nate and paige

The Polar Express

2012-01-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

We knew after the model train show a train around our Christmas tree was a must.

So I shopped around for the best option, decided on a Lionel Polar Express G-Gauge, and we anxiously awaited it arrival.

When it arrived, Nate made me wait till he got home from work so we could both see Brig's reaction.

It was worth every penny spent on that train.

After we got the bad batteries figured out she ran smooth and our little man was in heaven.

Then the next day came around and we learned quickly that it's either running full speed ahead, or Brig is carrying the engine around with him.

This is all fine and good but we looked at this as an investment, and really I'm not ready to have a broken trainset, and really not ready to be hauling around baby in-utero, 2 year old, and Pol Ex engine.

After a few days I had to put it away for a day or two so I could have a break. The child wanted it running at all times.

Then I decided, screw it this train is not going around my tree. So we set up the train with a viewing seat and tunnel :)

Solved some of the problems.

Brig adores it. Sits on that chair for 15 minutes at a time and as long as its moving, he won't touch it. But when its stationary? He must be holding, driving, coddling it.

This train, and the discovery of the movie "The Polar Express", were a huge part of this Clark Christmas season. I was thrilled when we took Christmas down and I was able to put the train away. But Brig... well he is still looking for it and it is a fantastic bargaining chip to get him to follow me inside.

St Lucia

2012-01-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

My mom was the greatest with traditions. All us girls love them. My mom's heritage is very Swedish, and then my brother went on his mission to Sweden and consequently there a few Swedish traditions that are rolling through the Clark household.

St Lucia is one of them.

December 13, the oldest daughter in the family wakes the family up dressed as St Lucia, bearing hot chocolate and lussekatter (saffron buns). Historically your celebrating St Lucia who was burned at the stake, I remember another story from growing up, and most girls recognize he from Kirsten the American Girl Doll. Regardless, it is a tradition I enjoy and does make me think of my Swedish heritage. So I stayed up till midnight making the authentic lussekater with my $20 bottle of saffron to create the perfect St. Lucia presentation.

I know Brig gets nothing about this, but man he was sure excited

He gets so pleased when I present him with something that is clearly adult but okay for him to participate in.

My expensive and time consuming lussekater were terrible.

Really... we'll consider the pillsbury option next year, but sometimes I just can't be dissuaded.

Oh Brig.

Thanks for making everything so much fun for your mother.

a little heartbroken

2011-12-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little heartbroken this Christmas Eve.

We lost our grandma Billie today.

And even knowing everything I know about our Heavenly Father's plan, and how tough these last few months have been for her, I am still just sad.

Sad that this woman is no longer in my world.

Sometimes its not until someone is gone that you realize what a huge part of your world they are.

She is a woman I will always look up to and will feel the void of her passing each day.

I wish I were with MY mom right now.

I wish I could try be there for her. Because the hole in her heart she described to me today I wish I could help mend.

But for now, for this Christmas Eve, all I can do is be a little heartbroken because an incredible women who I love is no longer here.

We will miss you Florene Geniveve Berset Ausman

But I know this Christmas will be your best ever.

little christmas-ings

2011-12-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Item #1

Nutcracker Suite Music Box

Little did I know when my dream of owning a Nutcracker Music Box came true, Brig's did too.

When I first pulled it out of its box I sat it on a chair so he could get a good view.

That lasted one showing.

But do you see the wonder on that face?

It then found a home here.

He can barely see over the edge of our console table so I pulled up a chair for him for better view.

He'll watch it 3-4 times through (8 songs each time)

And when I don't pick him up and dance around, his little legs will waggle and dance along.

This picture cracks me up because if you know my house you know what went on here.

Brig pushed this chair all the way from the breakfast nook so he could have a better view.

Now press play mom.

Item #2

Vanilla Steamers

They just taste like Christmas to me.

And Brig loved having his own.

He was such a big boy carrying it and drinking it all by himself.

Yum.

And see that fireman badge?

A kindly fireman watching me chase brig around starbucks offered it him as a small distraction.

It didn't work. But it sure looked cute on his coat.

Item #3

YouTube

I made the horrible mistake of introducing Brig to train videos on YouTube.

We were shopping around for the perfect model train for under our tree and I let Brig take a looks to see his reaction.

Love.

He sat watching model trains on YouTube for at least 30 minutes.

And now any computer, phone, laptop, is requested he watch trains.

And No, he isn't nice about his requests or polite when it's time to stop watching them.

But those 3 things have been very much a part of our Christmas season here.

Leaves

2011-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Here in Sonoma County, racking leaves is a December activity.

So Brig and I spent an afternoon in the backyard.

It's funny we don't play in the backyard as often as I would think. Mostly cause I've got to do a poop pick up, and Brig will really only play outside if I am out there with him.

He was a particularly good helper on this occasion however.

I even made him a giant sliding leaf pile.

I have the best memories of racking leaves in our huge yard growing up.

Dry crunchy oak leaves we used to put in massive piles and take turns having my dad throw us in. (Really, how do you not get hurt doing that kind of thing? )Then my mom would help us make "houses" out of the leaves and we'd play in those houses till dark. Something so magical about the times you remember your parents actually "playing along" with you. I'm determined to be better at it.

so blurry, but he was so excited.

We really only have enough leaves for one pile at our house. But that seemed to be plenty for a Brig.

he's saying "gooo"

and it was a hit.

See? he's signing more.

Oh, and he also finally ventured into the dog house. He seems to think it's his own club house.

Oh well, at least someone in the family is using it.

oh, Christmas tree!

2011-12-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

We found Grandma Buddy's last year.

