Trip out East

Claire and I arrived home on Thursday after spending a wonderful 10 days in MA and NY with Nate's family. Though the weather wasn't that summery, we had an action-packed time with lots of great toddler-friendly activities and quality time with Nema, Grandpa Charlie, Tia (Nate's sister Sarah), Bruce, and cousins Sam, Will, and Julia. We went to parks, farms, the aquarium, shopping, a butterfly conservancy, and the Eric Carle museum. One of the highlights for me was a Saturday night trip in New York City with Sarah for dinner and a Broadway play. All of the activities were a great change of pace and scene for us Montanans. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful in-laws such that I love hanging out with them--even if Nate isn't around. Thanks to all of you for making the trip so much fun for us!

Introducing Lauren Renee Vanden Bosch

My sister Kari and her husband Jason, along with 3 year old Elly, welcomed baby Lauren to their family last Tuesday. August seems like a long time away before I'll be in Washington and can hold this precious one myself! Congrats to them!

Summer's Here!

After what seemed like a busier-than-normal end of the school year, I finished for the summer on Friday. The weather this weekend cooperated, and we were able to get out both days to enjoy some of Montana's early summer. With no grading waiting for me, graduation parties to attend, or meetings to worry about, I was COMPLETELY relaxed...well as much as a parent of a two-year-old can be. Nate managed to fit in two bike rides, kayaking, and fishing. While he was more than willing to let me have my turn, I have to admit to being pretty exhausted and content to just read a book in the sun and watch Claire explore the woods and lake. We have a week here to regroup, and then Claire and I are looking forward to a trip to Massachusetts and New York to spend time with Nate's family out East.

At Last...Spring

It's been a long time coming this year, but we are gradually getting Spring. The lawn is almost green, the Aspen trees are getting leaves, and we are actually baring our legs and arms after a long winter being bundled up. Here are a few pics from the last few warmer weeks...

Now instead of having to find a warm hat to wear to go outside, we have to apply sunscreen. (Aren't those pigtails cute? She rarely allows me to put them in her hair.)

Enjoying a Popsicle on the porch.

Outside the Children's Museum in Helena.

A Montana "beach" at Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Claire Turns Two

We had a busy week last week as seen by the lengthy slide show. Nate was turkey hunting in South Dakota and Eastern Montana and arrived home Wednesday, right on time for his birthday on Thursday. My parents also arrived Thursday afternoon to help celebrate and in order to be here for Claire's 2nd on Saturday.

For Claire's birthday we did a little sight seeing in Butte and then went to Fairmont Hot Springs for some swimming--as it was cold and snowy off and on--AGAIN. Claire was spoiled with lots of presents and way too much chocolate. She didn't nap in the car like I though she would, so we also had several major meltdowns that showed a two-year old temper in force...and she has one.

My parents got to see both the vivacious and loving side of Claire and the tempestuous tyrant. At this age Claire loves to draw and color, watch the old Mickey Mouse cartoons on youtube, play with her kitchen, climb and jump, swing and slide, and eat "treats." Her more trying habits include throwing lay down-on-the-ground-tantrums (including in public), yelling "Go Away!" at people when she's mad, and making up things to tattle about when she's mad--mostly saying things like "Mommy HIT me" or "Daddy pushed me" and even "Grandma hit me!" (Can't wait for her to spring that one on the doctor at a check-up.)

Easter Trip to Denver

Claire and I took advantage of the long Easter weekend by making a trip to Denver to visit our good friends Jane and Trevor Nydam and their twins, Elsie and Jess, who are only a few months older than Claire. We took advantage of some of the city amenities we don't have around here by going to the Museum, the Denver Zoo, downtown, and eating some great Mexican and Indian food, not to mention the Easter dinner we made after church. Jess and Elsie were great about sharing all their toys and favorite places with Claire, and sharing motherhood with Jane made the weekend great for me. Hard to believe we met over 10 years ago in Rooks Dorm at Calvin! Thanks Nydams!

I'm going to cheat a litle here; Jane has even more great photos and comments on the weekend on her blog....click the link below.

http://www.jnydam.blogspot.com/

Visit with Nema

We had a great visit with Nate's mom last weekend. She certainly spoiled Claire for her early 2nd birthday and had lots of time to show Claire how to use her new toys. One of Claire's favorite activities now is bring us little cups of tea and cookies from her kitchen. Susan babysat one morning which allowed us time to head up to the Missouri where, thanks to Nate's expertise, I caught my biggest trout to date. The weather turned the next day and we had quite a spring blizzard. We hope when Nema comes back in July we'll actually have some green and sunshine! Thanks for all the gifts and love, Nema!