Bellingham trip

On the road, headed to Bellingham! We haven't been back
since November 2009 -- way, way too long.


First stop: The Shaughnessys!




We road along to pick up Jack from school.


Four little diners in a row...


Clare went right to bed when we got to the Rosellis (our dear friends
who were kind enough to let us use their house while they were out
of town), but Xander stayed up to say hello to Mike Singletary, who
came over to hang out with Michael. I went out to eat with Heather
and Kelsie at On Rice, just like old times.




Friday morning, playing with all of Lexi and Alyssa's awesome toys.
Clare: "I be tareful! I be tareful!"


We spent a big chunk of the day at the Osterkamps, catching up with Eric,
Stacy, and the kids. We also got to meet their foster son, Caydan.




Snack time with Anna!


Xander's first taste of chocolate pudding. In typical Xander fashion,
he didn't really love it and let Clare finish the bowl.


Ready...set...


Jump!


The Osterkamp's basement contains the best playroom.


Helping Clare make a basket.




Trooper Clare was starting to get very, very crabby at this point,
having missed her nap for the second day in a row.




Building a tower, and then making it implode.


We stopped at Xander's favorite Bellingham grocery store
on the way to our next stop.


More hanging out with the Shaughnessys (and Heather's parents, who
had just arrived).


We got to meet Ron and Peggy's adorable new puppy, Jasper.


Saturday morning was all about playing, while we waited to leave
for Avery's 4th birthday party.






Unfortunately Clare made it clear she desperately needed a nap, so Xander
and I went to the party on our own. Look at that awesome castle cake!


Princess Vonni singing a number.


The birthday girl!


Xander and Jack take in some sun.


Avery looked so cute as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her.


On Sunday we all went over to Kit's parents' house right down the
street from our old place. Kit and Heather lived there when Jack and
Xander were born, so we spent a lot of time there, but Jack and Judy
have completely remodeled it (the same company who did our
fantastic kitchen remodel on W. Connecticut St.). It was great to
see the Shaughnessys and so amazing to see the changes in the house.


Xander started feeling like he really, really, really wanted to go home
on Saturday night. It was worse on Sunday morning, so we just had
quick visits with our friends Brian, Lynnelle and Luna, and Taya, Tony,
and Anya, then we hit the road. We were sad to not get
caught up with everyone, so we hope to come back very soon.


Xander slept on the drive home, while Clare concentrated on getting
every little last bit of trail mix out of this bag.


"I wet (went) on vacashon (vacation)." Xander was very happy
to be home and immediately began playing school.


Even though it was a bit shorter than we planned,
we had a fantastic weekend. So great to see
so many old, dear friends. We'll be back soon!