The Happy Hasslers

The Many Hairstyles of Alec Joseph

2012-02-08T14:59:00.001-06:00

Mommy was playing with Alec’s hair the other night when she was washing the stars out of his hair after dinner.

The comb over. (It looked a lot more old mannish in person, this picture just looks like he is going to church).

Alfalfa.

Mohawk.

He was so cute and seemed to enjoy the fun. We’ll have to come up with some new ideas.

First Super Bowl

2012-02-08T14:51:00.001-06:00

Alec watched some of his first Super Bowl with Daddy the other night.

Go Football!

New Boots!

2012-02-08T14:48:00.001-06:00

Claire has been wanting boots for a while now to “jump in muddy puddles” a la Peppa Pig and we have all been looking for them for a while. So Grandma and Pa found some snow boots for her and it has been hard to get them off her feet since.

Claire with her boots.

Practicing jumping in her boots. Notice Alec has figured out how to get his socks off? One foot socked, one foot nakie.

Now lets just hope it snows soon . . .

Princess Birthday Tea Party

2012-02-05T21:39:00.001-06:00

Claire went to a Princess Birthday Tea Party for her friend from school, Hailey. She was to dress in her best princess dress.

All ready for the party!

Pin the Princess in the window.

Piñata anyone? Can you tell Claire has never been around raining candy? She did hit it pretty well.

Starting to get the idea.

Happy girl. She was the only one who wore her crown the whole time after they made them. She kept asking when they were going to have tea (play tea party) and was a little disappointed when they didn’t. Maybe next time.

Happy Birthday Hailey!

Oh the things they can do . . .

2012-02-03T11:13:00.001-06:00

I haven’t been very good about reporting milestones lately so here is a round up of recent events.

Alec can get himself into a sitting position. (1/7/12)

And Claire wanted in the picture too.

And two days later he figured out how to pull-up.

And Claire wanted to be in the picture too.

And over the month of January Alec got another four teeth. Plays put your head to one side, claps, clicks his tongue, raspberries, and jabbers with the best of them. January was a big month.

Claire is doing well in school. She has a good handle on her colors, shapes and sings songs and is very interested in reading. She can say her alphabet and numbers and is just starting to identify them. And of course she is always saying things that make us giggle. I am going to compile a list an post it later because of course I can only remember two now that I am trying to write it down.

Happy New Year!

2012-02-03T10:59:00.001-06:00

On New Year morning the Hassler side of the family got together for breakfast. After breakfast Aunt Becky got someone out of the restaurant to come and take our picture.

New Year’s night we had a big family dinner . We had great fun and opened party crackers at the end of the meal to took pictures! Everyone kind of looked like Jughead . . .

Jughead Alec, Jughead Daddy, and Jughead Clarie

Jughead Grampy (he _is_ doing that on purpose), Jughead Aiy Aiy, and Jughead Grammy

Jughead Becky, Jughead Grandma and Jughead Pa

Jughead Claire and Mommy

New Year’s Eve

2012-02-03T10:42:00.001-06:00

Aunt Cecilia and Catherine came over for dinner on New Year’s Eve. We had breakfast for dinner and read the wonderful books they gave them.

Looking through the books.

Aunt Cecilia and Alec!

Alec took his first bath in his big duck and loved it. He just splashed and splashed. Thanks Santa!

It’s Christmas!

2012-01-21T16:43:00.001-06:00

Look what Santa brought for the good girl and boy!

Ready to see what Santa brought!

Excited Claire.

Remembered to check out what Santa ate.

Taking a moment to with Baby Jesus a Happy Birthday.

Hopping down the hopscotch.

Alec likes his new balls game.

Giving Daddy a hug.

Taking a look at the stockings.

A SCREWDRIVER!

Make that TWO!

Some chapstick.

One of Santa’s not so bright ideas.

Alec getting into the present opening action

He really worked at it.

Hey! Give me back my hammer you asked for me to have from Santa!

The first of many solos.

Grammy & Grampy opening their sauerkraut.

Claire modeling her monkey hat.

Mommy & Daddy

Aerial view of the action.

Who is that?

or that?

Playing with the rest of the tools in her tool boxes.

Playing dress-up.

Claire got a workbench that Grampy made for his grandchildren to use as the time comes over the years.

Her first project.

Using her screwdriver.

Alec finding out what is in the big bag.

A BOX! And a puppy.

Alec loves his puppy.

Everyone listening to Daddy sing his favorite song from his childhood.

Daddy opening his present from Claire.

Alec checking out his ducky tub.

We had a great Christmas morning even if it was on the 30th. Grammy and Gramps, Grandma and Pa and Aiy Aiy all stopped by for the fun. It really was a wonderful Christmas day!

Christmas Eve is Finally Here!

2012-01-11T09:06:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve was finally here. It seemed like to took an extra long time to get here. Claire was very patient and yet very perceptive when we were out and about. We had lots to do to prepare for Santa’s arrival.

Making fresh cookies for Santa.

Everyone in their Charlie Brown Christmas shirts.

Claire' hanging her stocking.

Alec hanging his stocking.

Weebo’s last sighting for the year. He hopped on Santa’s sleigh when he came that night.

Claire feeding the reindeer.

Picking out the cookies and carrots.

Making chocolate milk for Santa because that is what Ruby said he likes best.

Making sure it is good and mixed.

Setting them out high enough so Hazel doesn’t get them before Santa does.

Daddy with Alec and Claire because he has been taking all of the pics.

Excited for Santa’s visit!

Visiting Baby Jesus

2012-01-11T08:36:00.001-06:00

The week between Christmas and New Year’s we met Grandma and Pa up at church to visit the Baby Jesus who came on Christmas.

Claire with the Baby Jesus.

Alec was hooting and hollering from the pews so we decided he wanted to get in the picture too.

