Valentine's Week

Last week Claire and I spent a few days in Houston with, as Claire would say, "Stepen,Mel,Kyle,Ryan,Evan." (She says it super quickly!) Jordan was able to join us after he finished work for the week. (It's still kind of surreal that he's working - for pay! That's exciting!)

(While still at home,) Claire made some Valentine's for our loved ones.

On Valentine's Day we decorated some sugar cookies that Claire and I had made earlier in the week.

I watched Stephen and Mel's kids while they went out on V-day, and they watched Claire so Jordan and I could go out on Saturday. I love that we can exchange babysitting like that!

Claire spent the rest of her time there playing with cousins. She loves playing with cousins. Here, she and Ryan are taking naps. Looks comfy, right?!

Those cousins had plenty of playtime on the new swing set in the backyard, at the park, in the play room, and in the bathtub. Claire had a "near-death" experience, (not really, but she was scared out of her mind!), as she tried to follow Kyle's footsteps and go from the rope ladder to the opening in the swing set where the slide is supposed to be. (Long story about the slide; don't ask. - But it is up now!) Claire is not as old, big, experienced, or brave as Kyle, and so she didn't make it. When I heard some commotion outside, I looked out the window to see Claire hanging from the edge of the swing set. Kyle was gripping her hands trying to keep her from falling down, but one hand slipped away. Claire screamed even more. And then I got to her, so she didn't have to fall down. She was scared, but she wasn't hurt at all. By nap time that afternoon, she was completely worn out. She had the biggest breakdown I've seen from her in a long time - maybe ever! She had had some late nights and early mornings with Ryan, which added to her tiredness after playing outside so much that day. Thankfully, nap time can work wonders!

And speaking of naps, I think I'll go take one right now, since everyone else in my house is, too!