Enjoying the gorgeous weather

As you'll see in this post, we took full advantage of what gorgeous weather we've had over the past few weeks (ironically, I write this as it's down pouring outside right now).

Anyway, two weekends ago we were back in OC, NJ.  We've started a little tradition of taking Claire up to the boardwalk as soon as she wakes up since she can be pretty loud and chatty in the morning and it's usually early (we don't want to wake everyone up).  

So we head straight up in our pajamas.  Claire usually has free reign on the boards that early in the morning with plenty of room to run around so it's nice.

And the past few weekends have been pretty gorgeous...

We lounged on the couch...

And watched some TV (very intently).

We went for a bike ride.

And walked on the boards some more....checking out some of the surfers.

And waving to everyone who walked by.

 

Chatting up a storm as always.

Waving some more.

And chatting...

And trying to catch up with Daddy.

We took a ride on the carousel...still can't tell if Claire likes it or not.

We hung with cousin Lil'.

And Claire's favorite, "Baby".

Baby got a new stroller...we put Baby in and tried to show Claire how to push her around but Claire ripped little baby right out of that stroller and tried to climb in herself.  She doesn't quite get it that the stroller isn't for her.

 Since she's too big to fit IN the stroller...she likes to sit ON the stroller.  Silly girl.

Besides trying to steal Baby's stroller, she loves hugging and kissing her. Ahhhhh.

She loves feeding Baby.

Even in the middle of walks.  Guess she was really hungry.  This looks like a good spot.

We checked out the dog park.

And hit up the playground. Sliding...

And swinging... 

Check out those teeth.

We went for walks in the park.

She's really getting around good now.

We found some interesting rocks and twigs we tried to put in our mouth.

We stopped for a family pic.

And by far my favorite, a quick smell of the flowers which she just loves to do. :)

Labor Day Weekend

We celebrated the unofficial end to summer at where else but Ocean City.  Claire was so excited to be at the beach she woke up at 6am every morning.  Mommy and Daddy were SO excited to wake up so early.  We enjoyed an eggy breakfast out on the porch while the rest of the world slept.

Once everyone woke up (at an appropriate time for a Saturday), we got to hang with some of Claire's cousins...including the newest addition...Bridget!

Bridget has lots of big sisters and brothers looking out for her...including her big sis Grace.

Crazy to think that this time next year, Bridget will be the one learning how to use the iPad like Claire's big cousins taught her over the weekend.

And Luke and Claire can show HER where to hide all of the good toys.

After catching up with the cousins for a while, it was time to hit the beach.

Claire came prepared with her very own sunglasses (that she kept on for all of 1 minute).

She hung out by the water with Mommy.

And went for a nice little walk with Daddy.

After getting nice and sandy, Claire took a bath, got nice and clean and then headed BACK to the beach for the annual cousins pic.  Turned out pretty good minus the guy fishing in the background...Mommy needs to get some photoshop.

We also snapped some pics on the jetty.

While the kids checked out the big ferris wheel a few blocks away.

Before getting bored and checking out.  Thanks for the moon Claire.

On Sunday, we read some books to kill some time in the morning.

And climbed some chairs.

Then hung with Winnie for a bit.  Claire is still pretty hesitant around dogs.

She gets pretty nervous whenever Winnie would look at her but Luke made her feel better with a nice little hug.

By the end of the weekend, Claire was much better with Winnie.  Still a little cautious but definitely more comfortable petting her and getting close to her.  I think seeing her big cousins loving Winnie so much made her realize Winnie's such a nice pup :)

Sunday night, we took some more pics.

Claire was pretty fed up at this point.  She did not want to cooperate.  Maddie was super cute and cuddled with her to try to calm her down.  Love these little girls :)

On Monday, we took the nugget for a relaxing bike ride.  Claire seemed to really enjoy it.  She slept the entire time.

It was once again a wonderful beach weekend.  Can't wait to go back!

Oh one more thing.  Proud Mama here bragging about her smart little girl.  Check out the latest video of Claire eating with a fork like such a big girl.  Can't believe how fast she is growing!