December 25th

2012-01-10T10:43:00.001-06:00

Daddy had to work on December 25th so we carried on as if it were any other Sunday here at the Hassler house.

Mommy, Claire and Alec went to Mass with Grandma & Pa to celebrate Jesus’s birthday as should be done on Christmas.

Then we came home and just played and had a good time until Grammy, Gramps, Aiy Aiy and Thor came over to play and have French dip sandwiches.

Alec and Thor hanging out.

Alec going to Thor’s nose.

A pic of the two. I thought I should make sure and make sure and get a pic of the two of them on December 25th!

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Pa’s

2012-01-01T22:34:00.001-06:00

We had Christmas Eve at Grandma and Pa Hassler’s like we always do. It was a log of fun!

Claire and her second cousin Joslyn. Joslyn is a week shy of being a full year older than Claire.

Claire got a lot of really neat presents but any one who was there knows the Maracas were the biggest hit. Mommy wants to know what Daddy did to Aunt Cindy when they were young . . .

Joslyn and Claire danced and danced shaking the maracas . . .

Alec playing with Grandma and the wrapping paper.

Claire and Cousin Blake. What is shy looking at?

Better but the eyes are still straying . . .

Alec and Cousin Blake – straight to camera.

And that family across the street that Mommy and Daddy visit every year and take their family pic.

Merry Christmas!

Friendly Christmas

2012-01-01T22:10:00.001-06:00

Claire’s friend Maya came over to exchange Christmas presents on the real Christmas Eve.

Opening presents.

Maya read to Alec and Claire from the books she got for them as well as her own. She also tried to help Claire name the sock monkey she gave her but Claire couldn’t decide.

Such a sweet friend and neighbor!

Gingerbread House

2012-01-01T21:54:00.001-06:00

Claire made her annual Gingerbread house. Auntie Aiy Aiy and Grammy came over to help.

For some reason I didn’t get a picture of the finished product. It even had cotton candy snow!

Winter Solstice

2012-01-01T21:46:00.001-06:00

We celebrated the changing of the seasons during the winter solstice. A Deal family tradition since Cousin Thor started watching Little Bear.

Getting Ready

Around, around and around we sing.

“. . . Daddy loves the winter and Claire does too.”

Feeding the snow angels cookies and birdseed.

Feeding the snow angels sparkledy do dah food so they can see it.

This is such a fun tradition that we do every year. Nature is to be celebrated and respected. We need to come up with something to do for the Summer Solstice and the Fall and Spring Equinox . . . any ideas?

FedEx Fairy

2012-01-01T21:34:00.001-06:00

The FedEx fairy brought a wonderfully big box of goodies from a far away land called Memphis (Southaven, MS). Everyone was excited to see what mystical things the box held . . .

Claire got a cool McDonald’s food box.

Can’t wait to see what is next!

Hippo Golf and a Hippo puppet!

Hazel got some tasty treats.

And a set of pots and pans!

Alec’s first attempt to ever open a present.

Almost got it with a little help from Mommy.

Success!

I didn’t get any pics yet of him playing with this other awesome toys. Best toy was a SAXOPHONE! Too cute. Mommy and Daddy got some really neat stuff too. Thank you Auntie Lance and Uncle Beth! You are the best. Your box is coming soon!

Fun at Auntie Mara’s

2012-01-01T21:16:00.001-06:00

We went up and spent the day at Auntie Mara’s. Auntie Isabel, Kaia and Yamen came too. We had a great time, as usual, and did crafty things.

Claire posing with the presents from Auntie Mara.

Yamen showing the girls how it’s done, in case they didn’t already know.

Alec taking a break from the bottle to see what’s going on.

Claire enjoying some juice in her big girl cup.

Alec hanging out (with Daddy – see his shoe?) while the girls craft and Yamen puts together Legos.

Taking a juice and pizza break after icing cookies.

Cute Kaia and her sweet Mommy.

Claire getting some learnin’ from Auntie Mara.

Sweet Kiddos.

Gnarly Kiddos.

Friends saying goodbye.

The Three Amigas.

Christmas Program

2011-12-25T22:34:00.001-06:00

Claire had her first Christmas Program at school. Here are a few pics. I took video of it And I’ll figure out how to post that later.

Claire up front with her class singing her two songs.

Claire in the procession taking baby items to Baby Jesus.

Claire after the program. She had a really fun time.

A Visit with Santa

2011-12-25T22:19:00.001-06:00

We went to see Santa at St Boniface again this year. (It might be out last). We got there as they were trying to leave but Mommy ran in to tell Mr. & Mrs. Claus that Claire and Alec were coming and could they please wait. And they said of course that they would.

Claire told Santa that she wanted a screwdriver and Alec wanted a hammer and a ducky tub.

A pic with Ole St. Nick.

Waiting for Santa

2011-12-25T22:09:00.001-06:00

A few Sundays ago, we went to St. Boniface to see Santa. We had breakfast at Grammy and Grampy’s first. Here are a few pics before we left.

Grampy and Alec reading the paper.

Claire coming around when she saw the camera flashing.

A few pics I took before we left just for kicks. Turns out I got a pretty good one. Merry Christmas.

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-22T21:52:00.001-06:00

We have done a lot of decorating for Christmas. We decorated the inside and outside of our house and helped out at Grammy & Grampy’s house too.

Claire decorating Grammy’s Nutcracker tree in the dining room.

Getting started on the Snow Village.

Claire with her ornament Mommy made for her this year. It’s all sparkly doo dah’d.

Everybody’s ornaments Mommy made. First on the tree!

Tootsie roll wreath Mommy made for Claire’s teachers. Cute and tasty!

Weebo Has Arrived!

2011-11-25T22:33:00.001-06:00

Weebo came in the night to start observing for Santa Claus.

Reading the story for the first time to Alec.

Pretty girl – so excited!

Weebo’s first landing place. Wonder where he will be in the morning . . .

