Random summer events

Strawberry picking...
I went by myself one morning and picked 19 quarts but Clare was so disappointed that she didn't get to come.  So the next week I took her.  We hit the very tail end of the berries - it took us over an hour to pick 4 quarts but that was fine.  I didn't really need more berries and Clare had fun.  She enjoyed dressing like a strawberry.

My sweet girl.

Clare & Molly are still the best of friends...

Ice cream on the deck...

Playtime in the park...

My sweet baby boy...

Eating "solids"...
Karl loves eating.  More so than Clare.  Clare never showed much interest in what we were eating, but from an early age Karl has watched intently as the spoon or fork travels to our mouths.  This picture reminds me of early photos of his daddy. 

Moving...
For awhile Karl got around by pushing himself backward over the hardwood floor so he often got himself into annoying situations like this -- stuck under the rocking chair.  Then he would get MAD. 

Visiting Great Grandma Carolyn...
Clare loved the swing!

Karl and his great grandma: 

A visit to Traverse City area...
In early August, I took the kids to visit a dear friend of mine who lives near Traverse City.  I thought the drive without Matt would be the worst part of the trip but was I ever wrong!  It wasn't a bad trip -- I had a wonderful time with my girlfriends -- but the obnoxious behavior of an overtired, cranky, opinionated 3-year-old was exhausting (and embarrassing) to deal with.  Of course, by the time we had to leave we had a system figured out and the kids were adjusting to the new routine.  Of course.  

We made these mugs there, using ceramic pens and then baking them in the oven.  I have a new flower vase now...

Playtime in the Park...
A local group puts on "Playtime in the Park" in the summer and they alternate locations each week.  This was our first time going, mostly because they were going to have a train ride.  Here we are on the train:

Funny story about the shirt Clare is wearing.  She borrowed one just like it last summer from her cousin and it was her favorite shirt all summer long.  I gave it back stained and fit for the rag bag (embarrassingly enough).  Anyway, in May I found this shirt at a garage sale for 50 cents in a size 4T.  Again, it's the favorite shirt of the summer.