Thanksgiving

Delay, no more. It's practically Christmas, and I've not posted photos from nana and papa's Thanksgiving visit. Most of these need no narration. So, here they are....

Two's a party

This posting has been much delayed by the holiday and other distractions. These photos depict the actual events of Claire's second birthday, from her discovery of her new kitchen to a visit from friend Jude to her helping "make" her own birthday cupcakes. The pictures sort of speak for themselves, so I'll spare you wordy narration.

More fun with grandparents

With the other pair of grandparents on the way, I figured I'd best get more photos from our visit with Granny and Grandpa.

Claire had a great time making pudding with Granny while mom and dad got a rare night out.



In case you didn't know, this is what you do with a spatula before you're finished mixing the bowl.




Claire and her grandparents also got to meet Bill, who owns the organic farm in which we've bought a share. Here, Claire helps select some pumpkins for the fall.

More trouble for mom and dad

Conversations overheard (several weeks ago, actually):

Dad: "Ah, gees! Get out of there CeeCee! Sarah, CeeCee tipped over the garbage can in Claire's room and got into the poopy diapers, dad-gummit!" (That's not exactly what I said but close enough)
Claire: "Why CeeCee do that?"

Later, at bedtime...
Mom: "Let's talk about what happened in your day."
Claire: "CeeCee get Claire's poop."

Next day
Mom: "Maybe we can go to IKEA this after noon and then to that New Mexican restaurant."
Claire "Claire go restaurant too, maybe ice cream, too, and momma, too, and daddy too... CeeCee stay home."
General laughter/moaning by parents
Claire: "Claire go restaurant in car."

Two

Claire turned two last week and the growth from a year ago is, of course, mind boggling. Photos from that grand day to come. For now some observations:

Our daughter is well into forming seven-word sentences and her own ideas. Two weeks ago we told her, "We're oging to the beach this weekend." Her response:
"Claire go beach, too, maybe restaurant, too. Eat ice cream."

Her memory is deeper than I realized a 2-year-old's would be. Last time we went to the beach, in May, Claire's cousins were along. This month, when we started talking about going to the "beach," Claire said, "And Gracie. And Hailey."

If that weren't enough, on Nov. 1 she suddenly started carring the melody to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It's about the only tune she can sing, but it's a start.

She notices more and more things. One night last week, Claire and I walked past a parked transit bus. She pointed to it and asked why it wasn't moving. Then she asked, "Why no people in it?" Pretty perceptive.