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T22:25:00.001-06:00

We had Thanksgiving on Tuesday this year because Daddy had to work. It was the first time for us to host it. Mommy and Daddy learned a lot and baked their first turkey. Aunt Becky came in from St. Louis, Auntie Aiy Aiy & Thor were there along with all four grandparents. It was a lot of fun. We didn’t take many pictures for some reason but here are a few.

Gobble Gobble

Claire carrying the Thanksgiving presents.

With Daddy and their new puzzle.

Claire and Alec in their new matching Christmas Pajammies.

Happy Thanksgiving!

1st Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T22:07:00.001-06:00

Alec 2011

Claire 2008

Leaves!

2011-11-25T21:56:00.001-06:00

We don’t have many trees in our yard anymore but we sure do have a lot of leaves. We started raking early and will probably have to do it again but in the process Claire had a lot of fun.

And Alec watched from his exersaucer. He really wanted to play too.

And Daddy hauling leaves . . . lots of leaves . . .

November Highlights

2011-11-25T21:46:00.001-06:00

An author came to Aiy Aiy’s school so she got an autographed copy of her latest book for Claire and Alec.

Claire got Alec ALL of his toys to play with while he was in the tea party. Such a good big sis!

Sweet Siblings!

Claire was playing with her dollhouse the other day and we were all at the table for Halloween dinner it looks like. She must not have been able to find the fourth chair because Alec is sitting on the toilet . . .

All dressed up as a Fairy Godmother. Complete with wand, cowboy boots and her birthday tiara. Daisy had to put on her party dress too.

Claire taking a ride on her “bike.”

She Turned Her Back

2011-11-25T21:26:00.001-06:00

and Alec was playing with her Halloween house. Somehow we all stepped away from Alec for a moment and he made it break. He scooted over to play with his sister’s toys.

He was just playing away. No doubt trying to figure out how to get it in his mouth.

And of course Claire wanted to join him to play and get in the picture.

Our Golden Eagle

2011-11-25T21:19:00.001-06:00

At school every month they have an assembly to talk about the month and upcoming events. They also have special awards called the “Golden Eagle.” The award recognizes students that are good citizens, students and friends. For the month of October, Claire got it for her class. We are so proud!

Claire with her teacher Mrs. Barrosso and I am guessing the Student Council President.

Here she is with her certificate.
She got a “Golden Eagle” pin too!

Note: We were so proud there were seven people at the assembly to see her get her award – Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Grampy, Grandma, Pa and Alec!

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-07T09:09:00.001-06:00

We did a lot of trick or treating this year. Two evenings worth! On Sunday Daddy got off work at 4:30 so we took to the road and visited family.

Cute pic at Auntie Aiy Aiy’s house.

Fun with Grammy (and Grampy – the pic with him is on his camera).

We stopped at Grandma & Pa’s and somehow Mommy didn’t get any pics. But I know Grandma & Pa did so when I can get some they will be inserted here!

Last stop – the Larkins.

Halloween night trick or treating with Maya! (Claire’s best friend across the street).

Maya’s Mommy and Claire’s Mommy took the girls and Alec out for trick or treating around the neighborhood. We had such a fun time!

Happy Halloween!

Class Halloween Party

2011-11-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

Claire’s class had a Halloween party at school. They got all dressed-up in their costumes and paraded through the school, did a craft, had a cupcake and listened to stories. Quite a fun party and Mommy got to go too!

They had a free-dress day at school so she got to wear her cute Halloween sweater.

Parading around

down the hall

trick or treating at the library

bubbles in their mouths . . .

her loan treat from the costume parade.

Coloring her picture frame craft

Cupcake and Juice

Class picture

Claire with a boa that another mom wrapped around her.

What a fun party!

Reading in Bed

2011-11-01T12:34:00.001-05:00

Jack-o-lantern!

2011-11-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

Mommy and Claire carved (or carpeted if you are Claire) a Jack-o-lantern. She was so excited. Mommy forgot how much work it was.

The Perfect Pumpkin

Cleaning out the pumpkin

Not too sure about the pumpkin guts

“Mommy, get it off!” She decided she only liked getting out the seeds . . .

Poking the outline of face.

Our finished product!

Halloween Party!

2011-11-01T11:16:00.001-05:00

We had a Halloween party Saturday night. Mommy made shirts for everyone to wear and we all looked very cute.

Grampy

Funny Daddy

Grandma & Grammy (I took individual pics of them but Grandma had her eyes closed and Grammy would not have been happy with hers. Maybe next year!)

Wild-eyed Grampy and Sweetie Alec

Hazel getting her deserved love. Someone pointed out Mommy forgot to make Hazel a shirt. Mommy felt bad and did point out she made ten of them (Aiy Aiy worked the haunted house that night) but we found her Snoopy Halloween shirt and put it on her and doted over her.

Claire’s Haunted House dessert she made with Grammy, Aiy Aiy, and Mommy.

The proud “little chef.”

Tents, Trunks & Treats!

2011-11-01T10:56:00.001-05:00

Mommy and Claire went to Tents, Trunks & Treats Friday night at school/church. We had a lot of fun but it was a bit overwhelming for the both of us.

Our little flapper all ready to go. Little did she know that the Big Bad Wolf (Mark Edward Schulz) was waiting to scare her on the other side of that wall . . . naught Mark Edward.

Daddy made it in time for the costume contest!

Getting in line for the contest!

She should have won the costume contest but that is ok. We know she was the cutest!

Dinner at Grammy & Grampy’s

2011-11-01T10:41:00.001-05:00

We had dinner at Grammy and Grampy’s the other night and took a few pics because some folks just look so cute.

Grammy feeding Alec peas. He loved it.

Claire needed a little attention, evidently, she asked for her picture to be taken.

More Peas!

Trying out Baby Brother’s carseat. Maybe she has grown more than we thought . . .

