Happy Holidays

Claire's 3rd Christmas was lots of fun as she is starting to understand that the those gifts under the tree are for her and that Santa (whom she recognizes in pictures) brought her some of them.

Opening her stocking

Enjoying the easel that Santa brought her

Cuddling with Sparky

We celebrated New Years up in the Mountains, enjoying some time outdoors, exploring the chocolate village at Keystone and taking in some of the celebrations at Copper Mountain.

Sledding on the limited snow that was in the mountains

Claire's Tumbles Into Two

For Claire's 2nd Birthday we had a tumbling party at the local recreation center where Claire takes her weekly tumbling class. We were fortunate that Miss Sarah, her tumbling teacher, was able to host her party. Mrs. Sarah did a great job incorporating some of Claire's favorite activities including Ring Around the Rosie, Wheels on the Bus, the Parachute, Open Play Time and Music Time! Thanks to all our friends and family who made it a great celebration and brought toys to donate to Toys for Tots!

The kids playing with the parachute

Claire showing off her bar skills

Music time

Claire and her 100% edible tumbling room cake

Claire Turns Two

Happy 2nd Birthday to Claire!

Claire at age 2

Claire at age 1

Claire at 3 days old

Maine Trip -December 2011

In December we took a quick trip back to Maine to see Melissa's family. While we were there we..

Hung out with Papa and made many trips to see the cows, pigs, and sheep of Deb Tone Farm

Hung out with the cousins and met their hamsters

Enjoyed a scenic drive along the coast and went to the beach

Celebrated Claire and Grandpa Tom's Birthdays

Hung out with the Borish family!

Photo Shoot

We had one of those absolutely beautiful days here in Colorado, where it was sunny, blue skies as far as you can see and warm for Novemeber so we headed out to Jackass Hill to take some photos of Claire and the family. Here are some of the pictures from that gorgeous day!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We spent Thanksgiving with Dave's family. Our Thanksgiving traditions involve watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and setting up our Christmas tree.

On Friday we headed out with the family to pick out a tree at Wilmore Nursery.

While we were there Claire enjoyed spending some time in the bouncy house

Our tree!


Then it was back home to put up the tree and add the lights. Claire and Sparky opted to take a nap on the couch during this part

Each year we let Claire pick out an ornament and this year she picked out one that reminded us of her Halloween costume


Putting the first ornament on the tree with Daddy


All done! Take note that the bottom 1/3rd of the tree is the most decorated because that was what Claire could reach

Family photo in front of the tree

Happy Halloween

Claire's 2nd Halloweeen was filled with fun times with friends and family. It all kicked off with a trip to the Fall Festival with Amy, Olivia, and Timmy. Claire enjoyed planting a spider plant and hanging out in the pumpkin patch.

Next it was on to the Halloween Party & Parade at Primrose on Friday afternoon before Halloween. It is always fun to see the class all dressed up and this year the teachers made some very yummmy snacks including peanut butter eyeballs.

On Saturday after a fun tumbling class in costume it was off to meet Jessica Hooks who was in town for Boo at the Zoo! At the zoo we enjoyed seeing the animal, collecting some candy and meeting up with Claire's friends Alba, Siddharth, Livi and Timmy. We were very lucky to have great fall weather instead of the traditional snowny Colorado Halloween.

On Sunday we spent some time with the Lindeke's Tebowing at brunch before the adults headed out to the Bronco's game. At the game we had the chance to hang out on the sidelines during warmups with Jessica and her friend Erin. It was pretty cool to be that close to the players! We then headed up to our awesome seats and enjoyed the first few minutes of the game before the Bronco's self destructed and lost big time to the Lions. After the game we had the chance to head back down onto the field and exit through the players tunnel and tailgate in the players/coaches lot. It was truly a once in a lifetime chance and we are very thankful to Jessica, Erin and Renee for bringing us along!

On Monday night it was time to trick or treat. We took our little German Girl to Dave's parent's neighboorhood where she charmed lots of neighbors into giving her extra pieces of chocolate. We started out the night with her whispering "trick or treat" and ended with her boldly asking "chocolate please".

It was a fun filled weekend and as always it amazes us to see how much she has changed in just one year.