Swim Class!

Charlie loves to go into the water...pools, rivers, oceans, waves, fountains, puddles, gutters, etc. Because she has such a strong attraction to the water we decided we needed to get her to swim before summer began. Last year I tried, Jimmy tried, my mom tried and even Nicole tried to teach her to swim with no luck. So we handed her over to Miss Elyse at the La Mirada Splash Zone and said GOOD LUCK! The first three classes she screamed and cried. I mean the entire 25 minutes! Some how on the fourth class she gave up crying and began learning how to blow bubbles and kick. Miss Elyse explained to me that most kids are willing to paddle and not blow bubbles or kick. Of course, my kid is the totally opposite and she still doesn't like to paddle. I think this might have something to do with Charlie's elbows. She is very cautious about her arms! Atleast she is cautious about something! After 8 private classes she graduated with an A+ in blowing bubbles. Next week begins semi-private class with Adelyn. Wish us luck! Trying to paddle with big arms! Charlie says she can't paddle because she has little arms. Too cute!
Blowing bubbles!

Kicking!

One proud Daddy!

Little Big Girl Bed

Since Charlie doesn't sleep in her crib and it's basically just taking up space in her room we decided it was time to go get Alex and Evan's toddler bed. So we headed to Great Grandma's to make the switch. It was sad seeing her crib going into storage but it was exciting for her too. She really liked the idea of getting a big girl bed just like Adelyn. She likes to rest, read and keep many things in her bed. And she is really great at pretending to sleep in her bed!

Potty Training

Charlie has decided to take it upon herself to potty train herself and her beloved stuffed animals and babies. She is very interested in going on the toilet instead of her diaper so we let her but don't push her. Sometimes I remind her she is only 2 so she can still use her diaper but she wants to grow up I guess. She probably could be potty trained but I am NOT ready for that yet. She is still my baby. Her little butt does look so cute in panties though and she is so proud when she wears them! I will get more serious about this in the summer. Stay tuned.

Pluto Is Still My Favorite

Sunny Days at the Park (without me)

Jimmy often joins Nicole and her mommy club when they go to Pump It Up and the park on the week days. Whenever Jimmy shows up it is always funny to see what Charlie is wearing. One day it was cowboy boots to the park. Another day Jimmy took her to the park in her Easter dress! I know how hard it is get Charlie dressed so I totally understand why she sometimes is wearing what she is. I have also been known to take Charlie to Costco in a princess dress and firefighter hat because that is what she wants to wear. She is so going to be one of those kids who wears feather boas and mismatched clothes to school. For the record, she likes to wear polka dots, zebras, sparkles, shorts, dresses and tank tops. She does not like shoes, pants, leggings, shirts or jackets.

Finally a Haircut

Charlie has the cutest tightest curls in the world. They are so cute but such a nightmare! She hates getting her hair brushed, washed, combed, braided, parted, etc. I have tried every kind of cream out there to make it less tangled but nothing makes it better. Finally we decided it was time for a haircut. It is actually down to the middle of her back if you pull the curl down but it just bounces right back up. Since she screams and cries whenever we touch her hair, we didn't know how it was going to go. Surprisingly, it went very well. She sat in the firetruck and let the lady brush and cut her hair as much as she wanted. I actually wanted to get it cut shorter so it wouldn't be such a headache but the lady did not want to cut her curls off. We were so proud of her for being so brave!

Huntington Beach

I already blogged about this day...but now I can't find my words I typed! So here I go again. We went to Huntington Beach to check out the kite festival. Who knew it was a sport!? I sure didn't. We had a fun morning watching the kites fly, playing in the sand and getting our toes wet. We would of stayed there all day but she fell into the water face first and got all wet so it was time to go home. Anyone surprised?

A Train Ride to Sea World

We decided to take an adventure to Sea World on the train to get our free passes (free for teachers). I was a little worried taking a little wiggly two year old on a two hour train ride but it was successful. We were a little bit loud as passengers but nothing we couldn't handle. I don't think Charlie remembered Sea World since we took the summer off last year and spent our time at the aquarium instead. Charlie definitely liked the seals, the polar bears and the walrus the best. She is such an animal lover! This is the look you get when you go into a polar bear cave and you hear a bear growl!

Thanks Grandma for the tasty ice cream!

A New Pair of Shiny Shoes

Anyone who knows Charlie knows that she will ONLY wear her shiny princess shoes where ever we go. It doesn't matter what the occasion is, she will only wear those shoes. Because she wears them 24 hours a day (yes, even to sleep) they have started to lose their sparkle and are even a little smelly! I have been hunting and hunting for a new pair for weeks now and finally found a size 7 at Target in Brea. I think I out a little scream of delight in the store! So we said goodbye to the old ones and hello to the new ones. She was very excited! Thank you to everyone who has passed their shiny shoes along to Charlie for the future. They will definitely get worn.

Sledding We Shall Go

Last time we took Charlie sledding she had the time of her life. Today was the total opposite. First, I'm pretty sure she was crying at the beginning because my zipper scratched her across her face. I didn't figure that out for a while though. Then, she fell into a big watery mud puddle face first. It was so sad! Now looking at the pictures maybe she was way too hot in all the clothes I made her wear and that put her in a bad mood as well. Overall, I decided it is way too hard taking a 2 year old to the snow without Daddy! I hope this trip doesn't make her dislike the snow forever.

Building a snowman was the only time a smile was on her face.

This is what she looked like most of the time! Nicole and Mike are probably never inviting us with them again!

Take me home!

Happy Birthday Penny and Olivia

Today was a crazy day filled with 3 birthday parties and 1 house warming party. Charlie did great as I dragged her to all of them. I didn't even try to take pictures. Nicole captured a few at Penny and Olivia's party. She had fun getting her first face painting on her cheek.

Candy Meets Jewelry

What in the world is better than candy jewelry? Nothing in Charlie's mind. Thanks Mom for the many candy necklaces and bracelets! Charlie LOVES them. Yum! Yum! We love you so much Mom.