Chichi* Claire

Claire has enjoyed reading Fancy Nancy, a great book with adorable illustrations that she received for her birthday from her Aunt Angelic. As of late she has described her family as posh and asks us to eat with our pinky's up. This morning, while she and I were at the table eating breakfast she said, "Dad doesn't eat with his pinky's up much because he isn't a king". Out of the mouth of babes, Pete. Out of the mouth of babes.

We had yet another busy weekend - summer in Minnesota, I guess.

On Saturday we went to the Helget family reunion (pictures to be posted later) where Claire was reintroduced to many of her second and third cousins as well as a number of aunts, uncles and other extended family. We had family in from both coasts so it was a good time. The last time she saw most of these people was two years ago. The older girls remember holding her and snuggling with her. It was quite a change from the cucumber snarfing child who ran around all over the place and constantly returned to mom or grandma for more cucumber. She enjoyed "swimming" in the river. We forgot her swimsuit and life jacket so she went in with just her Elmo undies on and held onto mom and dad's hands (our swimsuits were at home too). And she gave everyone hugs when we left. This from the kid who 3 months ago didn't want to hug immediate family members.

On Sunday we headed to a birthday party for one of Claire's friends. With little sleep - due to the storm sirens going off right as Claire laid down her head - she did pretty well. Even when Gage, the rambunctious Vizsla gave her a kiss and knocked her on her bottom. Luckily she knows Gage and after very little coaxing from mom & dad paid the dog no mind when she came flying by her and the other girls. There were lots of things to keep her busy and lots of baby's to watch. Claire is on such a baby kick these days. She carries around Baby Daisy, holds her in the crook of her arm and pats her on her back. Yesterday we wrapped her up in one of Claire's old receiving blankets and took her for a walk down the street. It's a hoot.

*Chichi is another word for fancy