Our New (York) Visitor

For the past five days, we were graced with the presence of Cousin Julia.

Julia was extremely excited at the idea of another trip out to Vegas from New York.

She experienced Vegas last summer with a huge group of friends and little sleep,

so she was very tolerant of the curveballs that were served up by our little one this go-round.

We explored much of what Vegas has to offer.

(As much as you can with a 14 month old.)

We enjoyed artificial blue skies:

A quick trip to Paris:

And tons and tons of colorful parasols floating above our heads:

A gondolier caught a glimpse of Claire while rowing a group of tourists across the Grand Canal (Shoppes), and serenaded her with an exquisite rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

We spent the afternoon in the Bellagio, amongst

an enchanted (indoor) land filled with flowers created from glass:

hand-painted mushrooms:

dancing ants and snails made of green moss and fresh roses:

Claire couldn't contain her excitement when we came upon a ceiling of artwork that was more beautiful than a sea filled with a million colorful jellyfish:

At Encore, Claire practiced taking steps upon the handcrafted floors, with Mom and Dad right by her side:

The time went so quickly!

Claire wonders where the fun girl with silly voices and an abundance of free kisses went.

I try to impersonate accents, and sing her a ditty or two, but it just isn't the same.

Thank you for leaving us all with smiles on our faces, Julia!

XO

A Glimpse Into The Future...

This photo melts my heart.

(It has to melt yours, too.)

I know I will see this image again one day.

Everyone says it will be here in the blink of an eye.

Claire dancing with her Dad.

Looking at him with such adoration.

His face beaming with love and pride.

For now, in this moment, she won't let go...

Forever, neither will we.

All Aboard!

Deep in El Paso, there is a two-story mall with your average selection of stores:

Macys, Baby Gap, Lids, etc.

But this mall isn't just your average mall...

It has so much more to offer than red-tag items and pizza by the slice.

This mall is a destination for children of ALL ages (see below).

Two tickets, please.

Yes,

there is a three-car train in this mall,

and it is conveniently located in the center of the food court. :)

There is wildlife, and beautiful, lush landscape.

One train. One track, with one destination...

DESTINATION: FUN TIMES FOR CLAIRE AND POPPY!!!

Pop-Pop and Claire thoroughly enjoyed their seven circles around the track.

And when they were through, they were attached at the hip...

just as if they were still sitting in the little green car at the front of the train.

The "Land of Enchantment"

Claire and I just returned from a lovely visit to Grammy and Pop-Pop's house.

Our visit was RELAXING...

It was one of those visits that helped Momma recharge her battery.

One of those visits where we really enjoyed the simple, everyday things.

Like bath time,

zerberts,

laughing,

and random moments of peace.

Claire loved pool time with Pop,

and lots and lots of kisses and cupcakes

Thanks for the wonderful trip Grammy, Pop-Pop, and Auntie Kimmie.

WE LOVE YOU!

BABY APOLOGIES

To Our Friends,

We are sending a very quick apology for our delay in updates. In fact, we have been SO BUSY having adventures, we really haven't had much time to share about them! :)

We will be telling stories all this week, including exciting moments from Claire's First Birthday Party and Claire's First Trip to SeaWorld!

To quench your visual appetite, we included a few photos from our recent visit to Bakersfield, CA. Auntie Narnie, Uncle Colin, & Cuzzies Emma, Joshie and Hannah were so much fun to be around!! We cannot wait for our next play-date!!

XO,

Claire's Momma and Baby Claire