Overwhelmed with PICTURES!

After being on vacation for a week, I have a camera full of pictures. I don't even know where to begin with my blog posting, so this will have to do for now.
A happy family picture!

Thanks, Anne S., for this adorable dress. I was SO ANXIOUS for it to finally fit her, and now I want her to wear it all the time. :)

Apparently, I missed the cue to jump. :)

Two Years...Tons of Memories!

We are in Delaware (relaxing at the beach house with my Dad's whole family) this week, and I don't have the ability to load my BEACH pictures. Those will come soon. I did, however, want to make a post acknowledging our two year wedding anniversary. Tuesday (07/07) was our anniversary, and we had a fun day in Ocean City.

These pictures aren't from our anniversary. They are actually random pictures from the files on my Mom's computer. The first one is from our one year (dating) anniversary when we went skydiving together.

This was the day we closed on our house and ate pizza on the floor.
This was when I originally moved to Florida, and Phil helped me settled into my apartment.

This was a re-creation of our VERY FIRST DATE. Phil took me to a deserted island, and I accidentally jumped on his neck as he bent down for me to climb on his back.

In some ways, I can't believe that we've already been married for two years. In other ways, it feels like we've been married for much longer than that. I couldn't ask for a better husband, father, or friend. We are a perfect pair, and I look forward to many more happy years together.

Cuddle Buns

We've heard a lot about "stranger anxiety," but Clare hasn't seemed to develop that yet. We're hoping that she will skip over that phase because she loves cuddling with anyone who will hold her.
Snuggled up to Mama!

Hugs with Grandpa Hillary

Nearly snoozing with Grandpa Durham

Ready for bed with Auntie Ann

Smiling with Grandma Hillary

Reading with Grandma Durham
(pointing to "mouth" on the mouth page).

Butterfly kisses with Daddy

Playing with Uncle Adam (and stealing his sunglasses)

Cuddled up with Uncle Keith

We'll have to look at this post when she's a teenager so that we can remember the snuggly days.

Funny Faces

Clare's latest thing is making funny faces (scrunched up nose and pinched eyes)...which is sometimes accompanied by funny sound effects. It cracks us up!This was my attempt to imitate her, and it was caught on camera. Clearly, she wasn't impressed.

Now we're smiling again!

Auntie Ann's IN TOWN

Clare Ann loves hangin' out with Auntie Ann. Notice the Annie shirt...one that my mom has saved for the last 20+ years.
Tea Time

Oops!

We love having Ann home from the desert!

Flying on the Clareplane!

Kisses!

Clare's own camel from the desert. :)

Baby Barrettes

As you can see, barrettes have made their way into our home. After months of banishment, Phil finally turned a corner and realized how cute and functional they are for our hairy little peanut. In the last two days, we've had to pry a stray barrette out of Clare's mouth. Therein lies our quandary! How can we continue using the barrettes without creating a choking hazard?
P.S. Thanks for this adorable outfit, Rachel and Mandy! We LOVE it!

Christmas in June!

June has been a GREAT month for us: family, friends, fellowship, fun, and faith formation. How is that for an alliteration?
Today, June 25th, is half-way to Christmas. Maybe that can be our "excuse" for the addition of this new shed to our backyard.

I don't have any pictures of the finished product (as it has taken its permanent home in our backyard), but I like to call it the "Man Hut." I may have to point Phil in the direction of this "barn" when December 25th comes around.

Phil's last time mowing the area that now houses the Man Hut.

Clare loves watching her Daddy.

Where is he???

Once again...HARD at work...trimming the palms.

Daddy's little helper girl.

Happy Father's Day...a bit late!

We had a TERRIFIC weekend with all of our family in Florida! Phil and I are blessed with wonderful fathers, and Clare is obviously in good hands as well. :)

Laughing with Grandpa Hillary

Hugs from Grandpa!

Waving to Daddy!

Swimming with Grandpa Durham

Emptying the garbage with Grandpa's supervision.

Feeding Grandpa Durham!

Sampling the scraps.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the wonderful men out there!

Inquisitive Little Peanut

I've learned that I can't turn my head for even a minute because Clare will "sneak" into something messy or find a way to tear something apart. It obviously doesn't bother me too much because I always rush to find the camera to capture the adorable moment.

She works her way into this little corner and finds magazines, playing cards, and everything else that will dissolve within moments of reaching her mouth.

Exhibit A

I think I was done with those magazines. :)

New day...new corner...new target!

Many of these pictures reveal her love of the written word. Daughter of an English teacher.