Papa's Party!

To celebrate Papa Kneen's 60th birthday, we planned a surprise 1960s bash. Friends and family came dressed in mod and hippie attire...with Grandma in her wig taking the cake! Kaitlyn kept saying it was almost time for Grandma to put on her "wedding clothes." Too funny. We ate, we danced, we sang happy birthday. It was a great night.

Meet Ollie

No, we do not have a dog...but Uncle Jason does! Kaitlyn loved chasing Ollie, a rescued border collie/pit bull, around Grandma and Papa's backyard. Thankfully, she did not immediately begin the refrain, "I want a puppy!" There's nothing like a playful pup to wear out a 2-year-old, though!

Grandma and Papa's Swimming Pool

Kaitlyn has been very excited about going to Grandma and Papa's swimming pool, and float night did not disappoint! After falling off her float within 10 seconds of having it in the water, she insisted on pushing her big, orange dinosaur around instead of riding on it. She blew bubbles, splashed, kicked and paddled for Papa, and drank at least a third of the shallow end. It was a great evening!

Visiting G.G.

On Sunday, the girls and I went to visit Great Grandma Kneen (aka G.G.) with Uncle Travis. We had a wonderful time at her house! Kaitlyn chased butterflies, splashed in puddles, colored pictures, and ate dinner at a table "just Katen's size!" Claire, for her part, was just happy to snuggle on G.G.'s lap. We also got to see Great Auntie Eleanor and Great Uncle Tex, who took us to the lake to feed the fish, before getting in some quality playtime with cousins Bryan and Christopher.

Flashback

On Monday I took the girls to the park, where Claire went on the swings for the first time. She loved it! Her big smile reminded me of another one, and when I went back to look at old photos, I saw that Matt took Kaitlyn to the park for her first swing ride exactly two years ago!

Kidspace Museum

This morning we took the girls to Kidspace Museum, conveniently located right here in Pasadena. Kaitlyn loved playing in the arroyo creek, climbing on the wrought iron trees, watering the garden, and painting on the waterfall wall...and Claire was patient and smiley all day! It was great fun, and I look forward to bringing the girls back regularly now that we're members. This place ALMOST makes up for not having a backyard!

First Bites

Claire has been grabbing at our plates and forks for a couple of weeks now. Tonight, in honor of Mom Hartings' last night in town, we gave Claire her first few bites of rice cereal. It was a messy affair! She was very excited about licking and chewing on the spoon, but she doesn't really have the swallowing part down. Perhaps we'll give it a week.