And Nate said I made the same comment last year

"I want to live in this house"

My pictures do no justice. But Grandma Buddy's is the cutest most picturesque place on Christmas tree earth. And don't worry, you'll get better pictures next year because I've decided this will be the location of Christmas Card 2012.

There are rows and rows of trees all priced and ready to be chopped down by yourself.

And these rows and rows surround this amazing house, all dressed in garland.

Though I thought this was going to be a hands-free lovely experience, I thought wrong.

Brig loved the rows and rows and ran and ran and really made actual tree shopping impossible.

We finally just cut one of the trees he happened to stop in front of down.

And poor Nate broke quite the sweat hacking our tree down with this contraption.

Oh and Brig was trying to climb through the fence to get to the road.

You pay in the "wreath barn" which is the cutest place ever with a fully equipped train set, town, hot chocolate bar, flocking service, mistletoe displays, and of course wreaths.

Like I said, I anticipate next years Christmas card to be spectacular.

And then there is nothing more romantic than driving home with a tree atop your car.

And because this is how it really is when I want to take pictures, here is Brig throwing a fit over my shoulder.

As for the finished product of our tree?

Grandma Buddy's might be the most picturesque, but our tree sucks this year.

It sits lopsided, Brig destroys the ornament arrangement, and it doesn't even smell.

So no tree picture to remember it by and good riddance 12/26!

Tanksgiving

2011-12-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

I threw a grand fit about making it back to Utah for Thanksgiving this year. Nate mentioned we probably could only make it to Utah for either Christmas or Thanksgiving but not both.

For some reason, nothing sounds more depressing to me then being alone on Thanksgiving.

Christmas, not so much it is fun in and of its self.

But Thanksgiving? It's a holiday built around a table of food shared with family.

So we made it to Utah.

And it was a Williams year.

Us Williams are on a "on-year off-year" rotation with in-laws and such.

My favorite Williams Thanksgiving in memory.

It was only my immediate family which made it low-key, relaxed, and as intimate as 25 can be.

My favorite.

My family.

I love them.

Oh and know what we did the night before thanksgiving?

I revealed that baby #2 is a BOY.

I made cupcakes with blue frosting in the middle. Everyone bit in at the same time.

I would say the majority was surprised to say the least :)

And somehow I didn't snap a photo of it at all?

Brig loved the freedom of being at Nannie's.

He played outside, went up stairs to play, then down stairs to play and it really was pretty hands-off as parents. And he sported his Thanksgiving suit created by yours truly out of Nate's old sweats.

It's cute.

He kinda loves his Dad.

And after Nate watched him while I got my hair done, my sisters explained he is much more fun of a parent than me.

And my sisters.

nothing like em'.

And do we like Brooke and I's matching bump?

Thank you Mom and Dad for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We are truly thankful for you two!

Halloweeeeen

2011-12-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

December 8th.... no comment

Our family festivites started with our ward trunk-or-treat

we we're "ugly monsters"

I had this vision months ago and would not be persuaded that Brig should be anything else.

A mix between an ugly doll and a monster from "where the wild things are"

Brig looked adorable

the trunk or treat was lame.... again.

and no one knew who or what we were.

It was a flash back to my 7th grade halloween costume... I could have had a cute homemade fairy costume like Brooke but instead I had my mom whip up an original Paige costume. I think I was supposed to be a mystery man?

(Its really to bad the boots didn't fit in the picture. Oh and my hair is crimped.Oh and yes Brooke was hot in Jr high)

Who knows why I do these things...

Anyway,

Two great Halloween lessons learned this year:

1. have your child be something people recognize

2. Hand out candy (playdough is apparently lame)

But I loved Brig playing in his daddy's legs while we waited in line for some chili

and his mad dash for mom

Halloween Day....

Nate had to be in San Diego for the day

and you betcha' I wasn't having no Halloween by my lonesome

So I headed down to Dublin for some cousin time.

Cass and I were awesome moms and took Cleo and Brig to play at their very awesome pumpkin patch

brig sported his too small mummy shirt one last time.

They spent quite some time in the corn pit.

Brig however preferred swimming in the corn and sampling kernels.

yuck.

we found a "moo brig"

and another brig favorite.

THE WAGON

hands down the best part of the pumpkin patch for little man

He and Cleo gave each other rides round the patch

It then was time to round them up and get our trick-or-treat on.

Brig began to suffer from no nap by this point....

but the white fluffy suit could have something to do with the ornery-ies as well... who knows?

But his love for an uncle Jonny and a red wagon helped a bit.

yes those sparkly eyes are tuned into Jon.

we trick-or-treated at Greg and Carie's and they so kindly fed us amazing Amici's pizza.

I had to document Brig eating pizza though... who doesn't love pizza front first?

Then Cass and I rolled the toddlers round the block. They sat comfortably passing candy back and forth to each other as we rolled by front doors.

I'll finish with this picture.

It was the scariest house we hit and as you can see, their responses were hilarious.

All in all Halloween was a great success with no Nate and all.

An affair to dismember

2011-11-13T22:29:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to throw a How to Host Murder party for Halloween this year.

We really need to make efforts at making friends, we never do anything fun for halloween, I like thinking about throwing parties. So we did it.

It was a lot of work, a lot of planning, a lot more money than I was planning, a lot of co-conspiring with Brooke who threw her own party (a major plus to having sisters), and by the time it was the night of I really didn't want to be throwing it.

But afterward? I was thrilled we did.

I was so pleased with how everything turned out and made my Halloween weekend very Haloweenie.

The premise of the game was a engagement party for a ghoulish couple.

All their ghoulish friends we're invited.

