assist her, but while I was gone she needed a pillow or a pug to keep her upright.

Even though Claire, Mommy and Daddy had fun while I was at Grandma's, they were all very happy when I returned...especially Claire!!!

The Life of a Ballerina

2009-06-23T22:21:00.001-04:00

The life of a ballerina is glamorous, but it's not always easy.

Before a big show, it's essential to let go of some of your nerves by clowning around with fellow dancers.

Stretching properly is essential to avoiding injuries. An injury means missing out on performances, and a dancer is not truly happy unless she is performing.

Banging the rhythm sticks to the beat is very difficult. A dancer is nothing without rhythm.

Taking the role of an animal requires deep concentration.

Even though I am a very skilled ballerina, it's a good idea to prove that I know the basic moves, too.

When it's finally time for the big performance, always remember to smile, extend your arms and point your toes.

I always accept rewards and medals with grace.

Posing for all of the post-performance photos can be tiring, but I never forget to smile for my fans.

Most importantly, I never forget to thank those who helped me get to the level where I am now:

Daddy, Claire, and...

...Mommy!

Double Duty Daddy

2009-06-21T12:10:00.004-04:00

We now have double the reason to celebrate Daddy today!!

Daddy is double-y wonderful (I'm only three, I can make up words if I want!). Both Claire and I are SO lucky to have such an amazing daddy. We know that a few years ago you probably didn't expect to have so many girls and so much pink in your future, Daddy, but we also know that you are delighted to have two little princesses!

I can't wait until Claire gets a little older so she can really appreciate how fun, smart and loving our daddy is.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DADDY! CLAIRE AND I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!

"My" Wedding

2009-06-11T21:13:00.008-04:00

A few months ago my Uncle Rick asked me if I'd be the flower girl in his wedding.

Is the Pope Catholic?!?

This was my dream come true. I could wear a pretty dress, have my hair styled, walk down an aisle getting all sorts of attention and carry a basket filled with pretty flower petals.

From the moment he asked me, I told anybody that I encountered that they could come to 'my' wedding. Mommy said that if she had a dollar for everytime I said, "You can come to my wedding," she could pay for my fantasy wedding when I get married someday (currently I am planning on marrying my Italian Stallion boyfriend, Francesco.)

The wedding weekend finally arrived after months of anticipation. We made the long drive up to Maine over two days - Claire and I were both angels according to Mommy.

When we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house, I had some good bonding time with everyone - especially Uncle Mar. He taught me how to play this fun game on the computer called slots...

Then it was time for the rehearsal. It was fun being on the beach and practicing my role for the real wedding. The dinner was especially yummy.

Claire seemed to enjoy the rehearsal dinner, too - at least the part for which she was actually awake!

The big day finally arrived. We went to a real grown-up salon and I got my first up-do!! I sat very still for the stylist - I didn't want my princess hair to be ruined!

The masterpiece!!

Daddy said that I looked beautiful!

For the first time ever, we were early for an event. That gave us some time to mingle with Aunt Janelle and Aunt Jill. Don't they look so pretty in their princess dresses?

It's almost time for the wedding!! I needed to practice my smile :)

The moment finally arrived!! I had the honor of walking in front of Uncle Rick's beautiful bride-to-be, Jenn, and dropping yellow rose petals for her to walk on - I think I did a great job!!

I was a little disappointed that Claire didn't see my big moment. She was sleeping.

Shocker.

The ceremony was beautiful, and when it ended we all headed back to the inn for the reception.

Claire even decided to stay awake for some of the party and spend time with family.

Another moment I had waited all day for - the cake!!!

I had a blast dancing with Grandma and Grandpa. Even though I was more tired than I think I've been in my entire life, I had a wonderful time and am so thankful that Uncle Rick and Aunt Jenn asked me to take part in their special day!!

Congratulations to the happy couple! Welcome to the family, Jenn!!

Welcome to the world, Reed!

2009-06-02T19:18:00.002-04:00

Cousin Drew is now a big brother!!

Our newest cousin Reed (no middle name yet) made his appearance this morning. He weighed 5lbs, 8oz and was 3 weeks early. He is such a little peanut!! Aunt Amy and Reed are both healthy and happy!

