Why do you want to be naked?

"So I can get some air out of myself."

sweet, sweet Clare

I love my lollie

Two peas, one pod. Sass and sassier.

Thank you, gwamma

Clare is making Gwamma a picture with the stickers she sent and the beautiful crayons she loves sooooooo much. You made her week!

Vacation is sometimes HARD

"I don't want to!"

That was all we heard for the five minute walk from our room to this beautiful photo site. She wanted to be carried. Perpetually and exhaustively carried on this whole trip. Perhaps we need to get out and walk more. She just wasn't prepared. We offered the stroller, to no avail. It was dada or nothing. So she cried and yelled and screamed and cried some more. And no one batted and eye. Hats off the the YMCA for creating the kind of place where kids can be kids and parents can relax and let them. Fits and fun and screaming of all kinds were absolutely acceptable. Making weapons out of sticks was not. Tromping and climbing and wailing was great. Picking things was not. Nature and love in perfect balance. We were feeling it even if Clare wasn't.  ;)

Maestrella

If she's becomes a concert pianist I'll be thrilled to have this video. If not, I'll make fun of her for trying to eat the piano. Dang she's precious!

No more bouncy seat for you!

Ella did this in her bath chair tonight to, threatening to go ass over teakettle in the tub. She only learned to sit up unassisted two weeks ago and already she's rocking on all fours. She is so close to crawling and only 7 months old. As soon as we return, we will have to batten down the hatches. We never had to baby proof the house with Clare, but this girl will be on the go a wee bit earlier, I think. And the word no holds no meaning for her. At all. Hang on for the ride...

Clare Braun, traveller

This one's for you, Baby Guy.

Safe travels in your new packpack. Clare will be responsible for carrying her own things onto the plane for our trip to Colorado. In this bag she'll have Baby Guy, her blankie and a washable coloring book and markers. She'll also be holding for Ella. It's a big responsibility. Thank goodness it's a big packpack.