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!

Good to be Home

After 4 1/2 days away, I arrived home again late last night. My conference definitely was worthwhile, and I valued having time to hang out with some of my entertaining colleagues from school just as much. It's great to have a whole brain filled with ideas to try out in August when school starts again. Nate valiantly held down the fort here, though he has a lot on his plate with work right now, and Claire had some long days at daycare. If I go again, we might need to recruit some help from some help from any willing grandparent (hint, hint...).

I can't get enough of these hugs today...

I even started missing this dog, though as he was chasing a gopher through my garden I began to rethink it. This is the best picture of him I've ever taken; it captures his Chesapeake spirit.

After my time away, I even missed messes like these--dumping out all the drawers to find the perfect outfit. To her credit, she did put all the clothes back in, just unfolded and in completely the wrong places.

For my husband...

This is a post especially for my husband who will be alone with Claire on both our anniversary (7 years!) and Father's Day while I attend a conference for Advanced Placement teachers in Spokane, WA. I'm leaving Claire for the first time for longer than just one night (it will be 5 nights total!). I know she's in great hands and is excited about the extra time with her Papi, but all the same, I think I'll be VERY ready to come home on Thursday. I am very lucky to have a husband who supports my career and is a wonderful father to his little girl. Thanks for all you do, Nate!

Here's a blast from the past...Claire's first hike, three years ago when she was two months old. Nate started as a great dad and continues to build this amazing relationship with his little girl. Happy Father's Day!

And from even further into the past...leaving the church as Mr. and Mrs. Cutler: the first steps of our life together that gets better all the time. Happy Anniversary!

Summer Activities

We're keeping busy around here with summer activities. Claire got her own fish last week (and it's still kicking!); she's named it "Coddy," rejecting my suggestion of "Sushi." It's a Beta fish since I got upsold from the 14 cent goldfish by the girl at PetCo assuring me the Beta fish are hardier and cleaner.

Despite continuing wet weather, we took our first road trip/camping trip of the summer last weekend. We traveled to the center of the state, Lewistown, and managed to find a great, sheltered campground near a creek in the Little Belt Mountains on the way home.
We also fit in another canoe trip to Harrison Lake--just 30 minutes down the road and quite scenic with views of the Tobacco Root range, green pastures, and even Angus cattle in the distance.
Claire has started dance class for the summer. She got to go a few times with Nate's mom while she was visiting in February and loved it. I have to admit, a room full of little girls in pink dance outfits is pretty irresistible, as much as I want her to bike, hike, ski, and fish like her mama!