Random

Summer boredom has set in and even blogging hasn't been interesting! But we are back and I have random pictures that I thought I'd share! The first pic is at Claire's buddy Kailyn's bday party. It's so funny how she is in the background and I am pretty sure she is giving us the stink eye for being so close! She would prefer Mommy and Daddy not to touch or kiss ever!

We had some fun visits from the fam in August. Aunt Carolyn brought lots of clothes for Claire and she loved trying them on while jumping on the bed. So cute. Uncle Tom and Tia brought dinner over to our house last week (how cool is that!) and some homemade cupcakes too. Claire loved seeing her "fan club" and loved her first all chocolate cupcake!

In big news....welcome to the world Baby Harlow Ava Lucky (August 12th) and Baby Beckett Hunter Bonjour (August 17th). I have seen Harlow and she is so adorable. I can't wait to see her again. I look forward to meeting Beckett very soon. I am so happy for Liz and Michelle on their new bundles of joy!

So, I am in the shower the other day and I hear Claire playing in our bathroom. I get out of the shower and she has every rubber duck she owns lined up along the tub. I had to snap a shot of this meeting of the ducks. So funny. The girl owns a lot of rubber duckies that's for sure.

Claire is starting school next Tuesday. It's a toddler program at a really fun preschool. I am very happy to have found a place like this for her age group. I think she will love learning new things (after the initial meltdown!). I am nervous because she is only turning 2 next month but she is craving something more and I see the signs. I also get to have 5 hours each week to just be me outside of the home. Wonder what I'll do first....probably cry then go get some Starbucks!

Ballet

Today was the first day of ballet class. Claire had 3 weeks off after her summer sessions and she went back today without missing a beat. So so cute. She is great at following directions from the teacher. It really amazes me to watch her grasp all the concepts. It's especially amazing since listening to me seems to be so hard for her right now! =) Awe, the joys of parenting. I am really having to dig deep right now for patience because Claire has a will like none other. She is so bright and full of personality. At the same time she is so easily frustrated. I guess patience doesn't run in the family! Just another learning curve we will all get through. I just keep reminding myself of her silly side and all the kisses she gives us. It's worth it's weight in gold.

These pictures aren't great because I am taking them through the door. The girls play "dress up" at the start of class and Claire was really into her jewels!

It's all about the ears

Big day today...Claire got her ears pierced!!! She was a trooper. She cried for a minute, got a sucker, and moved on. I truly thought I would pierce them before she turned 1 but a part of me just couldn't put anything on her yet but today that changed. Two of my friends are piercing their daughter's ears and that's all I needed to get the nerve and go for it! It's an adjustment to see her with earrings but I am glad we did it. I really feel when she is older she will thank me for just getting it over with! Growing up I was so happy my mom pierced my ears when I was about 7 months old. I only wish I had done Claire's sooner because every time I have cleaned them so far she tells me, "no no Mommy" in a very calm but matter of fact voice. She cracks me up.

I figure God gave us 2 ears to listen with and only 1 mouth to talk with so why not adorn those precious gifts!

Pretty Ballet

Claire starts ballet next Tuesday again. We are so excited. In the meantime we have been dressing up in the new black leotard with built on skirt, tights, and shoes! She actually loves to put on the tights and shoes. This sassy little pose she is doing is something she learned in class. She just put her own spin on it! So cute.

Gold Canyon & more cheesy smile

A few weekends ago we went to my bro and sis in law's new house in Gold Canyon, AZ. Much to Carol's dislike the lazy boy made it into their living room. =) Thought I'd get a few shots of her doing a little reading in the chair! Teehee!

On the way home Claire found 3 pair of sunglasses in the car and as you can see all 3 are on her face.

Birthday party fun was had today for Claire's buddy, Kailyn. I love that Claire has her own friend Kailyn just like I do!! CHEESE!