Happy Easter 2013!

Clara and Hattie awoke on Easter Morning to gray skies and rain, but that did not dampen their spirits! It was bright and sunny inside the Dryden household as the girls discovered the treats in their Easter baskets and searched for hidden Easter eggs. In fact, it took Clara less than 30 seconds after climbing out of bed to find her Easter basket, which the Eater Bunny hid in the corner of her bedroom. Clara's thought was that the Easter Bunny didn't hide it in a very difficult place because "he does not know our new house yet!" The rain clouds parted and the sun began to shine as the girls (and their proud parents) searched for eggs at First Presbyterian's annual Easter Egg Hunt. We finished our Easter celebration with a lovely dinner hosted by the Blacks. Such a wonderful day!

Arts Together Art Walk

Clara's artistic talents were on full display this week at the Artwalk at Arts Together! Wearing her "Artist" pin, she was beaming as she showed her proud parents her selected artwork. The Arts Together teachers and staff transformed the classrooms and dance studio into a bonafide art gallery, complete with framed artwork and biographies of each artist. Clara the Artist!

Hattie Dragon; Clara Owl

On frigid, rainy days we appreciate that Ga hit the costume bin at KMart right after Halloween. Clara the owl meets Hattie the dragon.

Family Date Night

Family date night...took the girls in stroller and scooter up to North Hills. The joys of living in a walking neighborhood.

Little Einsteins

Yesterday it was board books with pictures of farm animals, but this morning Hattie makes a great leap forward in reading material...

Grandma Dryden Visits

Grandma Dryden spending some QT with the girls on a quick Raleigh visit.

Clara & Hattie at Marbles

Frigid winter weather sent us seeking input warmth this Tuesday afternoon, and do we ventured to Marbles for the first time in many months. It was Hattie's first visit since becoming mobile, something that profoundly changes the experience for all. Paul didn't fully consider those implications, which - along with it being a Wake County Schools teacher workday with hundreds more parents eager to keep their kids occupied  than normal - made it crazy.

Clara's 4th Birthday!

It is hard to believe that our sweet Clara is now 4 years old! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital following her birth on a cold, rainy February 27th, 2009. We are so incredibly proud of the amazing daughter, big sister, friend, etc, she has become. Here are a few special memories captured during the various celebrations during her birthday week. First, she was treated to a movie and "Butterfly Bash" at Marbles with friends on Saturday, followed by a party and swimming with Lily and Davis Golden. On Wednesday, she made cookies for her birthday party at school. The final celebration was her birthday party with over 30 friends (and their families) at the Carousel Pavilion at Pullen Park! Whew!

Texts from Baton Rouge

For Clara...Look at this big boat outside my window in Louisiana. Do you think it's a pirate ship? Love you!