Happy 8th Birthday Clara Godfrey
Seven is heaven, but eight is GREAT! Or so I’ve heard. That was like four decades ago for me, and I can’t even really remember what I had for breakfast, so who knows. But like every other year of your life so far, this eighth time around the sun was filled with incredible moments and more fun than you could shake a stick at — if you’re the stick-shaking type.
OK, enough of me aging myself. Let’s get on with the show!
Summer Camps:
Last summer was your first without Gaby since 2019 (more on that later). To make sure you had plenty to do (and more importantly to maintain my sanity), we put you in an array of camps through the summer. Golf, Swim, Gymnastics, Galileo, you name it. And seemingly each week you’d make a new best friend who you’d want to set up play dates with, which frankly would not help that whole ‘maintain my sanity’ thing. So we brushed it aside and thankfully you’d move on to the next ‘best friend’ quickly.
So the key takeaways here are:
- You make friends easily
- We are terrible selfish parents
Friends:
Lest you think we have ruined your chances of having a robust social life, you’ve made several good friends at school. Maybe too many. For your upcoming birthday party, the girls are annoyed that the boys are coming and the boys are skeptical of doing Sports House with the girls. I love that you move across both groups seamlessly. Keep being awesome and all the drama will work itself out.
Predictably, your best friend is Savannah, the awesomest of the group. She dominates both the girls and boys flag football leagues, and her parents are always happy to have you over to play video games or whatever you’re doing over there (I don’t ask a lot of questions — see takeaway #2 above).
Flag Football:
Usually I like to save the football updates for later in the post, especially since the season ended just a couple weeks ago. You (along with Savannah, of course) played in both the girls league and the boys league. In both leagues you scored multiple touchdowns and would dive all over the field to pull flags. And never one to let rules and norms dictate your choices, you were totally comfortable rocking raingear OVER your jersey when the weather called for it:
The Girls team (the Ducks, ugh) went undefeated. The title game was close most of the way, but you pulled away late to seal the win and earn a coveted NL Flag championship ring.
A week later, the boys team (Huskies!!) also faced a tough match-up that was close late into the 2nd half. You scored a TD and, more importantly, with the game on the line and no help behind you, had a game-clinching flag pull against the other team’s best player.
Two teams, two championships, and two rings. Can’t do it much better than that!
Modeling:
Your connection to Next Level Flag actually goes deeper than just playing on two teams. In August I got an email from Lance (CEO at Next Level) asking if you and your brothers would like to do a NL photo shoot. Savannah also got the call, and after a hour of shooting your path to super-duper Insta-stardom was set in motion. Apparently you not only play like a baller, but you look like one too!
Over the next several months you popped up in ads for NL programs all over the country. The ones with Savannah were the coolest, but I of course love seeing you with Colt and Cam. Thank goodness I signed that lucrative residuals agreement and didn’t just give NL the apparent right to use your image for free in their various nationwide campaigns. That would have been really stupid…
Gaby!
Gaby joined us way back in June 2019 when you were only 3 years old. It was only supposed to be for a year, but covid hit and she stayed. We were blessed to have her in our home until last April when she moved to El Dorado Hills with her husband (!!) Bryan.
It was definitely a tough adjustment being without the big sister you’d known and lived with for over half your life. Thankfully you’ve been able to see her several times since she left — once on her home turf on our drive back from Seattle, but mostly when she finds herself in bay area for fish & chips or other personal business.
Seattle Roadtrip:
Wait, did I just say “on our drive back from Seattle”? You bet I did! We head up to Seattle every summer to visit Grandma, and I decided that it would be good for you kids to experience a serious roadtrip. So we packed up the family Tesla and set off on the loooooonnnnnnnggggg drive. It wasn’t too bad, as you got to see giant redwoods, Crater Lake, and the presumably world-famous “Godfrey Glen” trail.
We also stopped at the Nike employee store for some discounted clothes and kicks, and as mentioned earlier swung through El Dorado Hills to say hi to Gaby. We also visited the amazing Powell’s Books, but no one seemed to notice or care except me.
Between hotels, food and various sites, I suspect it actually cost more than flying. But it’s an experience you’ll remember forever. Actually, you were only seven so I guess you’ll probably forget most of it. Or maybe all of it. But you’ll forever have that size 6–8 Nike tracksuit and whatever random book you picked out at Powell’s to remind you.
Seattle:
Nothing terribly excited happened in Seattle itself, which frankly is the way I like it. You did see your cousin Quinn, spent time with Grandma, and lost your other front tooth (the first came out about a month prior). And you ate Dairy Queen. And Little Ceasars. And spotted bunnies running around the neighborhood. You know, standard 7-year old “I have the best life ever” kind of stuff.
