Baccalaureate

Last night, we honored Mizuho's academic successes at the David H. Hickman High School baccalaureate for the class of 2010.

As an alum of David H. Hickman High School, Claire shared pearls of wisdom with Mizuho.

Mizuho and her good friend Mariah (a.k.a. Max) are captured out standing by the outstanding high school sign. 

Baby shower

Yesterday, I went to my first baby shower. Much to my surprise, there was no shower. Not a sprinkle. Certainly no rain. No bath, no locker room. Not even a garden hose or a kiddy pool. Just people sitting around saying, "Oooh, look at those booties." and "Pass that onsie around so we get a good look." Thankfully, Claire catered the event. There was tons of fabulous baked goods, and I ate half of it. If you ever wondered what a baby shower looks like, see the three pics below. It is like Christmas, except all the presents go to one couple. Seated on the right, Andrew and Sarah are the proud parents to be of Findlay. Andrew and Sarah are our outstanding dog sitters when both Pat and I are traveling, which is why Mr. Bojangles will be moving to their house to help care for the new baby girl when she arrives in July. Congratulations, Andrew and Sarah!

Korean guests

The Yu family were our dinner guests this evening. Mr. Yu is a visiting agricultural economics professor from Korea and a friend of Claire's from her volunteer work at the Mizzou Asian Affairs Center. The Yu family are very polite and equally funny. We had a great time.

Hickman Prom

The David H. Hickman High School prom was last night. All gussied up and looking fabulous are (L to R) Mariah, Claire, Yukiho and Mizuho. Claire did not go to the prom. She was the chauffeur, and took advantage of the opportunity to wear her "backup prom dress" from two years ago. The Hickman prom was the first of two proms for Mizuho and Yukiho. The girls had a fabulous time, and they made it home before sunrise.

Sophomore

Thursday, Claire finished her last final of her freshman year at Mizzou. Friday, she moved home for a couple weeks. Next, it is back to Belgium for the summer for another French pastry chef internship. Below, Claire is all smiles before diving into her last lunch at the campus cafeteria Plaza 900. It was my first meal there, and I have to say the food quality and choices came from a different stratosphere than the goop I ate in college.

Honors night

At the David H. Hickman High School Annual Departmental Awards last night, Mizuho was honored for her outstanding work in Art class. Below, Mizuho is pictured with her Missouri family, a.k.a. the Metro Rotary host families and counselor. Front row, L to R: Yvan, Christiana, Fran, Mizuho and Liz. Back row, L to R: Jim, me, Pat, Steve and Lynda. Jim, Christiana, Yvan and Fran were Mizuho's host family from August through November. Steve and Lynda hosted Mizuho from December through February. Liz is Mizuho's Rotary counselor. Also note Yvan was honored for his outstanding score in the American Math Competition. Congratulations Mizuho and Yvan!

French trout

For dinner tonight, Claire pulled out her French chef magic and fried flour-encrusted almond trout, and Pat baked a magnificent loaf of Swedish limpa bread. Oooh la la, them's fine eats.