Clara's 3rd Birthday

Thursday Clara turned 3 years old. I can't believe it! We had a really nice, fun-filled day.

First things first when Clara awoke, she went straight to her presents that were waiting for her at her seat. She wasted no time ripping them open.


Cheese, I'm 3!


With Daddy and Princess Tiana


We went out to Big Eds for a delicious pancake breakfast. When they found out it was Clara's birthday, the waitresses brought her a biscuit with jam and cream with a candle and sang Happy Birthday. Jack promptly burst into tears.


Next we went to Marbles! Clara loves to start the day off driving the bus.


Clara & Jack at the train table


Splashing at Marbles


Jeekbo loved the splash pools




After a fun morning there and playing out in the backyard, we came in for lunch and rest. Clara played a little dress-up with Syd while I got Jack to sleep. Sydney was a good sport.


After naptime we went to the "park with the little house" as Clara calls it.

Ahoy mateeys.


I'll have a happy meal...


The famed "little house"


No, I can't smile


I'm amazed at Clara's coordination, she learned to do this trick on Tuesday and was a little nervous at first. Coaxed by her friend's older sister she did it all by herself and picked up where she left off today.


Holding his cup!


Finally get a look at the camera


After a delicious dinner of "big pasta" it was cake time! Jeekers is ready and waiting


Finally a big birthday smile for Daddy Dukes.


Happy Birthday Clara!

Happy 3rd Birthday Clara Beara!!!

How can my baby be three years old? It is beyond comprehension.

Three Years Ago Tonight!

I wasn't feeling so hot... (don't let the cheery disposition fool you) :)

Spring Break at Nay-nay & Pop-pop's

Clara, Jack, & I headed to Richmond over Easter weekend to help Nay-nay celebrate her spring break. This also coincided with Lucy's 26th birthday on Saturday night! The Zimmerman's came over to help us celebrate the occasion.

Clara and Luke had a great time playing together and Luke taught Clara all about "shooting monsters" (though Clara gave Luke some fashion help, i.e. Luke's clothes got wet ;) ).


Clara wanted front seat cake action. (And you can see the newest member of the Schaeffer family due to make an appearance on Friday just over Clara's head!)


Happy Birthday Stink-a-Lu!


Del-u-say (as Pop-pop would say)


Happy Easter!

Jack actually had been feeling pretty bad leading up to Easter, turns out due to a case of roseola. But his fever broke and spirits seemed lifted by Easter Sunday. He was ready for some cruising.


Tinkling the ivories.




The Easter bunny brought Clara and Jack this "awesome" bunny.


Clara really enjoyed her first Hershey kiss hunt.


After Pop2pop got off from work, we went down to the annual Easter parade on Monument Ave. Nay-nay and I sported our Easter bonnets!


Clara showed off her beautiful Easter dress.




The excitement was too much for Jack.


Checking out the Jefferson Davis statue, Clara said it was like Boston.


Skipping down Monument with Pop2pop


Jeekers is definitely feeling better.


For the kids birthday to stay at Nay-nay & Pop-pop's they got a sand & water table. As the weather was unseasonably warm our entire visit, they had a great time splashing around in it.




Cutest picture ever


Moving on to another backyard toy.


With Su-su back from her extended Seattle trip on Wed & Gramby returned from his swing set fun, we went over to eat dinner and visit at their house Thursday. Jack had fun exploring new territory and found a new comfy seat.




Clara curled up for some reading with Gramby


And last but certainly not least, since Jack decided to take his first step on video about a month ago, he has been practicing his steps, taking no more that 1 or 2 at a time. That all changed on Tuesday of last week when he walked 6+ steps across Nay-nay's living room. That performance opened the flood gates and he has really been moving ever since. Here's a clip of one of his shorter jaunts.

Swing set!

While we were at Nay-nay & Pop-pop's house over Easter weekend frolicking the days away, Daddy was hard at work at home with Gramby at his side, assembling the children's birthday present, a swing set!

The backyard


The shed


The materials


Let's turn this mother out.


Getting started above the watchful eye of Syd


First visible result


Trial location, selecting the right spot took a few tries.


Coming along




Roof #1


A little crooked


Second time's the charm


The BEAM!


Hoisted, now to get it level


Swings


Trial run


Always a stickler for safety, Gramby points out the warnings.


Climbing wall


Some finishing touches.


The masterpiece


The moment of truth, as you can see Clara was ecstatic!


He may be small, but he is ready to have fun.


Taking a rest, laughing at his sister on the swing set.