Cheeks

One of Claire's cutest features are her chubby cheeks.  She's going to get so sick of them - you'd just laugh at how many people squeeze her cheeks while interacting with her.  Pretty much everyone and Rich & I are some of the worst offenders.  The are so soft and kissable.  5 weeks; 6 weeks; 7 weeks; 10 weeks.  The picture of her all slouchy is one of my very favorites.

 

Weekend in the Tri-Cities

We went to the Tri-Cities to visit Rich's family.  We had a busy weekend: his cousin's wedding with Bill & Christa, breakfast with his uncle Alan, aunt Peggy, & Gpa Ace, Rich floated the river and fished with his friend Matt, hanging out with Bill & Christa & Gma Carol, family reunion picnic at Bleazard Dairy Farm, game night at Ken & Krisi's.  The next day we had more time with Bill & Christa & Gma Carol and Sunday dinner with Don & Laura & Gpa Dee.  It was busy and Claire was a trooper letting everyone hold her.  The only sleep she got was a nap in Christa's arms and in the car driving between activities.  By Sunday at dinner she was exhausted and she put up a fuss so that I would take her to a bedroom and comfort nurse her in peace and quiet.  I felt a hint of mama bear wanting to protect her from another exhausting day.  10 weeks old. 

What a beautiful location for a wedding!

With Rich and Gma Carol

Fishing with Matt. Sushi - man style!

Discovering hands with Gpa Dee on the picturesque dairy farm.

Meeting her first cow!!!!!

Her first time swimming - not so fun for her, Rich & I had fun.

Sleep, Precious Sleep

Do we look tired to you?  Here Claire is under 2 weeks and in the last picture she's 2 months old.



LOVE this last one!!

Waking up from a Sunday nap

How perfect is this scene?  

Rich and I squabble over who gets to take the nap on Sunday and of course I always think I'm more deserving.  I mean she's sucking the life out of me, right?  So, it's good when we all get to nap together.  8 weeks.  

4th of July

Friends in the ward invited us over for a 4th of July BBQ.  We had a really nice time chatting and lighting sparklers together.  We walked over to a park and played wiffle ball.  I was surprised I actually hit the ball seeing as it's been probably 15 years since I held a bat.  I made an avocado potato salad that was yummy.  Here's the recipe from the Food Network website, it makes way more than 4 servings though.

Cilantro-Avocado Potato Salad Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2005

2 pounds potatoes, peeled, small diced, and cooked in boiling salted water until tender, drained  1/3 cup finely minced red onions  1 tablespoon minced garlic  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper  3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  4 firm-ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced  2 tablespoons fresh lime juice  1 tablespoon minced jalapeno  1 (1-ounce) package cilantro, leaves picked and finely chopped Combine potatoes, onions, and garlic in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3 turns pepper. Add olive oil, tossing to coat. Add the avocados, lime juice, jalapenos, and cilantro, and toss well to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy 
Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Inactive Prep Time: 1 hour 
Cook Time: 5 minutes 
Yield: 4 servings