A Few More From Christmas

Clara and Steven are lucky little people, because they also get to celebrate Christmas with Grandma and Great-Grandma!  Sadly, by the time we arrived at my family's, Clara was really feeling ill.  I did, however, manage to get a few photos, so here they are!

Oh, how I love these two children of mine.  Clara was her spunk, love of words, and friendliness.  Steven with his sweet smile and laugh, his desire to climb and scale every object in a room.  They sure did make Christmas wonderful this year.  I have a feeling next year will (somehow, though it seems unbelievable!) be even better.

Colorado 2013 (the part not in Colorado)

The kids and I decided to extend our vacation with a stay at my parents' cabin.  We spent every day down by the water, catching crawdads with peanut butter and lunch meat.  Clara was lucky enough to see her first deer, elk, frog, and javelina on this trip, which made Grandpa very proud.  

Here are a few pictures from the end of our trip:

As you can see, the crawdads were a big hit.

Clara's First Birthday

Here are a few photos from Clara's birthday party:

One of my favorite things about Husband's family is the multitude of children.  They make every family function joyous, and this one was no exception.  Though Clara won't remember it, I won't forget all the smiles on her face and how determined she was to eat her entire smash cake, one slow, deliberate bite at a time.

Yesterday was one of those days where I looked around and said to myself, "I am a mom."  I am so excited for all of the birthdays, holidays, and gatherings I am sure to host as my family grows.

Pleasant Valley Days Parade

There are few things I love more than small town parades, big blue skies, and fresh air.  I am so looking forward to the day when I can live somewhere as beautiful as this, away from the big, dirty city.  Until then, the Pleasant Valley Days will have to do.

Clara at Grandmother's

A Pleasant Weekend

This was our Memorial Day weekend.

After Much Bribing/Begging/Pleading

{Breakfast at Joe's and deep-fried french toast}

{Hanging out with the uncles}

My family has been asking us to visit for weeks and weeks and weeks.  Clara and I finally found a weekend to wander down to their neck of the woods.  Even with a sick and grumpy baby, it was a nice trip.  (As it always is.)

We spent the weekend eating good food, hanging out at home, hitting antique stores, and working on a (very) special (top secret!) project.  

Christmas Part 2

Once we arrived at our next Christmas destination, Clara quickly found her way into her favorite person's arms.  She has a sweet (and sleepy!) spot for that Grandpa Steve.

This celebration was filled with lots of good food, gifts of all shapes and sizes, lots of little cousins, karaoke, cheesecake, card games, and much more.

And, in my opinion, these little girls were the best gifts of all!