Posing on the stairs in her Halloween party dress. Love this outfit, so cute. Hope we can still wear it somehow next year.

Pumpkin Pics

2011-11-01T10:27:00.001-05:00

We missed the annual Fall Festival at Neumeier’s because we all had “yuck yuck” or to the layman, the stomach flu. So we were all relatively healthy the other day and made a trip over there to see our friends and take some pictures of our little skeletons in the pumpkins.

Alec couldn’t quite sit up on the pumpkins on his own

so Claire held his collar – perhaps a bit too tightly at first.

Nobody looked the same say at the same time unless the looked at Daddy waving his arms – off in stage right . . .

Happy Fall!

We also wanted a pic around the pumpkin display.

Taking a rest in the lawn chair

and all of the fall fun

and of course the pretty flowers

and we also had to take a pic of Daisy, right there.

We Have a Tooth!

2011-10-23T22:49:00.001-05:00

Alec has his first tooth. If you look really hard you can see it and if your hands are really clean you can feel it. Hopefully I’ll capture it on film soon. Alec is growing up so fast!

What Are You Doing

2011-10-23T22:46:00.001-05:00

with that camera again, Mommy?

Trying to take a picture of the cute thing you were doing before you noticed me with the camera . . .

Hangin’ Out

2011-10-23T22:41:00.001-05:00

Just a couple of pics of A & C hanging out recently.

Who’s Who?

2011-10-23T22:37:00.001-05:00

Alec has been wearing one of the Halloween outfits Claire wore back in the day and I took a pic of A this morning in the pumpkin seat like I did of C three years ago.

Claire – October 2008

Alec – October 2011

I’m not sure where the pumpkin bib is . . .

Thumb Sucker

2011-10-14T15:02:00.001-05:00

He isn’t very consistent like his Mommy was but you can certainly catch him at it. Such a cutie.

Rollover Alec Joseph

2011-10-14T14:58:00.001-05:00

Alec has been rolling all over the place these days. It appears that he must of starting doing it with some consistency around the week of September 26th. Here’s some proof

He started doing it very consistently at night and sometimes gets upset. But now he is good at rolling back.

He loves to play with his toy mirror.

Saying Good Morning!

Let’s start the day!

Saturday Fun

2011-10-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

A few Saturdays ago we had a lot of fun. Well we always have a lot of fun but sometimes we even remember to take pictures.

Claire spent the morning with Aiy Aiy and came home with kitty cat ears and a scary sucker!

Hanging out a little before nappy nu time. (so who does Claire look like in this pic?)

Just having fun hanging out. Love all of these peeps!

These Boots Were Made for Walkin’

2011-10-14T14:40:00.001-05:00

Caught someone going through Mommy’s closet and trying on her boots a few weeks ago . . .

Caught her!

Doing a very good job of walking in heels.

Green Beans!

2011-10-14T14:34:00.001-05:00

Way back on September 22, Alec got to start eating veggies. Although we may not have blogged about it at the time, we did at least take the pictures . . .

What? I get to try green beans?

This is messy and tasty stuff!

Ah, that was yummy and tiring. Glad to be done.

A Boy and His Alligator

2011-10-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

Smiley Alec playing with his alligator

Tasting the Snout

Napping together

I’m Ready for my Close-up

2011-09-30T13:06:00.001-05:00

We took a pic of Claire like this way back when so I thought I should recreate it. Alec is bigger than Claire was and doesn’t fit as well into the bathtub as she did when I got the idea the first time. But it is cute just the same.

Alec at 4 1/2 months

Claire at 3 1/2 months

Pretty in Pink

2011-09-30T12:53:00.001-05:00

Claire and Mommy were painting were painting their toenails the other day with “Sparkledy Do Das” or “Farkledy Do Das” if you are Claire. Hazel was very interested and was frankly asking to play so we did.

Showing her pretty nails

A closer look

I think Hazel learned her lesson and we learned (not surprising) that Hazel is hard on her pedicures . . . Next time we might just bling up her collar.

Daddy’s Little Blockhead

2011-09-30T12:46:00.001-05:00

So Charlie Brown’s hat has been floating around the house since Claire wouldn’t let us put him away last Christmas. So the other day Mommy had the bright idea to see if it fit.

Well he certainly is our kid. The had it just a little too small but he sure looks cute in hats!

Treasure!

2011-09-30T12:42:00.001-05:00

Claire was hanging out with Grandma and Pa a few weeks ago and they hunted treasure!

All ready to hunt treasure with her map!

The bucket marks the spot!

Getting ready to dig for treasure!

Such a good digger. But where is the treasure?

There it is! She brought home what was in her treasure box and fed her piggies.

Slide!

2011-09-14T11:21:00.001-05:00

Claire has recently taken a big step in playing outside. She can do the slide all by herself and isn’t scared!

When I ask her about the playground at school she says “I played on the swings and the bee. But not the slide because I was a little bit afraid.” We’ll work on that one when we can.

Neighbors Come to Play

2011-09-14T11:17:00.001-05:00

Claire’s friend Maya from school and the neighborhood came by the play the other day. I think Claire wore out Maya but they had a lot of fun.

All ready to make cookies in our aprons!

Working hard!

Maya was very good at mixing up the cookies.

Claire got into the chocolate chips, much to Maya’s chagrin.

Finishing the day having tea and playing dominos.

And Alec pretty much slept through the whole thing . . .

Baby It’s Cold Outside

2011-09-14T11:10:00.001-05:00

or at least cool . . .

So the months of 100 degree weather finally broke this past week so we had to dress accordingly for school.

Alec sported a hand knit hat a la Auntie Aiy Aiy and snuggly jammies.

Claire is fashionable in her white knee socks. (there was another really cute pic but it was blurry)

We love Fall!

Happy Birthday Grammy!

