Music Class

Today a couple of my friends and their girls went to a music class. It was so much fun! Claire loved hitting the drum and playing the instruments. It was so cute because we clapped and tried instruments to the beat so they can feel the rhythm. They also got to just explore with some of them. Our girls are 9 months, 8 months and 7 months, so it is fun to do things together. We had a blast!!

Galveston

We took our trip down to Galveston this past weekend/week and had a great time! We took the ferry out to Bolivar Peninsula/Crystal Beach. Chad brought a pop up canopy so it was a great place to get some shade. Claire really liked the water....and the sand! Once when we were playing, she grabbed a handful of sand and brought it right to her face! Grandma, Kristen and I all said, "No!" and grabbed at her hand to pull it away. I don't know if we scared her or if she thought she was in trouble, because she started crying! She also LOVED going in the pool. Chad got a boogie board, so we put it in the pool and let Claire ride on it. She was loving it. Chad practiced a little swimming and let Claire go under the water for a second. She did great, but I was freaked out!!! Oh, and we stayed at a really cool condo. We got one that sleeps 6. Chad's mom and dad, brother and his wife, and the three of us had plenty of space. It was great having a kitchen and a washer and dryer. We were able to cook some meals and save money. Ok...here are the pictures! :)

Swimming is FUN!!

My friend told me about this cute pool she bought for her little girl. I thought it was so cute and got one for Claire, hoping she would like it. She LOVES it! I was happy she enjoys being in the water so much. She splashes around and plays in it with excitement.

Don't mind if I do...

I am doing a little backtracking. Here are just some pictures I should have posted and didn't. Now my blog police will stop picking on me! (I love you Nicole!)
Claire on her leaf at 8 months....


Claire doing this funny thing with her shoulders when she is giggling...

Our big girl trying out her cup...

Summer is here!!

Well, we officially closed the school year with our 4th grade graduation and, of course, our class party! The kids were very excited to finish the year off. We had a lot of fun and made some great memories over the course of the year. I had an interesting last few days. I am so excited to be able to stay home with Claire, but teaching is such a big part of me that it was a strange feeling to pack up the Jeep and drive away. I know there were a lot of rough days and times when I thought I would rather do anything else, but there is something special about seeing the same group of kids every day and knowing I can have an impact on their lives. Some of the kids tested me more than others, but I have always believed the kids I get each year are in my room for a reason. Hopefully I made some kind of impression on them to go on and do great things with their lives. I know right now the most important thing is to be a good mommy and wife. I can teach again in the future and plan to do so. It is just a mixed feeing because I love Claire so much and a different part of me loves teaching and my 20 "kids" at school. Anyway, summer has begun and we're off to a great start!

Ready for the beach

Chad and I went down to Galveston last June, so he decided it needs to be a tradition. Therefore, we are leaving the day after I finish work to go again this year! We are very excited because we will have Claire with us this time. Last year, I was still pregnant. I got her this little chair with an attached umbrella. She seems to like sitting in it. I hope it comes in handy on the beach. We also got her a little pool, which she loves! I will have to get those pictures on here too. Hopefully since she seems to love the water, she will enjoy being at the beach. The place we are staying also has a pool, so we have a back up plan, just in case! :)

Almost there...

Ok, so I am incredibly sorry it has been so long. I am soooo very excited! We are just about to wrap up this school year. I officially put in my resignation, and I get to be at home with Claire!! I am more than excited! :) I think she will like it too. We have been incredibly blessed to have such great friends in our lives who have taken such good care of Claire. Chad has switched to nights, so the past few weeks, Claire has been to Mrs. Sherry's every week day. She LOVES it there! I am including a few recent pictures of Claire being Little Miss Texan and playing dress up. I do plan to be better this summer and post more often. Adieu!

Month by Month

Here is the last month of Claire on her little leaf. I didn't put one on here from 6 months, so here is her 7 month and now she is 8 months tomorrow! Crazy!! The second pic is her standing up with Daddy's help! You are growing so much, Claire! We love you!