Woodland Park Zoo

We spent one day of Mitch's spring break at the Woodland Park Zoo with the Mahughs, Jim, Beth, Jacob, and Lucas. Mitch teaches with Beth and we have become pretty close to their family. The weather was absolutely beautiful and it was the only day that it didn't rain on the westside. We had a great time and here are a few pictures from the day.

Leah spent most of her time in the Bjourn.
Is this not the cutest little face?

Clare and Beth

Clare eating the biggest waffle fry we had ever seen.

The whole gang enjoying lunch.

Leah enjoying her afternoon nap in the stroller. Clare spent most of the time walking by herself. We were suprised how she was able to keep up with the adults.

Daddy and Clare enjoying looking at the giant lizard (I can't remember the name.)

Clare's newest thing is closing her eyes when you ask her to say cheese.

Clare loved being up close to the animals but insisted that Lucas sit right by her.

Clare loves anything with pockets these days and is always walking around with her hands in them, hence the pose she is giving.

Beth and Little Leah. Beth is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and she is such an amazing woman. We truly enjoyed spending the day with her.

The Mahugh boys demonstrating to Mitch how to "finger" fence. These are two of the most well behaved teenagers you will ever find. Mitch turns into a little boy when they are around. Clare enjoys playing with them and they are so patient with both of the girls. The Mahugh family typically watch the girls for us when Grandma Terry isn't available.

Bath Time Fun

Leah finally got to enjoy a bath by herself. Grandma improvised a make shift seat for the bath tub (i.e. the high chair) so that Leah could sit and play by herself.

Leah "I can't believe I'm all by myself."
"Hmm, what is this? It isn't my toe, but I bet it would still be good to suck on."

Leah enjoying her bath.

"Seriously, Mom do you have to take any more pictures?"

Freedom at last!!

Of course, Little Miss Clare couldn't miss out on the fun.

Donkey Basketball

Mitch rode a donkey this year as part of a fundraiser for the Senior Class at Selah High School. He had a lot of fun but was a little disappointed in the performance of his donkey. Clare thought it was pretty fun watching Daddy ride a donkey. It was so nice because we had friends at the game who helped with both the girls. We love living in a small community and getting to see our friends everywhere we go.

Here is Jayden who the girls go to daycare with. She loves holding Leah.
Clare was too busy coloring to look up.

Mitch not so happy that the donkey wouldn't turn.

Mitch trying to get the donkey to go faster.

Clare posing with her friend Jayden.

First Taste

We are trying to introduce solids to Leah. She doesn't like them as well as Clare did.

Mitch likes to be the first to feed them.
Leah not quite sure what to think!

I think this face says it all about how much she liked it the first time.

I'm trying to get her to open wide but she just wants to smile.

Seriously Dad, you not going to give me any more are you?

Maybe if I stick my tongue out he won't get any in.

Leah 5 Months

Leah has the best facial expressions and most piercing blue eyes. People are always commenting on how big and bright her eyes are. She loves to people watch just like her Mommy. She has been such a great addition to our family.

Leah's milestones:

Rolling from front to back constantly.

Smiles at everyone and everything.

Blows bubbles with her lips and smacks them while watching people eat.

Loves to eat from Mom. (She spends most of the evenings during the week and all day on the weekends nursing.)

Sleeps through the night from 8-7.

Loves to sit in exersaucer and watch Clare play.

Loves to be cuddled and kissed on.

Makes the funniest faces.

She will roll and squirm all over the floor until she gets what she wants.

Grabs anything and everything in sight especially Clare's hair.
Loves to be sung too.

A total Mommy's girl. She will be totally content playing until she sees me and then lets out a shriek wanting to be picked up.

Loves splashing around in the bath tub.

Weekend at Grandma's

Clare goes to Grandma Terry's every Thursday, stays the night, and then Grandma brings her home Friday evening. This particular weekend Mitch and I decided to head up to Ellensburg for the night and relax a little bit.

Leah enjoy riding in the wagon.
Daddy pointing to Clare the horses across the street.

Daddy and Clare enjoying the peace and quiet.

Leah relaxing in the bean bag.

Umm, making hot chocolate with Grandma.

Leah watching all the excitement from her high chair.

Clare enjoying her "coffee" as she calls it in a special tea cup Grandma gave her.

Clare and Grandma making breakfast.

Finally, Caught Up!

I'm finally caught up with my posting. Please enjoy reading what the Richards' have been up too over the last couple of months. It is amazing all the things we manage to do with the girls even though we have been super busy with work and other commitments.

Potty Trained

Clare was officially potty trained by her 2nd birthday. We started potty training during the three day weekend in January and it only took her a couple of weeks to get the hang of things. She still wears a pull-up during naps and at night but for the most part she is waking up dry. Mitch and I are so thankful for the help of my mom and Shelly who watches her during the day. It took all of us to make it happen but the hard work has paid off. Mitch and I are so thankful for only having to change diapers on one child.

Our Big Girl.