Giving Thanks in Sedona

We traveled to Sedona for Thanksgiving this year, a lovely tradition that I think we will continue in years to come. Chloe loves her Nana and Poppa, and was so excited that she would finally meet her cousin Carly. Carly just started college in Utah, so she was able to join us for Thankgiving rather than fly home to Minnesota.

Here are some of the fun things Chloe got to do in Sedona:

Pet dogs at the park. Chloe loves little dogs. She had a blast chasing the little poodle around.


Bake with Nana. They made a pumpkin pie, cupcakes and a cake.


Chloe kept checking the pantry to make sure the M&Ms were still there


Eating the "fruits" of her labor!


Chloe instantly fell in love with Carly. She took a nap cuddled up next her to the first day she met her.


Chloe and Carly smashing up the crackers for the Oyster Merde


Craig and I got to do the Bell Rock loop twice, and Ghislaine, Chloe and I did a little hike too!


Chloe went up this climbing wall about 20 times in a row. . all by herself.


Cleaning up after the awesome Thanksgiving Feast


Relaxing and playing some solitare


Chloe and her new best buddy Carly. She tells me every day how much she misses Carly


Storytime with Poppa John. Chloe gave Poppa kisses on both checks every morning and night. They had a great time together.


Visiting Tlaquepaque. Yes, Chloe is determing whether that is a boy or girl horse. She cleaned out Nana's wallet making wishes. Unfortunately she wished for a trampoline for Christmas. We'll see.

The Children's Gym

Chloe has been taking classes at the Children's Gym since she was about 18 months. She really loves it so we recently signed her up for a additional class each week. Twice a year they have picture week, and Craig was able to get some great shots of her in action!

Veterans Day

PSU was closed on Veterans Day so Chloe and I got to spend the whole day together.

First we met Liza & Franny and Matt & Sam at the Children's Museum. Chloe has been loving that place so much lately -- she spent over 4 hours there with Craig the other day. Anyway, as expected it was a bit crowded since the Portland Public Schools were out for the day, so we met there right when they opened to try to avoid the crowds. Chloe was so excited to see her friend Franny and I was just as happy to see my friend Liza.




After the museum, the girls made a quick trip to the train . . .


Then it was naptime for Franny so Chloe and I headed to get our nails done with my friend Carol, who was also off work for the day. This was Chloe's first manicure and pedicure, and I had them paint her nails yellow, pink, purple, white and orange, her favorite colors. The manicurist added little flowers to her white nails too. Chloe loved it, and she managed to sit in that chair for the 45 plus minutes it took for me and Carol to get our manicures. What a trooper!

There is nothing better than

a Sunday morning princess playdate!

One of those moms ..

My friend Liza is one of those moms. Chloe went to her house today for a play date with Franny. Craig came home and said "You can tell Liza is a teacher, she is just so good with kids". And she is. But I didn't know she was one of those moms. You know the kind I'm talking about? I'll tell you. When Chloe got home from Liza's she said to me, "Mom, can you call Yiza (no, not a typo) and ask her how she makes grilled cheese? I want you to make it just like she does".

Well, Liza is one of those moms. I called her and she told me her secrets. So now I can make grilled cheese just like Chloe likes. Thanks Liza, we love you!


Chloe and Franny, playing dress up, and watching a video.