McDonald's Playroom

On Wednesdays this summer I attend a Bible Study for Moms. It has been beyond wonderful for me - especially because this has been a trying season for me. Last week Natalie, a playgroup mommy, joined me! It was really nice to have her there, and I'm glad she's planning on coming back!

Our kiddos worked up an appetite playing in the nursery while we were in Bible Study, so we decided on a change of venue and went to McDonalds. I haven't been there in years and forgot how gross I think their food is - but, on the positive side, they have a TERRIFIC playground area JUST for small tots, not just the big play area! hooray! no worrying about Clara getting run over on accident.

After eating a few nuggets and eating a couple of apple slices, Clara climbed down from her highchair and started pushing it around.... Devon wasn't too sure what that was all about.



She found the little tot's play area and started playing immediately!



Devon was quick to join her:



Apparently he wasn't much of a climber/slider before, but after he watched Clara a couple of times he was climbing like a pro!
(Sorry, Natalie :)



Rather than impose our society's norms on them and stifle their creativity, we let them head up the slide and down the stairs. Who says it's supposed to be the other way, anyway?



While Devon was more for the up AND down on the slide, Clara liked the headfirst version of going down the steps. Crazy kid is going to give me a heart attack.



No fear. At all. Sheesh.

Regrouping:


Love this mountain climber effort:



Hi, friend!



During a quick breather, the two of them enjoyed playing with the fire engine steering wheel.



Devon was a particular fan, and showed Clara how it worked.



Then they checked out the other wheel.



But, ultimately, Clara would rather climb.
(Of course.)

Love her expression here.

She slept sooooo good when we got home :)



Thanks for joining us Natalie and Devon!!

We miss you Dada!

Be good, stay safe, looking forward to you coming home!

And thanks for helping me "keep an eye" on Clara from afar :)

Love you mister. 

So much. All the time. 

A "suite" Astros' Game

While this is theoretically a "birthday"-ish post, it was the evening of her birthday party, and post-nap, so it's technically a separate shenanigan.

Since Grady's birthday is just 2 days after Clara's, their celebratory-weekend opportunities are pretty much the same :) SO, when Dad had the option to use a suite at the Astros' Game, it became the birthday celebration for Grady's 24th. (It WAS your 24th, right, G?)

Clara enjoyed the food and practicing using a fork at the beginning of the game.

 

But quickly decided she'd rather be in on the crowd action.

 

It was an excellent opportunity to visit with family.

 

I think Mom & Dad had a lot of fun playing with her during her first ball game.

 

We got to meet Blake's girlfriend, who was very sweet.

Reed, Regan, and Paige, Reed's girlfriend:

Garrett enjoying the game:

Pretty fabulous gig!

Bryan and I were enjoying the game and relaxing so much we didn't realize it was getting along past little miss' bedtime. So I went ahead and put her in her PJs before we left, took a few family pictures, and then we left in the 7th inning since Clara wasn't going to last much longer, sweet sleepy baby girl.

With Mama & Dada

Such a cute expression :)

Clara with Lulu and Papa

Clara with Auntie M & Uncle G

It was fun seeing all of you!

Reed, Blake, Mom, Aunt Jana, Uncle Dwayne

For those interested, the 'stros WON! :)

Dancing, and Paparazzi

No paparazzi please:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qQOfZMm1SU

You can view this link even if you don't have facebook since it's for a video:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10103469855378884&l=5057964053519346601
(Clara dancing to my poor rendition of an 80's tune since my phone won't film and play music at the same time :)

Birthday Party Fun!

Last birthday party post, I promise :) Sorry for doing so many - it was just much easier that way for Blogger.

Candid with lots of party hats going on! Thank you all for being great sports!

 

More candid fun :)

 

Lots of friends out in the pool and on the splashpad:

 

Including Dada and birthday girl!

(She was actually having a great time in the water, this picture was just caught at an odd moment I guess :)

Clara posing with a lemon:

Actually all of the smaller tots were really interested in the lemonade stand. Several kiddos took off with lemons as they walked around. Cracked me up.

Trying out a juice box (lemonade flavored) for the first time:

Love this shot of Natalie and Devon trying to get her food:

 

Grandpa adding to Clara's Time Capsule:

 

Some of our playgroup Mamas and their wee ones:

 

More splashpad fun:

 

When it came time to open presents, the other kiddos were a huge help!

Visiting with Grandpa, Celina & Ronnie:

This picture of Henry pointing at Alexa cracks me up:

 

Thank you Grady & Marissa for taking many of the pictures for me!! AND for helping set up and take down. Love you guys!! You're the best!

 

Love this picture of so many of our friends and family relaxing while others were hanging out in the pool:

 

Hehehehe:

Emily & Devon helping Clara open gifts. Emily really liked a card Clara got :)

Playing with the Little People plane:

"Helping" us clean up by taking everything we just put in the cooler back out :)

 

And that's it, loyal readers!! I hope you enjoyed seeing all of the pictures from the party!

I can't believe it's over!