First Days of School

We have two sets of first-day-of-preschool photos this year!  Carlton was unfortunately sick on the very first day, so Clara went on by herself. 

Not totally by herself, as her good buddy Henry is in her class this year, and we drove him instead :)

But on day two, both kids were ready!  So happy to be back together.

End of Summer

Last days of summer..... it was a good one!

Misc

Happy moments this month....

Weekend morning reading with Dad.

 Sparkly new additions to the birthday girl's dress-up box, thanks to some generous friends and family.

 Budding tennis stars.  Clara got a racket for her birthday, so she could join big brother on the court.

 Chasing a new ball.  Carlton is really getting into all kinds of ball-related sports these days.

 Swinging at the park.  Both kids are pumping now, so that makes swinging all the more entertaining for everyone!

Girl time

Clara and I got the pleasure of joining her two adorable baby cousins, Gigi and Ellie, for a girls' luncheon!  My mom sewed all three of them matching dresses back in the spring, so this get-together simply had to happen to preserve in photos :)  Clara loved getting dressed up, with her new birthday bows and dress-up jewelry (which she picked out herself for this occasion!)  A sweet collection of shots....

 So fancy.  She's growing up, folks!

Ten months old

Our sweet boy at ten months!  That grin is quick to come these days, along with his delighted laugh (or shriek!).  Ezra loves to have fun and tries to keep up with his big siblings constantly.  He's crawling everywhere and wanting to do even more.  Won't be long til he's running with the big kids :)

Three years old

Our Clara-bean is three!  She is a delight and a fireball - such a joyful smile and laugh, and such a fierce determination to keep up with her older brother.  She lives life at full speed: running, jumping, talking, laughing, playing.... everything she does is wholehearted and enthusiastic.  Except for when she doesn't want to :)  Super athletic, super playful, super sweet!  We love you, Clara!

Moments from her little party.  She chose an elephant-themed party, and she had just two sets of friends she wanted, along with family - our best buds the Grosses and the Wests.

 We painted a mural outside, with the brushes strapped onto our wrists - our "trunks."

 And then we tried to open and eat peanuts with our sock-hand "trunks." Kind of hilarious.

All the kiddos together for one group shot!

 One happy mama with two happy kiddos.

 Mark holding the youngest guest at the party, sweet Ellie!

 Excited for her cake,

 and for presents.

 Oh yes, and Ezra was there, too :)  Sweet boy handled all the excitement well.

Happy birthday, Clara!