2011-09-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

We all got together for Grammy’s birthday. It was a low key gathering with salad, yummy pizza and root beer and cream soda. Gramps made a cheesecake for dessert.

This was about the best picture I got because I was sitting on the same side of the table. We’ll have better pics when we get together for a homemade meal and my chocolate cake next week!

Alec is Four Months!

2011-09-14T10:48:00.001-05:00

We went to the doctor on Grammy’s birthday for Alec’s four month checkup. He was a charmer, of course, and had the doctor giggling at his antics. He is 15.2 pounds (50%) and 26 3/4” long (95%). And of course his noggin was big at 17 3/8” (91%). He did most of his tricks – strong back, smiling, standing with light support, babbling, smiling, drooling, waving his arms with conviction, kicking his feet and smiling some more. He got his shots, thankful Pa went with Mommy because Daddy had to work. He got a little rash on both legs a couple of days later but it is working on going away. All in all, a good visit. Oh, and he gets to start vegetables!

This is the picture Cousin Thor took that night at Grammy’s birthday party. Cool kid.

Playdate with Friends

2011-08-29T22:32:00.001-05:00

Some of Mommy’s favorite people came with their little boys for a playdate on Sunday. Nicole and Cristin! We had a really nice time chatting and catching up. Such a great afternoon. And the kids had a really fun time playing together.

Nicole meeting Alec.

Alec and his Godmother, Cristin.

Playing Doctor . . .

Snack time!

We were all in the living room after our snack and the kids made their way back to the kitchen for a tea and pizza party.

Waiting for the mixer.

Serving Pizza.

Baking Cookies.

Stephen just loved the Cozy Coupe.

The end of the playdate. So sad to see everyone go.

After everyone left, Claire came up to me and said “The boys didn’t give me hugs and kisses when the leaved.” She was quite disappointed.

Sleep Tight

2011-08-21T21:52:00.001-05:00

Mike took a picture of Claire the night of her third birthday in her big girl bed. He brought it in to me and said “Look how much she looks like” and I interrupted and said “Oh my, she looks like me! Poor kid.”

But where is the curly hair?

The Days After the First Day

2011-08-17T16:42:00.001-05:00

Claire loved going to school. She came home all excited and told us that she played in the classroom and playground. We decided the first day was more of a play day than anything. She also said they read a story. When she told Grammy and Grampy about her day she said “We went out to the playground and then we came in and the little boy cried and cried and cried and then we read a story. . .”

So Claire couldn’t wait to go back the next day to school and came home and said a million times if she said it once “Mommy, I love school.”

This is Claire’s first paper she brought home! It is on the bulletin board in the back hall in the place of honor.

And today, day three, she had a great day and keeps asking if she gets to go back tomorrow! Don’t know what I am going to tell her on Saturday . . .

First Day of School!

2011-08-15T09:57:00.001-05:00

It was Claire’s first day of school this morning – August 15th at Christ the King. She is in 3 year old preschool.

She was very excited when we woke her up this morning and ready to go.

Doing her hair.

Checking out Mommy’s work

Good Breakfast to fuel the day.

Posing on the front porch.

The ride to school.

Perhaps Alec is a bit nervous for her too?

Walking to school

One last picture before going into the classroom

Glad to be going home with Mommy and Daddy.

Can’t wait to hear all about her first day at school. If Daddy hadn’t driven, Mommy might still be waiting in the parking lot.

Take My Picture Mommy!

2011-08-14T22:12:00.001-05:00

Ok!

Sweet Girl!

Alec Eats!

2011-08-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

The doctor said that Alec could try out rice cereal around his three month birthday because he is so active. We waited until Daddy came home to try it out and to take pictures!

Getting ready and excited to try something new!

First bite!

Most of it went in.

And a lot of it came out.

He is working at it but of course cereal at first is almost more energy out than the sustenance provides. He’ll get it!

When Neighbors Come to Visit

2011-08-14T21:38:00.001-05:00

Our neighbors came over to see Alec and give Claire a birthday present. So nice to have friendly neighbors.

Claire on her new Panda rug.

Lisa, Maya and Alec.

Maya holding Alec and Claire giving her advice.

Claire and Maya had such a good time playing. I think Claire might have worn Maya out!

More from the Memphisians visit

2011-08-08T15:40:00.001-05:00

I came across another memory card and found some more cute pics of Auntie Lance, Uncle Beth, Claire and Alec.

Beth holding Alec, she liked doing this a lot.

Claire opening one of her birthday presents. I hope Lance and Beth have kids soon because I can’t wait to pay them back for this one . . . 54 pieces – most of the pizza toppings.

Sweet place setting for Alec from Lance’s parents.

Horsey Lance

The girls have a little soak before their manicure.

Holding On

2011-08-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

Alec is so good, he can even hold on in his sleep . . .

Belated Corndogs

2011-08-08T15:30:00.001-05:00

Per tradition, Hazel gets a corndog (no stick) for her birthday every year. We have been a bit busy and missed getting one for her on or even close to her birthday. So the other day we remembered and got one for her and one for Claire.

Hazel and her annual pose with a corndog.

Claire excited about trying her corndog.

Claire trying it out.

Claire getting a lesson from Daddy on the proper way to say “Corndog on a stick.” Yes, there is a proper way. There is a special way to say stick.

Claire liked her corndog. Mommy realized you have to teach someone how to eat one when you get down to the stick. She did a great job and ate the corn on the dog until the last bite or two. I say it was a success!

Bunny Party

2011-08-06T16:44:00.001-05:00

Claire really enjoys watching Max and Ruby so we thought we would have a bunny party for her 3rd Birthday!

Earlier in the day Claire got to open a few presents including Max and Ruby from her “Baby Brother” Alec.

Patiently waiting to begin opening presents.

Showing everyone how old she is.

Making her wish.

Showing the party goers her big girl bed.

Showing off her new tutu.

