August in Pictures

I went to download pictures the other night and realized I hadn't done so all month! So here is August in pictures!

Grandma B & Grandpa gave Clara a new ballet outfit and her first ballet shoes for her birthday. They have been getting A LOT of use!

Maggie has inherited Clara's former tutu, a little big, but so cute!

The first week of August we joined Matt and 45 middle school students on the annual Bike Hike trip. This year's trip was in Florence on the Oregon Coast. The girls and I went for 3 nights. The trip started off with a dune buggy ride. Three years ago, we took Clara on it (she had just turned 1), but I didn't dare take Maggie! I think she would have squirmed her way off! I didn't know if Clara would want to go once she saw the buggy drive up, but she went and had a fun time. 

The students loaded into 2 buggies that each held 25 people. 

Clara had a grand time with the middle school students. They were so sweet to include her in different activities throughout the time we were there. One morning she spent a good hour "making" friendship bracelets for people, which consisted of her cutting off pieces of string for them. It was very cute & the students graciously received their bracelets!

Clara & Jessica

 

Maggie also had some fun! She wasn't quite walking when we were camping, so she spent a lot of time being held, in the carrier or stroller. She discovered the bike though and recruited some good helpers to wheel her around!

Maggie & I took a few early morning walks to allow the rest of the camp to sleep a little more. Maggie is usually an awesome sleeper, but we had a couple rough nights. 

Breakfast at camp
(Notice all the bikes lined up behind them?!)

Clara loves her daddy!

On our way home from Florence we stopped at the Newport Aquarium. It was fun to explore!

Clara at the aquarium sporting her Bike Hike shirt! She was so pleased that a small one was ordered just for her!

Maggie took a few steps here. This was taken on Wednesday and by Saturday she was walking across the living room! Something clicked and she took off!

The discovery that every child makes sooner or later! 

Clara's sidewalk chalk portrait of Maggie

Sweet smile

She's become quite a little daredevil lately. Climbing on chairs, boxes, etc and always so proud of herself! (And probably pretty tickled with the quick response it elicits from other family members!)

Daddy is her favorite snuggle buddy!

I just love this picture of them.

Clara's 4th Birthday Party

 We kicked Clara's special day off with a little tea party and some presents. She had been so excited about her birthday and party that she was having trouble sleeping the week leading up to it. I was somewhat relieved to see it come and go, so that she could get some rest! Later that morning we headed to Dutch Brothers so she could get her birthday smoothie (another much anticipated event!). We came home and she helped me get some things ready for her party that evening. Tio Rojo had sent a big box of sidewalk chalk, so we used that to make a big Happy Birthday sign and decorations to welcome guests. Matt picked Clara up for lunch and she chose to go to the Camas Burgerville where that have a cute kids area with kid-sized booths.

Getting ready for the party

Here she is talking to Grandpa Joe! She had many birthday calls from family and friends! She always loves to chat on the phone and loved hearing everyone sing to her from afar.

Party time! We had a few families and friends over to help us celebrate! It was a beautiful day (a perk of a summer birthday in the NW!) so we had a great evening outside. 

Baby Will was kind enough to let the birthday girl hold him a couple times!

Lily, always ready for a party!

Samuel, David & Joshua taking a break from the pool to have a bite to eat.

 Maggie and Mr. Rich enjoying some time together!

These three sweet girls found a shady spot for their dinner.

I walked into Clara's room at one point to find Audrey reading Henry & Mudge to Clara. I just love this picture, Clara's arm draped over Audrey's shoulder and so attentive to her reading.

Clara had asked for a "3 layered cake", so I went ahead and made one with three layers. When she saw it she was a bit disappointed and with some further explanation, I realized she wanted a 3 tiered cake...like a wedding cake! Oh well, maybe next year!?

Here she doesn't reallyt seem to mind though!

Clara & Annie

Clara & Catherine

We had a great day celebrating Clara and give thanks for all the friends and family who made her feel so special that day and every day!

Four Years Old!

Our sweet girl turned 4 last week! I did a quick interview with her over a cup of hot chocolate and here are her responses to some of my questions!

Age: 4

Favorite colors: pink & purple

Best friend: Natalie

Favorite song: Alice (The Bath Song: Glug, glug, glug) & Shout to the Lord

Favorite characters: Angelina Ballerina, Dora, Bob the Builder

Favorite meal: Potstickers, rice & edamame beans

Favorite candy: Dots, Tootsie Rolls, Starburst

Memorable adventure from being 3: Hiking Hamilton Mountain

Favorite park: Playground at Helen Baller Elementary School

Favorite book: Thomas the Train anthology

Favorite outfit: Ballet dress

Favorite "thing" to play with: Maggie

Favorite thing to do outside: hide & seek, running around, playing in the kiddie pool

Favorite thing to do with Dad: hide & seek, wrestling, taking JB for walks

Favorite thing to do with Mom: going to the coffe shop, baking, frosting

Favorite thing to do with Maggie: hug and kiss her, make her laugh

What do you think it will be like to be 4? "I haven't been to Circle of Friends before, so that will be different."

What do you want to learn when you are 4? "I want to write cursive in kindergarten, swim & do ballet."

Current responsibilities: Making her bed, letting JB out in the morning, setting the table before meals

New responsibilities when she is 4: Feeding JB