Claire turns twelve

Just like last year, Claire and Manina stopped and picked me up so we could go to Cubby’s for Claire’s birthday lunch.

In what is quickly becoming one of my favorite traditions, I interviewed Claire to get a little glimpse into her life. It was fun to see how she’s changed since her birthday last year and also to see how she is still the same great girl.

Favorites:
Cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios
Homemade dinner: either Mac and cheese or tri-tip
Restaurant: Cubby’s
After school activity: hanging out with friends
Sport: basketball
Friend: Andie Aagard
School subject: math

Finish the sentence
I wish... I could take a bunch of friends camping.
I really like to wear... my hair up.
I would describe myself as... crazy.
When I grow up... I want to be successful. 
I love it when... we do things as a family. 
My favorite memory is... when we went backpacking up in the mountains. 
I really look up to... my parents. 
The best thing about me is... I like to explore things. 
I want to practice... basketball
I want the world to know... how to be better with pollution. Everyone is leaving their cars running these days and ruining the world. 
My biggest thing I want to accomplish at age 12 is... to be outside more. 

After lunch, Manina and Claire did a little shopping at the outlets.

Claire also went to our back to open a checking account and request a debit card. She certified to be a soccer ref this year along with Jake and Megan, so she has her first official job and needs a place to deposit her first paycheck.

Claire requested grilled tri-tip for dinner, and then she had to dash off to a soccer game. When she got back, we had the ice cream cake and presents waiting for her.

She got some new rollerblades, but the big present was a getting a new bike! It’s a Cannondale Quick that is in nearly-new condition after Seth got it all cleaned up.

Remember: a couple of Claire’s goals were to be outside more and to be better about pollution, so this new bike of hers should really help achieve those goals. Way to be twelve, Claire. We love you!