San Diego, and Meeting Ella and Laura

Over Thanksgiving we headed out to warm (much warmer than CO!) San Diego.  My brother is a Marine, and stationed at Camp Pendleton.  The last time I saw him was in May.  He came home for 10 days to get married, pack up his house and family, and move to California.  I was missing him terribly, and was so glad for the extra time off work to be able to visit him.

We spent Thanksgiving day at Knotts.  We spent a little time at the beach, but mostly just hung out, and it was WONDERFUL!

While we were in CA, we couldn't resist meeting up with Denise and Ella.  Laura and her family also joined us.  The girls were a riot together.  We arrived first.  Ella seemed happy for company at first, but then took to pushing Claire over.  Claire tolerated it for a while, then the pouty lip came out.  Later, Claire got her revenge on Ella.  When Claire is hungry or tired (and she was both that day) she is LOUD.  Poor Ella would give Claire a look, cover her eyes and retreat to another room.  Laura was quiet and sweet for the whole visit and tolerated the antics of the other girls.

Did you notice how my girls mouth is open in nearly all these pictures?  Did I mention she is loud???

Play Date and Buddy Walk

Last weekend was busy, but very fun!

On Friday Claire had an appointment for an Upper GI and a Swallow Study (more on this later).  After the appointment we headed to Colorado Springs for our very first Ds play day!  We got to meet Erin and Lucas, Stephanie and Faith, and Melissa and Jesenia.  After getting to know everybody on Facebook and through our blogs it was wonderful to actually meet in person.  And yes, every one's kids really are as cute in person as they are in pictures!!

Claire and Jesenia

Kisses!

Faith, Claire (with a handful of Jesenia's hair), and a happy (for now) Jesenia

Lucas, and hopefully the last blurry picture to be posted here as I just ordered a new camera!

Saturday Claire and I walked in our first Buddy Walk, as part of Lucas's team.  It was a beautiful day, though it was quite warm by the time the walk was over.  We walked three miles through beautiful Manitou Springs and had a wonderful time.  The atmosphere was friendly and fun, with strangers becoming friends as they walked and talked.

Heading out on the walk

My view during most of the walk