a trip to the zoo

Making our way to the zoo for a couple hours

up close and personal with a big cat

posing on the statue in the new elephant exhibit

being entertained by the penguins

in awe of the peacock

a new sprinkler

Stay cool out there! :-)

Warning: 2 year old with a hose....

boys of summer

There is little that Charlie loves more than playing outside with the sprinkler or the hose or the water table.... You get my drift! He loves every minute of it and we have plenty of options. :-)

And of course he is a boy that loves all kinds of sports as well - basketball and baseball are a couple of favorites. Our nephew, Emanuel, being a little older 'gets' the concept behind the sports a little more and is actually getting really good at baseball. Who knows, maybe some day he will be rich and famous and support all of us!

photo shoot

I am taking an online photography class right now and took some time the other evening to do a little photo shoot with my favorite boy. He wasn't too keen on sitting still and cooperating, but he played along..... I am sure the promise of M&Ms didn't hurt! :-)

super cute pic, but this was him seeing how much he

could move before being asked to sit still again!

sweet little smirk

love him!

one assignment was to take a close-up pic of hands

the bluebird stamp is from our music class

and the promised M&Ms!!

June Rewind: Strawberry Picking

Strawberry picking is one of our rituals of summer that we look forward to. Nothing can quite compare to fresh local strawberries, especially after months of eating fruits shipped to the area from across the country. We now have sliced strawberries frozen and ready for shortcake whenever the mood strikes us!

Charlie's first strawberry picking involved him sleeping in his carseat in the middle of the field. Last year, he was eating strawberries as quickly as we were picking them. This year he really 'got it' and was intent on picking strawberries and filling everyone's containers. His favorite phrase was 'It's perfect!' as he would hold up his latest berry treasure! (Unfortunately, they were often less than perfect after being man-handled by him as he struggled to pull them off the plants - - but he was so excited, so how can you argue with that?)

ready to hit the fields

searching for the perfect starting place

working hard

helping Grandma

'It's perfect!'

showing off his bounty

June Rewind: Preschool Graduation

Last month we were able to celebrate with Emanuel as he reached his first of many school milestones: Preschool Graduation. It was a cute little ceremony with cookies, juice, and lots of picture taking afterwards. He had amazing teachers this year who really reached out and included Charlie in things whenever they could. Charlie loved Ms Carm and Ms Barbara and has already asked about wanting to see them. Charlie might miss preschool more than Emanuel right now!

Emanuel and his proud mama

Poppop and Emanuel

(Emanuel was beyond excited that my dad came to his graduation!)

the amazing Ms Carm with the boys

(I am a teacher, but could never in a million years

do what this woman does every day! There is a special

place in heaven for teachers of children this young!)

Mr Potato Head - Charlie-Style

Charlie came up with this look all on his own and was quite proud of himself. He proceeded to wear his glasses for quite some time and had indentations in the sides of his head to prove it. Such a silly little boy we have!!

June Rewind: NICU Reunion

Last month was the Crouse NICU Reunion. It is typically organized as a "Preemie Reunion" so Charlie's name tag boasting 7lbs 11oz seemed a little out of place, but he didn't seem to mind.

The ceiling of the whole room was literally filled with mylar balloons.

Charlie was in awe. :-)

Aunt Dee and her little man.

June Rewind: Greek Fest

For as long as I can remember, my family has gone to the local Greek festival in early June. My great grandfather actually came here from Greece when he was 12 or 13 (lied about his age and came here by himself!!). But regardless of the heritage link, who doesn't love Greek food and a couple hours of music and dancing?! Some of our friends joined us and it was a perfect early summer evening.

watching the band

our friend Melissa and her son Noah

(Melissa has been going with me to Greek fest for years!)

every kid's favorite Greek fest tradition: Loukoumades!!

(delicious little dough balls soaked in honey

and sprinkled with cinnamon... heaven!)

Charlie was not shy about his love of loukoumades!