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!!

Weekend Away

Thanks to Susan's willingness to watch Claire, Nate and I were able to take advantage of the Valentine's Day-Long Weekend and go away for a night about two hours from here in an old mining town called Phillipsburg. I only took one picture the entire time--the attempt of being artistic with sepia coloring and trees below--so I'll explain what I didn't get on film:

• Getting to the trailhead to cross country ski and only taking minutes to get geared up instead of a half an hour.
• Being able to explore new trails without worrying that we'll cross the "one hour in the backpack without a meltdown" thresh hold.
• Nate skiing without an extra 35 pounds on his back.
• Eating dinner together, lingering over the meal, without any interruptions other than the waitress either bringing more food or drinks.
• Hanging out after dinner at the local watering hole, meeting some locals, playing pool and shuffleboard (!?), and listening to classics from the jukebox.
• Staying at a historic hotel, The Broadway Hotel, and NOT having to set up a pack 'n play.
• Sleeping in until 8 AM and waltzing into a cozy kitchen where coffee and breakfast were made and waiting for the guests.
• Not having to pack a purse or backpack full of snacks and amusements "just in case."
• Exploring a new ski area, Discovery Mountain, though I showed some reluctance to ski the back side (double black, expert only) because it's been a few years since I downhill skied and a broken leg wasn't part of my weekend plan.
• Watching other parents coax their cranky toddlers down the bunny hill.
• Most importantly...both of missing that little girl like crazy for the two days we were gone!

Valentine's Day morning before we headed out. Claire with Nema who kept her very happy and occupied while we were gone. Thanks for taking great care of her!

Mixing it Up for February

We are welcoming several changes of routine around here for February. Nate's mom has come to visit for the entire month, renting a house about 20 minutes from us. She's taking Claire to all kinds of great toddler activities in the mornings--art, dance, play groups, and Claire loves going to visit at Nema's house. I'm having some time to myself for long walks and a bit more reading. Plus, we have a very willing and FREE babysitter! Nate and I are taking advantage with some ski outings, and tonight we plan to go to the movies for the first time in years. It's great fun having a grandparent just down the road.

We've had snow on the ground more than normal this year, meaning we've added sledding to our regular routine. There's a perfect hill on our property just behind the house, and Claire is loving it!

One way to get up the hill (she actually like this)...

Laughing the whole way down...
So cute at the bottom!

Back to Winter

After the previous post's focus on mild weather, winter is back. We've actually been getting a bit of snow at our house the last few days. Saturday we took advantage of it and did some cross-country skiing in the Elkhorn Mountains, the range closest to our house. We're "exposing" Claire to being on her own skis this year, and she is good for a few turns around the car before getting in the backpack to ski on Nate's back.

Winter weather means more time inside, and this picture makes me think Hem wishes we had had a little boy instead of a girl since Claire is desperate to dress anyone and everyone up as a princess these days--dogs named after very masculine writers (Hemingway) included.

All Out of Fresh Air

It has been a cold winter so far, and my working mornings often makes afternoons too filled with "to do" items to get outside as often as we should. Today, I had a momentary lull in grading before finals hit tomorrow, and the temperature was a balmy 45 degrees, so Claire and I took a "hike" on the hills across the road from our house. I remarked how nice it was to get some fresh air, and Claire replied, "Yep, I'm all out of fresh air." Seemed about right. We were able to see some rabbit tracks (like we've read about in a book on animal tracks), smell sage, and watch Hem flush some Hungarian Partridge--what better use of a half an hour could there be?

Notice her backpack with the pink Carebear brought along for the ride.
Nate started the year with a New Year's Day hunt for pheasant.