Family Weekend in Coeur D' Alene

We just returned from a fun family weekend in Coeur D'Alene, ID to celebrate my cousin Dusty's graduation from nursing school. It had been years since we had been to visit and it was Clara's first trip to Idaho. What fun we had!! It was such a treat to get to see everyone and relax in the charming little town. We had a BBQ on the lake and spent a lot of time at my aunt and uncle's new home. Now we are looking forward to going back again soon.

Above Clara was running nakey around our hotel room and was in such a silly mood. She did this right before she initiated goodnight kisses for both Mommy & Daddy - we were so touched!

Clara with her second cousins, Nick, Nathan, Braeden & Kennedy

She had so much fun interacting with them!

Out on the boardwalk in Coeur D'Alene

Clara enjoying her very own mini ice cream cone - she really savored it!

4th of July

One of the life lessons that we are slowly learning since Clara's arrival is that simpler can often be better. This year for the 4th of July we stayed home, or at least pretty close to home. Our neighborhood had their 2nd annual Independence Day BBQ. It was a fun (and laid back) time for all three of us being steps away from home while enjoying great company and food. Clara found delight in one of the neighbors chair that she could get herself in and out of. While many of the other kids ran around and played in the pool, she was content for quite a while checking it all out from this chair.

Our family together in the park.

Clara & her buddy, Davis, play at the water table. Such a perfect activity for the WARM day!

After the long, lazy day we caught a few of the neighbor's fireworks and turned in early. How our lives have changed since Kevin & his buddies hosted those CRAZY 4th parties at the Hilltop house, although, we both agree that while different, the family lifestyle is a welcomed and wonderful change!

In The Daisies, AGAIN

Last year we captured some fun moments with our baby Clara in the daisy field behind my parents' place. This year we lucked out and were passing through town when the daisies were in bloom. We were also fortunate that Grandma Jan had this sweet little dress for Clara. It was something cousin Taylor around this time last year. Here are some of the shots from our impromptu photo session. Thanks Mom for playing photographer AGAIN!

Clara LOVES Manzanita!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Last weekend we met up with Kevin's parents at the beach house in Manzanita. We had wonderful weather and Clara was tickled to be down on the beach playing in the sand. We really lucked out as the sun was out during our whole stay. We had some windy spells but Saturday morning was some of the best weather we have ever had on Manzanita beach. While we were there, the coast was experiencing some great low tides and so we went several times to Hug Point to go explore the wonderful tide pools. Clara was most impressed with splashing and playing in the sand. She also became obsessed with throwing rocks in the water and would get so excited after each throw. After such a fun, yet short trip we will be looking forward to heading back in early August.

Grandma's Visit

Scout and her "Ga Ga" Grandma Jan. She helped us out so much last week and we really appreciate her taking care of Clara while we focused on the garage sale and got to have a fun night out with friends.

Father's Day

We enjoyed a nice Father's Day together as a family. We had Grandma Jan in town visiting and went out for a tasty brunch. During one of the breaks from the many down pours on Sunday we snuck over to the duck pond by our house and tried to get some family photos. Clara was so happy to be outside, it was hard to keep her in a frame long enough to get a shot. She is such a busy little gal these days and loves exploring outdoors.

Clara and her Daddy
Happy Father's Day, Kevin!

Family Fun

Arizona

Our little family just returned from Clara's first trip to Arizona as well as her first plane ride. All in all, this adventure went pretty well! We traveled to the town of Maricopa last Saturday to enjoy some sun and golf with friends Tyson, Brooke, Adam & Elaine. We stayed at Brooke's parents vacation home and had a wonderful time! The weather was PERFECT for lots of time in the pool and morning golf for Ty, Adam and Daddy.

Clara loved dangling her little feetsies in the pool and looked so adorable in her bathing suit.

Clara & Adam show off their AWESOME shades!

Mama & Scout

Family fun in the pool! Clara took to being in the pool fairly well, but it took us most of the trip to get her to ride in the baby floaty and she never really loved it.

What she did love was being pulled around by Brooke!

And blowing bubbles with Tyson!