Merry Christmas from Claire

Claire, with Emma on harmony.

Merry Christmas!

Emma and Claire on the Ice

Last week we took the kids to the temporary ice skating rink downtown. Since Claire started taking lessons this fall, we were hoping she was ready.

We shot a little video on an older point-and-shoot camera. Here they are just before going on the ice so you can find them in the crowd.

Now here's the video - let's see if this works.

Claire completed several laps, falling only once. When she tired, Emma kept going and going.

Finally it was time for hot chocolate and the ride home.

Emma - Star Student

Emma was selected as the Star Student for November for her third grade class. (This is a different Star Student program than Claire's). The school hosted a breakfast for all the Stars. Here Emma receives her medal and certificate from the Principal.

Emma, the principal, and the Stars from the other third grade classes

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving found us visiting Aunt Melissa and Uncle Raymond (and Uncle Greg). Emma and Claire played cards with Melissa -

Claire bit her finger and showed me the blood -

All the girls in a rare moment of rest - 

The next day, after our beloved Aggies re-established their dominance, we walked to the nearby park. First a little rock climbing -

Then the obstacle course -

Emma swinging with Aunt Melissa -

Emma found a dandelion and, well, see for yourself -

Claire Working

Yesterday morning was a beautiful day for soccer. When Emma was taking a break from the game, Claire took over on the camera. Here she is working the gear.

These are the pictures Claire took, rotated and cropped.

This is straight from the camera.

And finally, since I took a picture of Claire, she took a picture of me.

Claire at Dewberry Farm

Today Claire's kindergarten class took a field trip to Dewberry Farm. Cathy went as one of the chaperones and brings back these photos. First up was the hay ride. You see Claire lost her front tooth (last Sunday).

Fun as a chicken -

The duck race -

Claire really likes the bumpy slide -

And a shot of the whole class before they got back on the bus. Ms. Hamilton, Claire's teacher, is on the right. Claire is on the front row, fourth from the right.

Love, Claire

A final note to Claire's reign as Star Student a couple of weeks ago.

One of kids' activities each week is to write a letter to the Star Student. These are really just short notes, consisting of such things as "I like you" or "You are my friend" or "I like playing with you". Claire said the Star Student does not write a note to herself (or himself); she (or he) just sits out that activity.

So Cathy asked Claire "If you had to write a letter to yourself, what would you say?" After a moment's thought, Claire came up with this:

     Dear Claire,

     I love myself.

     Love, Claire.

Bike Riding

Emma outgrew her old bicycle so off we went to the bike store for a new one. I took her to the church parking lot to get comfortable riding it before she takes it out in the street. Here she styles her new bike and matching helmet.

I put the training wheels back on her old bike and handed it off to Claire.

They both got the hang of the bikes and really started moving fast -

With the coming of a small rain shower we called it a day. Another Sunday afternoon in the books. As Emma said on her way to bed "The weekends sure are short." Amen, child. Amen.

Star Student

Every week Claire's kindergarten teacher picks one student to be the Star Student - and Claire was selected last week! She gets a poster that she decorates any way she wants.

Click on the photo for a larger version that's easier to read.

The poster is mounted outside her classroom for one week so everyone gets to know her. Here she is on Friday - her last day as Star Student.

Scorpions Victorious

Another beautiful day for soccer and the Scorpions responded with a victory - in a league where the score is not kept!

Emma was the team captain today, since we brought the post-game snacks. Yes, it really is that easy to achieve soccer royalty. And here we go with some game highlights.

First up, Emma as they are announcing the starting line-up - hair done up, earrings in place, uniform clean.

Showing off some kicking skills -

On defense, getting ready to stop that ball. Emma did not allow any goals as defender or goalie. Way to go, Emma!

Willing to take one for the team -

Moving the ball down field -

Looking to score. Emma had a couple of shots on goal today.

My kind of play - knocking that poor, defenseless little boy to the ground just because he had the audacity to think he could move the ball. Emma says it was an accident. Uh-huh.

If you look under the white panel of the umbrella, soccer's number one fan, Claire, is fast asleep. These 2 p.m. kickoffs take a lot out of that girl.

When the coach says "work together", I don't think this is what he meant -

Zoo Boo

Yesterday we took the kids to the Houston Zoo for the annual Zoo Boo Halloween event. We start with the kids in this year's costumes.

The zoo had several trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. Here we attack one -

This year the Dinosaurs were an added attraction. T-Rex is looking for some candy -

After surviving that terrible encounter, the girls re-grouped with some pumpkin decorating -

Finally a respite from the hot day at the Natural Encounters Building. Claire checks out the fish -

Then hides in the trees -

Followed by the always reserved Emma -

I should have gotten the name of this little fella, but alas, I did not -

Scorpions Attack

Emma's Fall 2010 soccer season kicked off in fine style this morning as the Scorpions (Emma's team) took on the Vipers.

You sharp-eyed readers will notice Emma's uniform color is the same as last season. She's a little disappointed, but that how it goes sometimes.

A beautiful sunny morning greeted us, so let's get right to the action. Emma's on the move

Going for the goal

Big kick to move the ball downfield

Getting a little help from a teammate

Fan shot of Claire not really paying attention to the game. Seems more interested in a snack. And, yes, this doubles as her breakfast.

 Back to the game. Emma displays her defensive prowess

Just a little high

A close-up of that game face

And even though the score is not kept, the Scorpions tied the Vipers 4-4, with the game ending as Emma stripped the ball from the Viper's best player. Way to go, Emma!