Montreal & Tremblant:
Might as well continue on the ‘extended family’ theme for a bit. Only a few days after returning from Seattle, we hopped on a plane for Montreal — your first international trip! We met up with Mom’s whole family — Ama & Agong, aunties Jennifer and Elizabeth, and uncles Jerry and Shane. And of course all the cousins!
Two days in Montreal, and then off the Tremblant for some hiking, trampolining, and general shenanigans. As always, the best part wasn’t the destination, it was spending time with family who you don’t see nearly often above. But…the destination was pretty cool too.
Random Conversations:
This kinda fits with the ‘family’ theme, since it happened last September when grandma was visiting. You wanted Mom to give you a ride to school, and she couldn’t because she had work commitments. Which led to this hilarious conversation:
Mom: “I can’t drive you to school, you should go with grandma”
You: “You’re doing that on purpose!”
Me: “I don’t think mom is riding on a porpoise”
You: “No, not going to school on purpose”
Me: “I don’t think we could ride a porpoise to school”
You: “She’s not driving on purpose”
Cam (sensing an opportunity to get in on the fun): “We shouldn’t put the porpoise in the car. I’m not even sure how that would work.”
You: “Stop it this isn’t funny!”
Me: “It’s a little bit funny.”
You: “It’s not funny!! You’re making me over-react!!!”
Well, what’s not funny about that?
Mom:
Totally unrelated to conversations like the one referenced above, Mom and I (and Colt and Cam) aren’t always your favorite people. At some point you got into an argument with Mom about bringing a gift you’d made down to Robyn. Afterward, you left a pretty simple note outside our door:
Which I guess means “you broke my heart”? Or “made me angry”? Or both? Either way, you can’t stay mad for long, especially when there’s the chance to cuddle up behind and catch a glimpse of whatever is on her phone.
You also just love to cuddle up in general. One of you favorite recent things to do is burst into our room in the wee hours and jump in bed between Mom and me, demanding a cuddle sandwich. We of course oblige, because it is pretty wonderful. And of course, out of fear for how you might react if we say no.
And since we’re on the topic of Mom…
While everyone knows she’s the boss around here, you are already acutely aware that she is, let’s say, malleable. A fun text from a friend:
But ultimately, Mom is the full-sized you. You remind me SO much of her, which is a pretty solid compliment. Listen to her when she tells you what to do and how to do it. She knows what she’s talking about.
Random potpourri:
As always, not everything fits cleanly into it’s own category. So here is the rundown of other things that happened in the past 12 months that are worth remembering:
5th graders can sign up to dissect a shark. Colt and I were out of town, so you got to go with Mom and Cam. Cam was pretty ‘meh’ on the whole thing, but you dove in with gusto. One would think that a 2nd grader would shy away from and/or be disgusted by and/or just really really really not want to rip an in utero baby shark from it’s momma. But one who thinks that clearly doesn’t know you very well.
Normally skiing in Tahoe would justify it’s own section. But you seemed more keen to hang out with Nora and play in the snow than actually ski. And the rule is — if I pay obscene amounts of money on a lift ticket, but you spend the day making snowmen and eating junk food in the lodge, then the activity gets relegated to the Potpourri section.
Your favorite part of Trinta is still the potential to get junk food. Your second favorite part is still riding in the gator with Tommy. Distant 3rd is playing with other kids and dogs. Last is actually watching and supporting your brothers. Nothing new here.
Last one — you’ve started obsessing about your hair. Except when mom wants you wash it or brush it or — god forbid — both! But you have extravagant ideas for different braids and styles, some of which can last upwards of 2–3 hours before you get tired of them and pull them out. You’ve also recently started wearing ‘choker’ style necklaces. I’m not going to add additional photos here, just scroll through this post and you’ll see a few.
Softball:
The remainder of your 2023 spring league ended pretty much like it started. We got smoked pretty much every week, and I’d spend most of the game just praying that each girl would get at least one at bat. Super fun.
In the fall, I took a step back from coaching and you played for coach Jayme on the Starlings. Olivia was on the team, along with a few other friends and it was a great season. You won several games, including an opening round playoff victory to keep your season alive. You didn’t pitch, but started getting more comfortable hitting off kids and making plays in the field.
In-between, you took some pitching lessons with Christie, which has been great for both your technique and your confidence.
