Claire's pre-birthday birthday bash weekend

Last weekend Claire got a preview of next weekend's birthday bash, with her Grandpa Hoyer and Grandma Fran coming to visit and celebrate an early birthday. Aside from the great gifts, Claire also enjoyed a nice walk in the woods with them, complete with interesting leaves, fuzzy caterpillars, daddy long legs spiders and, of course, a little "rock toss."

Claire opens one of her birthday gifts.

Grandpa and dad supervise Claire during a round of rock toss.

Claire enjoys a beautiful fall day.

Claire and her dad enjoy a trail overlooking the Mighty Mississippi.

That same weekend Uncle Greg came to visit over his fall break as well.

Claire and Uncle G count (and re-count) Claire's money and put it in her bunny bank. (Note the pony tail!)

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend for Claire, though, was a trip out to watch the Loras college home cross country invitational. Claire had been to one CC meet the week before but she really got into this one and loved cheering for the runners. When she got home there was non-stop running circles through our house, and mom and dad HAD to be cheering and clapping for her everytime she ran by. She seems destined to be a runner!

It's hard to believe that in a little over a week our little girl will be two years old!

-wch