Saddlebag Lake - Part 1

finally! Pictures from our excellent adventures at Saddlebag Lake. I think they're pretty self explanatory - although do note the huge volume of stuff we carried in, the beautiful scenery, and the utter lack of other people. Yes, there were struggles - Molly threw up the first night (she says it was because of altitude sickness, but I'm pretty sure it was from guzzling the electrolyte drink) & Clara threw up the last night (again, she says it was because of the altitude, but I suspect the more likely culprit was the switch to iodine treatment after our water pump failed). But those struggles were far out-shined by the amazing scenery, all the rocks to climb, the frogs & tadpoles to watch, and the freezing cold water to dip in.

Birthday Party (2)

The birthday fun continued today with Clara's friend party. After we struck out on her first choice of wanting a gymnastics party, she announced that she wanted a bowling party. Okaaaay. I was skeptical, but went along with it, and I must say - it was awesome! Between the super helpful staff, and all the things they do to keep bowling easy for the kids (bumpers + ramps = win!), and the fact that the grownups could bowl, too, we had a great time.

I don't have a ton of pictures (bowling alley's aren't easy for picture taking on a good day, but for parties they dim the lights and have a light show going with the music), but here's a few: (note the dancing bowling pin, the excitement over the ice cream cake, the ice cream cake (!), and the general good cheer - it's all real).

Hoes Down 2013

We finally returned to the Hoes Down last weekend, after a many-year absence. We just stayed for the day, and the conditions were not ideal (Zach had been away for 5 days and returned late the night before). Overall, we had fun, but everyone was very tired. We decided to "divide and conquer" so I hung out with Molly most of the day and Zach stuck with Clara, which is why most of the pictures are of Molly. :-)

Oh, and I treated myself to a new pair of earrings. Aren't they lovely?

Happy Family Birthday, Clara!

The celebrations continued. Fancy frosting for cupcakes brought to school. Funny family for special dinner at Moxy (including really fancy cupcakes from a store - thanks Seth!). Clara was riveted by the stories Nana brought, and by the end was maxed out on cupcakes for the day - she couldn't even finish.

Happy Birthday Clara!

Happy Birthday dear Clara!

You are six, and you continue to take on the world with a power and resourcefulness that continues to surprise and astound us. You've risen to the demands of first grade ready to tackle reading, spelling, and playground drama with poise. You've moved up to a bike with gears and hand breaks, ready to pedal as far as the bike will take you. And you've mastered the cartwheel, only to move on to handstands, parkour rolls and capoeira kicks. Somedays we laugh that we should add "Kinetic" to your list of middle names.

Your confidence is infectious: kids and grownups alike are drawn to your tales of expertise and adventure (and you always know how the story will end, but of course you won't tell us!).

And yet, sometimes, you're still just Clara, whose brain gets scrambled and needs a break. We're all learning how to help you in those moments, too: and you're learning most of all - trying out "toolbox" techniques like breathing and taking quiet space.

In the end, you come out stronger, and more ready to jump (literally) into the next challenge.

I can't wait to see what that will be this year!

so much love,
Mama

Clara's pre-birthday Bike

Clara got a new bike for her (almost) birthday - and she couldn't be more pleased!
A while back we determined that Clara needed an upgrade: she was like a circus clown spinning so quickly on the little bike to keep up with everyone! We looked into altering the smaller bike so she could bike more, but in the end she decided that what she really wanted was a larger bike, but not until her birthday. So, last week she and I went and picked out the bike. And this weekend (after she took one more bike ride with Zach to get bagels) we presented her with her big 20", hand breaking, gear shifting bike.