The REAL Santa

I took Clare to the MO Botanical Gardens to see Santa. Clare said he's the real one because she felt his beard and it was soft and real.

Meeting Rudolph after was a huge (surprise) and treat!

Make You Smile

Lydia at 4mos laughing. I'm going to watch this when I have a bad day.

"La Posada" at Clare's School

La Posada is a Mexican religious and secular winter celebration. Since Clare is in the Spanish School, her school hosted this event. Clare's class made pinatas, and prepared and performed a traditional Mexican song and dance.

All dolled up with someplace to go.

Clare in her classroom and SO excited!

Someone's a little Posada-ed out.

I worked in the classroom to help the kids make the pinatas. They turned out great, and the kids had a fun time making them.

My little Rudolph.

Clare and friend, Amelia, waiting for their food. With friends Jasmine and Mara in the back.

WHACK!

Lots of candy!!!!

Lost: 7 Knocked Out: 3

This is Clare's 7th lost tooth since July. It is also her 3rd loose tooth that has been knocked out. Good grief, I'm going wrap this girl in bubble wrap!

Happy Baby

These need no captions.

Dragon Clare to Church

This is our church bulletin. Clare drew dragons blowing fire on it. I know she's angry because women can't be priests, but this might be taking it a little too far. :)

Bee of the Week!

Clare was the Abeja de la Semana (Bee of the Week) at school, which is a special priviledge for those who do good work. She was featured and each day there was a special activity for her including lunch with mommy. She also got to be the important role of line leader.

Lydia's First Solids

She is only 4 months, but is also only in the 4th %tile for weight and height; she is 10lbs, 4oz. The doc suggested we get her on solids so that she can gain weight AND help keep down what she already eats. (She has bad acid reflux and spits up most of what goes in.) She got rice cereal and apples. She could do without the cereal and just eat the apples. :)

Pictures courtesy of photo-journalist and big sis, Clare.

Thanksgiving 2010

All of the kindergarteners met in Clare's classroom for a Thanksgiving snack as a "family".
We took Clare out of school early and travelled to Angola, IN to Toby's family's Thanksgiving.

Maymie and Clare making goodies at Gma Pat's. Having a Tgiving feast there on Wednesday evening.

Lydia enjoying being held by Gma.

Lots of admirers!



Arm wrestling cousin Wyatt.

Blakeslee Thanksgiving - about 80 people this year.




Enjoying Aunt Norma

AND Aunt Lu!

(Great) Granny Winright - who was turning 90.




Big smiles for cousins Morganne and Maymie!

Lovin' Aunt Bonnie

Breakfast with cousins Will and Russ and having a great, giggling time.

Painting in the craft room at Potwatomi Inn with cousin Maymie.
Leaving Gma Pat and Gpa Mel. :(

Stopping in Indy on the way home and friends visiting us at the hotel. We had not seen them in 4 years!!! Traci, Hayley, Dale, (and Will who is swimming with Clare).

Hayley, Dale, and Lydia

The "Hell Freezes Over" Haircut

Massive, horrible bedhead. It took 35 minutes and lots of tears to comb this out. She then decides, it's time for a new doo--a shorter one.

So healthy and tangle free!

Clare's Last Soccer Game

Our good friends, and Lydia's godparents Guy and Chris, came to the game.

Pizza Party afterwards!

Gets a trophy and so excited!

Halloween Festivities

Trick or Treat!!!

My little sweetpea being held by Kirsten who immediately calmed your fussing down.

Wee Goblins Party with friends...Sarah Ann, Max, and Seigo.



Picking out pumpkins.

"This one will be great for Lydia!"

Halloween party at school.

Parade through the other classrooms.

So happy about the party!