Claudia has had a definite routine to going to bed since she was 8-9 months old. I have to say it has worked very well. She never wakes up or complains. It is certainly her routine.

1. Bath or "tickle shower". Dry off in very specific routine. Put on pajamas (must include socks).
2. Mommy (and only mommy) detangles hair.
3. Brush teeth.
4. Give Molly kiss and hug. Give Daddy (or Mommy) kiss and hug.
5. Run to bedroom.
6. Pick out three books to read.
7. Lay down next to crib with white blanket. Mommy or Daddy next to her with blue blanket. Only recently has Claudia allowed Daddy to do this part.
8. Read books. Usually Claudia reads them to us.
9. Crawl into bed. Arrange "friends".
10. Cover with 2 blankets. Turn on fan, turn off light.
11. Tell two stories, maybe three. I always tell Cinderella. Wait about 1-2 minutes for sleep.

In the morning she crawls out of bed, stands in the middle of the room and goes "Mommy?, Mommy?" and waits for us to come upstairs.

We are back from our family vacation at Lake Dunmore in Vermont. Claudia did lots of swimming, eating, and playing. This was the year of "I can do it myself".

She stayed for three nights at Mimi's cabin. She was a very big girl. No problems at all.

More pictures and stories posted soon.

Claudia has big muscles.

Claudia is auditioning for a job in Uncle Tyler's restaurant.

Lots of new pictures posted to flickr.

Day four of complete potty training is going well. Claudia has been making it fairly easy.

Last night we went to a Carnival with some friends and got home a bit too late. Claudia definitely likes her bedtime!

Claudia had lots of fun playing with Kerry and Margo on Sunday. She talks about them ("And Elizabeth!") a lot. She was very polite and waited for everyone to sit down before starting her lunch. She tries hard to be a good girl.

Claudia is beginning to really enjoy acting out plays. She can do the whole Backyardigans Volcano Sisters episode. She is also starting to "act" with the other Backyardigans. So if you notice that she is talking to "Pablo" be aware that you might be playing a part in a play at that moment.

Claudia watched about two minutes of Wizard of Oz on TV and then came up with her whole "Bad Witch" story the next day. She remembers everything.

She is starting to be able to count in a more effective manner ("that's four, we need one more to be five") and is able to recognize some words as we read (Santa). She is just starting to work on holding crayons a little more productively so she can draw circles and such.

There are summer concerts in Southbury three nights a week. We try to go a few times per week (in addition to Quassy).

Claudia is really having fun with her dancing. We will try to get a video. It is fun to watch.

Claudia had a nice visit from Margo and Aunt KA today. Last night she went to a party for Miss Lisa and Jake who are moving to North Carolina. She had fun, but she is a bit slow because she has been a little sick

We went to see Wall-E the other day and Claudia did real well until the end when it got "too noisy" so we don't quite know how the movie ends.

Claudia had lots of fun at Noah's birthday party yesterday. She swam and played on the Slip-n-Slide and was sure to be ready for when the cake came out!

Claudia prepared treats for Maggie's birthday. We realize that she REALLY pays attention, but watch how she "unwraps" a Hershey Kiss just like Mommy.

More pictures and video posted on flickr site.

Tomorrow birthday party (Claudia) and wedding (Brandt-Kasey-Molly). Sunday birthday party (all). Then done for awhile!

We have been replacing all the windows in the house. Next week we hope to finish that since we have tree people coming to take down some huge dead trees. Danger-danger. Then its time to paint the house.

Claudia had fun at Taylor's birthday party. Claudia has a lot of birthday parties to go to these first weeks of July. We had two last week and three this week. Lots of excitement.

Claudia also got a new tricycle that she is really pleased with.

Claudia's friends Noah and Leah came over last night. Claudia had a good time with everyone.

She is back in her independent phase since we got home where she goes a bit off the reservation for about an hour each day. We are working on being polite during those moments.

So far we have had a nice trip to Pennsylvania. It started with a four hour trip from home. We didn't stop once as Molly slept right the whole way. Claudia was very patient. We had a few issues with sleeping arrangements but Claudia eventually agreed to "camp out" with Daddy in the living room. She eventually found herself under the chair. She hasn't slept away from home since we went to Boston last year so when we actually got to sleep time it was a bit of a shock.

Last night she went to the Parade and saw some of Mimi's friends. She liked sitting on her chair and watching everything. When she got home Aunt Susannah was here and they set up the tent. That was fun, but she wasn't ready to sleep in it yet!

Today was the big day as Claudia rode Wendy. She rode Wendy all over the place and did really well. She was pretty nervous at first but she got right on and had lots of fun.

Claudia has been a busy girl. She had visits today from her friend Taylor and Mrs. Werner stopped by. We also had fun when she realized that there was a steady stream of water dripping down from the light onto the kitchen table ("Daddy? What's that?"). Luckily Daddy was home.

Tomorrow we make our first trip to Pennsylvania in almost a year. First trip with Molly!

Claudia got her hair trimmed tonight and was a very good girl.

We had a good Fathers Day today. Claudia did lots of nice things and worked hard to make it a fun day. We watched a bike race in the morning and went to see the Kopecs in the afternoon. Claudia had lots of fun swimming. She had TWO naps today, and usually has zero. She is pretty wired and Kasey is reading to her now. Hopefully she crashes quickly as Molly is just getting started with her hiccups!

So we are passing the Medical Building in Southbury. Claudia and Molly go there for their baby doctor stuff and their dermatologist.

Claudia: "Grandma doesn't go there"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Claudia: "She has a different dermatologist"

Me: "Wow, Claudia thats a big word! I didn't know you could say that".

Claudia: "Its easy Daddy. Say Derm, then atol, then o, then gist. See?"