So here were the invitations, hand dyed by yours truly.

We had 6 guests and all arrived in fantastic costumes.

But I'm new to this whole party throwing and getting everything served in a hostly manner basically means I only got stage shots. No people.

Nate's mummy costume was a dream too.

The table was spookily set, and each plate had a sinister menu to look over.

We also had the whole house candlelit.

It was very mood setting and picturesque, but visibility wasn't great.

Especially when people had to read words like "candelabra"

I guess if you don't read romance novels the word is lost on you.

(and see our new shelves in the background? I love them.)

Our new shelves/desk played an integral roll in the beverage/dessert service.

And do you see the wee white figure in the background preparing hors d'oeuvres?

That's King Aldrinktothat (nate in mummy costume)

such a pity....

We even spooked our furniture out for the hors d'oeuvres portion

Oh and I guess the world series was on too....

Anyway, I had a grand old time with this.

Next year? Halloween party, no game.

We got bored of it and just read out the results in the end.

But I think we all enjoyed my delicious food and being in costume :)

utah v cal

2011-11-12T23:38:00.000-08:00

Our only Utah game of the season happened the weekend of the black-eye too.

It was a monumental experience taking Brig to his first Utah game.

He got a pretty decent Utah wardrobe when nannie came to watch him in September so he pretty much wears his colors every Saturday.

But actually being tat the game in his colors was fantastical.

These daddies with their babes were pretty cute.

for the first quarter that is...

Cleo is such a grown up girl.

It's funny to think she and Brig are only 3 months apart cause most the time she's acting like she's 3 already. Oh, and she and that daddy are two peas in a pod :)

Cleo was loving a little "B" time.

They shared seats, sippy cups, popcorn, skittles, and all manner of game food.

for the first quarter...

Then Brig got restless and then we found this and then he wouldn't leave for the rest of the game.

I guess it was okay we stayed he a while since the game was a sham.

Really, a stroke of genius for AT&T Park for putting a stationary trolly for my boy to "MMM mmmm" all game in.

lawn boys

2011-11-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

Scenes like this warm my soul :)

smoooch those two...

bruiser....

2011-11-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Seriously

Brig has become quite the bruiser. He's really pretty tough and doesn't really cry when he falls but he's always covered in bruises and even when he's not, people assume his power veins on his forehead are bruises too. So bruiser he is.

This one was the daddy of all daddy's to date though. It was one of those mothering moments where I saw the point I could have prevented and I didn't. I felt horrible.

It was the first day Brooke was here. We were trying to get out the door and off to lunch. She was finishing dolling her girls. I went out to the car to figure out the 3 across thing. Then Brooke and the girls joined me in the garage. Little man must have thought I was leaving without him. He opened the garage door (which has a spring and makes it very difficult). He peeked out and saw me in the backseat. He edged his way to the top stair. I thought "I should go get him" but then I almost had his pain-in-the-butt car seat secured. Then Brooke saw him and said "hi". Then a thud. Then a wail. Then a split cheek that immediately started swelling. I have concluded that he hit his cheekbone on the corner of the 2nd concrete stair. I dabbed it clean, did not put a band-aid on it cause they stress a Briggers out, gave him a dose of tylenol for good measure, and we were off to our fun filled day. He really seemed no worse for the wear. But the horrible instant had longer repercussions. 1 week + of a black eye, cancellation of our family pictures, and a very guilty momma.

Oh the lessons we learn.

A visit from the Jackson girls

2011-11-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

I can't even say how excited I was to have my sister come out

and how flattered and thankful I was that she made the sacrifice to come.

Casue' its really no easy feat making it to norcal solo.

Or I guess I should say our day at the beach?

It's the only day I took any pictures...

But the above is Poppy, who on getting suited up immediately ran to the water with her pail and kindly got the assistance of a stranger to fill it up for her.

That girl is daring, knows what she wants, and is far to clever in getting her way.

Brig always loves a little sand.

Even though on our way out the door little man did a head dive from the top of the garage stairs.

Just wait till I get to the black eye post....

This little one is a sweet heart. A very worried about great white sharks sweetheart but I loved watching her older sister pop-tart and play along with her mommies "stars to a china doll" trick.

I had a lot reminiscing of Brooke and I. She older sistered me a lot. And I loved her like Poppy loves Minie.

(Brook pseudo-Aunt Chrissy)

We lazed around, went to the beach, attended Sonoma county church, and even ventured into the city.

But, none of that will be documented in these pictures.

Because as much fun as it was, we were busy, and exhausted, and well didn't take pictures.

It was lovely though, even though Brooke had a few revelations of her older-sistering that got me question having kids so close (my stunting partner in high school she assigned to me... nonsense).

Thank you Brookie.

oh...

And I'm sorry if I am a ornery pregnant lady :(

Annual Harvest Party

2011-11-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Our nicest friends in these parts, the Ambridge's, throw a Harvest Party every year. They are fantastic hosts and really have the best parties. Yummy soups, the variety a pot-luck brings, their amazing yard, neighbors and friends, and a hay ride? A hit...

Brig's favorite attraction was their playground where he insisted climbing up the ladder 100x,

but the tractor was a close second.

silly boy.

My beautiful friend Amy.

I really doubt I will ever meet a kinder person.

Brig opened and closed the tractor door while it was parked.

Then it was our turn for the hay ride.

This is Brig signing "more" cause he was 'ret to go.

The hay ride took you down to the haunted gazebo in their pasture.

(hauntified by yours truly)

Brig didn't really want to get off the hay ride so Nate dragged him up to get his treats.

Then the fun fall affair was over.

