Signs of Spring

While other areas of the country might have blooming daffodils or cherry blossoms to signify Spring, here in Montana we have some other less obvious indicators:

• The ground squirrels or gophers are emerging from hibernation, and Hem is getting his paws and nose dirty digging at their holes.
• The fields around the house have a tiny hint of green, if you look really close.
• There are some sunny days where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
• The wind blows. A lot.
• Snow is melting and some trails are now hikeable again.
• The ice in the rivers and lakes is breaking up, making fishing and trying out our new canoe weekend options again...

We took our new-to-us canoe for its inaugural voyage on a lake that is formed from the Missouri about an hour north of our house. We were a little nervous about how Claire would take to the whole idea of sitting still, no standing/jumping/leaning etc. She did great! With her "binoculars" (made from a paper towel roll), she watched some birds, other boats, and almost fell asleep. We hope to try an overnighter with the canoe this summer.

We also took advantage of some melted snow and did a hike at Lewis and Clark State Park near our house.
Views of the Jefferson River.
We are gearing up for a big road trip to Southern Utah and Grand Staircase National Monument. If the weather cooperates, we'll do some hiking and biking while staying at a rustic yurt just outside the Monument. Stay tuned for some scenic pics from that trip!

Frauline Claire

We have reached the stage of Claire determining her own fashion destiny. Here's a creation of her choosing that I like to call the "Frauline" look (dress, skirt underneath dress, leggings under both, green rain boots). Most everyday she wants to wear a "beautiful dress"--meaning some frilly sundress that's completely impractical for a 20 degree, blustery March morning. I'm considering hiding them all until June.

In other amusing moments of life with an almost-three year old:

• Playing dog is a favorite pastime...while I will allow her to drink water from a bowl, I've drawn the line at eating Hemie's food (despite a major tantrum).
• Overheard: "Hello, God. I've got a problem" (while talking on her play cell phone)
• Favorite means of "punishing" us: Informing one or both of us that "You're not coming to my birthday party." (I'm told this several times a day.)
• Favorite means of showing us "favor": Informing us that "You can come to my birthday party."

A Sad Goodbye

After a luxurious, month-long visit with Nate's mom (Nema), we had to say goodbye yesterday when she flew home to Massachusetts. We all loved having her just down the road--Claire had lots of great activities with her; we had some wonderful shared meals at local restaurants; and Nate and I had some extra couple time. Claire's still asking me if Nema is going to pick her up and telling me she misses her! Here area few scenes from the past month's activities.

Dancing to some country music at the Wild West Winterfest.
Claire walked around the Winterfest for awhile like this...just knowing she's too cute for words.
Nema and Claire had a weekly outing and Art Class at the Bozeman Children's Museum.
Claire also got to try her hand at a ballet class for toddlers. She loved it, and I think I'll try to get her into some summer sessions, though I know nothing about ballet (Help, Tia!).

Last Sunday we took a family walk down the road from our house. With the mild temps of the last month, we're in high mud season. Despite this, Claire insists on wearing a "beautiful dress" for the hike.
Nema herself! We miss you!!