Claudia did the freestyle and sidestroke yesterday while she was swimming. She also did a good five second float. She can't lift her head out of the water to breathe yet but she is getting better fast. I think the swim lessons this year really helped as she feels really comfortable in the water.

Claudia has been going to camp the past week. It is a dance/singing camp. Our impression is that it isn't exactly "intense". Claudia had a better time the second day. The first day she thought they "did a lot of sitting".

We are certain Claudia will keep her teachers on their toes. She remembers everything and wants to work.

Claudia picked a ton of berries with Aunt Tootie yesterday. We also started to learn a little chess.

Great times in Vermont the past week. Mimi joined us again and this was Claudia's fourth trip to VT. A certain routine has certainly been established. We always go to American Flatbread on Saturday (great, great place). We always go to Two Brothers Tavern. We always get ice cream in Brandon. We always go to the Morgan Horse Farm.

Its neat that she is kind of becoming a big girl. She is a great sister as well.

Julie came over on Monday. Big fun. Claudia thinks Julie is really, really cool.

Claudia had a good time in Pennsylvania. She was definitely Mimi's assistant and helped all over the farm. She was eager to help in the barn and to go on gator rides.

Claudia rode Wendy with just a lead line; nobody walking next to her, and she did good. We also saw Toy Story 3 and both girls enjoyed it, although Molly fell asleep right at the end.

We head to Vermont soon. Claudia's fourth trip.

Claudia's new bed.

We are so proud of Claudia. She had her preschool show tonight and she was Mother Rabbit. She closed the show with a big solo. The teachers were all very proud of her! She had a huge crowd there to cheer her on--Grandma, Aunt Tootie, Mr. Jeff, the Shays, and us. Videos and pictures will be up on flickr soon.

She is a such a pro at this.



It was also the last swim class of the session. Claudia is actually kind of swimming now. She feels really comfortable in the water.

Claudia had her fourth dance performance yesterday.

Enjoy.

Daddy finally was able to take a day and go to preschool with Claudia. It was fascinating to watch her for 2.5 hours. She is a very good listener and certainly follows the rules. She had a lot of fun with Jackie, Zainab, and Sydney. I was very impressed by her teachers. They are very, very good at what they do.

Preschool ends in a week. Amazing.

Claudia was so excited to march in the parade this year. She marched with Charlotte and they led the whole soccer group. Claudia was awake about 3:30am this morning she was so excited.

The other blue kids behind her are on another team!

Claudia is really starting to swim. She can swim 2-3 yards a time. She is getting much better at soccer as well.

Whacking moles with Zainab

Claudia asked Zainab to go to Quassy with her tomorrow. We have a season pass and she is allowed to bring a "buddy". Zainab seems to be pretty cool.

Some things going on for Claudia:

1. She is starting to swim. She puts her head under and swims a few feet. She likes her swimming class.

2. She had a piano lesson with Miss Eileen.

3. We heard kindergarten classes next year might be very small--under 15. Waiting to see where she gets placed.

4. She is dancing really well. Her performance is in a few weeks.

5. We have tried to get her to do "big girl" stuff at bedtime. As many of you know, she is very easy to put to bed, except we need to stay with her for 5-10 minutes while she falls asleep. We almost got her to use a flashlight instead. Yes, we put Molly down and leave the room.

6. She got a new bike.

7. Claudia likes American Idol a lot. She is a Crystal fan now. So does Molly. Kasey likes Lee. I'd be happy if they stopped singing.

Claudia works very hard at soccer. She runs real hard and is a good teammate.

Claudia loves to put on her shows right about now. We have four or five performances each night. These performances are eclectic with dance, costumes, singing, instruments and her trusty sidekick Molly. Last night was singing and playing the piano. Claudia was really proud she played Twinkle, Twinkle with Mommy's help.

Florida was a big hit with Claudia. She really enjoyed spending time with some of the family. It was a great vacation!

Claudia is here with me (mommy) to tell about her vacation! My favorite thing was the parade at the Magic Kingdom. I saw Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Cinderella, and Belle!
I also loved Sea World. I loved the whales, dolphins and getting caught in the rain. I had a great time in Mark & Joan's pool learning to swim with a noodle!! I liked the hotel, pirate pool and my room. I also had lots of fun with Grandma :)