New Family Member

Underwater Camera

Just for fun I bought a underwater camera. I think I am going to try it again. Every image was pointed haphazardly so I knew the images were uncertain. A lot of chopped off heads as a result. Still so fun! The second photo is some of the ward kids jumping in all at the same time. In the last photo Kelly and I thought that Clara was holding her breath really well.

Ripe Cherry Tomatoes

The first photo reminds me of a watercolor. Tomatoes are Kelly's favorite. They are not as good as my parents but way better than the store.

The Getty

We didn't stay long this time but I sure love going to the Getty. I don't mind paying for parking when entry is free! We took the Garden tour but only caught the first half of it. Christ's Entry into Brussels is an interesting painting to see. It is fun to think of the They Might Be Giants song Meet James Ensor when seeing it. Listen to it!

Swamis Beach

We spent the 4th at the beach. The water was cool and it wasn't crowed.

Uncle Jimmy's

How long does jam last? What kind of drum is that? Doesn't Clara look patriotic?

Carlsbad Beach

Wednesday we went to the beach for a little while and then went over to Uncle Jim's for pizza. It was so fun. We wish we could have gotten there a little earlier. Clara was just starting to get used to it when we decided to leave.

Birthday Party

It was so fun to have some of the family here for Clara's birthday. It was tight in our little apartment but we sure had a good time. Everyone coming made it special. I sure had a fun time making the tissue balls.

Toon Town

Brooklyn Grace

I sure loved taking photos of this little gal. Thanks again for the great time and all those granola bars Michelle!

New Bed

The transition has gone better then expected but not perfectly. I still think she is to young but I wanted it to be well established by the time John gets here. I don't allow her to jump on it but she snuck it in.

Fruit Loop Necklaces

Yesterday Clara, Laura, and I made them. I wanted to get a photo of Laura with them on but she went down for a nap instead. Clara is really into jewelry so when I told her we were making necklaces she was excited. She helped put several on but certainly ate more then she helped string. The second I put Laura's on her she knew just what to do. I think the color palette that the fruit loops come in is pretty when they are both wet and dry.

Split cast-front and back

A week and a half ago Clara got her cast off. Life is good. I talked to Clara a lot for about a day before the event so she would know what would happen. That the saw would be loud but it wouldn't hurt and that they would cut it down the front and back. As a result she was perfect. The doctor looked so worried that she would cry her eyes out but she was awesome. It was interesting for me to recall the smells that came along with new and old casts. They brought back a lot of very strong memories.

Dippin' Dots

I think they are so cute.

Cherry Tomatoes and Mushroom

Kelly and I have a couple of potted plants on our porch. We are so excited about the tomatoes. Today I was surprised to notice this mushroom in one of our basil pots. Obviously I am over watering it.

Eli

On Friday I watched 4 children. It went so well. It gives me a little confidence about have 2. Eli is so fun to hold. He will look at you and just keep on looking forever.

Last piece

Kelly's last piece of birthday pie. Same as last year. I must say it is yummy with the crumble top.

New Elbow Cast

My daughter is a Seaman for sure. Growing up my parents had to deal with 14 casts. I personally contributed 6 of those cast although only breaking my arm(s) 4 times.
Well, last night Clara took off her cast. The doctor warned us that it might happen and if it did that we were to just slip it back on. We managed to get it back on but were sure that she took it off again before she feel asleep. In the morning we spent a lot of time trying to get it back on but when I put her down for a nap it was off again. We decided that we just needed to get an elbow cast so off we went to the ER expecting to do the whole thing again. Luckily the tech remembered us and just put the new cast on with no x-rays, no splint, no waiting to see the orthopedic doctor. It was amazing. We waited maybe 5 min and were in and out. I have never had such a great experience.
I think Stieglitz did a series of hand photographs that are not exactly like this but sort of remind me of it.

I was sorry to see the pink cast go.

Finley

Rachael was so nice to let me come over and take photos of her darling Finley. It was a lot of fun to take photos of a small little baby again.