This post is long overdue. We also have not taken very many pictures since we moved. But, here is what we have...

In August, my mom had Charlotte and I over for a pool party one day. Charlotte loved the pool, mostly climbing in and out of it.

At the end of August/beginning of September we went up to camp for Erik's installation. These were sadly the only few pictures we took. This is Charlotte enjoying some zucchini bread in the lounge of Cedar.

And Charlotte taking a shower with Kyle.

Charlotte and I did some baking together....

In September, when Courtney and Erin were visiting, about half of the Mecher grandkids took a trip to the children's museum.

We take frequent walks around campus with Charlotte to visit friends or play with the leaves or on the stairs.

She's really into pointing lately.

Not so much into me, but that's okay.

Rainy afternoon couch cushion fort building with dad. He's pretty fun.

And Charlotte's first real haircut! We took her to this place in Lincoln Square called Pickle's Playroom "a Clip, Sip, and Play Cafe." So, we got a haircut and 30 minutes of playtime in the playroom.

No more mullet!

We have a walker

About week ago Charlotte started to take some steps and she has bettered everyday. This is the best so far. Jenny demanded she not be in the shot since it was first thing in the morning. Enjoy.

Charlotte: Savvy Chicago Socialite

Charlotte has adapted very well to her new city. She has slept just as well here with screeching ambulances outside her room as she did with screeching foxes back in the U.P. We have taken in some urban life including Jenny's Half Marathon and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Grandma and Poppa Mecher went with us downtown for Jenny's race at 5 in the morning. Charlotte loved all the people and excitement.

After Lynn and Gladdy left Charlie and Kyle toured around Millennium park waiting for Mom to finish.

So happy to be a city girl.

Charlotte asleep on her first CTA ride.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Looking at Turtles in the Children's Zoo

We had camera trouble so we only got a few pictures, but Charlotte loved the Zoo. She was mimicking the Tiger's noises in the Lion house and pointing excitedly at all the big cats.

We had a picnic while Charlotte napped, but she was awoken by the "Thunderbirds" flying overhead practicing for the Air and Water show. They flew right over us a couple time and we had to quick cover Charlotte's ears.

We are doing great. We worked really hard to make our apartment a home quick. Pictures of our place forthcoming.

Last Days at Point

Kayaking with Dad

Checking out the moving truck with Caleb.

In the truck with Dad and all our stuff.

Thank you Point family for all the support. We love you

Jenny's Baptism

Well. We are leaving in a little less than two weeks. This week is family camp and we are trying to participate as campers as much as we can. It has been really fun and relaxing to go to chapel and coffee talk, participate in hymn sings, watch big games, hang out on the waterfront with a ton of other parents and kids, etc.

Charlotte is loving being out in the sun and swimming, she is such a little water baby. She also has been standing on her own for a few seconds at a time. Last night, in the bath tub, she stood and danced a little bit. She says "dada", "hi", and "ball" (kind of) and we think she says "What's that?" and "Who's that?" Regardless, we answer her. She loves people and will go to pretty much anyone. She is a smiley, happy, joyful girl and we are having a blast with her right now.

I have been reading a book this summer called "One Thousand Gifts" which is about how the crux of the Christian faith is actually giving thanks to God in all circumstances- the Greek word is "eucharisteo"- and how eucharisteo allows us to live in the now and experience joy in every moment, even hard moments, sad moments, impatient moments, angry moments. It has really been shaping my days, and consequently, my faith and life. I think the lessons God has taught me through this book are timely for our move. He has been keeping me from stress and worry and perfection and fear of the unknown so far and is preparing me for accepting change and being open to all the things He gives (a new home, a new journey, a new perspective). I couldn't have hoped for a deeper feeling of God's peace right now.

And so, we are coming soon!

Summertime.

Pictures from a Mecher visit and Fourth of July.

LOVE this.

Eating a stick.

Adoring Jackson.

Serious Emmett.

New birthday sprinkler.

Look at those little chompers up top.

Miss America.

Don't worry, the box did not really contain explosives.

American girls.

Princess Charlotte.