It is said that one of the sad parts of adopting a child that is older than an infant is that as parents we will miss out on many of Claire’s “firsts” – her first words, her first steps, etc.  That is certainly true.  We didn’t see any of that.  And we grieve with her over the possibility that no one saw those things or truly cared.  Or maybe they did, we just will never know.

But July has been it’s own month of “firsts.”  So I think I will spend the next few posts documenting some of Claire’s new activities.

Her first Independence Day as an American citizen, which brought her first parade, and we suspect her first rootbeer float and first time to wave a sparkler.  Thanks for the darling flip-flops, Shari!  And despite the looks on their faces in this picture, the kids assure me that the parade was very fun.

Then there was the ever-popular “first movie” – The Karate Kid.  She actually seemed to really enjoy it, though I am fairly certain she didn’t really understand it all!

MORE FIRSTS TO COME!

So two weeks ago, Claire and I were walking down a tree-lined street.  I was carrying her in my arms.  We came upon a stretch of trees with low-hanging branches.  Because I am such a responsible mom who carefully guards and protects our children, I thoughtfully told Claire to “duck” as I myself lowered my head a bit to avoid the overhanging trees.

Let’s just say that was a poor choice of words.  Luckily, we came out with just one or two tiny scratches. 

And that’s how Claire learned that not all ducks are yellow and fluffy and quack – some are green and brown and look a lot like trees.

This post is a bit of a test for a work project I’m currently in the middle of.  But I figured those of you who regularly visit wouldn’t mind too much seeing the boys I spend so much time with.  The pictures below are of 15 of my favorite 5th and 6th grade boys on the planet … each one is an absolute rock star … and they aren’t too bad at soccer either.  They really are good boys down to the last one.