Claire does community service

It has been a great week here in Charlottesville. Mom and Dad snuck out last night for a fun night on the town. We went to an Italian Restraunt called Al Dente on the downtown mall. We enjoyed a fabulous meal that included the following: Cured filet mignon with parmesan on arugala; Insalata Caprese - fresh mozzerella, tomatoes with basil-seasoned olive oil; sweet potato gnocchi, with bacon in tomato sauce, Lobster and cheese ravioloi in a creamy tomato sauce; for dessert, italian torta. Needless to say, it was so good. Hill and I met a good friend of ours there (turns out he has some connetions at the restaurant), and we had a great time. He was running a little late so we got some great quality time to reminisce about our time on our missions in Italy. Remember, if anyone heading to Italy needs a translator, just keep in mind. We come pretty cheap.

We have been enjoying conference today and we are blessed to get it in our home without having to go to the church. We loved Elder Wirthlin's and Elder Holland's talk. It is the one time we let Claire watch TV. I think she liked it. We are having the young women over tomorrow for waffles and conference. I'm telling you, all you gotta do is ask and we'll make you some waffles.

Now, on to the pictures

Claire accompanied Mama and the young women of the ward to the old folks home. Many of the patients have Alziemers. All of the residents just loved having Claire visit. This sweet lady was carrying a baby doll around and once she saw Claire, she just had to hold her. Our sweet Claire just loves to do service and she brings joy to everyone around her.
We decided that we needed something to keep Claire's attention so that mama could get things done during the day. Therefore, we decided on the mega saucer. Can you believe she is old enough for a mega saucer? I caught mama trying to climb in the saucer this morning and had to remind her that the saucer is only for Claire.
It looks promising, and we hope that it provides hours of entertainment in the future. Granted, we caught her picking her nose today, and if that provides the same amount of entertainment, we are willing to take it.

She is our little sailor girl! She was a hit at church. She keeps asking if she can go to nursery. She is such a good baby. I can't even tell you what a joy she is in our lives. We wouldn't trade her for anything. Yesterday she asked when she could get a baby brother. I said, "Wo, take it easy (just like Nacho Libre would have said)!!!" All in due time.
For those of you who remember our last post, this is another picture from that sequence. As I was working with Claire rolling over, she got to a point on her side and she was stuck. She just layed there babbling and eating her fingers, mocking me. If that doesn't make a father upset, I don't know what does. Hill took Claire to the Doctor this week for her 4 month check up. Everytime she goes the doctor comments about how healthy she is and how wonderful it is to see someone enjoying motherhood as much as Hill does (he brings Hill to tears every time). The doctor said that Claire is perfectly strong and will roll over when she is ready. Also turns out that Claire is still a chunk (for those who couldn't tell from the pictures). 16 lbs. 8 oz (double her birth weight) and 26 inches. Nice job Claire and Mom.