Yes, we're still here...

I do believe this sets a record for the longest stretch without a blog post since Claire was born. There is a reason, however: since January I've been devoting most of my spare time to researching and writing my master's thesis. The past two weeks especially had me spending 10-11 hours a day at the computer. I didn't know sitting at a desk could make a person ache so badly. Anyway, all done! I presented last week (all 351 pages) and just have to get it filed with KU to make it official. I will have my Master of Science in Journalism with an emphasis in Marketing Communications - yay! Graham and Claire have been incredibly supportive and patient while I pursued my degree - I couldn't have done it without them!

Now that my master's is finished, it's on to the next big giant project: moving to Costa Rica! We booked tickets last week and are on our way April 29! It's been a long time coming... We officially put a "For Rent" sign in the yard yesterday and put up a few online ads. We have a brochure if you know anyone looking to borrow a great place in Brookside for a couple of years... We're a little nervous and a lot excited about our impending adventure!

Some photos from the last three months - I promise it won't be this long again:

We spent a lovely two weeks in Boise with my mom and my sister and her family. Claire had a great time playing with her cousins and now calls them her sister and brother.

Me with my sweet silly girl on Christmas Eve

Enjoying a snuggle and a read with her Nana

 "Presents!!!"

Goofball in a pretty dress

Celebrating Graham's birthday in Boise - I think the smile is from the ice cream with chocolate sauce

Around 6-9 months ago Claire decided she wanted to be a doctor, and has been very consistent about that. She's going to make people feel better. At least we have lots of advance warning in terms of paying for medical school... ;)

We had a lot of snow in January and February (as did most everywhere else), including our first blizzard. Claire liked to sit in the snow and play with it like it was sand while we shoveled the walks and driveway.

Claire started swimming lessons in January - we've been remiss about taking her to pools so she was as green as they come, but is now on her second set of lessons and doing better. (She's on the end in the goggles.) She's great at kicking at the wall but tends to just float if left to her own devices. She has fun and smiles the whole time, though, which we love.

I love this picture - total mischief. She wants to grow her bangs out (which will be easier for me in Costa Rica, anyway), hence the barrettes and pig-tails.

Claire adores her cousins on both sides of the family. This was sharing a laugh with the Knops kids over at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Working with Dad on a snowy day

Claire's favorite station at school lately has been art, and she was great about working on projects while I wrote my thesis. We set up a corner in the office that's her very own art station. She loves to draw, cut, and put stickers on everything these days... Peeling crayons is a favorite, too, although Mommy could do without that one.
 

Happy March! 2011 is going by way too fast...