We didn't stay long because we were awaiting the arrival of Brookie but it was perfect.

Sometime short and sweet is.

the model train show

2011-11-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

While we were at Train Town Brig spotted a piece of paper with a train on it.

He wouldn't let go of it and hauled it around all day doing "mmm MMM's".

Turns out the piece of paper was a flyer for the Santa Rosa home show and Redwood Empire model train show, at the fair grounds, in October. We decided we better take him if he was getting that excited over the flyer.

So we did.

Nate and I concurred it was the best $14 dollars we have spent on Brig.

He was in heaven. I was a little nervous that he would destroy the model trains and brought the stroller as a "just in case". However, there was no need. It was hilarious and kind of bizarre at the same time. Brig 100% got the model trains and l-o-v-e-d them. Not once did he try grab at them, cross the ropes, or anything. He just knew we watch trains of course. This particular train brig chased around for at least 20 minutes. Chasing after one only to have the other coming in the opposite direction to meet him. It was all at perfect eye level for him, he kept pointing, politely walking around the other observes, and had that grin on his face the whole time.

(well fine, see for yourself...)

We kind just let him roam the place and on his own accord he found this set then just plopped himself down and reverently observed.

We ended the visit properly with a real live train ride.

Unfortunately, we had to ride the diesel engine and not the steam engine cause it was out of water.

I myself am partial to the steam engines. Diesels are never cool on Thomas & Friends :(

It was a fantastical idea Brig. Thank you for bringing this wonderful event to our attention. We shall make it an annual thing.... even if I am a little nervous that I met several of the "Brig in 30 years" types with backyards full of model trains etc etc.

pumpkins.

2011-11-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

I kind of don't even want to post this because pumpkins were a horrible experience this year.

We tried 3x to go get pumpkins first week in October, all to no avail because pumpkin patched don't want to be open when it's raining?

who doesn't just put rain gear on?

I guess a lot of people....

Then we made it to this local, family owned, trying to be a good member of our community patch, which we went to last year, only to enjoy the grounds, pick our 2 pumpkins, and pay $35 for them.

sickening.

I was wanting to spend $35 on pumpkins, just not 2 pumpkins, and I was just kicking myself for not picking up the 3 for $10 I kept seeing at my daily haunt to the home depot.

Anyway, Brig was cute so I guess that can be worth something.

Again, I'm always impressed that he knows just what to do.

He frolicked through the lines of pumpkins

then climbed on atop one

and fell off

then he picked his perfect pumpkin.

We discovered he loves wagons.

and he happily bumped along with his pumpkin while daddy ran them about.

We observed the resident bovine.

And the moo they gave him was the loudest most up close and personal moo one can get.

He was a little scared.

My busy boy had a busy old time

and his ornery pregnant mother even got chinese food for dinner after the unpleasant experience.

Some how it made things better... even if I cheer the day Target finally overtakes this little farm each time I drive by.

train town take 2

2011-11-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

I really would like to be posting for halloween right now... but back tracking must be done.

TRAIN TOWN!!

Little did we know when Nate found train town and thought it would be a fun family outing that our son would soon become an obsessor of trains. With the end of warm weather approaching, we thought one more visit was absolutely necessary.

The first spotting of our arriving train.

It is so funny how as parents our whole world has changed axises. Nate and I for one, would never have thought that a 45 min drive to a dingy little train town would be like christmas morning for us.

Watching this boy get excited and seeing the joy on his face really makes our world go round.

Brig clapped and cheered when we got seated then promptly started waving "bye bye" and doing the "more" sign.

It is a quick little ride that stops in a "tiny town" with a petting zoo.

Brig loved running through the little houses this visit then boarded the train early of course.

Brig found the school house to be particularly charming with all the books to look at.

We ended our visit with a ride on the carousel.

As far as rides go, this is as intense of a ride as Brig will do. Actually, it was really impressive that he let his daddy leave his side and was seated on his own horse! And really, I don't think his eyes met mine once even though his daddy pointed me out at every turn.

Our visit was maybe only an hour and half with exploring, train riding, and one carousel ride in the gamut, but it was perfection for this small fry and the big fries even made it home in time (with our favorite hot wings) for the Utah game.

And that my friends, is what we call success.

18 month boy post at 19 months

2011-10-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

My beautiful beautiful boy!

Grammy always says she hopes you are a baby just like your daddy because he was such a delightful boy. Well my child, a delightful boy you are indeed.

You are busy, but busy in the way that you try to help with everything I'm doing. Turning the washing machine on and off for me, loading the dishwasher with 15 detergent cubes and then closing the door and trying to turn in on while I'm still loading. Taking your diapers to the garage for me, always opening and closing the garage door for us, helping the dogs drink their water (usually by example), pushing the laundry baskets around the house for me, and loading and unloading your pantry with all the canned goods. You always want to go "side"(outside). Many mornings you just start driving either your racer or cozy cab into the front door over and over again. Luckily you can't reach the lock on the door yet. You speak an adorable version of what auntie brooke calls caveman. "Uhhhh?" "memememe" and other grunting sounds that your dad and I pretty much speak as well. You do say very clearly however, "daddy" "mom" "doggy" "side" "zip" "gooo" reserved only for sliding and of course the sound for trains "mmmm MMM"

This would be the face for "uhhhh"

You loved the Dr's this month and happily played trains with him which he said "he's definitely not autistic"to but then did question your attention span :)

He had a fishy mobile that he kept blowing for you so he could check you out and now anytime we see something hanging from the ceiling you start blowing.

officially your stats are:

Height: 82.6 cm 54%

Weight: 27 lbs 4 oz 67%

Head: 50.5 cm 98%

your head shrunk from the last visit so he was pretty sure they measured it wrong :)

you are definitely a tv watcher, like your daddy.

