Urban Goats

The overgrown, undeveloped green space near our neighborhood has need home to a huge pack of goats over the last week as they are methodically fenced into sections at a time to clear out the brush. Everyday they attract onlookers, including people who pull over and get out of their cars. I see them as I walk to the subway.

Friday Night Family Date

In blatant disregard for bedtimes, we had a family fun night with pizzeria dinner and high school soccer under the lights. Claire had a blast playing on the sidelines and had lots of questions and observations about the lines, the boys, the ball, and the fans.

"You can't see me"

Modern, Eco-friendly bag over her head

Carmel-by-the-Sea

On our way home from camping, we detoured into Carmel for lunch on the beach. Claire love the soft sand, making a "castle" on a volleyball court. We were ill-prepared for a warm (hot) day at the beach, so Claire and Sunapee both were disappointed at the lack of frolicking in the waves. We will plan a real beach day soon, heat wave permitting.

Camping!

Headed out this weekend for Claire's first "real" camping experience. First step was testing out her new sleeping bag (thanks, City Target) in the kitchen. Then we met up with Brian and Carly to check out two breweries in Paso Robles before settling in at the campsite. Claire had so much fun running around, playing soccer and brushing her teeth outside.

Holding Horses

"Mommy, is this how we hold our horses?"

Naples Highlights, Days 1-4

Pools and fishing filled most of the time!

Fetch

We went for a family walk up to the tower for some fresh air. After she tired of her balance bike, Claire took the dog-ball-thrower to take her turn playing fetch with Sunapee. This was very entertaining. Half the time she managed to throw the ball behind her. The other half, she basically just slammed the ball into the ground, and it would roll 18" until Sunapee nabbed it. Most amusing!

Space Girl

Trying on Matt's helmet - looks like she's getting ready to explore the moon.

Claire-ism, age 3

"See you later, alligator, while while crocodile!"

She'll send you off with "bye!" followed this alligator/crocodile bit.

Groundhog Day Finger Painting

My cousin Gwen ("Auntie Gwen" to Claire, Lauren, and Sarah) has adopted the Groundhog Day tradition from my great aunt Eno. Groundhog Day is now Gwen's holiday for showering her love on her favorite kiddos. This year, she send finger paints, which Claire (and Mimi) loved trying out. Thanks Auntie Gwen!

Cousins

Seasonal Denial Disorder

Insisting on capris, a T-shirt and flip flops despite the calendar and the cold rainy day.

Puzzled with Brian

Claire loves hanging out with Brian and Carly. One fine day this Fall, Claire and Brian sat down to put together a farmyard animals puzzle (gift from the Gilberts - thanks Gilberts!) This (and brewing) tired Brian who came closer and closer to napping on the floor.

Camp Style

We haven't had a kitchen for several weeks now (will share details when it's complete). Tired of microwaved meals and take out, we made a special Friday night meal in the garage using Matt's brewing setup. The meal was a treat but the cleanup is still joyless in the utility sink.

Daddybug

Claire's interest in hair accessories and hairstyles has increased lately. Matt with his buzz cut is ineligible for bows, clips and ponytails but cannot escape the headband. Here he was decorated with Ladybug Girl's antennae.