18 month photos by Kristie

Trains, Trains, and More Trains

David finished Charlie's train table a few weeks ago.  It has been a big hit.  Charlie has played with the trains non stop and we have used it for a few art project as well. 

Charile King of The Wild Things

 Charlie was Max from, Where the Wild Things Are, for Halloween this year.  His Nana made his costume.  He was unsure of the costume at first but by Halloween he decided he liked it.  We trick or treated at the grandparents house, attended Boo at the Zoo, and the School Carnival overall it was a busy few days.  On Saturday we attended the Library's Halloween program with Tyler, Carter, Eric and Lisa. Charlie slept through the entire program so I don't have pictures.  Charlie did not really get the whole candy thing but he enjoyed saying trick or treat and putting things in and out of his Halloween bucket.

Fist time in his costume and a little unsure of the entire thing

Hanging out at Boo at the Zoo

Playing peek a boo with the lighted animals at the zoo.  His favorite part of Boo at the Zoo.

Lining up for the Costume parade at school.

Charlie's World

It is amazing how fast time moves.  At one point Charlie's favorite thing to watch was the ceiling fan.   The Jumparoo has giving way to trains, cars, and blocks. His mess is his current world.

The cover of Freight Train--We have read this book hundreds of times.  It has been chewed on and tossed across the room.   Today we bought a new copy, however he is still carrying around the cover of the old book.

Trains--Charlie loves trains.  He could play with the wooden trains and tracks all day long.  He loves playing with the train table at the book store.  David is currently building him a table of his own.

Books--The current favorite is Good Night Moon and the Art Book.  The Art Book is my attempt to make him like something I enjoy so far it is working.  We have moved from the board book version of Good Night Moon to the large picture book.  (Thank you Lee Sun for the book.)

Panda Bear--On Charlie's first birthday we visited the Memphis Zoo.  On our way out Charlie was extremely tired and picked up the stuffed Panda Bear.  Panda has gone to bed with him every night since. 

I am sure in a few months the mess will have changed and there will be new favorites, but for now this is Charlie's World.  

Summer Learning = Jumping & Animal Sounds

Summer

It has been a busy summer filled with trips to the Zoo, Lake Sylvia, The Buffalo River, visits from cousins, and Charlie's first hair cut.  I have not done a good job of keeping up the blog so here a few pictures from our summer. 

First haircut.

Aubree and David at the Discovery Museum learning the advantages of the pulley 

Visiting the penguins at the Little Rock Zoo.  Charlie loved them until he thought the penguins were coming after his teddy grahams.

Hiking at Lake Sylvia

Swimming with Dad

Playing with the rocks on the Buffalo

David and Charlie at the Buffalo

This Moment

This Moment-----A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

*inspired by wildflowers and sweet tea

San Diego

David had to travel to San Diego for work last week.  Charlie and I tagged along and convinced my parents to come along as well.  We were only there for three days but we managed to see a lot of things.  The weather was beautiful. 

 It was the first time Charlie has flown since he was a few months old so I was extremely nervous about the travel.  The first travel day did not start out well when our flight was canceled before we made it to the airport.  However the airline booked us on another flight.  It added a little bit of time but Charlie did well.  There was only a few moments on the Chicago to San Diego flight that I thought we had made a mistake.  Charlie and I flew home by ourselves which was an adventure we both survived.  He did well but we were both were exhausted.  I have decided that his flight time is currently limited to 2 hours. 

Little Rock to Chicago

Nana, Charlie and Grandpa at Cabrillo National Momument

Checking out all the buttons at USS Midway Museum

Playing in the Helicopters

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier

Nana and Charlie playing in the waves.  Charlie felt the need to run in after the waves despite the water being freezing

Playing in the sand.  This maybe one of Charlie's favorite things to do.

Watching the two day old giraffe wobble on his/her legs

The polar bear exhibit at the San Diego Zoo

Petting Zoo

The miniature train in Balbo Park.  Charlie's favorite thing.  He clapped with excitement  when we got back into line for a second ride.

2nd time around

Torrey State Pines

La Jolle Shores

Excited about the food that was about to arrive

Fayetteville Fun

*The weekend of May 31st was filled with excitement.  We made a trip to Fayetteville to meet our new niece.  Annabelle Leigh Spears arrived weighing 10lbs and 8 ounces. She has the biggest checks and is a joy to hold. Charlie however found playing cars with cousin James more fun than the new baby.  Congratulations to Kate, J.J. and James on the new addition. 










We were able to combine our visit with playing in the garden and I had a chance to meet up with Claudine.  It was a wonderful weekend spent in Northwest Arkansas. 

Playing in Grandpa's garden. 

Cleaning up after playing in the dirt and picking strawberries

12 years later

I have been blessed in my life to have friendships that have stood the test of time.  From my time at Lyon College it is these woman that I value the most.  This May 9 of us were able to gather and spend 3 relaxing days at Fort Walton Beach.  Lee Sun and Erin just happened to celebrate turning 31 around the same time as our trip so of course chocolate cake and champagne was necessary.