Yup.  You read that right.  More children.  Did you know that we have more children than just Claire?  That’s right. Claire is our fifth child.  Number five.  But it was pointed out to me that this blog might be a little “Claire-biased” and upon investigating that allegation, I find it *might* be true.  Whoops.  But, in my defense, before going to China, I didn’t blog.  And while in China, we could only blog about Claire, so it appears I am in the habit of blogging about Claire, and have unintentionally given my other children the shaft.  Guilty as charged.

So here is a peek into Grant, Zane and Kate’s life.  At the end of the school year, the first grade sponsors an “art museum.”  Each first-grader’s artwork is displayed in the various first grade rooms and the library, grouped together by the various artists they studied during each unit.  We walk around to the sound of classical music playing in the background and little finger foods served by a few 4th graders.  All three of our kids thought the Van Gogh unit was the best, so here are pics of each of the kids with their own renditions of Starry Night.  Their awesome first-grade teacher, Mr. Dave, said it took each student nearly 8 hours to complete their Starry Night imitations – as they had to treat their crayons like brushes and “stroke” in only one direction, then lift up their crayon to make the next stroke – and that is how they did the whole thing . . .one stroke at a time.  (Zane’s is the one on the bottom row)

Those of you who know me well hear me regularly criticize the public school system, but I have to eat my words when it comes to the art unit!  I love it.  I think they do a great job of introducing these art concepts to the kids in a fun way. For example, for the Michaelangelo portion the kids laid under their desks and drew their pictures on papers that were taped to the bottom of the desk – Sistene Chapel style!  Plus, we just really had a great year.  We ended up with two FANTASTIC teachers.  Our kids love going to school.  That has to say something, eh?  I can’t believe that we start school again in just two weeks. . .

Okay, so it’s August now, but in July Claire had another first:  the ever-famous first trip to the dentist.  We had “practiced” the dentist before we went by having Claire lean back while I brushed her teeth and made drill-like sounds   Seth went with us, which was perfect since Claire adores him.  She was a total champ!  The dental assistant couldn’t have been more gentle and loving toward her, and it made all the difference in the world.

Claire’s first cow-milking.  Now that’s a first to remember.  Actually, it was a first for me, Grant and Zane as well.  Kate, well, no firsts for her.  She just wasn’t feeling so adventurous.  There was something about a stuffy barn, hot weather, and farm smells that she didn’t find inspiring.  And our wonderful friends the Howard Family were there to enjoy the festivities with us.  (Not sure why I didn’t take a picture that included the Howard Family – sorry Hadley!) Oh, and the end result, well, let’s just say that we all get bonus points for trying something new.  When Claire looks at the below picture of herself milking the cow, she says, “I bu yao [don't] like milking cow.  It’s gross!”

And while enjoying the first milking, why not get the first goat-petting?

Up next is Claire’s first baseball game.  My cousin Mary arranged for discount tickets for everyone, so it was a big group.  Even my cousin visiting from Sweden was there with her boyfriend and daughter.  Fun times, fun times.

  I told her we wanted one with her eyes open, so then we got this shot! 

As a bonus, the Bumble Bee mascot-thingy signed the kids’ tickets.  I confess I was a bit nervous to go to the game, as last time we attended the kids only lasted four innings.  This time, Claire was ready to go starting at the top of the fourth inning, but she stuck it out and says she had an enjoyable evening.  Kate, Grant, Zane and Seth seemed to thoroughly enjoy it, especially singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”  for the 7th inning stretch. 

(Oh, btw, in the pictures below, this was hardly her first time to eat french fries.  This girl loves french fries, but I think her deep love for them stems from her appreciation for the french fries as a vehicle by which she can consume as much ketchup as is humanly possible.)