New Year's Eve Day - Petting Zoo!

Mana, Papa, Claire and I hit the Larkspur Landing farmers market today which featured a story teller, kid music, craft table and petting zoo. She didn't have the attention span for stories or fine motor skills for crafts (tho she did color a cd with sharpies). She was excited about the petting zoo, exclaiming "animals!" the whole way there. Claire brushed and petted a pony, but was not I retested in riding one. I enjoyed running into my friend Betsy and her daughter Hailey (in green in the last photo) from the February 2010 playgroup. They liked the chickens and bunny.

Excitement at the Lanes

What I failed to capture Irving Claire's first bowling experience was the unrestrained excitement she displayed. I haven't seen her that excited and full of awe, well, ever. She LOVED the whole thing - particularly the ball return.

And the cheese fries.

Mana and Papa!

Nothing like a little rough housing and gifts to get a sleepy girl to warm up to visiting grandparents.

Making dinner

Dinner preparations underway at Chez Claire

Christmas Glee

Claire was thrilled to discover the joy of opening gifts (and playing with the wrapping paper) this year. She liked her role as elf, handing gifts to their intended recipients, at least for a while. She's still getting to know many of her new toys while we sit back and watch.

Christmas Eve Festivities

We hosted a fun Christmas Eve dinner for Brian & Carly, Aubrey, and Emily, Shuja and Nas this year. Brian slow roasted 10lb of pork belly between/during rousing games of cornhole and beer pong. It was a beautiful day - far from a "white Christmas."

Claire do it

She's getting pretty good at dressing herself.

Winter

All bundled up for a chilly afternoon at the playground. 50 degrees and donning double hoods - by request. Mimi and Papa Jud report temps in the teens in NH. I bet they'd love 50 right about now!

Big girl

Messy!

The first thing she noticed about the tree was the collection of needles on the floor.

After dinner cookie

Chewed slowly and methodically to postpone bedtime.