Clara's birthday and more

Clara turned 4 on Saturday!  We celebrated in traditional Knutson fashion by inviting neighbors, small group people, adopt-a-students, and church friends.  Janny was the youngest, and I don't think it's polite to say who the oldest was.  Clara picked several friends to be invited and helped Jill with the menu planning.  Instead of a cake or cupcakes, Jill and Clara worked together to make frosted banana muffins with pear and chocolate chips.  Pretty yummy.

The week before, Jill's' mom and dad stayed with us and gave Clara her first birthday present, a scooter!  This has been a huge hit.  Grandpa was quite useful around the house as well, resurfacing our dining room table, cleaning our car inside and out (gross!), and fixing the screen in our front door.

Clara also received a bunch of books plus Gruffalo stuffed animals from Grandpa and Grandma K.  From us, she got a batting tee (I'm loving this!  So far, no broken windows.) and a jump rope.  Some neighbors gave her a baby doll and some oreos (not shared with daddy).

During the Smiths' visit, Jill and I took an overnight trip to Charleston (fact:  Tony Romo lived there) in order to take a break from the kids.  We ate at the popular downtown restaurant, watched movies, and did some hiking at the surprisingly hilly Fox Ridge state park.  Probably the most memorable moment was coming across a steep one lane wood bridge that climbed over a railroad track on our way to the hotel.  It was dark, we driving through a residential neighborhood, and bang there it was.

Finally, do you see the pink roses in the first photo?  I'm very proud of them.  Twice this year I have saved them from sawfly larvae, and I have even watered them and given them compost.  In return, they make flowers.