Clap Your Hands

Aida has been spontaneously clapping for a while, so earlier this week we tried prompting her to clap. Now, as is typical when talking to a baby, we used a sing-songy voice when doing this. We only did it for a few minutes, but now whenever we say (or "sing") - "clap your hands!", she does it, no physical prompts needed! I figured we'd better catch it on video, as she's sure to prove us wrong in front of people :) She also provides an excellent example of what we call "the bird flap" in the middle of the segment.

I live in a postcard....

We took a fun family/work trip to Durango, CO this week. It was great to break away, enjoy the beautiful state we live in and all the great options we have within a few hours drive. Durango is such a cute town - lots of fun shops, amazing food (chipotle-rubbed Ahi with mango salsa, yum!), interesting history and amazing scenery. We stayed in this super cute mom and pop hotel that was right on Main street, so Aida and I could walk to everything while Peter was gone for work.

We drove a scenic loop round-trip, which I loved. We've had quite a bit of rain this summer, and I've never seen the mountains so alive - looking - lots of lush ground cover, wildflowers and spontaneous waterfalls. I saw a lot of spots that reminded me of the sub-alpine meadows I hiked through the summer I lived on Rainier.

Aida was a traveling champ, as usual. I think keeping her entertained long-term while facing backwards in her carseat is going to prove an increasingly difficult challenge in the coming months, though. She's not the best sleeper in hotels, which has led us to discover that she is as fidgety sleeping as she is awake, which translates into...bedhog :)

Here's some pics of our time:

Family photo op right above Ouray

"Lion King"-esqu?

The best toy is the one she doesn't have...

Enjoying the beautiful river walk....and looking forward to Aida being big enough to tube down the Animas with Mommy and Daddy!

(Distracted) Family shot

A little chilly

My little water baby - she LOVES it, just like her momma :)

Aida's first steak...

It was a hit!

Secret smile

Refused to look at Mommy through the flowers. Boo.

And the postcard pictures commence...

I loved that it was overcast and misty - a nice change from dry heat

Sunset from our house

Honkens take over MN

Aida and I left Cinci and flew to MN to meet Peter and Uncle Luke for Great Grandma Honken's 90th birthday party! We had a great weekend celebrating Grandma, meeting extended family for the first time and catching up with some of our SC family. Aida especially loved meeting her Carles cousins :) We left Sunday night and drove through the night back to CO. It was a whirlwind, but so fun! Aida was a traveling champ, for which we are so thankful.

The representing Rich Honkens with Grandma Lorraine

Aida getting to know some of her cousins :)

Mia was showing Aida all kinds of cool tricks - but she couldn't really keep up ;)

Aida loved cousin Phoebe!

Two of my lovely SIL

Uncle Luke and Gabby

Sleepy baby all partied out

Carles cousins getting in some play time with Grandma