18 months!

Happy 18 months baby Charlie!

You have grown up so fast, but as I watched you run around in your diaper tonight avoiding the bath tub, I realized it's even faster than I thought.

You will repeat any word we say, but you will say all by yourself; milk, no, ya, book, out(outside), car, bike, ball, eat, egg, pretzel, sucker, mama, dada, stevie, nana, show, hot, cold, up (to be held), soft, dog, cow, horse, BUTT (every time you see an electronic button) and RIDE!

As soon as we open the garage you climb in the Burley and say RIDE!

You will stay in the stroller for my favorite 90 minute hike as long as I have 5 treats and 10 toys.

A typical day is:

In the morning we read scriptures and pray together, then read books and play. For breakfast we eat a banana and either cereal or eggs. After that we take off for an outing maybe some shopping then to the park or swimming with your some of your many friends. We'll make it home for a nap then we'll cook dinner (I mean watch dad cook dinner). Then it's off to bath time, lots of books (you choose), prayer, songs, and sleep.

You love wrestling with your dad!

You will stay in nursery as long as someone will let you snuggle into their lap.

You love eating you will try anything we give you.

No matter where we go as long as I have a ball you are happy.

With all those loves there has to be a hate and that is having your diaper changed.

I never could have imagined adoring you this much.

When it's TOO quiet

I was getting ready for church and I hear Charlie coughing and think maybe I should see if he is ok. Well he was fine, I was not. I tried really hard to not start screaming but I did let out a "CHARLES PATRICK!" Then I decided this will never happen again and I needed to let him enjoy his flour tossing.

This is the mess I was left with and because I married well, Pat cleaned it up, in his church clothes.

July has been great. We have spent 2 weekends at the Lorimer's new ranch in Idaho. We love it and can't get enough, but Charlie loves it even more. He is filthy the whole day playing in dirt, riding the four-wheelers, and riding the horse. The only problem is we can't say the word 'ride' or charlie gets excited and says 'ri-ri-ri' I didn't think we would start spelling words around him but here we are spelling r-i-d-e.

Happy 5 Year Anniversary

This was us 5 years ago. I really can't believe it's been that long. Thank you Pat for such an exciting and wonderful 5 years. You were definitely the best decision I have made.

And the best decision that we have made in all 5 years:

Happy Fathers Day

Pat you are such an incredible dad. Charlie loves every second he spends with you, from Burley rides, to cleaning the bike, to building a smoker, to reading stories. Thank you for caring for him and loving him and teaching him how to be a wonderful man just like you. Happy Fathers Day

WELCOME SUMMER!

You can't see it but Charlie is guarding his corn on the cob.
Stephen and Charles are exactly one year and a week apart and can't get enough of each other.
Stevie wouldn't drink from the hose until he had Charlie do it first.
The best part about saying au revoire to Pat's 1st year is saying hello to him cooking. Charlie is lucky enough to get offered cilantro-lime rice, and braised carnitas tacos, but only wants to eat dad's homemade mango with lime zest ice cream. I guess that counts as 2 fruit servings!?

Family Pictures

My BF Caroline took our pictures Monday and I love them. This is my favorite!
You can see her work and book her here Caroline-Rebecca.