Charlie's Baptism

Charlie was baptized this morning at our church, and we were so happy to have all of the grandparents and great-grandparents in attendance, along with Charlie's godfather, Michael. Ava felt special, because she got to hold the lighted candle as Pastor Jon spoke. Charlie slept through the service, but did wake briefly as Pastor Jon poured the water on his head. True to his nature, he calmly took it all in, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.



We gathered at our house afterward for refreshments...yum!


Ava, of course, monopolized the grandmas' time - I can't believe they all fit in her little room!

Charlie

My friend Kelly graciously gifted her photography services and took some photos of Charlie last weekend. Here are a few of my favorites:

Washington County Fair

After debating whether it would be worthwhile to load up both kids and go to the fair this summer, we decided to go for it, and I'm so glad we did. (We had considered just having Joe go with Ava, while I stayed home with Charlie).
The unseasonably cool weather helped - it was 72 degrees at 2:00 in the afternoon - perfect for being outside. We stayed a couple of hours, and got to do a little bit of everything: went on a few rides (Ava LOVED the giant slide, which I had to go on with her - I, being a little uneasy with heights and speed, did not particularly enjoy it, but I did it a second time anyway); ate some fair food, watched the pig races, checked out the animals, and even played a little Bingo! Joe carried Charlie in the Baby Bjorn, and he slept the whole time.

Ava, watching the K-9 demonstration


Charlie, chilling with Dad

Soccer and T-Ball

Ava had her first taste of organized sports with the Parks & Rec Soccer/T-Ball Combo in July. She went with Joe to all of the practices, and I got to be there for the last day, when they had a real "game" - parents versus kids! She really enjoyed herself, and learned some new things, too. She's been practicing her t-ball skills with the neighborhood kids this summer, and she's keeping up pretty well for being the youngest in the group.