And your terrible pregnant mother has been letting this be an afternoon activity so I can lay down.

but you cuddle me when we do watch tv so it is a terrible double edged sword. rest and cuddles?

oh and you're quite the monkey.

Climbing on everything and loving it.

We took your baby seat off your high chair so now you can "climb" in your own chair.

You love it.

Oh and cars, buses, trucks, trains?

It's like you've died and gone to heaven.

Daddy let you help him clean out his car this particular morning.

We usually go out to say goodbye to daddy and sometimes if your luck you get to drive around the cul-de-sac.

this is the face that accompanies your train noise

"mmm MMM"

I'm thinking your such a big boy now. No more babas for you and I have a child that goes to nursery! Oh I love you and love watching you grow, but where did my baby go? You could stay my baby forever you know...

Happy 18 months to you my boy!

xoxo

mommy

Maui

2011-10-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

MAORI

as I kept saying

to Nate's chagrin :)

(more on maori here)

We made it to 5 years though and it was time for a Nate and Paige vacation.

We tentatively had planned on going to Hawaii for our anniversary for a long time and really the trip remained pretty tentative until we actually checked into our hotel in Maui.

The date.. tentatively changed, our babysitter... tentatively changed, our flight and transportation... tentatively changed, our destination... tentatively changed, our hotel... tentatively changed.

But our trip was a great success.

I don't really care to leave Brig again, but a great success.

My king of the world made this whole trip really quite fantastic. Even though the whole trip was quite "tentative" I have absolute confidence in Natey's travel agent skills. Really he has a knack for it.

Even if the 10 pm drive to the airport the night before to get my mom, which ended up in a broken down car, renting a new car, following the old car being towed the 90 miles to Santa Rosa and not getting home till 3 am only to have to jump back into the rental car to drive to SFO at 5 am for our "stand by" flight to either Maui or Honolulu was a little stressful.

Our first whole day in Maui we attempted the road to Hanna.

It was beautiful and we really enjoyed "Maui Revealed" little secrets and felt like quite the adventures.

However, pregnant Paige got carsick and hungry and tired and by the time we got to Hanna I really was not pleasant.

Luckily, Nate knows a thing or two about me after 5 years and put food in me as soon as we arrived.

The road was long and slow but really had beautiful views.

Three bears

Really kind of surreal being so close to big beautiful things like this.

Nate got in every pool we found.

I did too... but turns out when I get nervous about foreign/cold waters I dog paddle.

Nate was bugged when I hesitated getting in then just laughed me to shame once I did.

What can is say? unfortunately I'm really not that adventuresome.

I was instructed to take a lot of pictures of Nate in the waterfalls.

Particularly when he was under the fall.

Let me just say, that water wasn't coming down lightly.

That night we participated in our worst investment of the trip.

Luau's are lame.

The food was gross, I mean buffets rarely are good, the entertainment was long and by the time they got to the fire dancing it really wasn't that cool and we left early.

BUT

we were seated at the table directly behind Rob Thomas and he had a buddy who was a Russell Brand twin.

Our hotel was amazing.

beautiful grounds, open lobby, beach front

we got a great rate for our ocean view room but really when you spend that much money on your accommodations you kinda wanna make it worth your while.

So we did.

We spent most our time at the "adult only" pool with our private cabana but everyday we had to make our way to kiddie land for Nate to ride the slides.

This area made feel very cruel for not having Brig with me...

Although my heart was breaking the whole trip cause I was missing my boy

It really was splendid.

Sleeping in, inhaling books, eating when and where we wanted(except for the fact that pregnancy made nothing taste good), laying out, taking naps.

Splendid.

beggers can't be choosers here when it comes to photography.

I don't love swimming in the ocean, but I could let the waves wash over my feet all day.

Nate likes to play.

Of course I joined him and we rolled around in the sand and waves like it was our first time in the ocean and we were covered in sand by the time the sun set.

view from our room...

more sliding :)

This is the run when he made it all the way to the end.

Ah... and our open lobby.

I am in love with these trees.

Not even sure what kind they are but they were magical.

It was the longest and shortest 5 nights.

My mom made it all okay though. I can't believe I thought I could leave Brig with anyone besides her!

She was a lifesaver and so flexible with all our crazy travel plans.

Coming home was even better than leaving and I have come to realize that I have lost my wonder for the world for a time. We saw all these beautiful and majestic vistas but nothing even comes close to comparing to my boy. He is all the wonder I have for the world. Who would have thought?

It took Brig a good week to forgive me on returning home. He loved daddy more than me for that whole week and the fact that daddy had to go to work made life for me a little tough. And I think Nannie was way more fun than I am too so it took him awhile to realize the party was well, just a party.

All in all? My experience is that traveling never goes as planned. But that is part of the fun.

I am so glad we did this though with baby #2 on the way who knows when we'll get another break for the two of us.

Maybe 10 years?

oh baby :)

2011-10-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

As of today I am 12 weeks 5 days along with baby number 2

Oh the roller coaster of emotions a baby is!

I have gone from utter elation to I am a terrible mom and probably shouldn't even have one baby let alone two.

But come April 23, 2012 2 kiddos (hopefully!) will be a reality.

I feel like I got hit by a freight train and really sleep and sit on the couch way to much.

Hence, the I am a terrible mom thoughts. Entering into the 2nd trimester I hope some energy returns.

That's all the griping I am allowing for now.

We are thrillllllled.

Timing? perfect.

They will be just over 2 years apart.

Fun fact? Brooke and I officially have the same due date.

