Clem's Happy Place

 (The Koi Pond at Bakerview Nursery. She begs me to take her there to visit her fish.)

Squire Lake

 I love me a good walk through the woods. So does my adventurer/explorer sidekick, Clementine. My husband, not so much. (And Dutch is thus far staying neutral.)

When I got the wild hare to drag my family into the woods on this sunshiney day and make them walk around, I wasn't sure how to sell it to Cam. But he went along with my idea and we had a great time trekking around.

With Dutch in our new Ergo, we marched up switchback after switchback until we came to Squire Lake. 

 The lake was full of lily pads, dragon flies and butterflies.
Somewhere out there is a resident beaver who has built her/his home at the other end of this lake.

 I know these two can't wait to get back!

Kindergarten (OMG!) Open House (sob!)

(Clem is suddenly a shoe-lace tying machine!)

 There are no words to describe how lucky I feel to have this little girl of mine coming to MY school for Kindergarten in the fall. Lunch dates with my sweet girl?? Yes, please! Only one drop off in the morning? Sign me up! Some amazing teachers ready to stuff this kid's head full of ideas, problem solving, music and friends? It doesn't get any better than this.

 Last week, my school held Open House for new Kindergarten students. Clementine started a countdown several days in advance. Every  morning she confirmed the number of days left until Open House and frequently she asked questions like "Will I learn to read at Open House? Will Emmy (her friend from preschool) be there? Are you going to be my teacher?"
The four awesome Kindergarten teachers had set up centers for the students to play and use, then the principal (my boss) gave a little welcome and the teachers (my friends!) gave a little PowerPoint presentation. Cam came in at this point and we sat at the back, where I beamed like a crazy person.  Seriously, have I mentioned the luckiness???? I die!

 The students each got a folder and a backpack with our school name (Clem is wearing her's wrong side out, of course) plus some helpful hints for parents and some practice/games to do at home.

When it was all over with, Clem said "Mom! Ask my teacher for HOMEWORK!!" I was feeling quite proud of myself for NOT crying during Open House and am hoping this is a good omen for the first real day of Kindergarten.

(An Arrested Development) First Birthday!!!!!

 During the hundreds of months I was pregnant with Dutch, I discovered the long-ago cancelled TV series Arrested Development. Netflix had all episodes of the first three seasons and while on bedrest, I watched each and every one, laughing my face off.

After Dutch was born, I found myself up very late at night nursing and snuggling one very sweet little man. With nothing much to do, I rewatched all three seasons.

It soon became a favorite to both Dutch and I (Cam  had already been a fan). Eventually, Clementine even got in on the A.D. action (as long as it was pre-"loose seal"/hook hand).

 So it was only fitting that we chose an Arrested Development Birthday party for our little man.

 Our cake was an homage to the Bluth's banners,

 the foods tied into the characters (we had Gene Parmesean dip, Uncle Oscar's brownie's, Ann's "Fancy" Eggs, Corn balls, Candy Beans and Lindsay's Ham Water--which was punch that really did look like ham water).

 There were so many kids here it felt like a mini daycare. It was fun and loud and there were toys everywhere. In other words, it was perfect.

 Out of no where, Dutch did this! Several times! What a ham.

 Then it was cake time and I wasn't sure how Dutch would respond to his first ever taste of baked goodness.

 Well, he responded like this.

 And this.

 Then there was this.

 Which of course, led to this.

 (I got smart and changed out of my white skirt real quick. I took Dutchy back to change his diaper and find new clothes. While I changed him, he sneezed a double compacted nostril full of frosting. It was hilarious.)

Ski to Sea Parade

 The Ski to Sea parade is old news to Clem, but a big first for our boy Dutch. Also monumental for our boy--the last ride in the Moby wrap. :( (mama is sad to retire the wrap that BOTH of my babies rode in the first year of each ones' life!)

 We found the perfect spot to enjoy the parade. The weather was a bit on and off so we were thankful to find a covered spot, away from the drizzles that kept starting up. We set up camp with blankets, chairs and a bottle for the wee man.

 Clem watched from the sidelines.

 And pretended to march along with the marching bands.

 And then the fire engines came by in procession. Blaring their horns and sirens.

 Dutchy was not amused. Cam tried covering his sweet little elf ears to no avail. In moments, he was HOWLING. But he calmed down pretty easily in mama's arms as we went for a short walk away from the fire engines.

 The biggest hit of the day had to be these three camels.

 Maximum Clementine excitement.

 Then the rest of the parade continued as we're used to. The Shriner guys came by in little tiny cars.

 There were some dance teams

 and marching bands (our favorite!)

Plus this cool spinny hoop thing that a group was doing as they marched along.
A fun day was had by all four of us.