Happy Birthday, Claire!

Julia doesn't have to do your hair and makeup anymore. Now that you are officially a teenager, you can do your own! Do you still have the Hello Kitty make-up box?

I remember when you were born. You had the thickest head of brown hair I have ever seen on a newborn, and also the most mellow personality.

You still have beautiful long hair, but you have a better hairdo than the one Julia gave you when she was four and you were three.

I remember when you were all visiting when you were about five, we all went on a hike. Julia staged a sit down strike and we just walked on. But when we looked back, you were sitting in the dirt earnestly convincing Julia. to carry on.

On another hike,, when you were seven or eight, you carefully and accurately explained to us the difference between ravens and crows.

You took a beautiful series of pictures of whales on a whale watching trip in Hawaii.

You were up for any adventure.

You were a bit clumsy as a small child, but you have grown up to be a self-possessed athlete and swimmer.

You are taller than your big sister, and most of the boys in your class, but you said the other night when you were going out for dinner on your Dad's birthday, that you were "owning" your height by wearing tall shoes! Go Claire!

Like the swim party you are having in the middle of January in Los Angeles,, because the temperature is 82F, you are unusual and extraordinary.

We're so proud of you.