Elmo!

Last Saturday morning we brought Claire to Sesame Street Live. She had seen commercials for it on TV and asked to "go see him" (him being Elmo). Lucian and I thought it was a great idea and bought tickets to a 10:30 am show. The fact that this sounded like a perfect time to go out and 'catch a show' really drives home how our lives have changed.

Claire had a fun time watching the characters sing and dance. She waved and yelled to them and asked where they went when a character wasn't on stage. She told me at one point that Ernie had to go potty and that's why he wasn't on stage.

Happy Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Rockford this year. It was nice to see extended family, especially since I won't be making the trip for Christmas (too close to our due date!). We had traditional fare with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and more. I love the side dishes of thanksgiving.

Claire was excecptionally affectionate to my extended family. My dad's sister and husband came to visit Wed. night and meet Claire for the first time. She was reading books and giving hugs and kisses freely. It was so sweet to watch.

Claire and Great Aunt Joanne

Claire was fascinated with Uncle MC's beard. Hmmm... maybe he looks a little like Santa?

Claire & Aunt Mimi

We took a trip a trip to a park Thursday morning to get some fresh air. The weather forecast was misleading, but we bundled up and had a good time.

Baby Lions

Last weekend we headed to the zoo on Sunday morning to see the baby lions that we born in July. They were adorable and Claire seemed to understand that they were a family pointing out the Mommy and Daddy and counting the 3 babies. We bought a pass so we can go as often as we'd like. It seems there's enough to do indoors as well to keep us going in the winter.

Claire's friend Sydney joined us as well. The girls had a great time together, as usual.

We have been talking a lot about getting another dog lately. Claire seemed to like this bronze statue. Seems low maintenance:)
Claire helped me bake some chocolate chip cookies this week as well. She is quite the helper. I think I'll enlist her for my holiday cookies too.

Aww...

Claire is constantly changing her baby doll's diapers, carrying them around, putting them down for naps, etc., etc. One particular display of affection this weekend made me ask her, "Claire, do you love your baby?" She responded "No. I love my baby brother." How sweet! Lucian and I just melted.

Tidbits

With Lucian in California until very early Sunday morning, Claire and I had some mommy-daughter bonding time last week. Here are some iPhone photo highlights that we sent to Lucian to keep him up to speed.

I needed to grab a couple things at the mall Friday night. It just so happens that the tree lighting ceremony was taking place, so we decided to check it out. There was a reindeer, hot chocolate, candy canes and a little show before hand. She loved the music and got to see Santa as well. It was a very happy accident we stumbled upon it.

Claire is very interested in cooking these days. We made eggs Saturday morning. She was very proud of her work.

Goofing around with sunglasses

Claire got to take home a baseball glove from daycare. We played catch in the kitchen. I'd say little league is in her future, she was a natural (even though she called it football).
Lastly, on Sunday, we went to Lucian's office so he could photograph a couple that couldn't make it last weekend. We dressed Claire up again on the off chance she would want her photo taken. We ended up goofing around with a gorilla mask someone had left on set. I think this shot would make for the most confusing holiday card anyone has received.

Grandma McAfee

Lucian is in Riverside, CA today celebrating the life of his paternal grandmother; Gleeda 'Mary' McAfee. Growing up, Lucian spent summers with his grandparents in CA and has many fond memories of that time together. She was a very sweet woman. Say a prayer for he and his family today. You can read her obituary here.

Lucian and Grandma at our post-wedding picnic, 6/23/07

Holiday Shoot

For the second year in a row, Lucian put together a holiday photo shoot at his work. This year he did the majority of set-building and coordination. The theme was the Burl Ives version of Rudolph. I think it looks amazing.

He and another photographer spent the entire weekend at the office shooting co-workers and their families in 20 minute sessions. Here a little sneak peak. They should make for some great holiday cards.

Claire and Yukon Corneliuss

Eating a reindeer

Spen isn't phased by Bumble the Abominable Snowman

Claire & Clarice the reindeer

Lucian invited Sydney and her family for a session as well. The girls had fun on the set.

Cancun Part Dos

I found a few more photos worth posting from our trip. Some from the underwater cameras we purchased for our snorkeling excursion. I must say, looking at these makes me long for sunshine and 85°. So far Nov. in Wisconsin is not impressing me.

Lucian snorkeling (and my index finger. oops)

The boys; post snorkel

Spencer frolicking in the waves

Claire and Lucian

The hotel workers were digging out a turtle nest right next to the gazebo where Mimi's wedding was held. They release them in the evening for a safe send-off. It was pretty cool to see up close.

7 turtle nests

Enjoying the pool