Twirling and twirling and twirling.

Bunny Pa, Bunny Claire & Bunny Grandma.

Bunny Thor, Bunny Auntie Aiy Aiy & Bunny Claire

Bunny Gramps, Bunny Claire & Bunny Grammy

The Happy Bunny Hasslers

Happy Birthday Bunny Claire!

Cakes!

2011-08-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

Here are the cakes that Mommy made for Claire’s birthday.

When I asked Claire what kind of cake she wanted she said “Chocolate!” Every question pertaining to her cake was “Chocolate!” So I made a “Chocolate!” cake along with the one I had already planned. This was my first attempt at “writing” with icing. Should have practiced a little first.

There are no Max cake molds out there that I could find so I fashioned his silhouette out of to round cakes. I think it turned out pretty well for my first cake sculpting. And it was tasty too!

Happy Birthday Claire!

“Aunties” Come to Visit

2011-08-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

Mommy’s dear friends Daymara and Isabel came down to celebrate Mommy’s birthday and let the girls play together. And best of all they surprised Mommy with a massage appointment while they were there. It was wonderful. Oh so wonderful. Great massage and when she got home she got to spend time with her best friends.

While Mommy was at her appointment Auntie Mara and Auntie Isabel played crafts with Claire and Kaia. But where did they go? All I see are fairies!

Rarely seen footage, Daymara holding a baby!

And even playing with him too!

(She likes babies, she just usually doesn’t like to hold the small ones. There are a lot of people like that but I guess Alec cooed his way into her arms, the little charmer.)

The Pelican ate Claire!
Daymara got Claire a cute Pelican toy holder for her room. She was a little confused at first. (That is Isabel’s arm – she was there and looked really cute, but somehow she avoided all the photos!)

Happy times and Happy Birthday to Mommy & Claire!

Claire’s Big Girl Room!

2011-08-04T23:09:00.001-05:00

Since we decided to leave Claire in the middle bedroom we needed to paint it again since the yellow walls on yellow furniture wasn’t going to work. We painted it green and Claire helped.

Claire in her surgery booties getting ready to help Daddy.

Claire needed a “hat” like Mommy’s.

And she paints!

The finished product!

First night in her big girl bed. She woke up for the first time in her bed as a big three year old! She is doing really well so far. She really likes her new bed, room and furniture!

Happy Birthday Minute

2011-08-04T23:00:00.001-05:00

This is Claire’s Birthday minute year three. The minute she was born three years ago. She and Daddy got donuts for breakfast AND she got to watch TV in the living room (hence the highchair) while she ate.

Happy Birthday Claire!

The Memphisians Come to Visit

2011-08-04T22:18:00.001-05:00

I may have just made up a word but how many posts can be titled “Auntie Lance and Uncle Beth Come to Visit”? But that is basically what it means. Lance and Beth came for Alec’s Baptism and to see Claire close to her birthday. We had a lot of fun, as usual. It was a short trip but we’ll take what we can get since we don’t travel much right now.

We tried to recreate a picture from last year but the timing was off . . .

Claire went first

Then they did. I guess I could Photoshop it but then it wouldn’t be as funny.

Solo

We caught Lance holding Alec. I think he liked it. I know Beth did. She held Alec, a lot. :)

Alec’s Baptism

2011-08-04T20:02:00.001-05:00

Alec was Baptized July 3, 2011 at Christ the King Church by Father Tom Elliot. His Godmother is Cristin Hall and his Godfather is Jim Fuhrman. It was a lovely occasion. Afterwards we had a party at Grammy and Gramps house. Here are the pictures of everyone with the special boy!

Mommy, Daddy & Alec

The Baptism

After Mommy plopped Alec in Father Tom’s arms, he informed us that he doesn’t hold babies at Baptisms. He did a great job and didn’t even drop him!

Grammy and Alec in the gown she made for him and Claire.

The Happy Hasslers

More Happy Hasslers

Grandma & Pa

Aunt Becky

The Delirious Deals

More Delirious Deals and a Deneen/Meyer

Auntie Alice

Auntie Aiy Aiy & Cousin Thor

Grammy & Gramps and all of their grandchildren

Uncle Beth and Auntie Lance

Mommy & Alec

Two Months and Happy 4th!

2011-07-29T22:06:00.001-05:00

Alec turned two months old on July 4th and had his check-up the next day. He came in at 11 lbs. 13 oz. (53%) and 23 1/4 (63%) inches and his noggin was 16 1/2 inches (89%). He had a good check-up. Dr. I was so impressed with how alert he is and how well he held his head up. She thought he was so cute and got down on his level and giggled with how much he followed her and smiled. He had a good check-up but got shots. Enough said. Nobody involved likes ‘em.

In 4th of July news, we didn’t have the annual picnic because of the extreme heat. But we did get together with at Grammy and Gramps. And of course before we went over there we took a pic.

What We’ve Missed

2011-07-29T21:54:00.001-05:00

Mommy has been a little busy lately so she has fallen behind on some of her blogging. Here are a few noteworthy things in the last several weeks.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!

Claire puts her shoes by Gramps by the side door when she changes into her slippers. This day she decided to put them in there . . .

Alec taking a snooze with Auntie Aiy Aiy.

Playing horsey with Cousin Thor.

Such a cute outfit. Thanks Auntie Aiy Aiy!

This is what I found in Claire’s oven the other day. I’m not sure how concerned I should be. At least we were all in there, well except for Hazel. Lucky Hazel.

Sibling love.

Sibling fun.

Taking a snooze in the his swing in Claire’s room.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2011-07-29T21:50:00.001-05:00

Cindy, Becky, Daddy and Claire took Grandma to breakfast for her Birthday. They took pictures afterwards.

Hello Froggie

2011-06-27T14:52:00.001-05:00

The Thinker

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while sleeping . . .

