Jason and Elise checking out the Flamingos at Sea World.

Claire and me in the aquarium tunnel.

All our friends that went with us.

Claire on her first plane ride.

These are our WONDEFUL friends who babysat both girls so we could go out to sinner for my birthday.  They were so brave to take on such a task.

Elise helping Claire in her jumper seat.

And showing her how everything works in the exersaucer.

Wow, what a busy few weeks.  I had a great birthday thanks to several of our friends.  My friend Kessa came over and did my hair and makeup, and our friends Brooke and Aaron came over with their 9 month old daughter, Nola, to babysit while Jason and I went on a date.  I was worried how Claire would do taking a bottle for them, but according to Brooke she did really well.  Not sure how much she was fibbing to make me feel better.  Then the next day 9 of us (including all the kids) packed up and went to Sea World for the day.  Most of us had never been, and Elise really enjoyed all the whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and everything else.  She had no idea that so many things lived in the water.  Our passes are good all year, so we will have fun going back.  Then the next day the girls and I got on a plane and flew to Springfield to surprise everyone.  Thankfully Aunt Debbie picked us up from the airport and took us to my parents house.  It was dark when we got there and they almost didn't answer the door.  Thank goodness they did!  My mom started to cry because she had missed the girls so much.  The next day we surprised Gary, Gail, and Grandma Mary in the morning and my Grandma Margaret in the afternoon.  And that evening we surprised Grandma Eleanor with Aunt Debbie's help again.  Non of the Great Grandmas had seen Claire other than in pictures, so it was great seeing them meet her for the first time.  We had such a busy week seeing everyone as much as possible that is went by really fast.  Claire is now using her jumper seat and her exersaucer and is amazed that she can move herself around.  Elise really enjoys showing her how everything works.  And the girls too their first bath together last night.  Elise was a big help with that too pouring water over her head.  I want to wish a happy 40th anniversar to my parents on the 12th.  I love them so much and want to thank them for everything they have ever done for me.  I only hope that Jason and I can have the kind of love they have had for each other over the past 40 years, and be such an outstanding example to our kids as they were to me and my brother.  I love you guys! -Kristin