You are an easy-going, loving, gentle, smart, observant, and joyful. You've been happy and content since the day you were born. You've never been a crier- the only time you get upset is if you are sick or in pain. You're an amazing sleeper, always have been. Your 5 hour afternoon naps are legendary among our friends and you still sleep 12+ hours every night- we still wake you most of the time. You have admired and watched your big brother since the day you were born. You were only 4 mo old when you learn to sit and started playing trucks alongside him. You've never been one to "mess up" his things. You just slipped right in, acting wise beyond your years. Hearing you talk these days, we forget you're only two. Your enunciation is priceless and you've been speaking in sentences for several weeks. You make connections and remember things that astound us. You've recently found your independence and are changing your clothes, dressing 
yourself, using the potty (not regularly), playing dress up and babies, buckling your own car seat, sitting at the big table and anything else you can try. Your new mantra is "all by self" and you use it frequently. And most of the time you figure out how to do it. I love watching you try and succeed. Your persistence and patience are admirable. It's been a treat hearing you talk and finally knowing what's going on in your head and what you're feeling. You tell us who you love, what you like, what scares you, what you don't want, where you want to go, and what you want to do. About a month ago you started asking "why?". At first we thought it was a fluke- you were just copying someone you heard, but we were wrong- you know exactly what you're asking and you want to know. I'm trying to keep up with you. You've just grown up so fast. We're very proud of the little girl you're becoming!
We celebrated your birthday over Memorial Day weekend
with family and friends. We had beautiful sunny weather and enjoyed countless hours outside. Your present from Mommy and Daddy was a new swingset. You have been swinging ever since and couldn't be happier. I think you've sweet-talked everyone in the house with, "JuJu swing? push me please? higher?" Though hearing your giggle and seeing the sheer joy on your face is enough. I think it was the perfect gift.We had a great time with all our family- Mimi & Grandpa, all you aunts and uncles, and all your cousins came to celebrate with you. We had a full house and a great time playing together.
Your party was on Saturday- a backyard picnic with your new swingset, a bounce house, the sandbox, balloons, lots of yummy food, and friends and family. You were so excited when you saw the food table- your favorite pizza and chickfila chicken nuggets- so many of them in one place! You
kept squealing, "chicken nuggets!" It was so cute.
Aunt Mary B, Mason, Julia, and Aunt Sharon
Anderson hamming it up for the camera...
Allison and Carter playing horseshoes...
Allison and Shana
Carter and Jordan having a blast!
Everyone loves the swingset
Carter and Kevin playing ring toss
Sweet little ladies...such pretty little toes!
We finished off the weekend with a family brunch after church. Lots of yummy food for all and a great time to squeeze in some more playtime (Carter's favorite). Grandpa taught the boys to play lacrosse (he even had them in the penalty box a few times). They were quick studies and soon had quite a game going in the backyard. It was even more fun because the NCAA championships were on TV and they could watch what they were learning. Carter has now become the resident lacrosse pro and is recruiting everyone that comes in the backyard. Do you think they have preschool lacrosse teams? Just what we need- another sport. He's now saying he's going to play lacrosse for Navy one day...And Julia?.........
.............still swinging, and loving every minute!