Tummy Time

2011-06-27T14:47:00.001-05:00

We broke out the baby gym this morning for some play and tummy time. Claire was very excited to get to really play with her baby brother.

She wanted to play on her back too.

Giving Alec a little kiss – one of many.

Sweet siblings.

Alec working on raising his head.

Claire comforting Baby Alec when he started to get frustrated and cry. Such a sweet big sis.

So sweet.

Alec giving the sunshine rattle a good working over.

Pooched out lower lip . . . wonder who he gets that from.

Still Loves Peanut Butter

2011-06-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

Vacation Bible School

2011-06-27T14:05:00.001-05:00

Claire got to go to Vacation Bible School this week for three days.

All ready to go!

In the car.

In her group making friends.

She had such a good time. When I went to pick her up she ran up to me and said “Mommy I had fun!”

She was a good girl all week. Each day we got compliments on her behavior and how sweet she was. I think she might be ready for preschool!

Madam Librarian

2011-06-27T13:57:00.001-05:00

What can I do, my dear, to catch your ear . . .

I think we caught her imagination . . . We went to the library this week to sign Claire up for the Summer Reading Program. She has to have 25 books read to her this summer. We are already up to something like 42 and Mommy still needs to write down the last three nights.

This is what she was doing when she was working on going to sleep that night. The Librarians would be so proud . . .

The next night she made a bookshelf with a book in the corner and one holding it up underneath. Such a cute and imaginative little girl!

Brother & Sister

2011-06-14T11:41:00.001-05:00

I think she likes him. :)

One Month Old!

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What a big growing boy!

Trying to Catch Up

2011-06-14T11:25:00.001-05:00

I know I haven’t been blogging lately but I’ve been a little busy . . . so here are a few things to put down for the record.

On May 24th, someone got their bellybutton!

Evidently we all need more sleep than we are getting . . .

Someone needs some attention.

Just hanging out.

Playing dress-up.

Planting seeds in the vegetable garden.

The day before Daddy went back to work we got a swarm of bees in the backyard. That is our neighbor, Doug, the beekeeper, who came to save the day.

Aunties, Uncle, and Cousins–oh my!

2011-05-30T12:33:00.001-05:00

Uncle Keith

Aunt Cindy & Cousin Blake

Aunt Becky

Auntie Aiy Aiy

Cousin Thor

Aunt Ginger

Alec and His Grandparents for the First Time

2011-05-30T11:57:00.001-05:00

Grammy

Gramps

Grandma

(Grand)Pa

Welcome to the Family

2011-05-22T19:05:00.001-05:00

Alec Joseph!

We welcomed Alec Joseph to the family on May 4th at 8:06 a.m. He weighed 9 pounds and 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. We are all doing very well. Life hasn’t been the same and only now our family feels complete. Welcome Alec and we love you very much!

First moments outside the womb with Mommy.

First moments with Daddy.

Through the nursery window.

First trip to the room to see everyone.

Cute little feet.

Proud Daddy.

Big Sister taking a look.

Claire holding Alec for the first time.

Mommy and Alec.

Family Day

2011-05-03T22:06:00.001-05:00

Since today is the day before Baby Brother comes to our family we wanted to try and have a fun family day. Claire woke up extra early so she got to come sleep with Mommy & Daddy for a little while longer. Then we had Yellow Umbrella at home inside instead of the planned outside because it was still just 50 degrees. We then played and got a few things ready for Baby Brother and got ready to have family pictures taken. We went to Grammy & Gramps for our photo shoot. Gramps took the pictures of us out on the front steps of their house. We then came home and played and watched a few of Claire’s favorite shows. Skipped her nap and played outside while Mommy gave Daddy a haircut. Then we had a family dinner, Claire had her bath, stories and then off to bed for Claire! Mommy & Daddy are still working on getting ready for tomorrow. But 4:30 is going to come very early . . .

Here is a look at some of the pictures from our photo shoot.

Baby Boy Hassler’s Baby Shower

2011-05-03T22:03:00.001-05:00

This is a couple of week late for good reason. Mommy forgot to take her camera to the baby shower and barrowed Gramps. Since then, she keeps forgetting to get the disk from him to copy over the pictures and still hasn’t. She did copy Grandma’s pics so there are a few. They were fairly Claire centric :) for good reason, of course. But there are certainly some good ones in there but not any of Grandma!

Claire and Maya (age 9 - our across the street neighbor).
they had so much fun playing together at the shower. Maya was so good with Claire.

Party Guests – Lisa C., Anne S., Nedra (Perry) S., Becky H., Anne Louise P., and Vi P.

Mommy and her Mommy, Grammy. :)

The cute rubber ducky cake.

Opening presents. Baby Boy Hassler got so many nice things but it was so sweet that so many people also got something for Claire. We are so blessed to be so loved by so many friends and family! (pictured here – Carole F., & Jane W.)

Guests that we didn’t get a pic of – Lorna P., Leigh S., Auntie Aiy Aiy (a hostess with Mom) and Gramps was of course a big help and made a few appearances.

Easter Basket!

2011-05-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

Claire got a box of Easter from Auntie Lance and Aunt Beth a few days before Easter complete with Peeps to be shared by all (including Hazel) and an Easter Bunny sings “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” as southern as you can get. She loves it!

Claire discovering the Easter baskets after the great Easter egg hunt and breakfast.

Obligatory pose with the Easter Basket.
She loves Pete the Cat and singing his song.

Playing with her car with Daddy and Hazel. Another thing she loved.

Giving Hazel her basket and checking it out at the same time.

Easter dinner with Gramps,

Pa, Grammy, Claire,

“three humps” Aiy Aiy, and Grandma (and Pa again)
Daddy was there too but he took the pictures and didn’t make any of them somehow.

We had such a nice Easter with the family. Such a fun filled day!

And the Hunt is On!