Claire and I got to go to the hospital with Mommy to hang out with Drew while we waited for the little guy to make his debut. I'm so excited to have another cousin to boss around...er, I mean play with!!

We'll be back soon with Memorial Day pictures. We have a big weekend coming up - we're going to Maine so I can be a flower girl in Uncle Rick's wedding. It might be awhile until we can post more...stay tuned!

Graduation Day!!

2009-05-20T13:45:00.011-04:00

Yesterday I graduated from my Preschool-3 class! On my last weekly progress report, I kept my perfect streak in tact with all "O's" for "Outstanding" in every category.

My teachers said I was a very good student, and they think I will do very well in the fall when I move up to the Preschool-4 class.

Next year I am going to be in a different class than my two boyfriends :( This is me with Connor. Connor and I are great buds. My other boyfriend, the Italian Stallion Francesco didn't want to have his picture taken with me. He's a bit shy...

This is my good friend, Evie. She won't be in my class next year, either. She is starting kindergarten in the fall! Good luck, Evie!!!

Mrs. Engle is an outstanding teacher. She is SOOO nice and loves to sings songs with us.

Mrs. Cardenas is another wonderful teacher. I will miss the great books that she read to us.

For the last day of school, we sang four songs for our families. I was a little shy at the beginning - I just stood there and looked pretty for the first two songs. I finally broke out of my shell for the last song. Give me a few seconds, I promise I'll start to sing!!! (Oh, and Francesco is on the left hand side of the line - he is wearing the long sleeved green shirt and dark pants. Isn't he dreamy?!)

I am VERY sad that school is out for the summer, and I'm not sure that I understand why we need such a long break. I do have a few summer camps lined up, though, so I hope that will keep my mind off of the fact that I miss school!
I'm even going to miss the tree stump on the play-

ground. Everyday I refused to get into the car to go home until I performed a show for everyone.

I wouldn't have been so shy to sing for the families if we had performed on my tree stump stage!!

Thank you for a great semester, St. Paul!! See you next fall!

Claire Cowell

2009-05-11T18:02:00.003-04:00

People had warned me that Claire Cowell was the toughest American Idol judge. That didn't stop me from auditioning.

I performed my heart out. At the end of the video, you'll see her cold reaction.

My Baby Sister

2009-05-03T22:16:00.004-04:00

People keep asking Mommy if I like my baby sister.

I don't just like Claire. I love her.

97%

2009-04-24T15:22:00.002-04:00

Mommy is very proud of Claire. She earned a 97% at the doctor's office yesterday at her 5 week check-up. Mommy is a teacher and says that 97% is a great score.

Claire is in the 97th percentile for weight for baby girls her age. She weighs 11lbs, 14oz. That's quite a gain from the 8lbs, 7oz she weighed at birth!!

Since we have to lift up Claire's cheeks to position her car seat straps, we knew that she'd earn a great score in the weight department. The doctor said that Claire is very healthy and is a 'dream' baby. Mommy said that I was just like Claire when I was a baby - chunky and dreamy.

Congratulations on your 97%, Claire!!

(keep reading - we created TWO posts today!)

Hoppy Easter...a little late!

2009-04-24T14:53:00.004-04:00

Mommy apologizes for the delay in our Easter post. We are a little bit busier now since Claire arrived...I'm not sure why :)

Claire and I loved the Easter dresses that Grandma Betsy bought for us. Don't we look beee-yooo-teee-ful (that's how I say that word!)

A few days before Easter, cousin Drew came over to our house to decorate eggs. He had funny face eggs and I had princess eggs (big surprise). Even Claire shared in on the fun with us :)

Waiting for the eggs to take their color bath is REALLY difficult!
Aren't my princess eggs just lovely?

I made a yellow egg for Claire to match her shirt. Yes, it's even important to color coordinate your Easter egg to your outfit.

Our egg masterpieces

Claire wasn't able to help us too much, but she did stay awake for about ten minutes (maybe because Drew and I are just a little bit loud when we're together!) That was a record for her at the time!!

We woke up on Easter morning to see that the Easter Bunny had left us lots of great goodies! This was my basket. Even though I'm afraid of the Easter Bunny, I do enjoy what he leaves me!

