The winter of 2004-2005 was cold and brutish. Luckily, Clare had a coat to match. It got a little matted after an afternoon on the toboggan slopes, but that's the price of comfort, isn't it?

Because the winter was brutish, Clare spent a lot of her time indoors with Mummy at the community centre.

She swam, which was fun, and she danced, which was the Greatest Thing Ever.

We have no idea what to say about this picture.

When Clare turned four, she hoped for a Game Boy or maybe a Nintendo DS. She got a handheld gaming unit, all right, but it was decidedly 19th-century technology.

In the early spring, Clare took to scissors.

In June, Clare developed a healthy interest in Father's Day, and set about preparing artwork to mark the occasion. She used all six colours.

In July, Clare's baby sister Lucy was born. Clare was excited, Clare was proud, and Clare was happy. Clare's parents were proud proud proud.