We did a joint party with her cousin Xavier again (here's the one from last year) and I am becoming more and more convinced that is the way to go as far as parties are concerned.  It's so nice to have help!  We decided on a camping theme which kept everything basic and simple, and I truly loved how everything turned out.  It was so fun to work on our yard and flowerbeds trying to get everything ready before the party.  I am discovering how much I really enjoy outdoor hosting!






  O.k., let's just be honest, the entire camping theme was based off of Amy's idea for this cake.  It is just TOO cute!! And I am so amazed at how simple it all really was too.

  I may or may not have stayed up til 1 am the morning of her party finishing this scrap tutu for the birthday girl....but I think it was worth it.


  Grandpa Graber (my dad) made this teepee for our girls, and I finally got it covered in time for her party.  It was such a fun touch, both for decoration and activities, and it was all the more special because it was almost like having my parents represented there too in some small way.






  It was so special to have a family there from our church who have helped so much with our girls, and have truly been like surrogate grandparents to Jocelyn and Charlotte at times.  They have been such a blessing to us!



                         




   I am just so content when my yard and home are filled with friends and loved ones.  A little part of me comes alive at a party, and life is just too short to have enough of them!





   I am so grateful to have such wonderful people surrounding our family with love and support, and that offer so much help with our little ones.  I am always overwhelmed at their birthday parties at the love that surrounds each one of our girls, and we are so blessed and honored to have such wonderful relatives and people in their lives!

Charlie-babes, I can't believe you're two. 

    You already seem older and bigger to me.  You are getting bolder and braver, causing your mama a few gray hairs now and then, like when you try to venture over to the neighbors house, or when you lock yourself inside cars like you did yesterday.  

   You already have such a huge and tender heart, exclaiming "Oh!" with empathy and understanding, and I can just tell you are going to be great with people.  You love your daddy.  No, you L-O-V-E your daddy.  No one quite lights up your face like he does.  Two peas in a pod, your daddy and you.  

  I really, truly LOVE the stage that you are at right now!  I said it with your sister before and I'll say it again with you......the terrible twos are a myth!  Even if some days are harder than others, or some moments more frustrating than others (specifically when I find artistic pen marks decorating all of the furniture)  I can honestly say....I love this age.  I love your openness and expressiveness and giggles and frowns and shouts and exclamations.  You are a bundle of life and energy and I can't wait to see the plans God has for your life!  I just know it is going to be such a fun one.  

I am so blessed to call you mine. 
-Mama