Clare's "neighbor" birthday party

This past Sunday (2/22), we had Clare's annual "neighbor" party, where we invite our close neighbors, but we're finding that our definition of "neighbor" is branching out into other parts of the city. See the video at the bottom.
A very happy guest of honor.

Dancing with Chris.

At her request, Liz made a yellow T-Rex cake with red polka dots.

Opening presents with the help of neighbor-friend Abby.

Clare entertaining our newest neighbor Elam (3mos).

(L-R) Abby, Clare, Chris, and Annette (Clare's babysitter)

(L-R) Chad, Jeffrey, Carrie, and Phil

4 Years of Clare

The "real" birthday....

Happy 1st!

2nd.....

3rd.....

4th

Interview with an Almost Four-Year Old

I think this speaks for itself.

Happy 4th Birthday Clare!!!

I can't believe our baby is 4!!! Where has the time gone? We had a busy morning. It was off to playgroup to celebrate her birthday--with a TRex cake and a pinata. Then, it was also her good friend, Anna's, birthday party--coincidentally, Anna had a dinosaur party, too! No wonder they're such good friends. After the party, we were greeted back home by Gma Jeanne and Gpa Larry who arrived from Des Moines to help celebrate her birthday. Clare was all smiles and had a wonderful birthday!!!
Waking up to find a T-Rex balloon and a dinosaur birthday bag of gifts!

"I LOVE these! Thank you, thank you!"

Birthday party at playgroup. The pinata was a big hit (pun intended).

She picked El Paesan's Mexican restaurant for her birthday. She got to wear a sombrero and this man serenaded her! She said, "this is what makes a birthday happy."

Patiently waiting to open gifts (while daddy goes back to the restaurant to retrieve a certain lost blankie). Enjoying grandpa as he reads her a new book!

More Bday Weekend Fun!

Clare had her mind set that she was going to take Gma Jeanne and Gpa Larry to see (A T-Rex Named) Sue exhibit at our Science Center. So, off we went on Saturday morning!

Can barely see Clare as she is dwarfed by Sue.

The paleontologist at work: chipping away at REAL dino bones.

Liz and Toby had a fun that weekend, too. Tickets to see Joel McHale!

It was so nice to have Gma Jeanne and Gpa Larry babysit while we have a (much needed) Valentine's night out to see Joel McHale.

Unfortunately, Toby ended up with a stomach bug the next day and we had to postpone Clare's annual neighbor birthday party. To pass the time, Gma, Gpa, Clare and I went to the zoo! It was kid's day (when is it NOT kids day at the zoo??) and Clare got her face painted.

TA-DA!

American Idol, Season 20

Right now, American Idol is in Season 8. By the time Clare is 18, they'll be on Season 20, so I thought we'd by-pass the long audition lines and get this sent in way ahead of time. (She had no idea I was taping her while she was singing in the bath. She says "sorry" to her dinosaur who she accidentally drops out of the tub.)

Gymnastics Girl

Clare is now in tumbling at the Y every Thursday morning. It's the highlight of the week!

Warming up. (Our future Olympian is in black.)

Waiting patiently for her turn and showing her goofy side.

Being a diligent student and listening carefully.

This trick was tough at first....

Looks so easy!

Not gonna be tightrope walking any time soon.

No Business Like Snow Business

We didn't get our first measurable snow until the end of January, so we took full advantage of it while it lasted (3 days).

We had planned on making a regular ol' snowman, but after we were almost done, Clare decided to make a snow Scooby Doo. She is adding one of his ears.

Not quite done.......

"I love him, he's my best buddy." Not sure if this is sweet or sweetly tragic. Does she know that her best buddy will see a watery demise? Maybe we should give her that sister named Daffodil after all.

Our hard work finished!