Star Student

Claire was selected as Star Student in her class for March. On Friday, a breakfast was held in her honor. Here she receives her medal from the principal

Our star with her certificate and her medal.

Claire - Rock Star

Highlights from last Saturday's soccer game, first showcasing Claire's skills on offense.

Claire's on a breakaway, leading the charge with her friend Connor -

Claire starts the attack by driving the ball past the defender - 

Now a few on defense. Claire is coming in fast - this poor boy's got no chance!

Not even the girls are safe when Claire is on the hunt. Here she demonstrates what those elbows are for.

Well played, Claire. Enjoy your snack. I'm digging those Rock Star shades!

The Five Minute Record

A record setting day for Claire at yesterday's soccer games. The girls wanted some time behind the lens, so here they are. First Emma at Claire's game -

And Claire at Emma's game -

And the record? In Claire's five minutes with her finger on the shutter button, she took 840 pictures. 840. I'm surprised her trigger finger lasted that long.

Claire is Dynamite!

Soccer started for Claire on Saturday. Her team is called Dynamite. Claire is so happy to start that she shows off all the teeth she's missing - she lost two last week!

With the pre-game ceremonies over, it didn't take long for Claire to get her game face. I'm intimidated and I'm half the field away.

Claire was outstanding in the goal, stopping three shots in the second half. Look at that concentration -

Leading the charge down field -

Claire was captain this week since we brought the post-game snacks, hence the sticker on her jersey.

Fall Festival with Jake

Yesterday was our church's annual fall festival. Luckily it was the first cool day of the fall, a bright sunny day, and our nephew Jake joined the fun.

After a quick lunch, the first stop was the petting zoo. Claire made a new friend, a rather aggressive beast that she tamed in her own unique way.

Here's Jake in the midst of the sheep and goats. Emma was a big help today, making sure Jake didn't get trampled or step in anything foul.

Next up - the train ride! Claire wanted the first car, so Jake and Emma shared the second.

A little face painting. Claire knows what time it is.

Jake steps up. Since his poor father attend that other Texas university, I picked the pumpkin for him. Gotta keep peace in the family. I have no idea how that chocolate got on his face. So if Jake's mom is reading this, it was Cathy's idea to buy him a cupcake.

We ended the day in the bingo hall. Emma played several times, with no winning cards. But with face painting like that she's already a winner.

Just Right Book

Original Claire artwork, inspired by her first grade teacher (click on it for larger version).

Claire at 7

Claire recently celebrated her latest birthday at LazerX, a local laser tag fun house. She picked Pokemon for the theme, hence the cake decorations.

In putting together the list of friends to invite, Claire picked only boys. Asked why no girls, Claire responded "Boys are more fun!"

In her benevolence, she invited Emma's friends "so Emma'd have someone to play with." Conveniently, they are the sisters to three of the boys.

Here's the group shot after our two rounds in the shooting zone.

In keeping with the boys-only theme, Claire let the dads play, but not the moms.

That's Claire.

Claire-isms, Part II

So the family is sitting around discussing the birth of our new nephew/cousin Max. The talk gets around to godparents. I ask Cathy "Aren't we Jake's (Max's older brother) godparents?"

Cathy confirms that yes, we are.

Claire adds: "And we are Jake's God kids!"

Claire's Kindergarten Graduation

We are happy to report that Claire has successfully navigated her first year of school and graduated kindergarten. Here she receives her diploma from her teacher. Her new shoes go well with the cap and gown.

Afterwards in her classroom she allowed me to take her picture. She explained to me that they had to use bobby pins to keep the cap on her head - and even the boys had to be pinned! She thought that was funny.

And a flashback to the first day of school -

On to first grade.

Claire Soccer Update

With spring soccer winding down, let's check in on Claire's first season. She has improved her offensive skills. Here she breaks away from the pack.

She's still working on those goalie skills -

Claire has really improved on the defensive side of the field. Here's her penitentiary face, intimidating the opposing team - 

Covering her man on a goalie throw-in -

One of my favorites - cutting off the ball and saving the goalie - 

One more game and then we'll see if she wants to play in the fall.

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.  

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 -

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 -