Let your imagination run wild!

We bought the fairy wings for Claire at the 2009 Renaissance Festival. Up until recently she hasn't shown that much interest in them. I'm glad to see she is using her imagination and put together some fun costumes/outfits. Later in the evening we played 'fairy' where I would say "fly, fairy, fly!" and she would run from one end of the room to the other.

By the way, these were all taken one evening. Let the costume changes begin!

Snow Girl

Claire loves snow. Loves it.

She was so excited Saturday morning to wake up and see snow on the ground. She was delighted when we headed out early in the day to build a couple snow people. Luckily we can still drag her inside without having any issues. We headed out again later in the day and played some more. She really enjoys jumping off the pile at the end of the driveway into the snow on the lawn. It was also cute to see her when the older girls came outside to play later in the day. It was clear to me she wanted to go across the street and play with them (however they were heading down to another girls house).

Every morning since she has stood up on her bed, tucked her head under her shade and peaked out to make sure the snow is still there. This morning she came into our room and said, "Mom, do you know that every morning there is snow out there. We haven't had snow in several months!". Almost inevitably, within moments of waking up she asks if she can go outside and play.

Now, I'm not a big cold-weather fan. Her dad is, but not me. However, there is something about seeing her face light up when you talk about going outside in the snow. I certainly can't deprive her of that joy. So bundle up we do and we head outside to traipse around and make paths. We've worn through some spots on the lawn so we need some more snow. Who would have ever thought those words would come out of my mouth!

Snow Falling on the Deck

This morning I told Claire to take a look out the window as I had seen the slushy snow falling on the deck. She was very excited.

The first thing she asked was if Christmas was almost here. Nope, not yet honey.

The second was where were her boots? And her snowpants? She desperately wanted to head outside to play in the "snow". Unfortunately, I had to break her heart and tell her that we had to get ready for work and school.

Looks like this one is taking after her dad, who would prefer we live in the Arctic so he could be in snow all day every day.

Annual Pumpkin Carving at the Whitcombs

This is the first year that Claire 'helped' with carving. She wanted desperately to cut something but was limited to helping us push out the eyes, nose and mouth.

She needed a break after a bit so took her book and asked Uncle Joel to help her get Grover and Elmo so she could read them a couple stories.


Running around outside with Grandma Jackie.

Fall Fun

Doesn't look like she is giving us a "model look"? Claire's obligatory shot in front of pumpkins.

We went camping (mom's first time in over 3 years!) a couple weeks ago when it was still quite nice out for the time of year. Claire loves camping and has been borrowing a sleeping bag from her big sister.

So we used our REI dividend and bought Claire her very own sleeping bag for next year. She spent hours trying it out.

Walking and Talking

Every time Claire gets on the phone to talk to someone she starts walking. We're not sure if that is b/c she sees us do it or if she just needs to move around. Here she is talking to Grandpa Jim & Grandma Joanne.

Claire's first Homecoming

Since you know she will have no choice but to go to the 'U' (just kidding... kind of). Claire attends the University of Minnesota Gopher game with Grandpa Jim, Dad & Mom. Too bad we lost. Again.