Another Weekend in July

I like weekends in the summer. (It is making me dread weekends in the winter!) I enjoy watching Claire in the outdoors, and I enjoy being part of the growing love she has for nature. I had these visions in my head when I was pregnant, and it's really gratifying to see them come to fruition.

Saturday began with our trip up to Harford County for Miss Victoria's second birthday party. It makes me wish Claire's birthday was in the summer...it's just so nice having a summer birthday that you can celebrate outdoors (I always loved my June birthday for that reason).

Laura is one of my many creative, crafty friends (d*mn you all, you know who you are!!!). So as always, the party was creative, adorable, and very, very FUN. Every time I leave her house I come home, log on to a real estate site, and start looking for a house. Going to her house reminds me so much of home in PA. But I digress...

Claire had a blast...she got to spend time in the little pool and going down the slide. At first she was a little hesitant w/the little pool (they have one at daycare, but I'm not sure how they handle that), but soon enough, she was in there and loving it! In fact, when the party moved over to the table for Victoria to blow out her candles, everyone headed over except Claire. We couldn't get her out of the pool!






"You all do what you need to. It's my birthday; I'm having my cupcake and looking beautiful. That's my role here."



"We're working the scene...catch ya later!"



We started Sunday morning by going to the Farmers Market in downtown Baltimore. I had high hopes for this, as I really want to get some good, locally grown, fresh produce for us, especially Claire's favorite...blueberries!! Unfortunately, I hadn't anticipated how crowded it would be. For anyone who doesn't know (and I pretty much think anyone reading this knows), I do NOT do well in crowds. I can't stand feeling crowded in, and I think it's pointless when there's so many people that you can't even look. Sooooo, we left and I'm planning on taking Rose (and another friend's) advice and hitting the Waverly market earlier Saturday morning.

We headed on out and up to City Cafe for some coffee and apple juice for the Fuzz. She was happy, as always, to sit and say hi to everyone walking by. Or not walking by. Yeah, my child says "hi" (more often screams "hi") to every person she sees, and she continues to say it until you say "hi" back. Please, please, just say hi back!

After a good nap, we headed to Oregon Ridge for an afternoon hike. I really need to get in better shape. But we had a great time and afterward kicked the ball around. I am going to be the typical bragging mom here, but my child is so coordinated...she is such a good climber and kicker...she kicks that ball like a soccer pro! OK, obnoxious boasting over :-)

With daddy in her hiking boots and flap happy hat:




Another good weekend. This week finds me starting my new job, which until August 3 will be done temporarily from my apartment. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm hoping it will lead to a lot more motivation and self-discipline, something I've been lacking since I lost my last job. I'm excited to see what the future brings!