Saturday, April 23, 2011

Gleason Carnival

Last Saturday the elementary school in our neighborhood held their annual carnival.

Somehow, Claire managed to find the game where you win stuffed animals. I believe she now has all of them.


Emma and her friend Katie took a turn at the Body Bopper.


Feeling adventurous, Emma tackled the rock wall. Here she reaches the top.


Claire showing off her face painting. For you soccer fans, the ribbon is the one the she wouldn't wear at the soccer match.  

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Dog Day

Last Sunday was the first Dog Day at Minute Maid Park. This is when you can take your dog to an Astros game.

The day starts with the Pooch Parade around the field. Here are all my girls in front of the Astros dugout. Claire's stuffed animal of choice was, of course, a dog.


In the dugout I found former Astros pitcher and current television color analyst Jim Deshaies. He was kind enough to turn for his picture. In addition to receiving one vote for the Hall of Fame, Jim set the modern major league record by striking out the first eight batters in a game.


Next I found San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell. Um, that's him on the right, without the leash. (That is not our dog.)


And finally, former Astro Chad Qualls. He was one of the pitching heroes for the 2005 National League Champion Astros.


Now we're around to the outfield. The fellow in the red shirt in the background was there to keep everyone off the grass. Major League teams are very picky about their fields. The Astros raked the entire warning track after the parade to smooth it out - and pick up any poop!


Claire took some time off from the game to enjoy the play area. Here you race the big runner to home plate.


A between inning break for the only two in our family who were actually watching the game.


Claire back to the play area joining the crowd reaching for a home run ball.


And since it was Sunday, it was also Kids Run The Bases after the game. Here Emma and Claire take off from first -


Heading for third on their way home -

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Claire Plays Soccer!

Claire decided to play soccer this spring - and now she's a Shark!

Showing off her kicking form prior to the match -


One of the mom's made a ribbon for the girls to wear. This is Claire's "nice" reaction. She refused to wear it (but did dance around the house afterwards with it on!).


Looking good high-fiving the coach - 


And onto the action - 



Soccer Returns - Emma is a Ranger

Spring soccer season started yesterday. Emma's team is the Rangers - here she styles the green and black of her new uniform. She's very happy it's not purple and yellow like the last two seasons.


Now let's get to some game action. Emma started on defense - 


Then quickly moved on to offense -


Mid-season form with the elbow. I'm happy to report that no boys were injured during this match.




Finally, showing growth as a player and a person, Emma elbows a girl. Nicely played!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Two Front Teeth

Claire worked on it for a few days and successfully removed her second front tooth. 


Emma and I were so close to getting the pliers.

Lizard

Claire Driving

With just a few lessons from Emma, Claire mastered the Barbie Jeep. Here she terrorizes the driveway before she yelled at me to stop taking her picture.