We've come a long way together that sister and I.

We ourselves are only 16 months apart and apparently there are two little spirits that really like each other and need to come to earth together.

Really, we never could have planned this.

We both found out we were pregnant the same day while we were on the phone together

and now our due date and all our dr appointments are coinciding.

It's really very exciting.

For a few weeks there we thought this little babe might have another cousin but the timing wasn't right.

I am still heartbroken.

little 12 week baby

When we went to Brig's 12 week ultrasound we both immediately thought "that's a boy" we could see Brig's personality through the ultrasound.

Although I love this little tadpole more than anything.

Baby was a stranger!

I kept looking at the baby thinking "who are you little babe?"

My gut says this is baby is girl.

But my gut has been wrong many a time before.

Little baby was very still for this ultrasound, the technician had to be very patient with us.

Toward the end however, little baby got the hiccups or something and started bouncing around like a mexican jumping bean. Nate and I are still imitating the adorable whole body jolts.

But at the end of the day with all my worries and all my excitement I am perfectly happy with an overly rounded tummy and an image of LEFT LOWER EXTREMITY because it really is amazing that 12 weeks ago that LEFT LOWER EXTREMITY didn't exist and that now it is my world.

A few of my favorite scenes...

2011-10-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just cause there is little else I adore more than this...

(sorry so blurry!)

Little engines peeking over my counter, cause of course Thomas wants to drive on the counter!

And this seemed like a good place to secure their couplings

Oh I love watching this boy play.

Just the way his mind works and how he knows that trains and cars well, drive.

I hope you keep playing forever

because I for one could watch you forever

a petrified forest

2011-10-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

I see the sign all the time "Petrified Forest 10 miles <--"

I, for one, find such things interesting.

So when Nate got invited to go to niners first pre-season game... Brig and I needed a few tricks.

It also happened to be the same weekend as "Wings over Wine Country" so we stopped by the cemetary to catch a bit of this. It was not very entertaining this year :(

Petrified forest it was!

Brig needed no promptings to know what to do with a petrified tree.

You climb over it of course.

It was very overpriced, full of tourist, Nate would have hated it, and really it was not much of a "forest"

but

It was the perfect little "hike" for a Brig and a good "once every few years" kinda things.

They were cool though.

And with all their claims of "largest petrified trees in the world" and "7 million years old" and "Robert Louis Stevenson" I did feel a bit awestruck.

And again, Brig knew just what to do.

Find a seat on a petrified tree of course!

Oh I love that curious boy.

It was on this visit that I learned Brig's love for uneven surfaces.

Rocks, sand, dirt, sticks, leaves. Yes, please.

We started exploring baby hikes after this discover.

Much to Brig's delight.

A shakespearean girls retreat

2011-10-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Coleen and I have been talking for years about how much fun going to the Shakespeare festival would be. I went with my grandma in high school with a group Michael Wilcox took down. We read and studied the plays we were going to see, discussed them most the way down and it is one of my favorite memories with my grandma. I remember feeling so grown up.

Coleen is quite the reader and the kind of person who has her favorite passages memorized and can spout them out in the perfect time, place, and scenario.

Anyway, we finally worked out a time to go. It was last minute, no kids are allowed, and I knew if we didn't just do it, it would never happen.

Luckily it did!

"the globe"

where we watched Romeo and Juliet

Misty and Cass joined and we were the perfect set of 4!

We met up around noon and went and got ourselves tarts before our first show "A Midsummer Night's Dream." They were all they were talked up to be and we even got to witness a man truly hitting on our gorgeous mother-in-law ;)

Intermission we entertained ourselves in the gift shop.

And guess who I ran into there? The Michael Wilcox. I went right up to him and let him know I was Johnnie Belle's. He loves her :)

For last minute tickets we were very strategic. We didn't sit next to each other but we all had aisle seats right behind one another. perfect.

The girls at "Romeo and Juliet."

After our first play, at 2 pm, we went to a lovely dinner at the Garden House. We sat on the lawn and over stuffed ourselves and I think all of us were ready to call it a night. Coleen is the only one who actually did. We missed her but we really couldn't blame her...

Cause this is where we stayed and we had the entire top level to our selves.

It was simply charming.

When we returned from the play we all climbed in Coleen's king sized bed for a Dickens movie.

We lasted 5 min before we all found our own beds :)

oh and Brig?

He was at the Lamoreaux and happily calling Robyn "Mom"

traitor

We had a leisurely morning enjoyed stuffed french toast on the big yellow inn's big white porch then it was time for Cass and I to hit the road.

What a fun little 24 hours we had.

The return home does however merit a mentioning.

Cass's nicest family took both of us and the babes to Vegas to catch our flight that night. The two little goobers did great. They enjoyed a lovely nuggie meal from Wendy's (sweet and sour for Brig, honey mustard for Cleo), a treat and toy airplane stop at the gift shop, very quick diaper change, then boarded in a timely fashion and seated next to each other. Then a seat change mid flight "because two babies can't sit by each other" and TWO poopy diapers on our 60 minute flight we made it to Oakland. Seriously Brig... those bathrooms are not meant for changing diapers.

Anyway, it was fun and we made it back to two very excited daddies.

August Reunion Part II

2011-10-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

look at that belly.

oh dear...

The August visit to Utah was only supposed to be through the weekend. Partly because I hate flying by myself at this point, partly because my parents were just out, and mostly because Natey boy was pulling his weight to get me to stay home.

So I didn't book my flight any longer than Sunday night. Then I get to Utah and I was enjoying things and thinking I was not there long enough and Coleen and I were looking at Shakespeare tickets.... and then Coleen told Nate I was staying :)
The man really can't say no to his mom. It's really lovely.