This is Claire's very first Easter basket. She seems to really likes the pacifiers that she received!

I think that Claire liked the doll that Grandma Diane and Grandpa Al sent...

Sorry, Mommy. The Kidz Bop era of your life has just begun!

Claire waited patiently for me to look through my basket before I showed her everything that was in hers.

Look, Claire! The Easter Bunny brought you a rattle!

Let's see if the dress from your basket fits...
After a lovely morning at home, we headed over to Nana and Joepa's for an Easter dinner. This was a VERY rare quiet moment from that evening. Don't we look beee-yoooo-teee-ful?

We spent the previous day at Grandma Betsy's house for another Easter dinner. It was yummy AND we had an Easter egg hunt.

I love welcoming spring with Easter. We get to see lots of family, have lots of fun and get lots of cool toys and candy. I hope you enjoyed your first Easter, Claire!!!

Pretty in Pink and Brown

2009-04-19T22:42:00.003-04:00

Mommy hasn't started dressing us in matching outfits - yet. I think these two pink and brown ensembles are 'gateway' outfits, though.

Stay tuned. If Mommy is already dressing us in the same color combinations, matching outfits can't be too far off...

Welcome to Claire's Lair!

2009-04-15T14:34:00.003-04:00

Being the generous and wonderful big sister that I am, I decided to share my blog with my little sister, Claire. Charlotte's Web is now

"Charlotte's Web and Claire's Lair."

You can now follow both of our adventures in one place - lucky you!! :)

To introduce Claire to the world of blogging, I let Mommy upload one photo of just Claire. It was taken by the seriously talented Jessica Barnak. There are more fantastic photos (some of me, too!), but we're going to wait a little to share those. We don't want to give too much of a preview before birth announcements are sent!!

Welcome to the internet, Claire!!

Dr. Charlotte, Pediatrician

2009-04-09T14:16:00.009-04:00

I have been very busy the past few weeks - not because we have a newborn in the house, but because I've been earning my medical degree in pediatrics.

Mommy thinks it is very convenient to have a pediatrician in the house now. She says we're saving a lot of money on co-pays (should I tell her now about my medical school bills??)

It was time for baby Claire's 3 week well check, so I checked her blood pressure and then decided that she needed a shot. Don't worry, Claire, I am a trained doctor. This won't hurt a bit!!

Your heartbeat is strong! That must mean that you love your big sister very much :)

I proclaim you to be healthy, Baby Claire.

Dr. Charlotte's prescrip-

tion for staying healthy - get lots of sleep (Mommy likes this prescription, too!)

As your doctor, I can recommend my comfortable big girl bed to help you get a good night's sleep!!

Walk This Way

2009-04-02T13:39:00.003-04:00

It was such a beautiful day today that I suggested to Mommy that we take Claire out for her first walk with the pugs.

It took about 30 minutes to get everything and everyone ready, but soon we were on our way!!

Claire fell asleep before we even left our property!

For the first half of the walk, I held Trixie's leash while Mommy pushed Claire and walked Emmet. After awhile, I grew tired of waiting for old lady Trixie, so I asked Mommy if I could push the stroller.

I needed some help steering straight, but I think Claire enjoyed my driving!

Whew! This is quite a workout!!

Introducing: CLAIRE ABIGAIL

2009-03-29T16:43:00.006-04:00

We definitely felt the luck of the Irish this year!

My little sister, Claire Abigail, was born on St Patrick's Day, March 17th at 9:36am.

She didn't beat my weight of 9lbs, 2oz, but she was close. She did arrive 3 weeks earlier than I did, though, so if she had stayed put longer, she would have beaten me! Claire was 8lbs, 7oz and 21.5 inches long.

Daddy said she gave one little cry when she was born and then was really quiet the whole time she was being checked. She hasn't really said much since!!

After going to my St. Patrick's Day party at school, Nana drove me to the hospital to meet the little baby I'd waited so long for - this was my first meeting! I had a quick talk with her about my job as her big sister.

Minutes after she was born, Claire received her 1st pink fashion accessory - an adorable knit hat given to her by the hospital. While I LOVE pink, I think they should have given her a green one for St. Patty's Day!!

