Saturday, May 30, 2015

Happy 2nd birthday, Claire!

Claire had a super fun day. She started the day with special birthday pancakes, one shaped like a star and another like the letter 'C.' We spent the morning at Elevated Sportz where Claire played in the balls, went down slides, drove the toy cars, and explored the climbing structure to her heart's content. After a nap at home, she spent some time with Shizuku and her friends - eating ice cream, opening her present of a bubble blower, and playing with her new toy and friends outside. Claire also got to Skype with Grandma and Grandpa. When Daddy got back from his bike ride, we went with Melissa to McDonald's for a Happy Meal. We came back and Claire opened the rest of her presents. From Mommy and Daddy she got a new painting book, magnetic doodle pad, kids' atlas, and puzzles. Oma and Opa got Claire a broom and dustpan just her size and a basketball hoop. To finish off the day, we all wore fiesta hats, sang Happy Birthday to Claire, and ate cupcakes. Claire blew out her candles on the first try!

The ball pit at Elevated Sportz


In the castle

Opening Shizuku's gift



With Melissa, Arisa, and Shizuku

I do believe this is our first family photo with Greta!


She blew them out on the first try!

Greta joined in on the festivities, too
"I'm a Sounder!"
Playing with new toys

Claire's 2nd Birthday Interview

We decided to copy Mark's sister Carolyn's tradition of interviewing our children annually on their birthdays. Here's what Claire had to say.


  1. What is your name? Claire
  2. What is your favorite color? pink
  3. What is your favorite toy? blocks
  4. What is your favorite fruit? banana
  5. What is your favorite TV show? Twinkle little star (I am assuming this is one of the really obnoxious animated songs she likes to watch on YouTube.)
  6. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? bananas
  7. What is your favorite thing to wear? shirt
  8. What is your favorite game? soccer ball
  9. What is your favorite snack? fruit snacks and graham crackers
  10. What is your favorite animal? cow
  11. What is your favorite book? ABC book
  12. Who is your best friend? Shizuku (the Japanese student who lives with us)
  13. What is your favorite thing to do outside? blow bubbles
  14. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? a book
  15. What do you want to be when you grow up? a baby
  16. Where do you want to go on vacation? Oma and Opa
  17. Who do you want to come over and play? Emi
  18. Who do you love? Shizuku
  19. What's your favorite drink? water

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Just chillin'



First few days of life (part 2)

7 lb 12.6 oz and 20 inches long - almost exactly the same as Claire!

Claire helping to comb baby sister's hair

With Oma

Going in for a kiss


Best Sister EVER!

Chillin with Dad

Ready to go home!

First few days of life



With Melissa
With Shizuku


Little sister isn't sure what to think


Daddy holding Greta for the first time