Aunt Betsy Comes to Visit

A few months ago, Uncle Eric called Claire up and told her he wanted to surprise Aunt Betsy with a trip to see her just after Valentines day. Well, that trip came and went and Claire wanted to document all the fun she had. Betsy flew in on Wed the 20th and left a week later. We were so grateful that Uncle Eric and Cousin Sam were willing to share her with us for a week. Sam missed his mom so much and called her all the time. We hear by the end of the week, Uncle Eric had an upgraded appreciation for all that Betsy does. She does such a good job taking care of cousin Sam.

The girls had quite a week together - one fun thing after the next. Nate couldn't get Hill and Betsy to stop talking ever. On top of that, the girls kept giving Nate a hard time about not being cool. Can you believe it? Dad had a heart to heart with Claire and deep down she said that she just went along with mom and Betsy to keep things from being awkward (i.e. mom is still the source of nourishment), and she really thinks that dad is the coolest. The trip culminated with a couple days in the nation's capital. I kept hearing over and over how much better trips go when I am not involved.

Here is Claire on the subway. Looking closely you can read the title on the tube of stuff - Beaudreaux's Butt Paste. And boy has Claire been grateful that Beaudreaux took such an interest in butts. Without it, this trip would not have been nearly so successful. If mama would ever take that binky out of Claire's mouth, you would see her smile.

Claire: Hey Kermit! Ever figure out why there are so many songs about rainbows?
Kermit: Nothing ever fully materialized, but it always came back to leperchauns and gold.
Claire: That's too bad. By the way, what ever happened between you and Ms. Piggy?
Kermit: She ran off with a big pig wearing a "Bad to the Bone" t-shirt and driving a Harley.
She begged me to take her back when her world came crashing down.
Claire: Yea, she always did seem a little bossy and annoying. I think you made the right
choice. Have fun sitting here in this glass box. Nice to meet you

Hello Neighbor!!!! Who doesn't miss the good old days of kicking off the shoes, putting on the slippers and heading back to the land of make believe where all your wildest dreams came true? King Friday XIII, Henrietta, Trolly, Lady Elaine Fairechilde... Those were the good old days of wholesome television. Thanks Betsy for your tribute to a man who changed lives. Mr. Rogers Rules!

Claire loved the Aire and Space Museum. She had such a fun time flying with mom!
Betsy! Don't look now, but there is a huge elephant right behind you... No Claire, it is not Grandpa Dahle (She tried that same joke at the zoo)! It is an elephant and he is coming to eat Betsy!

I don't even know where to start with this photo. Yes Hill, I HOPE that the diamond in your ring grows as big as the diamond in that case. I tried to buy that one for you... uh, but it wasn't for sale. It is the one you deserve of course... of course.

Mama and Betsy wore little Claire out. That, or she needs a better angle to see the scary dinosaur.
The busy day comes to an end. What a great trip to Virginia. Love these girls.

Currently we are in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on vacation. Stay tuned in the next week for postings about our favorite barbeque, minature golf, and Claire's first trip to the beach. Let's just say that sand was consumed, and it wasn't by Hill or Nate. We love you all.