Two years old!

Hard to believe this kiddo is a full-on two year old now!

At the dinner table, in addition to encouraging us to follow her lead for dance moves or silly faces, Melina likes to show us the signs she learns at her day care.

 At the zoo.

 Taking a break with some "Emergency O's"

Finn's birthday!

 Jasper watches the festivities.

 Melina testing out our new water table.

 Picnic at Volunteer Park!

 Dancing next to the stage. While we were having our picnic, some actors showed up to rehearse a play, which we deduced was Little Red Riding Hood. Melina offered some notes at the end of the rehearsal and loved watching them.

 Showing off some of her moves.

 Touching the fountain.

We kept having to stop her from tasting the water.

 Auntie Hallie and Joanie joined us!

 Future photographer?

 Two years old with her PEPS buddies.

 Back at Volunteer Park, exploring in the trees.

 This kiddo loves to run!

 Beautiful Auntie.

 Mischief face!

 Giving Joanie a treat.

 Sisters.

 Melina's first corn on the cob! She doesn't have very many teeth, but she does what she can with what she has.

 Birthday girl and her new backpack!

 Getting pulled to school on her birthday in her new wagon (note tupperware full of cupcakes).

 I love this picture for multiple reasons: First - look at the amazing toddler-sized Ergo that Auntie Claire made for Melina - holy cow! Second - something about Melina's sleepy expression, her stance and her messy hair is so reminiscent to me of early mornings with her when she was small. Just amazing.  She loves putting her kitty and her doll her Ergo.

 A birthday visit from (honorary) Auntie Melissa.

 

Melina's birthday party!  Hanging out in our backyard.

 Our neighbor Zachary chilling with the kiddos, much to Melina's delight.

 Being 2 is a serious business.

 Preparing to blow out her candles.

 I think she was amazed that we were letting her eat the cupcake.

 She figured it out pretty quickly.

 Unlike every other toddler on the planet, Melina flipped her cupcake over, and ate the bottom only.

 That was pretty much how she left it.

 Ivy, on the other hand, took a more traditional approach.

 Owen was the big kid of the party, and showed the little kids what was what.

 Beck and baby Lola.

 Baby mo getting a sweet ride in the wagon.

 Mo, Neala and Sam.

 Getting help with butterfly wing decoration from Leah (thank you also to Natalie for helping Melina to paint her wings!)

 Ivy and Diane!

 Melina and her decorated wings.

 Going in for a hug with Addy.

 Baby June and Elizabeth.

 A big running hug for Bente!

Oh Melina! The fact is, we had no idea being your parents would be this much fun.  You continuously amaze us with your ever-emerging personality, your powers of observation and your ability to express your thoughts on the world.

• You LOVE the Madeline books, in particular (right now) Madeline in London. You have made us laugh so much as you quote the book in hilarious contexts, including saying out of the blue "OH, this is hard to bear!" and "Pack your bags, mama and dada!"
• You have designated part of our living room as the "Embassy" (also from Madeline).
• You love the concept of "preschool" and make many pretend trips there (and also to the grocery store). 
• You love putting things in bags and carrying them around - the more things, the better. Your favorite things to put in the bags are your play camera, your "phone" (and old ipod), your "charger" (a purple plastic computer connector thingy that she found in our desk), as well as any variety of play food, especially sandwiches, corn on the cob and an orange.  
• You love people! We love seeing you reach out and interact with the people in our life. 
• You also have games and storylines in your head that you like to play out without our help.  You have learned that saying "Mama, I want to play by myself" goes over a bit better than "Go away, Mama." It is amazing to see you develop in this way.
• Your sense of humor is becoming more apparent every day. Today you were cracking both of us up by doing an intentional funny voice. 
• You are hilariously honest. If I ask you: "Melina, are you going to play with this food, or eat it?" You will respond to me in all seriousness "Play with it."