Claire's B'day Party

Casual and Low Key. That's all that was needed. We had pizza, played at the park, then had cake and ice cream. Claire refused to open presents there, but do you blame the girl when there's a  playground!       

Angi and Hannah

Sweet baby Hannah

Grandma Susan and Cadence

Karon and Claire enjoying her new present

Heather, Chris, Marilyn

Party Central

2 YEARS?!

In two years, things have changed tremendously.

But the sweetest thing of all, is our little Claire Bear, who is not so little anymore.

Happy 2nd Birthday

Little One!

STATS:

• Mommy's favorite word that you say: Starbucks! Wonder where you got that one from...
• Daddy's favorite word you say: Golf Ball... okay that's two but totally apparent why it's his favorite.
• Your favorite pastimes: Scheels fishie-watching, neighborhood horse-watching, baby(s)-sitting (your dolls), wrapping up your baby dolls at all times, swinging at the park, riding your tricycle, reading your animal books, and blowing bubbles.
• Your favorite toys are your  Wocket, any babydoll, and your night-night buddy.
• You love the water and beach! It's so fun to see how fearless you are! We have taken you down the Somersett slide numerous times, and you always love it!
• Everytime we try to sing ABCs, you say yes when we ask, then scream no once we start singing it! Never fails...
• Red is the color of everything when we ask you! Still working on those colors...
• TUNNEL!!!! We love it when you scream that as we pass an underpass on the freeway! hehe
• NO! is the new yep nowadays...
• Fruit Snacks and milk are your favorite cravings.
• You love Cadence, your little sister. It's adorable when you give her sweet little kisses.
• You also love to help mommy with your little sister, by wiping her face when she spits up, and giving her the binky when she is crying, and wrapping her up.

Terrible Two-Years-- BRING. IT. ON.

Shakespeare Festival

Every summer, Sand Harbor hosts the Shakespeare Festival, which reminds me of the times we drove to Utah to see the many plays in Cedar City, at their Shakespearean Summer Festival. I am a HUGE fan of Shakespeare and have been wanting to return to see a play since Jeff and I went four years ago. This year, it was Twelfth Night, which, being a comedy, made it easier for Jeff to agree to go again. We went with great friends/ family, enjoyed the lake in the background and had a little wine and picnic. 

It was a great evening!

Rehearsal of the fight in Twelfth  Night

Our View-- not a bad seat in the house

Brandon, Josh, Christie, Aubrey

Chris, Jeff, Marilyn

mmmm...

Marilyn and Me

BTW.... We are so thankful to have the grandparents nearby for babysitting. Thanks a BUNCH!!!!

Casey & Kristen's Wedding

One of Jeff's good friends was married last weekend at Edgewood at Tahoe. It was beautiful location, beautiful decor and fun times! Kristen was stunning in her gown also.

CONGRATS YOU TWO!

We took Cadence and left Claire at home.

 Thanks Christie for babysitting!

Sharon & Grace Visit

Jeff's Aunt Sharon and Cousin Grace came to Reno a couple weeks ago. It was so much fun to have them here! Grace is such a sweet four-year-old. I definitely have some great milestones to look forward to!

We had a blast touring little bits of Reno. I took them to Scheels, an amazing sports superstore. It caters to anyone and everyone in the family. We make a trip to this place at least once a week, so Claire can see the "fishies" in the two enormous tanks there. In the center is a HUGE ferris wheel that Claire is still too little to ride, but Grace was able to enjoy it.

We had a BBQ at our place so that everyone could catch up and the girls had a blast playing in their matching outfits:

We also made trip downtown to the end of Reno's yearly Artown events. It was more fun to watch the people than the performances.

 Poor Jeff/ Lucky Jeff. It was estrogen central at our home. 

 Just to let you know how outnumbered Jeff was all weekend, here are all the girls he was surrounded by:

We also asked Aunt Sharon to take some family photos of us while she was here.

They turned out beautifully!

Grandma Susan and her 3 grandkids
 (4th coming in February-- Woohoo Chris and Marilyn!)

sisters... <3

One of the days, we took them to our favorite beach in Tahoe, Sand Harbor.

 The kids seemed to enjoy the freezing water :)

Jeff's sister Catherine, Jeffery & Scarlett

3 generations

cute little Grace Marie

G Aunt Sharon and G Neice Cadence

So. Much. Fun! I think it's time for a road trip to see you now!

I think we'll keep her!

How can you not love this face?!

Our Backyard...

One of the cool things about living in Reno is that it is a mix of part country, part suburbia, and part urban no matter where you are.

We live in a cute little suburban-type neighborhood, but this is what's in our backyard:

   

There are houses that were built in this area 40-50 years ago, and they all have some land to them.

We love taking walks right around the corner to see these beauties up close,

 but Claire can see them through the slats in our backyard fence.

It's putting it mildly when I say that our little girl is obsessed with them.

On the way home tonight, it was apparent to us that our little girl would rather do the pushing than be pushed. Jeff said that reminded him of someone, but I just can't think who....