Claire's 4th Birthday: Part Three

Sunday morning:  Claire's birthday and Easter!

Opening cards and presents before church


"Don't Break the Ice" from Bob and Ma - we have played this a lot!


"Tangled" - notice Will's hands reaching for the "moo-mie".  That boy is obsessed with DVD cases.


He finally got his hands on the "moo-mie" while Sister was busy with another present.


Camera & video recorder for her Leapster from Mommy & Daddy.  I'll have to post some of her photos.


New chairs from Grandmommy and Martin - they LOVE them!


Our happy little couch potato


Bubbles in the Easter basket


They didn't waste any time putting their chairs to use.

Claire's 4th Birthday: Part Two

Claire's party was Friday afternoon.  We invited a few friends for a play date and cupcakes at a local park.  The weather was perfect, the kids (and the parents) had a great time, and it could not have been any easier to organize.  Love the stress free party!

Blowing out the candle




Kate & Claire on the swings


Little monkeys all over the playset!


Will was in heaven playing in the rocks with Megan & Isabella


The next day we took a family trip to Sea World.  We arrived shortly after opening and were able to see most of the animals, the Shamu show, and a ride before lunch - perfect visit.







Cheese!  So hard to get a photo of this girl looking at the camera with a natural smile, but I'll take what I can get.  Those 4 year olds...

Claire's 4th Birthday: Part One

Claire is 4!  Rather than having a big party this year, we stretched things out into a multi-day affair.  :)  We started on Thursday (April 5th) with a small celebration at school.  I brought cupcakes for after lunch, and her classmates sang "Happy Birthday."  She was a little embarrassed, but definitely pleased.





Friday was the Easter egg hunt at school.  Even though it wasn't a school day, we were able to attend.  Claire's hunting strategy has improved - she took off towards the back of the playground and quickly gathered her share of eggs.



She managed to keep her sunglasses on her head throughout the excitement.


The haul!


Enjoying one of the treats.


Will was excited to have a chance to play on the big kids' playground during the hunt.

Krispy Kreme!

March 24 - I couldn't remember the last time we had been to Krispy Kreme for a special doughnut breakfast - I didn't think Will had been since he was able to take part in the wonderful deliciousness, so this rainy morning seemed a perfect time to introduce Will to one of our favorite treats.  He took it very seriously.


There's a smile!


Claire in full-on sugar rush.


Best photo I could get of the two of them:

SA Botanical Gardens

Claire, Will & I met our friends Almudena, Isabella, & Lucia at the Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago.  The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed walking around and taking in the scenery.

The girls playing by the fountain - I think this was their favorite part of the day.




Pretty girls!


The Japanese Garden


Will's favorite part of the day - snack time!




It was a great way to spend the morning - we will be back soon!

Random March photos

Finally doing a little blog catch up!  Here are some photos from March that I haven't posted previously.

March 3 - Will slept 13 hours last night!  That was a big first - and I'm still hoping he will repeat it.  :)

That night we enjoyed some gelato - happy faces!

March 7 - Post-nap snack with Dora the Explorer.

Checking out the new playset at the library.

March 9 - Playing with Granddad Martin and Baby Grace

So typical - Claire can't be bothered to look at the camera, Grace gives a perfect smile, and Will is busy rolling around on the floor.

March 12 - Will loves to crawl into any bin/basket/etc.

March 17- Fun in the playroom!

March 18 - Will taking care of his baby.

March 30 - We spent the morning at the Zoo, and what was Will fascinated by?  The chickens.  :)

Stylin'

Claire was looking fancy today.  :)  A t-shirt and skirt with Baby Legs is a favorite outfit for her, but today she accented it with her pink sparkle shoes, sunglasses, and her sweater.  She's been obsessed with sweaters the last few days - right as it's getting too warm to wear them all day, of course.  She looks like such a big girl to me in this picture!

Flowers from Claire

We spent a couple of hours playing outside Monday afternoon - I'm trying to take advantage of this great weather since I know it won't be long before it is miserably hot.  My sweet Claire brought me these little flowers - "Mommy, I picked these for you."  Loved it!


The kids enjoyed playing with some new sand toys that we got from Costco that morning. (Check out Will's haircut - he looks like such a big boy now!)


Will did a lot of exploring.


And...Will learned how to climb up the playset stairs by himself.  Now he just has to get comfortable sliding down.   :)