So after the weekend with the Clark's we headed down for a very short Sunday visit at my parents.

Brig enjoyed his first ice cream cone.

THEN

Cass and Misty decided Shakespeare festival sounded too fun as well and lucky for me Cass's family lives in St George. So I hitched a ride with the all to nice Clements down to St. George and went for a visit with the Lamoreaux's until our Shakespeare retreat the following Thursday.

That Lamoreaux lady is one busy lady. Brig and I pretty much just watched her life swirl by :) Teenage boys hanging around, cousins who want to play with you, a house full of 5 kids worth of toys. It was busy and lovely.

These two, while bound to be best of buds, kinda just haggled each other for toys. They sure looked cute though. Even if Sully shows Brig up in anything water. He's crazy.

And the cozy coupes...

They love them.

Oh, and please note Brig's head that is triple the size of Sull's.

Oh cute babies :)

And thanks Robyn for the last minute hosting, babysitting, and sistering.

love you.

August Reunion

2011-10-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've reached August

phew....

And what starts August off every year?

A Clark reunion of course!

This year it seemed a little round 2ish after us all having been together in July

but we still manage to simply have a wonderful time.

I was already behind on blogging at this point and did not do a good job taking pictures so I shall summerize.

There was Lagooning, which was not Brig's cup of tea this year. Thank goodness they have a train.

There was the visit to Snowbasin.

There was swimming, sewing, and the ingestion of yummy food.

Natalie and I have been wanting to do a little sewing projecting and we thought there was room during the reunioning. It was a lovely addition and that is why Brig looks like Huck Finn on mountain day. The little nieces were so excited about what we were creating so he HAD to wear it the next day. Nate was appalled, after pictures I feel similar but those little nieces loved our creations :)

New to this year with the Clark's was accidents.

Unfortunately, I think this is the beginning to a lot more scary accidents.

I mean it's a sheer numbers game at this point.

ahh... the mountains.

these two toe heads....

And this?

Abe and Brig bridged the gap.

Trains.

I see a long and fruitful relationship blossoming.

Ray joined in on bridging the gap as well.

3 cute boys.

One of the best parts of a Clark trip is the girl time/ boy time we get.

At Lagoon we had a prime example of the joy of boy time.

6 boys all lined up for a little shooting competition.

Probably $100 later, and a lot of plush toys

it was for moments like this that Nate will never miss a family reunion.

Our last night we all went to a yummy BBQ joint then headed over to the park across the street for a night of family games. Oh... Clark boys.

August Reunion 2011 chalked up to be one for the books :)

Harry Potter Baby

2011-09-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

What?

I couldn't resist.

I mean I am one of those people.

Nate, not so much.

But I simply can't imagine a childhood without Harry Potter and it's one of the things I am very much looking forward to sharing with Brig.

So never to soon.

My library put on a Harry Potter party in honor of the new movie.

I talked Asher into joining since there was no way I could go with out a kid the proper age.

So I whipped up a robe for Brig that morning and Asher donned my graduation robe.

Brig went as Harry and Asher as a "Hogwarts Student"

We totally rocked the costume portion. Brig got an honorary mention cause he was to young to really be there and Asher didn't win the contest but did when the grand prize, his own hardback copy of the Deathly Hallows. He's a quick one that Asher :) I told Asher anytime he thought it was getting lame we'd go get ice cream and call it a day. That didn't take to long.

It was fun and it won Brig a bit of notoriety the next day at the park

-little boy at the park, staring us down across the yard. Slowly walks over to the toddler slide.

"Is that the baby from yesterday?"

pause, what is this little boy talking about?... yesterday?

oh!

me- "yes, yes it is"

him- "He was a good Harry Potter"

boy keeps smiling and staring then walks over to all the other kids at the big kid land

"That baby was the one dressed like Harry Potter yesterday, go look at him!"

me- smiling inside :)

Nannie and Grandpa

2011-08-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

One of the great downsides to living away from family is the fact that Brig is lucky if he gets a visit a year from the grandparents. Luckily, Nannie and Grandpa were able to make that visit in July. I had a fully planned weekend of do/or do not's and Brig even got an overnighter with just the Nannie and Grandpa.

Asher came over for one of the evenings so we could all go see Harry Potter together (i rudely missed the opening night viewing i promised him cause of the weekend at the lake) If you know the Miranda and Asher Williams' of the world, you know they are Uno sharks. Nannie was beaten by Asher while I fixed up some dinner.

Oh... and Brig was lobbying for diet coke.

My dad is a hard man to please and any of my siblings would concur that it is very hit or miss if he is going to have a good time where ever he is at. Well, I had a few tricks up my sleeve this visit.

Chloe's.

I introduced him to maybe the best sandwich ever.

And he partook of it twice on his 5 day visit.

This was trick #2 for my dadday.

Guerneville.

When we all started moving to Sonoma County my dad kept on going on and on about Guerneville.

And, and is turns out, it is where he vacationed with his family in the 60's.

Right here to be exact.

Now known as the Guerneville Lodge, but used to be the residence of Howard a very good family friend.

I think it was quite the walk down memory lane.

It was so fun to see the place through his eyes

Imagine a teenage Mikey romping through Guerneville.

Or "Guerny" as I think he used to call it..

He claims not much has changed the yard opens up to the river and this big open grass area is for flooding.

So glad we found it.

I mean, it really wasn't hard to find being right of the main road, but glad.

The lodge was merely a detour for our final destination at Johnson Beach.

Beach is used lightly here. It is a rock beach along the Russian River.

