Fall Routines

Can it be this is the start of our fourth week of a fall routine? Leaving the house at 7:15-7:30 AM isn't seeming quite so early anymore, and Claire has stopped asking if it's still summer and whether or not I have to go to work each day. We are settling into a routine with our afternoon time of combining "must-dos" and fun activities like going to the museum, park, playdates, or, Claire's new favorite, swim lessons.

Last week was the first lesson, and I wasn't sure how she'd respond to having to go into the pool without me (as is required for these lessons). However, true to her independent and adventure-loving personality, she forged right ahead, loving every minute. I think she asked me every day last week if it was time to go back, and, finally, today was a swimming lesson day again! I love seeing her have such anticipation and watching her grin from ear to ear the entire time. It's also a good mommy moment to step back and observe how she listens to other adults and reacts to her peers when I'm not around, since I don't get to see much of that when she's at daycare in the mornings. She's making her mom proud so far!

Caught one of the big grins!

A Stringer

Fall weather in Montana can be squirrelly. Snow has already dusted the mountains we see out our windows, so our hikes and big mountain adventures are probably over for the season. As a closer and milder alternative, we've spent one day in each of the past two weekends fishing Crow Creek in the Elkhorn Mountains (those closest to our house). Though the trout aren't big, they are eager and catching fish is always fun. Claire fishes with her rod a little, plays with sticks, splashes in the water, eats peanuts, and watches us fish as we take turns. We decided to actually keep a few for dinner the other day--something we haven't done since we've been together (ten years this fall!).
Claire and I fishing one of the deeper holes. The dry fly fishing has been great practice for me.

We actually took Hem the first time and he did remarkable well restraining himself as we reeled in the fish. However, it wasn't so easy to wade in a freezing stream with a dog right next to me.

The final product...pan fried trout, fresh Hutterite green beans, and cheddar buttermilk biscuits--a final summer meal.

Last Week of Summer

Back to school in the morning. It seems like we just were enjoying our first non-scheduled days of June, but we packed a lot in this summer--memorable trips across the country and quality time with family and friends. We had a great final week of summer that was a mix of some time back at work for me and time at the park, pool, and with friends for Claire. On Saturday Nate, Claire, and I accomplished our longest hike to date (8 miles) to Cottonwood Lake. According to the information I read, the hike was only 5 miles, but once we got to the trailhead, the sign said 4 miles one-way. We were a bit skeptical about how Claire would do with it (6 is the longest we've tried before), but after a bit of bumpy start, she actually hiked about 2 miles by herself, and Nate packed her the rest of the way in the backpack. She slept in the pack almost the whole way back. After the hike we fished the Boulder River, and although Nate did his best to help me land a trout before school started, the best I could do were some serious slashes at my flies. We ended with some pizza and beer at a tiny old mining town, Basin.

I'm ready for a more defined routine, but I'm hoping the adjustment goes well for Claire back to daycare and that all my classes get off on the right foot!

A Mariposa Lily--It's a wildflower I haven't seen much of in all our hikes, so I had to take a picture.
Claire fishing Cottonwood Lake. We actually were able to catch a few tadpoles--an activity I haven't done since I was a little girl!

Washington Trip

We got back this weekend from visiting my family in Washington. Claire and I spent two weeks there, and Nate was able to join us for one week. This included five days at Baker Lake camping with the ENTIRE Lagerwey clan--12 adults and 13 kids. Yes, we were those people. Thank goodness the campsites were large and spaced out, so I don't think we bothered the rest of the campground too much. Claire loves the time with all her cousins, especially the two closest in age--Elly and Jessica. Nate and I were able to get away without Claire for a few meals and hikes, and we love to take advantage of free babysitting since it's not something we have when we're home in Montana. I have many, many pictures...so only a few here to get the general idea down. Thanks to my parents and siblings who hosted us in a variety of ways and made the trip fun and relaxing!

