Claire and I went back to Colorado for another short visit this last weekend while Jeff went to Minnesota for a golf trip with the guys. I arranged our flights so that we both arrived and departed at the same time so he could help me with her. He was so sweet…he sent us a text message before we even left telling me that he missed us already (but I accidentally left my cell phone in the car at the airport – oops!). We sat next to some moms on the way out and Claire was playing with them a lot. I’m lucky that we’ve had such nice people next to us each time we fly. Claire is definitely at an age where she doesn’t want to sit still for long. You can kind of tell when you get onto the plane that people are wondering how she’s going to do. I remember those days and thinking the same thing when I got on a flight with a kid. Ha!
It was so great to spend time with everyone. We stayed at my mom’s house and she had our room all set up. I did the air mattress again and Claire had the pack-n-play. She actually did really well! Last time she cried a lot when going to bed and in the middle of the night because it wasn’t what she was used to, but this time she did great! A few whimpers in the middle of the night the first night, but otherwise she slept through the night in her own bed. My mom had a French student staying with her, and he was nice with her (considering he doesn’t have kids of his own).
Oggy the doggy and Claire
We got in Thursday and just relaxed at home. My mom was so surprised to see how much she’s changed! She couldn’t believe it. At first Claire was really shy with my mom, but that’s just this stage with her. She got better quickly. I think the webcam really helps, because I could tell she recognized the voice, it was just seeing her in person that she didn’t get. My mom has the cutest stuffed dog that sits on her bed, and when I was changing Claire we started playing with it with her. She loved it!
Friday we went to the mall and met my dad for a quick bite to eat. He was excited to see her. He was on his way to Alaska for a fishing trip and was so excited! He was like a little kid in a candy shop. Too cute! After lunch my mom met me back at the mall and we shopped for a little then headed to Nordstrom’s lounge to feed Claire. I don’t know why, but we always end up there to feed her when I visit. Probably because it’s the nicest place, and it’s quiet. Alex met us (in the bathroom/lounge) and was tickling Claire as I was walking with her. Claire LOVED Alex! She just laughed and laughed and laughed. So cute! Then we did a little more shopping and then went back home.
I went out with Alex Friday night for her friend’s birthday dinner. Jen was there and they brought little Grace. She did so well at dinner! Makes me think I need to get Claire out more at night still. We had a fun night and stayed out a bit late, but it was good for me! 
Saturday I met Alex and Justin again for lunch with Claire and the rest of the people from the night before. We went to Cherry Cricket (which is kind of like a bar). Not really the most ideal place for Claire, but it was during the day and it was fine. After that Claire and I went to Sharron and Pat’s house for dinner. Sharron’s due October 22, and looks so cute with her belly! They also invited some old friends Brandy and Chad. They have two boys that are 5 and 7. I haven’t seen them for probably 4 years, and they’ve changed so much! I can’t believe how big the boys are! Claire did great with dinner and then ended up falling asleep in my arms. I stayed until about 11 or so, and felt kind of bad because Sharron must have been so tired. I remember those days. She was a trooper though!
Sunday we met with the Digert’s and Deirdre and Jim at Pappadeaux’s in Westminster. Jeff and I used to love Pappadeaux’s crawfish bisque, so of course I had to get it again! They hadn’t met Claire yet and we just had to get together with them. It was so great to see them! The Digert’s were like my grandparents growing up, so it was so good to see them and have them meet Claire. Fun times!
Then we came home and finally were able to play outside. The entire weekend it rained (I think I brought the Seattle weather me!). We blew bubbles and walked on the lawn. Claire had so much fun! She loved my mom’s fountain too.
Bubbles!
Happy times!
Cute!!
Loving the fountain!
Justin, Me, Alex and Tim at Sushi Den
That night I went out with Alex and Justin again to Sushi Den. Love that place! Claire stayed home with grandma and did great. Every night she did good while we were there. It was a lot of going-going, but she was a trooper. The plane ride home was a little rough. She just didn’t want to sit still and with such tight quarters, it made it a little difficult. Oh well….what can I expect?!