It took Mommy about a day, but she was finally able to stand up and hold my baby sister. Here is one of their first photos together!

Here's Daddy with his two little girls. Start looking for pink karts and racing suits, Daddy!

After three days in the hospital, we were ready to go home!!

Don't let my expression fool you - I was very happy to take my sister home, but spending all morning in the hospital wasn't the most fun activity in the world for me!

The ride home was exhausting for Claire. She decided to take a nap in her new princess throne.

Night night, Claire Bear. Sweet dreams.

Sniff sniff, snort snort.

Let's go Penn State!!

Is it too early to teach her the Penn State fight song?!

Why do you look so scared, Claire? I promise I won't drop you - I learned how to hold you properly in my Big Sister class!

I also promise to snuggle with you and protect you.

I promise not to hijack too many of your photos!

I promise to keep you warm with your blankie, and if you're good, I promise to share my Cinderella dress with you when you're bigger.

I promise to keep your hair looking beautiful, even when you don't really have any.

I promise to teach you all sorts of fun things.

Everyone says that Claire looks like Daddy. We're still not sure about that, but we do know that Claire already has Daddy wrapped around her finger, just like I do!!

Welcome to your world, baby Claire!! We love you and already can't imagine our lives without you!!!!

Big Sister Dinner

2009-03-16T17:48:00.005-04:00

Since last night was my final night with Mommy and Daddy as an only child, they decided to take me out for a special Big Sister Dinner. They let me choose the restaurant, and of course I chose Friendly's!!!

I was allowed to order whatever I wanted. My hot dog, fries and strawberry ice cream sundae with strawberry topping were DELICIOUS!!! It definitely got me even more excited to take on the role of big sis :)

Tomorrow is the big day!! Nana is going to take me to school in the morning for the St Patrick's Day party. When she picks me up, we're going to the hospital to meet my little sister. We're going to be very busy, so I don't know when we'll be able to post photos, but we'll try to do it as soon as possible. I know you're all dying to know if she is going to be as cute (and as big) a baby as I was!!!!!

Signing off for the final time as an only child,

Charlotte

Color Me Happy

2009-03-11T19:48:00.005-04:00

Greetings from the Crayola Factory!!

Last week Mommy and I drove up to Easton to spend the day at the Crayola Factory with my BFF Avery, my future husband Evan and their mommy, Amy.

Before we got into any serious artwork, we played in the preschool play area. We loved hanging out in the tunnel together.

After the play area, we decided to get to work. First stop was the coloring station. You can't visit the Crayola Factory and NOT create a masterpiece with the millions of crayons at your fingertips!!

When we'd had our fill of crayons, we were off to the painting station to make treasure maps! I once again displayed my freakish ability to stay clean - not one drop of paint landed on my cute outfit!!

Move over, Picasso!

Once our treasure maps were dry and rolled up, we made our way to the clay area. It was difficult choosing which tool to use - there were so many!

Let me get this straight - we're ALLOWED to write on the floor with chalk?!

We have permission to write on the WALLS, too??!! This place is dreamy!!

Do you like my puppet?

We created enough masterpieces that day to fill our own gallery!!

We finally made it to our favorite part of the factory. We danced around the dance floor, and a video camera took our images, distorted the images with all sorts of splashy colors and displayed them on the big screen. Welcome to Kiddie Disco!!!

We danced so long that they started to clean up and close down the other stations while we boogied...

Thanks for driving out to meet us at the Crayola Factory, Avery, Evan and Amy. Mommy and I had a blast!!! We'll definitely have to bring my little sister here when she is older!!

Birthday Boy

2009-03-06T15:09:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to the greatest daddy in the world - MINE!!

I hope you liked the cupcakes I made for you, Daddy. I loved bringing you a balloon at work and taking you out for lunch - I didn't want to go home!!

I love you, Daddy!

Pink Ladies

2009-03-02T14:48:00.005-05:00

Doesn't Trixie look ready for more pink?! She needs to get used to more - my little sister is scheduled to arrive via c-section on St. Patrick's Day!!!!

Unless she decides to come early on her own, Mommy's doctor is going to take my sister out on March 17th. They have to take her out surgically because it was discovered during an ultrasound last week that my li'l sis is already 7lbs 14oz (and that was 4 weeks away from her due date!!) The doc said that is just too big for Mommy, so they scheduled my sister's birthday for St Patty's Day!

