Happy Birthday Clara - The Double Digits!

I'm having a hard time thinking of Clara as a ten-year-old, but this week she did come into the double-digits. Of course, Dan and I couldn't miss out on that important occasion, so we headed to Houston on Tuesday to join the festivities.

Before we all went out for a birthday dinner, Clara opened her presents at home. She is totally into OWLS these days. So she got a new "Owl Always Love You" shirt, an adorable owl onesie with feet, and, from Grandpa and I, a huge Beanie Boo owl named Lucy. She couldn't have been happier.

Clara's restaurant of choice this year was the Rainforest Cafe -- same as last year. It is located in the Katy Mall, which has a new attraction . . . motorized animals that you can ride all around the mall. They will hold up to 500 lbs., so even adults or couples can ride them. 

I think that Chris should win the Father of the Year award! He was a such a good sport, mounting his gallant steed and joining the kids in their mall-journey, despite a few curious stares from on-lookers.

After the animal rides, we went to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner. Clara could hardly wait for everyone to finish their meal so that her volcano would arrive. The volcano is delivered by the wait staff, and is announced with a very loud yell: "VOLLLL CAAAA NOOOO!" And then they sing a birthday song. It is a pretty terrific birthday treat - vanilla ice cream with rich chocolate brownie slabs forming the side of the volcano, a dollop of whipped cream on top, and rich hot fudge "lava" running down the sides. Yum! And, to add to the excitement, it's topped off with a sparkler.

 Clara was all smiles. Her birthday was all she hoped for and more. She is becoming such a delightful young lady, and I'm proud to be her grandma.