Halloween Part 2

Well, our attempts to get Clara into a costume as Winnie the Pooh's honey pot were foiled by a bad cold that turned into croup. We did, however, carve her a little pumpkin that I picked at a real pumpkin patch in MD on a second grade field trip, and we carved the big pumpkin that was a gift for my classroom from the parents. I scooped the seeds out, and Clara was very scared of the inside of the pumpkins. Chris meticulously and very professionally carved the faces and letters. So, we apologize there aren't any costume pics, but we'll take a healthy, well-rested child instead.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

"Which one should I choose?"

"Can I have this one, daddy? Pretty please?"

Inspecting the pumpkin

All looks good

At Cox Farms, the closest Northern Virginia can get to a pumpkin patch!

William and Mary Part 3

The wedding reception was held at the Alumni House, and there was a beautiful grassy area with a replica of the original sundial from campus.

William and Mary Part 2

Waiting for admission to William and Mary's class of 2029

Cocktail hour with Daddy, Chris, Jasen, and Spud

Clara was more interested in the grass and the tiny ants crawling around

Our little family.

William and Mary Part 1

The Crim Dell bridge on campus

Walking to the reception, we stopped for a picture by the Sunken Gardens

I love this picture. It reminds me of the final walk through campus we took on our graduation day.

Clara in Williamsburg

We returned to Williamsburg and the William and Mary Campus on October 13 for a wedding. Once we arrived, we could not resist having lunch at the Cheese Shop. Clara had her first try on the bumpy brick walkways. She did well in the car, and she was pleasant and friendly with all of our friends. It also happened to be her 8 month birthday!

Trying out the bricks

Jasen and Clara

Fun around the house

We hope the Air Force Academy football team has a good season! Thanks to Aunt Joanie for the fan gear!

She's definitely ready for some more mobility!

New High Chair

Clara finally outgrew her little Bumbo seat for at home feedings, so we tried her in the new high chair. It is definitely a noisier eating experience now that she wants a toy to bang on the tray, but she likes being up higher. She also loves examining the straps and studying how the chair works. We may have an engineer on our hands.

Fall morning

We'd been waiting for a while to get her in this darling polo dress that I received from the Brittain's at the baby shower in New Jersey. When the area where we live put out the yellow mums all around, I couldn't resist the chance to get a few pictures - especially since yellow is her Grandma Pretz's favorite color. Despite being a week into October, it was extremely hot and bright.

Outdoors in New Jersey

We took a few pictures near the pond across the street from Chris' parents' house. It was such a beautiful day, and of course we needed to highlight new clothes purchased at the Carter's outlet. She's already wearing 12 month sizes.

Blue Jean Banger

We were in New Jersey for a wedding Saturday, and we spent Sunday at his parents' house enjoying the beautiful weather and the Phillies win for the division championship.

Grandmom let her bang on the pots and pans

She had so much fun!

So daring and ready to move on her own

So cute in her denim outfit from Grandmom

Party Princess

Now that Clara is seven months old (well, almost eight, but we're behind on the blog), we felt she was old enough to attend her first wedding party. Spud and Julie tied the knot at the Rutger's Chapel in New Jersey a few weekends ago. Clara had a beautiful dress, from Jenny ,to wear, and she flirted with every man in the room. She also had a reunion with the Nordberg family. She really connected with Mike when we were at the lake this summer.

Final 6 month pictures

Here are just a few cute pictures from about a month ago. Grandmom Condon had bought her the little pop up animal toy, and she was very curious to see where the animals went after they were pushed down. She would turn the toy over and look underneath. She's one smart cookie!