Nature

We found a new spot for outings this week, which was really fun.  Since moving, I hadn't explored any of the Chattahoochee River nature areas that are closer to the new house (we used to be super close to the river and spent a lot of time down there!)  So we just found this great coffee shop that sits right on the river, and their property connects to nature trails all along the river.  I packed the kids a picnic lunch, I got a coffee :), and we had a great morning exploring.

Both Carlton and Clara have been obsessed with reading Winnie the Pooh stories lately, and so Carlton was thrilled with the opportunity to play 'Poohsticks.'  Though Pooh's version involves simultaneously throwing sticks and letting them race in the current, for us this pretty much meant just chucking sticks and rocks into the water.  They were more than content!

This series of photos just tickled me.... most of them capture Clara's delight in and adoration of her big brother.  So warms my heart.  Can't wait to add another to the mix!

Reunion

This past weekend I was so blessed to have a reunion here in Atlanta with my three best friends from growing up.  We've all been friends since preschool/elementary school, and these women remain like sisters to me.  Now our crew includes four husbands and nine (soon-to-be-ten) children, so get-togethers are lively and even more fun than ever!  We were so busy catching up over the two days we spent together that we didn't take a lot of photos, unfortunately.  Here are the kiddos having an outdoor supper at Em's house the first evening (minus only the littlest, Jackson, who was eating with the grown-ups :)

 And the second day, one great shot of all nine at the park in our neighborhood.  Left to right, we've got Abby Jane, Blythe, Carlton, Bella, Clara, Joy, Eli, Hannah, and Jackson (plus Jake, Em's husband, keeping things under control :)

I've been tremendously blessed by Em, Whit and Bets (though we moms are not pictured here! :) and can't wait for many more years of memories as we grow.

Gatherings

Both the kids have been enjoying the storytime at the new library since our move.  This was the last storytime for the summer, before taking a little break before the fall, so the kids got an extra special activity - getting to play parachute games.  Clara was feeling a little shy and stayed on my lap, but Carlton loved it.

 And then we've had several mommy-preschooler mornings up at our church on selected days this summer, with music, Bible story and crafts.  On this final one, Mark made an appearance to play banjo for the kids' music time.  Such a hit!

Party!

Sunday's party was a sweet time with family and a few good friends.  Ever since we saw a fabulous rainbow at the beach this summer, Clara has been talking about them, so we did a rainbow-themed party for her.  My wonderful family helped with some of the last-minute prep.....

Helping Aunt Kristin prepare the water balloons,

 Mom lending a hand in the kitchen,

Reuben manning the grill.  (And thanks to my dad, the photographer!)

The rainbow spread

and cake.

Sweet friends hanging out....

Time for cake!

And gifts!  Lots of friends to help out and look on :)

So thankful for our loved ones, helping us celebrate our sweet two-year-old!

Birthday girl

Our baby girl turned two!  Clara has become quite a funny, sweet little lady.  She is really coming into her own..... still loves everything Carlton loves, like cars, trains and trucks, but her girlishness is coming out - loves her some accessories, babies, doing her hair, getting new clothes, etc.  It's pretty funny to watch, and fun to see all the different facets of her personality develop.  She knows her own mind, has plenty to say, adores her big brother, is fearless and fun-loving, and seems to be pretty athletic.  Her delighted laugh can warm our hearts like nothing else!  So thankful for our beautiful daughter.

We had such a fun family day on Saturday, Clara's actual birthday, doing sweet little things to shower her with love (and then had a party with family and a few friends on Sunday.)  Saturday began with her favorite, pancakes (taking after her big brother!)

 She got to open a few gifts throughout the day, beginning with some lovely bead necklaces from Carlton.  Here she is sporting them all, while playing some banjo with Mark.

A new caterpillar play tunnel from her parents was a big hit (she's been very interested in tunnels lately!)

Lunch brought an early taste of the birthday cake, to her delight!

 

Posing by her special sign, and loving her day!  Carlton was pretty thrilled to celebrate her, too :)

Hair

One cute moment captured, and one growing up moment....  Because of course Clara loves doing absolutely whatever Carlton is doing, she wanted to get in on the action with Carlton's last haircut.  Mark didn't actually cut her hair, but she got her matching setup to Carlton's and was quite pleased.

 And because we haven't actually cut her hair yet, she can now officially wear a ponytail!  Here is our about-to-be-two-year-old's first ponytail.  She was pretty thrilled with the new hairstyle.