2011-05-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

All ready to go to church on a cold and rainy Easter.

Home from church – let the hunt begin!

Where are all the eggs?

She started using her shopping cart to haul the eggs.

So many eggs!

They were even in her kitchen! *Crunch Crunch*

Off to find more eggs!

Taking time to count them up to see if there are any more to find!

Are there any in the Dining Room?

A Hassler family pic.

We forgot to do a Deal family pick later on in the day when the rest of the fam was there. :(

We had a great Egg Hunt even though it was inside and a monsoon outside.

Carrots for Peter Rabbit

2011-05-01T16:43:00.001-05:00

also known as the Easter Bunny.

Waiting for the little server.

Picking the perfect carrots for the Easter Bunny.

See the carrots!?!

Ever so carefully carrying them to the living room.

Giving them a taste . . .

Daisy must try them too.

The carrots must have worked! The Easter Bunny visited!

Hoppy Easter – Egg dying

2011-05-01T15:56:00.001-05:00

We dyed Easter Eggs and of course we documented it with photographs.

Hazel the Easter Pooch.

Ready to go!

Mixing up the dye before naptime. Can you see Claire past Mommy’s belly?

Daddy’s bunnies.

Stirring her egg,

Being ornery.

Deep in concentration.

What a face.

Sweet girl.

Daddy the Easter Egg.

Claire the Easter Egg.

Bucket Head

2011-04-30T12:36:00.001-05:00

Because she can. And doesn’t it match her outfit nicely?

Clairely Speaking

2011-04-30T11:20:00.001-05:00

So not sure why we ever thought Claire was going to have speech problems because the kid can talk and comes up with the darndest things. I thought I should write a few down for posterity.

Tonight Claire was resisting sitting in her highchair for dinner, again. Once I put her tray on she looked at me, dropped her hands on the tray and said “Mommy, why do you do this EveryDay?” (and usually three times a day at that!)

The other night at Easter dinner we were talking about what everybody’s names were. Claire has been calling Mommy and Daddy by their first names some lately and has picked up on the fact that the rest of her world has another name besides the one she uses. When we got to Auntie Aiyaiy we told her her name is Alison and she responded “Alison has three humps." After we all stopped laughing I explained about the “Alice the Camel” song to everyone else. By the end of dinner Auntie Alison had her down to saying she had just one hump. I personally, would have been going for two. :)

And one of her favorite new expressions is “Are you kiddin’?” And she uses it so appropriately and slaps her arms down by her side or puts her hands on her hips. Hard not to giggle when she does it. It’s usually when I am giving instructions or changing our activity or focus. So cute, yet so scary.

Claire has started adding some of her own thoughts when we pray at meals and before bed. After praying and saying “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” She adds “and Halleluiah” and recently also started adding “and Halleluiah and the Zoo.” I guess she liked the zoo.

A Visit with New Jerseyans

2011-04-28T15:11:00.001-05:00

One of Mommy’s favorite people, Nicole, came to town to visit her dad for Easter last week so we got to get together for a chat. Mommy just loves to get to see her whenever she can because it is almost like we haven’t even missed a beat the conversation and company is that good.

Nicole and her sweet boy, Stephen.

The four of us.

Can’t wait to see her again when she comes back in August and gets to meet our newest addition!

In the Garden with Pa

2011-04-28T15:02:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, Claire come from a long line of gardeners and farmers. So she comes by her love for flowers and the garden honestly. The other Tuesday she and Pa planted the geraniums and wave petunias for the summer pots. Everyone had so much fun.

Claire, her bucket, shovel and Pa.

Getting instructions.

Planting the hanging baskets with pretty geraniums.

Let’s hope she has a green thumb!

Someone Told Me It's All Happening at the Zoo

2011-04-20T22:05:00.001-05:00

We have been wanting to take Claire to the zoo for a long time but timing, weather etc just hadn’t worked out until last week. And if we didn’t go soon, Mommy wouldn’t be able to go anymore (Mommy barely made it as it was). But the Tulsa Zoo was off to a good start when we were looking for parking spaces . . .

Hallelujah!

Our so original idea to take a pic by the sign. :)
(Mommy sometimes doesn’t realize how big she is until she sees a pic or catches her image in a mirror.)

Here are the camels everyone questions Claire if she really saw them. I think it is when she says “Alice the camel has three humps.” But if you look closely, they do kind of look like they have three humps.

A monkey.

Claire liked all the monkeys. Daddy did too.

Watching the elephants with Daddy.

So cute Daddy/daughter time.

Little Bear

The Lion that looked kind of sad and lonely.

The penguins with the penguin lady.

The tiger taking a napanu.

Meerkat? Mommy can’t remember.

Pretty giraffe

The rhinoceros (or rhinoceroses or rhinoceri) that we almost didn’t see. We thought they were big rocks at first. I zoomed in for the pic.

Off-roading to go see the rhinos.

Perhaps her favorite part of the zoo . . .

the playground (and the train that somehow we didn’t get a pic of)

The pretty flamingos.

We had a great time at the zoo. It was a good first zoo for a two and a half year old. Can’t wait to take her to a bigger one. She has been talking about it ever since and carries around her map of the zoo and shows everyone where the animals are. She is so cute and so much fun. We had a great day as a family. Next time she wants to take Baby Brother. :)

I’m a Turtle

2011-04-20T21:18:00.001-05:00

Claire did this the other day and luckily I had the camera close. Such a smart little cutie.

A Gift From Ms. Kitty

2011-04-20T21:11:00.001-05:00

Grandma’s good friend Kitty gave Claire a super present the other day. She found a cute bag with Claire monogrammed on it and inside was a sleeping bag! We decided that for now she could us it on Tuesdays when she goes to Grandma & Pa’s for naptime.

She really loved the bag.

And was so excited to sleep in it.

Napanu time!

Thank you Ms. Kitty for the great sleeping bag!