Vacation

A few weeks ago we went to visit my family and had a great time. The weather was so hot the whole time, but we found ways to cool off. Clara had her first jet ski ride, which she thoroughly enjoyed! Jason went waterskiing and Clara and I floated behind the boat. She loved swimming; so did I! It felt so wonderful. I grew up going out on the waterway; I love it!





Clara jumped over the waves at the beach and loved it! She didn't love getting a mouthful of salt water, but she enjoyed herself. The kids buried Jason and flew Clara's kite and the weather was perfect. We had such a great time.

Perfect Day

Last Saturday we met our friends Steve and Bekah in Washington DC for lunch, then they watched Clara while we went to the temple. They wandered around the temple grounds for a while and then went to a park to play. She was so sweaty and exhausted by the end. We loved seeing our friends and Clara was so happy to see the temple. A perfect day.




This is how I felt when we got home, too.

Let Summer Begin!

Jason finished his first year of medical school a week ago Friday, and we celebrated by going out for ice cream. Needless to say, Clara was excited. Jason has been busy working all around the house this week and has gotten lots done. What a great guy! Clara has loved having her daddy home all the time. Here's to a great summer!

A Girl!

We found out today that we're going to have another girl in October! Clara came with us to the ultrasound and after five minutes wanted to go play with the toys in the waiting room. But Jason and I thought it was exciting! Clara thinks we should name the baby "Abra" as in "abracadabra," but...I think we'll try to sway her towards another name. We're so excited!

Spring

Jason and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with us both sick on the couch. I had a migraine and he had a stomach bug. Whoo hoo! (We celebrated the next week instead.) What a marvelous 5 years it's been.


Clara has really liked her dollhouse so far. What a cutie.


My parents gave her a gardening kit for her birthday, which she has loved. The other day we got her some gardening gloves like Daddy, but in pink. She is quite the fashion plate, isn't she? She even brought Baby out, which I thought was really funny.



Today we went to the Rail Trails for a walk, and Clara fell asleep on the way there. This is the only place she'll take a nap these days.



Jason looking very model-esque at the playground.

Birthday party!

Look at that sweet baby! I can't believe Clara is 3! It seems so long ago and like yesterday.


We made red velvet cupcakes, which looked like blood or paint in the mixing bowl. (The last picture is of us making it. It was incredibly messy.) We also made 4 colors of frosting and decorated them with sprinkles.


Jason's parents sent her an Edible Arrangement, which Clara was thrilled with. She loved the chocolate strawberries (as did Jason) and for days afterward would just reach in the fridge and get one out. It was pretty delicious.


We blew up lots of balloons and put them in her room the night before her birthday, thinking she would love it when she woke up. We almost woke her up taking them in, and then in the middle of the night she came into our room, crying and saying, "There are balloons in my room!" So we had to take them out again at midnight. But she loved playing with them the next day.


Last summer I found my old Playmobil dollhouse so I cleaned it up and we brought it with us. It can fall apart easily if she pulls on it, but hopefully she'll be kind. I love this dollhouse.


Oh I love this sweet girl.

Life

Well, it's been a while, but we're back. Spring is finally here, which has been wonderful. Jason has finished gross anatomy and has just started neuro anatomy, which he really enjoys. This week we will have been married for 5 years! I can't believe it. And also next week is Clara's birthday. She's excited to get a cake and pick out candles and balloons. Actually, I think I'm more excited than she is.

Today is the one-year anniversary of when my sister Angela passed away. I miss her every day and am so grateful she's my sister. I'm so grateful for the Atonement and Resurrection of the Savior and for the sealing power in the temple. I know that we'll always be a family and that we'll see her again.


Clara doesn't take naps in her bed, but she'll take naps in the car or on the couch pretty often. Lately she's taken to sleeping on the floor in the living room with a pillow over her head. Sounds comfy!


After she woke up she wanted me to take her picture again, but it didn't quite look the same...
Her hair has gotten so light and long! I love her cute pigtails. My dad came to visit for a couple days and brought a Donald Duck doll that sings. And when you pick it up by its ears it yells, "Put me down! Put me down!" My dad thought it was quite funny and got one for all his grandkids.