Four Lagerwey sisters....after a few days w/out a shower. : )
One of the couple SUNNY days. The little girls loved the beach near the campground.
Same beach on a not-so-sunny day.
Grandma and Claire. My mom managed quite a feat getting the food and logistics of the camping trip planned.
Claire got a bath one night in a raft. I was really jealous and actually considered hauling it into the woods for some privacy to take one myself!
Eleven of the thirteen grandchildren in age order.
Claire and Elly in a moment of love.
Claire really progressed with going under the water, holding her breath, diving for toys by swimming in my parents' hot tub. She calls the goggles "binoculars," and we just bought a pair for home which she had on in the tub last night.
We spend one day at the Birch Bay waterslides. Here Claire is going down with my brother-in-law Jason--goggles on her head and nose plugged.
Jason brought some fresh crab over to my parents' one night for inlanders to enjoy. It was delicious!
We go to the Anacortes Art Festival every year. This year Claire and Jessica got to enjoy all the fun kid crafts together.
One of our hikes near Mount Baker went up to Park Butte, and old fire lookout with incredible views of the North Cascades.
My sister Christina and I posing in front of a view of Mt. Baker on the hike.

Backcountry Canoe Trip

Between visits to the East Coast and West Coast, we had our own Rocky Mountain adventure as a family unit in Grand Teton National Park. We actually camped for three nights total, but spent one amazing night on a backcountry lake, Leigh Lake, which was right at the base of the Tetons, crystal clear, and away from the crowds of Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Jackson.

We managed to catch Old Faithful on the way down. I have found memories of my own camping trips to Old Faithful as a child, so bringing Claire there was fun this time. She described it as "like a waterfall."
This is Jenny Lake where we stopped for lunch and to gather all the necessary backcountry permits.
Our trip actually took us through two lakes with a short portage in between. Thank goodness Nate could carry the canoe alone!
Claire stays pretty happy in the canoe--paddling, playing "I spy," looking at birds--but I'm not above a lollipop bribe when necessary.

A family picture at the campsite.

Claire fishes the Upper Madison

We spent Saturday in one of my favorite places in Montana (dare I say the world?!)--the Upper Madison River. From the sage and lupine covered hills, to the mountains around us, the big blue sky, and clear river, it's a wonderful place--even when the fish aren't cooperating. Claire received her own fishing rod this year, and she had a great time casting it into the water and retrieving her fish. Watching her was (almost) as much fun as feeling a trout on my own line.

Trip to New York/Massachusetts

Claire and I arrived home Tuesday after almost two weeks on the East Coast visiting Nate's family. Nate stayed home to work through the busy construction season, and despite quite the heat wave, we had some great day trips and activities. Lots of pictures follow!

Our first day in New York we had a wonderful picnic and visit to Sarah's local town pool. Here Claire and Julia look for the map (a la Dora) before a little walk through the woods.
The town pool had a great splash park and kiddie pool which helped us keep cool!
Claire's cousins Sam and Will are great with her, and she loves to get their attention.
We took a day trip to the Bronx Zoo which has wonderful exhibits and great architecture too. Here we decided to enjoy our lunch by the oldest section of the zoo (from the late 1800s) instead of sitting in a snack bar. Wise choice!
Claire and Julia had lots of time to play dress up, princess, dolls, and all kinds of girly games.
On the 4th of July we all headed to Massachusetts to spend the holiday at Nate's mom's house and enjoy her pool. We had a great barbecue with the family and other friends.
We had several outings with Grandpa Charlie, whom Claire adores as is clear by the look she's giving him. Since it was so hot we stuck to indoor activities--seeing Toy Story III one afternoon and visiting the wonderful art collection at the Smith College Museum another day.
When the heat broke a little we had a dinner out and a scenic drive to the top of Mount Sugarloaf (a tall 632 feet!) where the vistas of the Connecticut River Valley are lovely.
A highlight for me was a trip into NYC with Sarah and Bruce (adults only!) with ample time for strolling the streets, eating dinner, and seeing a Broadway play. I have to say, the food, service, and vibe of the city is really a fun treat for a country girl from Montana!
Wagon made for two--no chance of looking up for a smile when a juice box can be had.
Another big event was the girls only trip to American Girl in NYC. Nema spoiled Claire with her own new baby doll, and we all loved the lunch in the restaurant.

They even provide a mini cup and plate for the dolls. Here Julia is being a good little mama.
They also came home with matching outfits for all their dance routines--favorite music of choice, the Disney Princess Soundtrack, of course.

So many great memories...a big thanks to Nema, Tia, Bruce, Sam, Will, Julia and Grandpa Charlie who spoiled us rotten!