It has been too long...

Well, it has been quite a while since we've updated the blog so I'll do my best to hit some of the high points. In September Owen started a new job with Moxie Software. He is enjoying working for a start up company and it has been nice to have him around while he builds his territory. Once things get rolling he'll be back to traveling like he did for his old job so I'll enjoy it while I can.

In September we also started telling people that we will be expecting two new additions to our family. If all goes as planned, Baby #2 and Baby #3 will be making their appearances in March. Right now I'm about 4 months pregnant so we'll definitely be keeping everyone updated.

Charlie's been keeping us all busy, even Artu. We try and keep her away from him as much as we can but sometimes he needs to fend for himself. As you can see, sometimes he just give in to her charms and lets her do whatever she wants!

CHARLIE TURNS 2!

At the beginning of the month we celebrated Charlie's 2nd birthday with a family party. Her older cousin, Bailey, was showing her how to walk down the stairs like a big girl.

Charlie, Kyri and Austin played so much that they decided the stairs looked like a comfortable spot to try and take a nap.

We thought cake would be a good pick-me-up for the kids so we sang Happy Birthday to Charlie and had some dessert.

Charlie did a much better job of feeding herself the cake this year. I don't think she could get it in as fast as she wanted.

PUMPKIN PATCH

We took a trip to a local pumpkin patch with some friends. It was a great day to spend outside but seemed a little strange since it was 80 degrees at the pumpkin patch.

We rode the Merry-Go-Round

Fed the animals

And checked out all the pumpkins.

PICNIC TIME

We had to take advantage of the beautiful weather that we have been having so we went to a park in the Rockford area for a picnic. Now that Charlie is 2 we figured we needed to put her to work so we had her bring the blanket for the picnic. She pointed out the perfect spot for us to put our stuff down.

I tried to teach her the rules of soccer but she didn't seem like she wanted to play. I'm pretty sure that sitting on the ball is not allowed.

I know for a fact that touching the ball with your hands is not allowed.




















But when she gives hugs like this she can make up her own rules!




















YARD WORK

Owen has gained a new helper this year. I don't know how much she truly helps him but she loves spending time with her Daddy!!

They grow up so fast...

It seems like just yesterday we were bring Charlie home from the hospital. I just can't believe she is already getting picked up for her first date...

Charlie's First Haircut

After much encouragement from Owen I finally made an appointment for Charlie's first haircut. Since I thought it was going to be a very traumatic experience for her I thought I would leave it up to the professionals. She ended up doing very well. Yay!

Myrtle Beach, SC

Well, I'm a little behind on posting the recent events of the Burritt family so I'll start with the beginning of August. We took a family trip to Myrtle Beach, SC with Kyle, Teri, Kyri, Bryan (Teri's brother), Kay (Bryan's wife) and their daughter Aubry. We're an adventurous bunch so we decided to make the 16hr-ish drive down there with the girls. I was pleasantly surprised that Charlie didn't cause us to stop on either the way down or back. I'm not saying that she didn't have a few "moments" but nothing that required us to stop. Owen and I enjoyed ourselves as always when we are around the ocean but it was fun to see it through our daughters eyes this time! Here are some of the pictures that we took...

Getting ready to start the trip
















Charlie seeing the ocean for the first time

















Entrance to the condos where we stayed
















Eating dinner with Daddy

















Charlie feeding the ducks




Owen's attempt to ride a bull





The whole family
















Charlie just couldn't handle all the excitement from her big trip. She fell asleep during her first dinner back home

Holiday Weekend

We had a really nice holiday weekend. On Friday we walked up to the Bartlett Fest to check out the food, music, games and rides. We ate dinner while we listened to the band and Charlie got to run around and dance.

On Saturday Owen golfed with my brother, Dad and cousin. They had great weather and everyone golfed well so it was a good time. After golf was over we all met up at my Aunt Denise and Uncle Dave's house for a family bar-b-que. Charlie just couldn't wait for dinner so she had a snack before we left.























