Sunny adventures with Mimi and Papa Jack

Much has gone on in the past month or so. We were sick for most of January and early February with colds and stomach bugs (not fun!), but then had a wonderful 4th birthday celebration for Lucy, including a party with friends and another with my grandparents. And now we are overseas, visiting my parents! I didn't get a chance to post pictures of Lucy's party before we left, but will do so when we get back. 

It is beautiful here- sunny and in the 60s during the day, and a bit colder at night. We've been soaking up the sun and having lots of outdoor adventures- such a treat to be able to do this in late Feb/early March. Mimi and Papa Jack are wonderful hosts, making delicious food (I deeply appreciate the break from cooking), entertaining the girls, and taking us to lots of fun places.

Here is Papa Jack with his koala bear. Clara is really bonding with Mimi and Papa Jack, and even reaches for them to hold her when I'm around, and rests her head on their shoulder.

I got to celebrate my birthday here, and had a fun lunch out with dad and Lucy. More pictures of my coffeeshop time are here.

The girls continue to love making each other laugh.

Although the water is still too cold for swimming, we've been to the beach a number of times to watch the waves and play in the sand. Lucy, our little hot box, went around in her swimsuit the other day, even though most of us were wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts!

 Clara holding Papa Jack's finger- so cute!

Lucy and Papa Jack being silly together.

Lucy reading in the special hammock chair. She's adapted really well to this very different culture. She has learned how to say hi and goodbye and thank you in both languages spoken here, and often finds playmates when we're out at the park.

For some reason I can't get these next few photos to load right, so please bear with me and tilt your head.

Lucy and I went to get pedicures last week, which was so fun. She ended up getting the full treatment (45 minutes) and sat so patiently throughout- I was amazed!

Mimi has been so great with the girls. The 3 of them have quality time together each morning, while I sleep in or have some time to myself (such a gift!). They often have dance parties after breakfast, which sound like lots of fun!

Juggling/eating lemons in my parents' front garden. This photo captures how beautiful and sunny it is.

Clara, after enjoying some yogurt. She's been growing so much, even in the week and a half that we've been here. She has a few new words, including "ot" for "hot", "at" for "cat", and "bah-pah" for "back-pack". And she's really been working on climbing on furniture and going up and down stairs (with our assistance, of course).

Clara says 'Mama'

Here's a video of Clara saying "Mama"- Lucy makes her debut as the videographer/director (you can hear her saying "Mama" to show Clara near the beginning).

Happy Birthday Clara!

Clara is 1 years old!! (actually, 1 yr and a few weeks- sorry this is late, my little sweetie!)

She is such a treasure, and we are so blessed to have her. We love everything about her; her sweet, mellow spirit, her curiosity, her emotional expressiveness,  her love of music and dancing, her cuddles, her grins. 

It's amazing how much she has grown in this year, from a helpless baby to a walker/dancer/explorer! She says a few words now, too. Her first was "buh-buh" for her bunny lovey, and then "Mama" (so precious to hear!), and then "Dah" for duck.

1 week old

1 year old!

She has such a beautiful smile.

Lucy and Clara together. They are different from each other in so many ways, but have such a sweet and special connection.

We celebrated Clara's birthday out west with Grandma Judy and cousin Sarah. Judy made a fun snowman cake, which Lucy and I helped to decorate.

 

Clara loved her first taste of cake!

There were balloons.

And party hats and music- lots of fun!

Here's a video of me chasing Clara- she has such a wonderful laugh.

Travels out west

We spent a fun 2 weeks out west with Grandma Judy over the holidays, soaking up the sun and having wonderful Christmas celebrations. The girls had a great time with Grandma Judy. Lucy slept in her room for most of the trip, and Clara had lots of smiles for her all the time.

Grandma Judy gave the girls special Christmas dresses, which they looked SO cute in!

 

One of Clara's favorite presents was a rubber ducky. :)

We had a blast making and decorating lots of cookies- it's one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.

A few more gratuitous dress pictures.

 

We met up with Matt's brother and his girlfriend a few times, including at a local mall where there was this fun little train ride.

Matt's cousin, Sarah, came out for almost a week. Lucy adored her, and we had lots of fun hanging out.

Clara and I went on a walk to a playground one day. It was super sunny all the time, but still brisk enough for coats and hats.

We went in the hot tub out back a couple times- Lucy was super excited about it, and about getting to use her floatie and new swimsuit!

We went for 2 hikes at a local conservation area, which was so beautiful. Lucy asked us how old she had to be before she could go "real" rock climbing.

The girls got matching outfits for Christmas, which Lucy was especially excited about.

Lucy & Clara on a ride at Chuck E Cheese, which was quite a hit with them.

Grandma Judy with Clara.

And with Lucy, at the Magical Forest, which had amazing Christmas displays and fun rides.

Christmas preparations

We put up our Christmas tree a few weeks ago; we all love looking at all of our special ornaments.

A baby gate has been a necessary addition, as Clara loves to get into things.

Lucy is as silly and creative as ever.

Clara is quite the walker now, and usually is carrying at least one or two things in her hands.

Some photos from a recent family walk.

We've been enjoying advent time each night, when we light the advent candles, sing a hymn, read a bible story and pray. Lucy loves learning the Christmas hymns- here she is singing Angels We Have Heard on High.

Clara is increasingly independent, with her own mind about where she wants to go!

The girls have a blast playing with each other. Clara often falls in the midst of the roughhousing, but she has a good attitude about it and just keeps going.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a fun day playing, cooking, and going for a little walk. Then we hosted my grandparents and some good friends and their 2 girls for Thanksgiving dinner.

We are deeply thankful for our two little ones.

Big sister pushing little sister in the stroller.

Lucy is really into racing, and ran almost the whole time.

Midway through a game of Pooh Sticks.

I love this look.

 It was a great day, sunny and crisp.

Clara walking and talking.

I had some fun with the place settings this year, thanks to some ribbon, chocolates, and flora from the backyard that Lucy and I gathered.

Lucy set the table for the kids, and made placecards. She and her two friends (3 and 5) got along so well. It was a bit noisy, but they played on their own wonderfully, letting the adults have some relaxing time at the dinner table.