Our Dear Girl

I was only seconds away from publishing a thoughtful little post all filled with love and thoughtful things about our little Claire-bear, but she is wicked smart and very, very curious and well.. she deleted it. I know, that is right up there with my dog ate my homework, but it happened. Really, it did. At any rate, that little bit of touchy-feely mush took alot out of me. Time is running slim, we have a birthday party to get to so I will give you a little run down of fun facts about the Sissy- boo.

• People of her inner circle refer to her as either Claire-bear or Sissy-boo, Sissy for short.
• She has a deep wheezy laugh, that eerily reminds me of Beavis and Butt-head.
• She is a non-discriminate eater. She will try anything you give her. This week she discovered the lima bean and the chocolate chip cookie. But, when in doubt she will eat a little of whatever Jeremy and I have on our plates.
• She snores.
• She is wicked smart.
• She lavishes more love and affection on the dogs than anyone else in the family.
• She has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.
• She has an unwavering devotion to her woobie (her blankie).
• She will dance whenever there is a song in the air.
• Like her brother before her, she does NOT like my singing.
• and she has already started to take things from her brother...usually food.

Happy Birthday, Claire - Bear

Mapquest this!

We loaded up the van and headed west! YEAH.... We went to Milwaukee, WI for our first stop so we could meet our friend Sharla and her sweet baby girl, Piper for breakfast at the IHOP to catch up. Then we wound our way west. We took our time, enjoying the trip and the time together. My friend, Morty (that is her nickname in our trio and I will keep it at that, because I didn't ask her before putting her picture on here) got married in the most amazing weekend wedding! Wow, it was perfect. The setting, the people, the food.... Morty was a beautiful bride! We did it all: the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Wall Drug, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons. I won't go into it all, because I don't even know if anyone really reads this! I will share what will probably be one of my favorite memories. We were staying at the Old Faithful Snowlodge on our last night at Yellowstone park. I was sitting on the window seat working on my postcards when I look out the window and it was snowing!! This beautiful snow was falling over the old faithful geyser basin, in JUNE. I couldn't believe it, it seemed magical or out of a movie or something. I told Jack it was snowing and he just kep saying "Oh, really!?!!!"

A dream vacation, even with the kids along

This was the main house of the resort my friend Morty was married at: Chico Hotsprings Resort and dayspa. AWESOME.

This picture of Jack was taken at the Wall Drug ( the biggest drug store on the planet in Wall, South Dakota). Jack was playing in the water play area and was drenched. We bought him a new shirt and he was stripped down to his skivvies. Isn't that when you would choose to take a wagon ride? He had so much fun playing there, if you have the chance, don't miss it!

Jack loved the badlands, running along the paths and seeing ALL of the rocks, did I mention that there were rocks, just sitting among the other rocks? "Hey Mom! Look, rocks!" Claire is lounging at the pool at Chico's natural hotspring fed pool. Ahhh, the most relaxing thing ever.

It was actually rather cold in Yellowstone with a winter storm warning and everything. When I was out there the last time in... around a decade ago, I did not bring enough warm stuff, this time I was prepared.

This is just a little embarrassing picture of sissy in the car watching a movie and PICKING her nose!

This is a picture of the grand canyon of the yellowstone. We hiked down to the bottom on this path that was all switch backs through trees. I bet it was beautiful, I was seeing spots from the exertion! Okay, well I wasn't seeing spots, but it was a workout! The kids weigh nearly the same and got heavy, fast! Please note, this picture was taken by Jeremy.

Sissy and mommy taking a hiking break

The whole family taking a break heading to the bottom.

The beatuful couple, Mrs. and Mr. Webb.

Devils Tower- beautiful!!!

The Badlands