Clara's Blog

I've been telling everybody that we need to go to the beach or ocean or sea for a while now. Well, Mom and Dad finally took me to Cannon Beach. Now, I have to warn you - there is sand at the beach - lots and lots of sand. I like to stomp in muddy puddles, touch worms but I DO NOT stand in sand. Try to make me and I will scream and cry and cry and scream...well, at least that's what I did this weekend. I reserve the right to change my mind.

Anyway, aside from the sand, I LOVED it. The ocean is so cool. I made Mommy and Daddy go into the waves again and again even though they left their suits in the car. (It was cloudy at first and, well, Mommy thought the waves might scare me. Hah!) I made Scout go in the waves too. Poor Scout would cry and cry if we went too deep (in his opinion).

It was really great - I can't wait to go again. Right now, Mommy, please! Right now!

I got my start early...I like to go out and cheer "Go, go, go!"

I am talking more and more and getting better and better. I like stringing together words into sentences or almost-sentences. I do it constantly.

Maybe I should record a story for my blog! Audio posts - that is pure genius.

Also, I am not "baby", "kid", "kiddo" or a "little girl". I am a "big girl". Please, try not to forget!

Even after all the excitement of visitors last weekend, we still did some fun stuff this weekend. We went to a picnic at baby Drew's house. There were soooo many babies. Mommy took photos of a lot of the babies but there were many more! We had sausage, I played with Drew's toys, I danced and I ran. What could be better?

Then, today, Mommy did a running race early and I told Daddy I wanted to go and cheer "Go Mommy Go!" Daddy and I headed over on the bike. On the way, we saw Uncle Todd and he decided to run to the finish to tell Mommy "Good job." Anyway, I got to see geese, have a snack and run around while we waited for Mommy. When Daddy saw Mommy we cheered but we had to go in the sprinklers to get close. That was funny. Mommy got a medal for finishing and I took it for a belt and danced to the music. It was such a good morning that I took an early nap - shocking!!!

Next weekend, I will insist on a trip to the beach!

July is a great month - we got back from the cabin and we had visitors and then more visitors!!

First, Ingrid and Jake came with baby Will. We had a great time. Will is fun to watch and he eats like a crazy man. I like that about him. So does Scout. We gave them a tour of Portland and tried some local yummies. I think they like it here. I can't wait until they move to the West Coast!

After that Laura came with her new husband Scott. We had lots of fun. One day, I took them to MY favorite restaurant The Lucky Lab. We also went to walk around the Japanese Garden, went on a hike on the Timberline Trail to the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River (not what we planned but -oops!) and another hike to Latourell Falls. Scott also ran on the days we hiked. He must be a glutton for punishment as Scout would say. I think we were all tired at the end of the weekend! I'm glad we squeezed in some pizza (at Ken's Artisan Pizza, yum!) and Thai food. Nummies!

Thanks to everyone for visiting - life was so much more exciting with you here!

Labels: Ingrid, Jake, Laura, Scott, vistors, Will

Did you know that Scout doesn't love fireworks? Well, he doesn't - he gets all worked up. So, Mommy and Daddy like to plan trips away from Portland when it is time for fireworks.

This year for the Fourth of July, we went up to a cabin near Trillium Lake. We stayed in a cabin called the Falls Creek A-Frame. It is right across the way from the cabin we go to in winter with Marjon and John and the Weavers.

We had a great time - we hiked the Lower Salmon River Trail, we swam in Trillium Lake, we a little hiked on Timberline Trail and saw many, many butterflies! We also walked near the cabin and indentified birds. I really like critters and birds. We saw an osprey catch a fish. Mommy says that's really special but I see so many cool things that I am getting used to it! I also like things like dragonflies and butterflies that let you get really close.

When we went swimming the first time, I showed Daddy all of my swimming tricks. He was really impressed with my bubbles and my kicking and my floating (yes, with help!). I was impressed with Daddy's splashing and Scout's otter-like swimming, jumping from rocks and general cuteness.

I really wanted to go out on a boat but I guess Mommy forgot to pack one.

Next year, we're going to go to a cabin for even longer around the Fourth of July. You're all invited! We're not sure if we're headed up near Mt. Hood or Bend. What do you think?