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.

Emma and the Fireballs

Soccer is back!

The fall season started yesterday and Emma's team is the Fireballs. She's not thrilled with the name, but is thrilled that she has a new uniform color. On to the highlights.

It's been a long summer, so the team started with the basics. Yes, this is a soccer ball.

With the introductions out of the way, it's time to take it to the boys.

Emma quickly remembered how to play defense. She clears one to save the goalie -

And finally, she flies in to stop this attack -

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.