This spring, you are again playing for coach Jayme on the Pink Coyotes. It’s been a great season so far, as you’ve played a ton of SS and 1B, and have connected on multiple outs. You’re throws are strong and confident, and you’re aggressive to the ball. Because of all the rain, you had only a couple practices before games started, but you made clear to coach Jayme that you really wanted to pitch. He started you for an inning in the second game and you did great! You had 2 strikeouts, and recorded the 3rd out on a throw to first!
Brothers:
This one barely qualifies for it’s own section, given that you and your brothers barely interact except when fighting with each other. Or when welcoming back Colton, who’s been away in Japan for 10 days, with a sign that suggests he should maybe consider staying away a bit longer.
But occasionally, when the moon is in precisely the right position in the sky and all the stars are aligned, and when you’re pretty sure no one is watching, you will sometimes sorta kinda not hate each other. Cam will help you with piano, and you’ll return the favor by letting him take refuge under your umbrella. You’ll even pretend to be happy for a split-second to allow a photographer to capture a “look how well our kids get along!” photo facade.
Deep down (like way way way deep), I know that you and your brothers love each other. Some day you’ll know it to. I just hope it doesn’t take so long that I’m not alive to see it!
2nd Grade:
1st grade was a little rocky (mostly for me, you were fine), but 2nd grade has been amazing! Mrs Dougherty is the best teacher you could ask for — kind and caring, but with high expectations and a commitment to making sure you reach them. I’m in your class almost every week, and it’s a joy to watch you learn and help your classmates.
You’re doing great in math and your reading is getting much stronger. Art might be your favorite, and you’ve definitely brought home some frame-able pieces. Spelling is still a bit of a struggle, but by the time you’re an adult typing and writing might be obsolete anyway. Either way, I’m just over the moon that you’re in such a wonderful classroom with great kids a fantastic teacher. Baywood has been good to us.
Taekwondo:
You started Taekwondo a little over a year ago. After a couple months you passed your first belt test, moving from white to yellow. Since then you’ve increased three additional belts — to orange, then green, and now purple. It’s fun to watch you do your routines, and your favorite activity is sparring — especially when Master Brynne is your opponent. But the most entertaining moments are the board breaks during the belt tests.
I love that Taekwondo is teaching you discipline, balance, and strength. And that it’ll build even more confidence than you already have (if that’s even possible). Keep kicking butt! (and boards).
Ireland:
Remember when I used to do these birthday posts in chronological(ish) order? Yeah, me neither. But we’re almost at the end of the post and we happen to be in Ireland right now! On your 8th Birthday! We arrived last Monday and spent the first four days in Kilkea Castle, visiting ruins, playing with owls, and sampling chicken fingers & fries from various restaurants in the region.
On Friday we swung back through Dublin to grab mom at the airport before heading up to Belfast. In Belfast we ate some more chicken strips with fries, then headed to the Titanic Experience, which you probably could have done without. But back at the hotel, I convinced you and the brothers to do your best impersonations of the various statues in the yard. And that kept you entertained for a while until it was time for Mom and I to bribe you with ipad time while we grabbed a Guinness or three with some friends.
Then it was off to Giant’s Causeway and other areas along the Northern Ireland coast. Truly remarkable. You guys hated the windy, hilly, magnificently beautiful coastline drive I forced us to take there. But once we navigated the disaster that was the Giant’s Causeway parking lot and made the long walk down to the water, you were blown away. Thousands of hexagonal blocks formed by volcanic eruptions 50–60 million years ago. Or maybe by a fight between Scottish and Irish giants. Hard to say for sure. But what is for sure is that it was pretty damn amazing!
Next up is a trip to a sheep farm to herd, shave and hold cute adorable little baby lambs. But that’s actually happening on your birthday — today! So you’ll have to wait until next year to read about that and the rest of this trip.
Me (aka Dad):
Every day on the walk to school we hold hands (man I’m going to miss that whenever it stops). Any time it’s even remotely cold, you put your hand in a fist and ask me to put my hand around that fist. This started out as a way for me to keep your hand as warm as possible, but has since morphed into a way for you to brag that your hand is going to be warmer than my hand. I’ll even protest that, because I’m an old man, you should really be wrapping your hand around my fist. But you just laugh it off, unbothered by whatever might happen to my frostbitten fingers in the freezing 50 degree bay area winter mornings.
I love our time together. Whether it’s ice skating, reading a nighttime story, playing cards, or pretending to have stuffed animals fart in each others’ faces, you put a smile on my face and fill my heart with joy. Your lows are low, but your highs are even higher — and a whole lot more frequent. You know what you want and aren’t afraid to ask for it. Keep being you and living life to the fullest. I’m excited to continue on this crazy ride with you.
Happy 8th birthday Clara. I love you so so so much.
