Claire Kirby Turns NINE . . . in four days. Let's CELEBRATE!

Claire will turn nine on July 2.  We won't be with her,

so our celebration came early.  I didn't hear any complaints.

Birthday cake, ice cream, and FRUIT would begin our mini-party.

Claire had the privilege of placing her own candles.  Ryan perches
over the table, knowing full well he isn't allowed to blow out her candles.
He's been through this drill before!

She got them all with one mighty WHOOSH!

This insect/butterfly net with extendable handle will come in
handy at home and on trips. NOT for little brothers, Claire!

This Oodles of Doodles book will be great for home or travel, too.
It begins pictures which you may complete from your imagination.

Two tigers are the newest members of the Kirby family.

I think Claire was already getting some ideas of what to do with them.

While the weather was mild, the threesome dug up the last of
the potatoes they had planted in early March.  We got a nice harvest.
It's like a treasure hunt.

After some biking, Evan and Claire took a music break.
Evan on the keyboard.

Claire on the drums.  She's got rhythm.

When Evan came across my storage tub of Chipper's clothes,
he tried on one of the military uniforms. You know that wearing
Cam Newton's # 1 jersey is standard issue in North Carolina.

When Claire spied Chipper's top hat, all her ideas came together
in a flash.  She would be a circus ringmaster!

But first, an Italian Ice break!  Well earned.

Ryan had been doing major surgery (torture?) on Grandma.
He would pause for a watermelon Italian Ice.  But not for long.
Giving shots is SO much fun!

As I observed Claire's circus planning, I got to snake-sit.
That's THREE ferocious snakes entwined around me.  My
background had prepared me for this, fortunately.

The new tigers would be the centerpiece of Claire's circus.

This is the set-up for a carefully designed stunt by the white tiger.

A trick that will amaze you!

BRAVO for the Claire Kirby Circus!

Claire was heavily influenced by her current favorite movie,
"The Greatest Showman."
 In our book, CLAIRE is the greatestringmaster. 

And today, Claire was Birthday Queen!