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