Beach Fun

We're in Holden Beach this week with many good friends--Ken, Laura & Baby Lylah, Julie, Matt, Morgan & Ava, and Cyndi, Pat, Jack & Clara. We are having a great time so far (& are crossing our fingers about this hurricane deal!) The girls are loving the ocean & being with their friends. So are we. :)

Cloth Diapers

So, after a lot of contemplation, I decided to make the jump to cloth diapers for Stella. Lots of factors went into this decision, but overall, I just am trying in general to put less stuff into the trash and make small "green" changes. And, it is a lot different & easier than it was when we were kids... So, here is Stella sporting her new diaper & wrap cover. I think she looks pretty cute. The only downside is that she has figured out how to remove them, something she never did with her Pampers...weird. Thanks to all the friends who encouraged me to make the switch!

The Schiele Museum

So, there is this Natural History Museum in the town next to Charlotte that I've heard about but never visited before this... You see, I've been to the "museums" in Charlotte, and well, I just didn't believe that given what they are like, that one in Gastonia could be any good at all. I was so wrong!! The Schiele Museum was really cool...and if you live near here, you have to go visit it. Since the girls are on a break from preschool this month, we did a field trip last week. These are just some of the many, many things we saw!

Jordan did not want to pose for this picture. She did not completely believe me that the bear was dead and could not get her.

There was an amazing (and long) nature trail that had a pond, a mill, a Catawba Indian village, a pioneer home, and a farm with live animals...maybe more. But it was July in Carolina and I was pushing a 25 lb. baby in a stroller on a gravel trail, pregnant, at lunch time. We had to go. ;)

Inside there was this cool exhibit called "Swamp Things"

Jordan with a snapping turtle

a skunk

a baby bobcat (Stella's favorite--she loves all cats!)

and lots of live alligators!

Go to the Schiele Museum! You'll be glad you did. :)

Stella & her Love Bug

Stella really likes to be sweet to her toys. Here is a quick video showing how she can be.

Camp Henderson

It's the week of the annual Henderson Family reunion. We're in Michigan having a fun time with all Jamie's family. Here are some pictures of our activities.

Lake Day

a visit with Great-Grandma Erma
story time with Papa Goose

Detroit Zoo

Look what Jordan can do...

Is 13 months old too young for this skill?

So, Stella really likes feeding herself with a fork. Think what you will of me as a mother for letting her do it, but she is actually pretty good at it. Today's victim was some cut up watermelon. See for yourself how much fun she was having & how proud of herself she is!

YeYe's Visit

The last week of June, my dad came for a visit. We had a really special time together. The girls love their YeYe a lot & enjoyed his company. He was a great playmate for them & a big help to me! Thanks, Dad!

chairs

Stella has recently gotten very good at climbing into child-sized chairs by herself. She is quite proud of this accomplishment. She likes to climb in, clap for herself & say "yeah!" Getting out without bonking her head is a bit more challenging, but she loves chairs these days!

July 4th at the Lake

We spent Independence Day at our friends' Jim & Melanie's lake house with lots of friends. It was a really fun day. Here are some pictures from out on the water.

Stella's first speed boat ride...she loved it!

Our self-portrait

Jordan even got to drive the boat with Jim!

and she was very brave and rode the tube with Daddy.
She told Jim to "only drive fast enough for a three-year-old!"

Small Steps

While we aren't quite ready to say that she's "walking," Stella has begun to take a few steps at a time. She's a very cautious baby! Once she takes a walk, though, you'd better be ready to smile & clap for her! She lives for the praise. :)