Middleton Place

So, sorry for all of the pictures, but I couldn't decide. It was just TOO beautiful not to share.

Yes, I have grown.

I spy an alligator, do you?
I spy another alligator, do you?

Azaleas are about 30-40% in bloom. Isn't it gorgeous?

We saw this BRAND new baby sheep 20 minutes after it was born. Mother was still cleaning baby.

Clara's First Surgery - TUBES

Last Friday, we took Clara in to get tubes in her ears. Apparently, she has chronic ear infections. We felt like such bad parents. Every time we went to the doctor she had really bad infections. We had no idea. Then, they wouldn't clear, even with 5 rounds of different antibiotics. So, we took a visit to Charleston ENT and the decision was made. She needed tubes.

Our brave little girl

Clara was pretty excited to get her ears fixed, breathe the Princess Potion, and fall asleep just like Princess Aurora. I still can't believe how well she did.

Recovery Room

Clara was pretty disoriented and uncomfortable when she woke up, but when I told her to look at me for the picture, she gave me the best smile. Classic...

This shot shows her true feelings. But, within an hour or so, she was back to her normal happy self. Way to go Clara. Hope those ears start feeling better!

A Member of the Family...

Meet Monkey Prince. This is Clara's personified toy, imaginary friend, fantasy companion, whatever you want to call it. This colorful part of our family lore has invaded all conversations. For example,

Dad-"Clara how was your day today?"
Clara-"My monkey prince was sad because he got a shot. But, he didn't cry."

Or, just last night at the dinner table,

Clara-"I have a boy baby in my tummy with my monkey prince."
Mom-"So, is your baby a monkey or a little boy?"
Clara-"He's a monkey. We're kind of a monkey family, and you and Daddy are kind of monkeys too. But, Kimball tries to destroy my love with my monkey prince."
Mom- "He does?"
Clara- "Yeah, and you don't understand me. You and daddy are trying to destroy my love."
Mom-"Oh dear."

Should we be concerned? Well, in my experience, which is really none, I think that children with imaginary friends have a chance to mull over confusing issues of life, eg. (1. Clara just went through a round of Rocephin shots for some stubborn ear infections, 2. Baby #3 in my tummy). Also, the child develops pretty good verbal skills and social understanding. Clara is pretty shy, but get her started on her monkey prince, and she does not stop talking, to complete strangers in fact.
People once thought imaginary friends were rare - they are not. They once thought they were a red flag - they are not. So, we'll continue to let monkey prince be a part of our dinner, car, park, outing conversations. Let's just not try to "destroy any love!"

A Day at the Farm...

Clara and Emily played princesses while picking turnips and flowers in the deer field.

Is that really my body? Oh bummer...but I did catch lots of fish! HEE-HEE!

Kimball caught one,

and so did Clara.

Then the kids went for some rides in the Hummer. It was a great day. Thanks for the memories, Campbells. We had fun, and Joel will be bummed he missed all the fish!

S.E.W.E.

South-Eastern Wildlife Exhibit

This was kind of fun. We watched a cool dog jumping/retrieving/diving contest where the dog had to run up a ramp and jump into a huge pool of water to retrieve something. Some dogs jumped 20 feet! YO! Pretty cool. (Check out the cool Nacho Libre wrist band. Kimball is quite the trend setter and fashion guru. We're so proud.)
The kids enjoyed petting dogs, and other random creatures that people had brought. Very brave, I think!Clara has no fear. She will try anything. If Kimball can do something, she determines to do the same. (We have a feeling she'll be riding 2 wheels soon...see below)
They really are best friends. I love these guys!

I think he's got it!

After quite a few weeks of mom and dad runnin' along side Kimball, holding his shirt ever so slightly, Kimball has learned how to ride his bike without training wheels! YEE-HAH! Yesterday we had a gorgeous park day and it was there that Kimball decided he wanted to ride the grassy hills. Dad took him half way up the hill, ran down with him and let go. Kimball was so proud of himself. It's amazing how all of the sudden, confidence comes and everything clicks. Getting back on the sidewalk was a little scary, but so far so good.

Starting and stopping are still kind of rough, but he brakes, puts his foot down, then dramatically falls on the grass.
Mom's belly and Dad's knees are so grateful for this awesome milestone. Way to go Kimball!