My little mountain climber

OK, I have to stop hiding things from Claire on the top shelves of the kitchen cabinets. For the 7th time (approximately--the event is a daily occurrence), I have caught her sitting on the kitchen counter with something from the top shelf. She hasn't figured out how to get down from the counter yet and needs help getting down. She's usually very proud of herself for getting the item in question. So now I have two questions: 1) should I be proud of her sense of accomplishment and drive to achieve her goals? and 2) do you know anyone who gives rock-climbing lessons to 2-1/2 year olds? I have a client for them.

P.S. I'd take a picture for you, but I've misplaced my camera. I'm convinced Claire hid it so I can't document her shenanigans.

Drama Queen

The girls and I went to the Venetucci Pumpkin Farm yesterday with Claire's preschool class. Nick Venetucci gives every child a free pumpkin, BUT they have to be able to carry it out of the field. Right.... Anyway, Claire found one she liked and could carry for awhile. Luckily, there were only 2 checkpoints and I carried it the rest of the way. At the first checkpoint, the man asked Claire to carry her pumpkin for a little while. She carried the pumpkin for about 1/200 of a foot, put it down, and threw herself to the ground breathing hard. The man was laughing so hard I thought he might wet his pants. Luckily, he let me pick up the pumpkin and Claire regained her composure. I'm working on getting a copy of the picture to post (her teacher took one while she was on the ground).

My echo

Ellie was crying while I was getting dressed this morning. I must have been repeating the same phrase to her because Claire went over to her, patted her on the tummy, and said, "It's okay, Punkin." Ellie stopped crying. Claire returned to her T.V. watching.

Go Big Red

My poor girls are going to be so confused about which team to support. Either that or they will be well-rounded. Aunt Dana and Uncle Gary's favorite outfit!

Spicy Claire

Claire decided to explore the powders in the shiny metal tins in the kitchen. Cool, huh? Apparently, her favorites were onion powder and Beau Monde seasoning. I figure these are her favorites because that's what was all over the kitchen floor. She was so proud of herself. The dog has onion breath now.

Just for Ryan

Equal time, right? We love you, Ryan!

Claire vs. the dog's Bitter Spray

The Bitter Spray won. Claire is running around the house squealing with her tongue hanging out and drool running down her face. Funny? No...hilarious! She won't lick the bitter spray bottle again any time soon.

For those of you who don't know what bitter spray is, it's an organic liquid that you spray on items you don't want the dog licking or biting, i.e. doors, plants, furniture, etc. The bitter taste is supposed to deter them from going near the item sprayed.

In this case, our dog, Sam, won't go near Claire...much less lick her.

Glue Sticks Rock!

One glue stick = $1.29

Poster Board = $.39

Tissue paper = $1.99

All three with a preschooler = priceless hours of fun!

Geaux Tigers!

While getting dressed this morning, Claire chose her purple sweats and her LSU t-shirt. She pointed to the front of it and said "tiger." Then, while jumping up and down, yelled "Go Tigers!" over and over until I made her stop to put on her socks. Mama Sue and Papa Rex would be so proud.