I've been practicing everything I learned in my Big Sister class at home. I love giving bottles to my Baby Chou Chou.

I've been doing a really good job supporting her head, too!

I've also been working on my sharing techniques. I VERY rarely share my blankie or Ninney with anyone, but Trixie looked cold recently.

Then Trixie had to practice her sharing technique!

On another note, last week Mommy and I participated in the fantastic Lancaster County tradition of Fasnacht Day. It is customary around here to eat a yummy, lard-y doughnut on the day before Lent begins.

I could get used to this tradition!!!

Big Sister Day Camp

2009-02-23T20:26:00.003-05:00

OK, baby sister, I'm ready!!!

Last Saturday I took a class on how to be a great big sister. It was the "Big Sibling Day Camp" class at the hospital where my little sister will be born.

I learned all sorts of important lessons. My teacher taught me how to hold my sister - it's very important to support her head!! I also learned how to put on a diaper (I was a pro at this because I put diapers on my dolls everyday!) My teacher also showed us what my sister looks like in her 'baby house' (aka the 'uterus') right now - can you believe that she's upside down?!?

My favorite part of the class was when we took a walk down to the nursery and saw a REAL baby girl!! She was SO cute!!

When class was finished, I got a certificate that declared that

"Charlotte has fulfilled all the class requirements and is hereby granted full sibling privileges and the title of BIG SISTER."

You can come out whenever you want to now, little sis. I'm officially ready for you!!

You Snooze, You Lose

2009-02-11T21:10:00.001-05:00

Sorry, Trix. Your bed turned out to be a great place to play with my Leapster. You snooze, you lose!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2009-02-05T14:26:00.005-05:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,

but playing in it is so delightful

And since all the roads are closed,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It doesn't seem like it's staying,

So let's pick up some snow for tasting

The taste is really kind of gross

But let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

When we finally get to work,

I'll stop to make an angel of snow,

Then I'll ride down the icy cold slide

Then in a while to sleep I will go!

The storm it is slowly dying,

And hot chocolate I soon will be trying

But as long as I keep myself warm,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Big Girl Bed!!

2009-01-29T23:48:00.002-05:00

Tonight is my first night in my brand new big girl bed. Even though my new room isn't completely finished yet, I was so excited when Daddy put my bed together that I knew it was time to leave the crib.

Mommy cuddled with me in bed for a few minutes after my nighttime story. I kissed her goodnight and told her that is was OK for her to leave. After she left I read another book or two on my own before I fell asleep.

I think I just heard Mommy and Daddy check up on me. I'm sure they were delighted to see that I was sleeping smack in the middle of the bed - no rolling off the side, yet! I was too tired to tell them not to worry, so I went right back to sleep.

As I always say to Mommy,

Sweet Dreams!!

Pug Love

2009-01-26T16:38:00.006-05:00

My good pal Trixie has had a rough few weeks. She has a corneal ulcer in her left eye, which is a very painful injury for a dog. It's basically like a hole in her cornea. These ulcers can spread rapidly and cause blindness. Luckily we were able to get Trix to the vet quickly, and her wonderful doc put her on a regimen of strong drops and antibiotics. She goes back to the vet for her third eye visit tomorrow, and hopefully we'll learn that her sight in that eye can be saved.

I always help Mommy take Trix to these visits, and I have been very concerned about my pug pal. This injury has made me realize how much I love both of my puggies and how lucky I am to have such loving, loyal pups in my life.

For once, Emmet isn't the one with an eye problem. He had his eye surgery three years ago, and has been looking in an east-west direction with clarity ever since! Well, when his eyes are open, that is...

Just to prove how much I love my puggies...I let Emmet sleep with my beloved Blankie and Ninny recently. NOBODY gets to sleep with Blankie and Ninny, but Emmet looked like he could use some cuddly friends that day!
I used to be very protective of my Elmo chair, too, until I realized that Trixie found it to by comfy for her old bones.

Mommy hopes that I share my favorite things with my baby sister as well as I do with my puggies.

Feel better soon, Trix. I love you!!!