Dancing and Riding

The day after the parade I saw that Strawberry Fest had the Teddy Bear Band playing in the park by our house so I thought it would be fun for Claire and I to head that direction. I wasn't sure what Claire would think, but after a few minutes of warming up she LOVED it. She is such a little social butterfly. After enjoying the band for about 45 minutes we headed up to the rides because I promised Claire we could do that. I didn't have money when we walked by earlier in the weekend so when we got there she said, "You have money, Mom?" I said, "Yes." She then said, "Thank you mommy, thank you." It was such a sweet moment for me. I was a little nervous that she wouldn't like the rides by herself, but she did a pretty good job. She got nervous a couple times, but I think that the boy screaming for his life didn't help. We went on the scrambler together and I was sick for 2 hours so that was enough for me. I think rides will be something her dad has to do with her.

Strawberry Fest 2011

Cozy group!

Part of our group.

Good friends

Fun ladies

Doesn't get much cuter than this.

Cute couple!

Scott and Pete drinking "coffee"

Jen and her boys

Adorable family

Once we found out that our house backs up to the city parade each summer we knew we would be hosting an annual Strawberry Fest party. I'm not sure if Pete or Claire was more excited about the parade. It didn't turn out to be a great day because it poured for most of the parade, but we were able to watch some of it so that was good. We had SO much food that everyone crowded into our house and enjoyed food and laughs when we were rained out. It was a little cozy, but we made the best of it and had a great time with friends and family. We are lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.

Summer Wednesdays

My two girls.

Claire is getting more interested in art projects.

Dot painting

Watching a little Barney.

I am lucky enough to watch our friend's daughter Samantha every Wednesday this summer and we've had a blast so far. We signed up for Wiggles and Giggles again this year so we spend an hour there and we usually pack a lunch to eat at the park afterwards. It works out perfect because then we head home and the girls can nap. Claire is really enjoying having a friend to play with instead of just her mom every day.

Grand Old Days

Of course Pete had to work so Claire and I went with Megan, Andrew, and Carter to St. Paul's Grand Old Days Parade. I've never been to one so I was pretty excited and Claire loves parades so it was a win-win situation. We were able to meet up with some of Pete's relatives so it was a very fun morning.

Twins Gear and Matt

Hanging by the bonfire with her buddy Matt.

Playing washers with dad and Matt.

Cute!

Showing off her new dress and hat.

Claire is always spoiled by our friends Matt and Kristina and this time was no different. Matt surprised Pete and flew out for his birthday and brought along gifts for Claire. They bought her an adorable Twins dress and hat. They will definitely be worn often. Thanks Matt and Kristina. Claire really took to Matt and had fun playing with him when he was here. She even asked about him for a week after he left. I guess Pete isn't the only one in the family who adores Matt.

Family Picnic

I love my girl!

Hanging out with Papa!

Claire loves her Aunt Becky!

Chasing her cousin.

Claire and Grandma Robyn

Bug hunters!

Claire adores her cousin Carter.

Claire and I had a great time at the family picnic in Taylors Falls a couple weeks ago. It fell on the same weekend as Pete's birthday so he wasn't able to make it because he was celebrating at a Twins game with some friends. Claire had a great time playing with all her cousins. She's definitely a social butterfly.