Meeting Alex

On August 15, we took a day trip to Jacki's house to visit with her, Tiffany, and baby Alex. Tiffany and I were pregnant at the same time and found a lot of support in going through that together, despite her move to Louisiana. This was our first time meeting her little boy Alex who is about 7 weeks older than Clara. They played so nicely together, and Clara was happy to watch all of Alex's tricks and mobility. He's quite a handsome little man and was all smiles and giggles.

Saying hi

Playtime

Ocean City Last Day

August 13 was our last day at the beach, our two year anniversary, and Clara's six month birthday. We went to the beach to attempt some family portraits. It was much hotter than previous days and a little too close to nap time. Thank goodness for Grandmom's shiny bracelet and for Clara's tolerance of sandy pacifiers - all of which saved the day. We finished the morning with a very nice lunch overlooking the bay.

with Mommy

with Daddy
Aunt Jen and Clara (chewing on the bracelet)

Grandmom settling Clara before more pictures

Clara wasn't going to give up her paci

Family by the water

Family by the dunes



Daddy, Grandmom, Clara, Mommy, Grandpop, Aunt Jen

Ocean City Day 3

We did spend another day at the beach, but here are a few pictures from our time around the condo in the mornings and evenings.

Quick snuggle with mom

Listening to Grandpop


Practicing standing



Isn't this why we all go to the beach?


Special moments with Grandmom

Bedtime snuggle with Aunt Jen

Not quite crawling, but getting ready

First time eating squash - no shirt required.

Ocean City Day 2

Our second day was our first beach day. It was amazing how we even made it to the sand considering the baby gear was added to the goods. The weather was perfect with sunny skies, mild temperatures and a very pleasant breeze. We tried to take Clara to put her toes in the water (of course hoping for those perfect first time in the ocean pictures), but Clara did not like the cold water temperature and was a little overwhelmed by the sand and rushing waves. She cried each time we put her feet in. It was a valiant attempt, but she spent most of the afternoon happily playing and sleeping in the shade of the tent.

First Day as a Beach Baby

Fun new toys from Grandmom


The ocean waves and warm sea air were perfect for a nap

Camp Clara

Ocean City Day 1

We all took a trip to Ocean City, New Jersey with Chris's family for our final summer vacation. It was Clara's first trip to the beach and seeing the ocean, but we spent our first day visiting with the Bisignano family in Avalon. Clara went swimming in their pool, and after watching mommy and daddy blowing bubbles in the water, she put her face in voluntarily! We were so proud and happy that she is a water baby. I guess dumping water on her head in the bath has paid off!

Watching Mommy

Trying on her own

Swimming with Daddy


Boogie Boarding will have to wait for next year


She just loved being in the water, and here she could stand on her own step

Michigan Part 4: Cherries Cherries Cherries

Here are a few pictures we took at the cherry orchard. This was the last day of our vacation, and though we were sad to leave, we were looking forward to getting home to Chris. We missed him a lot during the week; it just wasn't quite the same without him.

Investigating

Tasting (well... almost)



She was surprised by the leaves brushing her face

Michigan Part 3: Fun shots

Here's the traditional picture of Grandpa's boat. One of my favorite things about the lake is the sparkling blue color. The water is so clear that you can see 12 feet down; which is a good thing, since I dropped Clara's sunglasses one afternoon.

Mom, Clara and Joanie on the boat

Our sunset boat cruise put Clara right to sleep in her grandma's arms.

Elk Lake at sunset

We realized Clara matched Great Grandma's beautiful flowers!

Michigan Part 2: First Boat Ride

Since I couldn't water ski this year, we rented a jet ski for the day. While Joanie and my mom were out, Grandpa and Grandma took Clara and me for a short ride. The noise of the engine and motion of the water helped to put her to sleep, but not before Grandpa let her take a turn at the helm (few have been awarded such a chance).

Clara with her Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Larson

Clara drives the boat

Are we ready to go, Grandpa?

Michigan Part 1: Lazy Afternoon Lakeside

Clara and I headed to my grandparents' house in Michigan with my parents and Joanie at the end of July. The fourteen hour drive was a test of Clara's patience and contentment in her carseat. She did very well on the drive up, and Reveille's singing was there to save the day when she started to fuss. Here are a few pictures from the trip. You'll notice cherries as a running theme. Though my grandparents live in Elk Rapids, Traverse City is not too far and is considered the cherry capital of the country.

Happy girl in a cherry dress from Daddy

She loved to look up into the willow trees swaying and listening to the water lapping on the shore.

Clara's new shades

Five Month Home Portraits

Just an update:

It's been a little hectic for us around here. Clara is transitioning to a different schedule, and she is too interested in everything around her to take naps. Mom has resorted to settling her in the pitch black bathroom. It's not fun to pace around in a small space! Mornings are still her favorite time of day when she is all smiles and so excited to be awake.

Chris has finished his softball season playing with William and Mary's alumni team. They played six games this past weekend for the tournament, and made a good run of it.

First Play Date

Clara and I went to my friend Sarah' house for a playdate with her two boys Benjamin (4) and Ethan (1). We were also joined by Katherine and her son Gabriel (2). Clara enjoyed all of the many new toys at Sarah's house, and she definitely kept tabs on the bigger boys by watching their every move. Benjamin and Gabriel tried to entertain her with funny faces She also had some time with Ethan and the two of them seemed to enjoy playing. Ethan imitated Clara's noises, danced to the musical toys, and even offered to share with Clara. Of course, he also tried to take her pacifier out.

Benjamin and Clara

Gabriel

Clara and Ethan