After dinner Charlie had to check out all the happenings in the backyard. She enlisted Shannon to help her inspect the tree.






















She also need to inspect the bags game to make sure that no one had an unfair advantage.



















On Sunday Owen golfed in Bartlett at the Firecracker Golf Scramble. The guys came in 7 under par, so it was a good day. The DeLee's have adopted us as part of their Independence Day family so we celebrated with them for the fourth year in a row. Luckily, the weather cooperated so we were able to hang out in their backyard.






















































Charlie heard that there was going to be a bags game so she needed to inspect this set too.



















Once she was finished and felt confident that no one had an unfair advantage she let the boys play.




















She was very proud of her inspection skills so she rewarded herself with a chocolate covered pretzel. Actually, I think she rewarded herself with a few pretzels!



















After we pried the pretzels out of her hands we walked home while the fireworks were going off. Charlie didn't get to see the fireworks last year so this was her first experience. She didn't seem overly impressed but that might have to do the fact that she was extremely tired.

Owen had the day off today so we took advantage of the nice weather and went over to a local splash park. It was a nice time and we all really enjoyed fun family time!

Catching up with pics

Owen and Charlie on Uncle Kyle's boat
















Charlie loves the wind in her hair...even if she is facing backwards!

















Kyri liked the wind in her hair too. It even put her to sleep.


















Charlie likes to get tossed in the air by her Daddy.























She kept asking for more...























One last time...

Charlie's First Words

OK, I had to write this down as I had another proud papa moment. Charlotte isn't completely talking yet but I think she is getting close. Today, I was working and Charlotte wanted to say goodbye and she said "bye Da Da". Now, it could have been just babble but I am positive it was clear as day, her saying bye da da. Work has been hard and quite stressful lately but her words made my day!!

The Zoo

We enjoyed some nice weather this weekend and took Charlie to the zoo. She had a lot of fun walking around but it was pretty crowded so it was hard for her to get a good look at all the animals. We'll be sure to take her take her back again soon!

Charlie running through the park to get a better look at the elephants



















She thinks she's pretty cool sitting on the duck




























After an exciting day Charlie needed a nap














How can this be comfortable?!?

March for Babies

I'd like to start by saying a big Thank You to everyone who donated to my March of Dimes, March for Babies walk. I had set a goal of $500 and surpassed it by collecting $535! With all the money that was raised nationwide to fund research on preterm labor hopefully it will be a thing of the past.

Luckily, Mother Nature was on our side and we had a clear morning for the walk. We lined up and started the walk at 9am.














It is a good thing that they started on time because Charlie was ready to go!



















We walked at Busse Woods in Elk Grove and actually saw some of the elk.















There were too many people so Charlie didn't walk too much but she did like riding on Owen's shoulders!














After the walk they had hot dogs for all of the participants and some games for the kids. Owen and I looked around and were reminded of how blessed we are that Charlie is so healthy. We saw shirts on some of the walkers that showed their little ones were born at less than 1 lb. There were children with disabilities associated with their premature birth. We also saw the heartbreaking shirts that showed families walking in remembrance of a child that was lost. It was a very emotional but positive walk that I hope we continue to do as a family for the years to come.

Happy Earth Day!

What a great day to celebrate Earth Day! Since the weather was so nice Charlie and I were able to spend a lot of time outside. We took a walk and planted some tomato plants. Well, I planted the tomatoes and Charlie helped pat the dirt. She also had a good time playing on her new gym. She is still getting the hang of the slide but she enjoys doing it her way!

18 Months

Charlie is a year and a half and doing great. She had her 18 month check up today and she is growing like a weed. She is 33 1/4" long and 23lbs 7.5 oz. Our poor little girl had to get more shots today but at least she is done until her 2 yr check up.

Charlie and I have been getting out and enjoying the great weather that we've been having. Today we went to the park for an egg hunt, picnic and play time. Charlie was a little slower than the older kids so she only got one egg but she had a great time!

Charlie and her one egg



















Playing at the park











































As soon as we got home she looked out the window dreaming of when she can go back to the park