The Latest on Everyone

Rhett
--just fixed the Hyundai's windshield wipers and the Alero's engine problem, and saved us hundreds of dollars. What a man!
--got a call from the Shelley missionaries saying they hadn't noticed him at church in a while and were wondering how he was doing.
--is now beginning to prepare for finals.
--has made a snowman and a snow-dragon on the tiled floor for Summer.
--is still working at Trademark Management, and known as the definite "Go-To" guy.

Brittney
--is still teaching piano to a few students.
--is busy crafting presents for the girls for Christmas.
--is getting ready (with mixed feelings) to wean Claire.
--is busy making finger-puppets and printable color books of Toy Story characters for Summer.

Summer
--can now navigate the computer's mouse pad by herself to click on her choice of YouTube nursery rhymes.
--said almost an entire prayer by herself.
--loves playing "Boolah, Boolah" (or "Booyah, Booyah" according to her) at night when she gets her vitamin before bed. She will hide it for herself, then we sing "Boolah, Boolah" until she finds it . . . which doesn't take very long.
--is no longer taking any naps during the day, and hence, going to bed BEAUTIFULLY. Sometimes, when her head hits the pillow, she is OUT. What a relief to her parents.
--is loving the snow and our Christmas tree and lights. It's going to be a fun Christmas this year.
--wakes up in the morning and says, "My Christmas tree awake!" and runs out to see the tree.
--sings all the time--making up her own songs which are most often times undecipherable.

Claire
--is sooooooo close to walking. She's taken a few steps here and there, and one time, made it to five, but won't take THE final step to walking.
--still has no teeth, but is getting close.
--will crawl over to a blanket, pull it over her head, and just sit there until someone notices and says, "Where's Claire?" then she starts laughing.
--wants to do everything that Summer does, and will just follow her around everywhere.
--wore two pigtails to church yesterday for the first time.
--makes lots of squeaking and squealing noises.
--says "Owie." I'm not sure if it's a real word, or just some sounds she's making, but she says it.
--has this funny little grin when she's pleased with herself. Her mouth stays closed, but it's the biggest smile she can give. It's so funny.

Tacoma

We visited Andrew and Maria over in Tacoma last weekend and had a great time. The best part, (in my opinion) is when the girls are asleep at the end of the day and we stay up late playing games. That's when our true personalities come out, Rhett and Andrew become experts on everything, and Maria and I lose at Pictionary (every time).

While we were there, we visited the Puget Sound. Here are some pictures of it.




Thanks Andrew and Maria. We had such a great time!

And here's a clip I took today of Summer. Before I recorded her, every time I asked her what her name was, she would say, "Wendy" (from Peter Pan). But she got it right for the video clip. It's a long one--she sings her ABC's, and I wanted to get a bit of her talking.



Here is a clip of Claire today during lunch. She had eaten almost a quarter of a turban squash, a half a cup of yogurt, and about ten grapes (sliced, of course). So for a little dessert today, she got some mini M&M's. (Notice the mess of hair caused by yogurt-y fingers. Love it.)

Happy Halloween! (And a bit of Claire)

Claire and Summer love playing in their "boat." Summer will push Claire all over the apartment in it. A few days ago, I ran some errands and when I came back, Heather had taken this picture. I don't know how far they got, or if they even budged, but looks like they were having fun!
Sailing away together.
I don't know what Claire was doing in this picture, but it makes her look like such a big girl. I can't believe this is our sweet little Claire!
When Grandma K came to visit, she bought Summer some head bands. Claire had to try them on too.

For Halloween this year, we were a crew from Kung Fu Panda. From left to right: Po (Kung Fu Panda), Master Shifu, Po's dad (the noodle seller--love the noodle hat!), and Tai Lung (the bad guy). Once again, this was a last minute, Goodwill shopping trip, though it wasn't as stress-free as the past years. It was a little more intense and used a little more hot glue too! But way to go dad! You're amazing!