The Great Northwest

We spent Wednesday through Saturday of this past week in Washington and Oregon visiting Steve's family.

We have discovered that Claire loves dogs. On this trip she met Chocolate (Grandpa LeRoy's miniature schnauzer), Beau (Grandpa O's dog) and Andi (Aunt Nicole's pomeranian). Claire was in Heaven! She squeals with excitement and scares the dogs silly. Fortunately, they were all very patient with her.

Claire squealing at Chocolate

spending time with Grandpa LeRoy

Grandpa and Grandma O

(Beau didn't make the pictures. Sorry, Beau.)

Claire loves playing with her Aunt Kasey and Aunt Dawn. Knocking over the stacking cups was an endless source of fun.

Aunt Dawn and Aunt Kasey got up early on Friday and came over to Grandma's to feed Claire her breakfast before they had to go to school.

Claire meeting Aunt Nicole's dog, Andi

Claire loves Andi

Grandma Robin brought presents, and Claire got to celebrate her first birthday early!

Grandma Robin, Grandpa D'Wayne, Aunt Emily and Uncle John gave Claire an adorable outfit that includes a pink skirt with big white polka dots and a soft book with little stuffed animals. Claire has been carrying around the little stuffed animals everywhere she goes.

We went to Mangia Pizza for dinner. It was de-lish!

Pictured from left to right: Claire's mommy, Aunt Kalei, Aunt Nicole, Aunt Emily, Grandma Robin, Claire's Daddy and Claire

Claire enjoying some time with her Grandma Robin (Aunt Emily in the background)

Then we were off to Aunt Lori and Uncle Clay's for some more birthday fun! Claire loves opening presents, one tiny piece of paper at a time.

This is so exciting!

Aunt Lori and Uncle Clay gave Claire a beautiful quilt, a book with a music player and discs and a picture frame.

Somehow I failed to get pictures of Grandpa and Grandma Wines (especially since we spent the majority of our time at their house), Gramps (who came over twice to spend time with Claire) and Uncle Clay. Sorry, all.

Claire learned to climb stairs at Granny and Grandpa Wines' house. It was a little scary at first, but she was very fast once she got going. We got it on video. She is just too cute!

Thanks for a great time! We'll see everyone again in August!