Time Fly's

I can't believe that Klara is going to be 4 months soon. It seems like this last week we have seen so many changes in her. First, we started her on cereal at night due to her insatiable appetite. She is doing great with eating in her bumbo seat and taking food from a spoon.  It takes a few attempts for her to remember how to swallow correctly, but she quickly remembers. The second thing that change this week was her wardrobe. She is now wearing her 3-6 month old clothes. I love all of the new cute things I can put her in, but it doesn't seem like she was in her other clothes that long. Finally, has been her contagious laugh. Klara has been smiling for awhile now, but she just started laughing really loud belly laughs with a combination of squeals.  I absolutely lover hearing her laugh. Once she starts I can't stop myself from laughing with her and we end up laughing at each other...LOL. I tried to get a video of this but was not successful so as soon as we get it on film I will post it. Instead I decided to post her in her new favorite toy. Enjoy!

 

A Day At Camp

For you non-yoopers/trolls camp is a small cottage or house placed in the woods or on a lake. Yesterday our family went to the Brintlinger's camp to spend the afternoon enjoying the sun, water, and friends. We thought it would be a good idea to bring Blitz and Remy along as well, but we decided this would be the last time. They loved playing with Matt's lab, Pony, in the water, but Remy was so excited he scared the neighbors kid and would not stop barking....oh well. Klara and I spent a good chunk of the day sitting out and soaking up the sun. We took a little ride around Pike Lake on the Brintlinger's boat the warmth of the sun and the breeze quickly put Klara to sleep. Remy decided to jump off the boat while we drove through the swampiest part of the lake and Blitz was quick to follow! We made sure to bathe them both before we left. Matt cooked us up a great T-bone steak. Poor Klara stared at our dinner as she sipped on her bottle, thank goodness we started her on cereal! When we arrived home we were welcomed by a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch. As we drifted off to sleep we enjoyed listening to the rolls of thunder and rain tapping on the roof.  Unfortunately we had to enjoy last night with Blitz in bed with us shivering with fear with each bolt of lightening and crack of thunder.

Klara trying on her life vest!

A family of ducks.

Remy after his dive off the boat.

Blitz navigating.

Klara's first boat lesson from Matt.

Using both hands but not quite 10 and 2.

A Hiking We Will Go

Saturday was definitely an eventful day. Kacey's sister Kymm and her two kids, Kira 4 years old and Dominik 18 months, are up visiting friends for the next couple weeks. We decided that we needed to get in some much needed fresh air, so we drove to Hogs Back Mountain. Now I know we still live in Michigan and have very little mountainous terrain, but this was still a trek! With Klara strapped to me, Remy on leash with Kacey, and Kymm with her two little ones, we began the ascend to the top of the mountain. The sights and sounds were so revitalizing as we made our way through the trees. As much as I was praying that I would make it up the trail before sun down, I was also thanking God for the beautiful surroundings that we were able to experience. To much of my surprise Klara stayed awake for most the trek up and with little complaining about being strapped to me. Once we got to the top the view was breath taking. It had been about 8 years since Kacey and I had made the hike and I was in just as much awe Saturday as I was 8 years ago. After a few pictures and a much need rest we began our descent back to our vehicles. The trip up took about 1.5 hours, I am not sure how long the trip back took but it seemed almost double. After a few stumbles and bruised knees we made it back to the parking lot.  I was amazed at how well the kids did for such a long day. Kymm's little girl, Kira, made about 3/4 of the hike all on her own! Even though Klara is too young to remember this day, I know that she was taking in every sight, sound, and smell that we came across. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful landscape right out our backdoor! If you ever make a trip up to the U.P. make sure to take time to enjoy the sights and trails that let you truly experience what God has given us.