Another Weekend Down

Where does the time go? We started our Sat. with coffee and a scone before running errands. While in the car, I found an extra nuk. Claire was saying "2 nuks" and then putting them both in her mouth at the same time. I suppose we'll have to take those away pretty soon, but it made for a silly photo.

We rode our bikes down to the lakefront for lunch. We tried a burger and custard place that opened up last summer, I believe. It was delicious and we enjoyed amazing weather the whole time.

Gearing up to ride home

We have been wanting a small table for Claire since she refuses to sit in a booster or high chair. We finally found one on Craigslist and picked it up this weekend. So far it's a hit and now she has a space for arts and crafts where I don't mind if she makes a mess:)
Sunday morning, Claire and I made an impromptu trip to the zoo with Amanda and Sydney while the boys were out biking. They have a zoo pass and I'm thinking I'll get one too. It's great to run over there for a couple hours and not feel like we have to see every exhibit and do every fun activity. You can always hit it next time! We looked at a number of animals and then rode the train around the park. This was Claire's first train ride at the zoo and she loved waving at all the people.

We asked the girls to hold hands when they weren't in their strollers. They looked so cute!

Waving on the train

Sydney on my lap

I'm a Dirty Girl

Saturday morning I participated in the Dirty Girl 5k Mud Run. It's an event that I have been working on, designing their website, merchandise, signage and everything in between for months now. It was really cool to see all the things I had worked on in place and (finally) participate in the actual event. I had numerous family members running in my wave, as well as some close friends.

The course was 5k with 11 obstacles, 10 of which I was able to complete. I decided to skip climbing the 20ft. cargo net pyramid, thinking I didn't need to explain to my Dr. if something were to happen. We had a lot of fun, despite the fact that it rained the whole time and delayed our start due to lightning and thunder. Of course, as we were leaving the weather cleared for the remainder of the day.

Auntie Blanca, Nana Kathleen and I pre-race (and pre-rain:)

Nana Barb and Grandpa Joe Arrived Sat. to watch Claire while we attended a wedding in the afternoon. They brought an early birthday present for Miss Claire; a Radio Flyer wagon!

Here's Claire and her cousin Lucy trying it out.

My prince at the wedding reception

Lastly, we got a swing for Claire that Lucian painstakingly hung on Sunday in our front yard. She loves it and even pushes her baby in it.

Oh Boy!

Well, today was our 20 week ultrasound and we are happy to share that we are having a little boy in January! The best pic we got of him is his "3rd leg" as the Dr. put it. But he looks healthy and is growing on schedule. Now, what to name him?

The hand icon makes this pretty self explanatory

Half of baby's face and an elbow (placenta was in the way)

Another face photo

Door County Getaway

Friday afternoon we packed up the mini van and headed north. It was our first road trip with the van, and I must say it allowed for some easy packing and entertainment. We had the bikes on the top and our gear in the back. I sat next to Claire while Spencer rode shotgun and assisted with his new GPS (he kindly let us use on the trip).

We stayed in Fish Creek, a very cute town right next to Peninsula State Park, of which we took full advantage. We biked through the entire park on both Sat. and Sun., stopping to enjoy the views, play in the parks and dip our toes at the beach. Claire seemed very comfortable in her trailer and had access to snacks and drinks. We often heard her singing Justin Bieber's "Baby Baby" as we rode along.

Lunching with Nana Kathleen at the park

Claire wearing Mommy's "hat"

We went to an ever popular fish boil and tried numerous other restaurants. I must say I was quite nervous about restaurant dining so frequently with an almost 2 year-old. Claire hates to sit in a high chair and won't stay in a regular chair long. All in all, she really surprised me. She had her moments of course, but did really well overall.

The family at the fish boil

The fish boil itself

Claire, Nana and Lucy checking out the knights outside a supper club

We stayed through Monday and really enjoyed the downtime from our regular schedules. Before heading home, we drove up to the tip of the peninsula and had lunch in another quaint town.

Claire and daddy played while I finished my lunch

We also stopped at a Confectionery for a sweet treat. Claire picked out a sucker, but was very tempted by this bathtub of taffy.

Wrapping Up Summer

Spencer has been in the junior golf program at the West Bend Country Club for about the past 8 years. It allows kids to play the course and get instruction once a week for about 6 weeks in the summer. Last Tuesday was the annual banquet dinner to commemorate the end of the season. His cousins Lucy and Geremiah were in the program this year too.

Spencer and his great grandma Ginny and great grandpa Ken

Claire with Auntie Sarah and cousin Lydia

Geremiah, Nana Kathleen and Lucy

Saturday morning Claire and I headed to the Wisconsin State Fair. I had only been once since living here, but I thought she would enjoy the animals. I was right. We walked the buildings of cows, pigs, goats, horses and sheep. She asked to touch them all, which for the most part we could, and told the sleeping animals to "wake up". She seemed to really enjoy herself and talked about it for days after.
It was a hot day to be out there so we shared an old fashion lemonade. Neither of us really wanted to eat, so we picked up a 6-pack of cream puffs to bring home and headed out by nap time.
The air and water show was in town this weekend and we were lucky enough to view some of it from the marina on our friends' boat. We only made it in time to watch the Air Force Thunderbirds (Claire was napping) but they were pretty amazing. And loud.

We went out for a quick boat ride and got caught in the rain before heading home to meet Nana Barb and Papa Joe. They stayed over Sunday to watch Claire while daycare was closed on Monday.

Claire watching the planes

It was difficult to get a photo of the planes with my phone. This is the best I could do.

Sweet Sixteen

Spencer's 16th birthday was this Sat. We celebrated Sunday night with cream puffs from the Wisconsin State Fair when he returned home from his mom's house.

Monday morning he had an appointment to take his driver's test and passed. He's been running errands and going out to eat with friends ever since. He's even driving himself to a dentist appointment on Thursday. Big changes in the McAfee house this week.