But so charming with a ma & pa snack shack, canoe rentals and well, rocks.

Brig l-o-v-e-d the rocks.

And Nannie was nice enough to splash around with him.

They had a great shallow area that was perrrfect for a Briggy

Like I said... he loved the rocks.

He would have stayed there throwing them all day me thinks.

No Nate this day but Bryce and Lisa joined us.

This cute boy likes the river almost as much as Briggers

And of course he was doing disgusting boy things like pretend puking into the tube....

This poor girl is allergic to benadryl and unbeknownst to her she was overdosed the night Nannie arrived. It took her a good 3 days to get back on her feet. So she laid in the shade while Bryce, Lisa, and Grandpa canoed the Russian River and the rest of us enjoyed cheeseburgers on the rocky beach.

Nannie and Grandpas kept Brig that night so Nate and I could go for a work dinner/overnighter in the city. It was nice to see the city again and sleep in but we hurried on back to Windsor the next day.

That night Nannie and I and Bryce and Lisa attended "Shakespeare on the Green"

They do it every July in Windsor. Nannie just happened to be here at the right time. Of course grandpa and Nate thought this sounded horrendous and were graciously excused. It was "The complete works of William Shakespeare" which consisted of a comic condensing of the complete works. The actors were great, we laughed and laughed and I am still imitating the dying/puking sound it was so funny. Brig came to the pre-show which he enjoyed and he also helped eat our picnic.

We played, and visited, and it was a very nice visit indeed.

Until next year Mom and Dad!

5 Years

2011-08-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Oh Natey.

5 years is so long but so short.

I love what we've done in 5 years.

I love who we are in 5 years.

I read this fantastic book recently that really should have had nothing to do with love.

But then there was this line...

"We love what we love. Reason does not enter into it. In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect."

I love you because and despite and I'm sure that is even more rare, more pure, and more perfect.

Happy Anniversary

Weekend at the lake

2011-08-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Carie, Cass and I had the fantastic idea of spending a weekend with just girls and kids up at Carie's lake house.

We have fantastic ideas like this all the time. They usually never happen.

Well believe it or not we did it!

I adore this beautiful lady.

And it is thanks to her this all came into fruition.

There are two different beaches at the lake.

We bounced back and forth from both.

The first evening we went to the smaller one just for some sand playing and fishing.

We were all loving Brig sitting on those cute knees.

Jayden fished his heart out....

this particular evening he caught 25 fish.

Oh and when he wasn't fishing he was building his magnificent tree house.

Safe to say we didn't see much of Jayden :(

Their property is perfect.

A perfect mountain/lake mix with room to roam but still a part of the world.

This boy is hysterical and loves the babes.

He and Cleo have the funniest giggle fits together.

And his voice? Every 4 year old should have it.

Before Carie kills me for posting pictures of her, cause I know she has a strict run-it-by-me policy,

I shall preface all the pictures with that fact that part of the weekend instructions was to bring sweats and swimming suits.

No getting ready allowed.

Oh it was glorious.

We all looked beautiful, special but we didn't care. We stroller walked by morning, lazed at the beach by day, napped, and ate to our hearts desire. We laughed over everything, we searched out their beautiful highscool b/f's then became hysterical at mine. By the time Greg and Jon arrived "Costco outfits""sister showers" "true love" and the like were only humorous to the 3 of us.

The only damper of the trip?

Brig decided to pop both his bottom molars in the 3 days we were there.

It was a nightmare.

I've never seen him so hysterical. Nothing I did appeased him, ibuprofen barely touched them, sleep was elusive. So I wound up holding him and apologizing for his fussing the majority of the trip.

My poor baby boy... his gums were raw and looked like they were bleeding :(

It's really to bad cause I think he would have really enjoyed everything otherwise.

He did tromp around in the sand long enough for me to get a few cute shots.

This girl is 100% original.

I love her to pieces, and as you can see she likes me too :)

Her kisses are delicious.

Oh it was fun and I hope we do it again next year!

Thank you Carie!

a first on a lake

2011-08-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

Our very nice friends the Ambridge's invited us out on their boat.

(I did have a picture of them but Amy was in her swimming suit and Nate said I couldn't post it and after the pictures my brother has tagged me in on facebook I must oblige)

They had all the gear, all we had to provide was lunch for our family. Who can turn that down?

The best part? Um lake Sonoma is 30 minutes away.

We had no idea such a thing existed so close to us.

It was beauitful. Brig hated the lifejacket, loved the steering wheel, and overall had a lovely time.

Nate and I decided a boat is in our future.

Our friends talked about how they chose a boat because they wanted boating to be what they did as a family.

I like that.

Oh and this majestic view?

Again, 30 minutes from our house!

cousin love

2011-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I shall now attempt to document the remainder of our summer...

I don't want to forget these moments so I must post even though they are over due.

So back to July....

I have already been worried about Brig's place in the Clark family.

Premature? yes.

But real? yes.

See he arrived in the year of 6 babies on the Clark side

He was the last and the other boys of the 6 were the first.

So his closest boy cousin is a year older or a year younger.

I remember having frustrations over this same type of situation growing up.

Not that is was really that life changing but it did make family reunions a little frustrating and as a Clark we do a lot of family reunion-ing.

Anyway... fear appeased

Brig is a hit with the 4 year old boy crowd.

Particularly this little cous' Ace.

It is the most adorable thing.

He literally follows Brig around with his hand on his back as "protector & guide"

Everywhere.

At the park, at the pool, at the house. No distraction is more interesting to little Ace-man than Brig.

And really, I'm pretty sure Brig is the most boring cousin. He was such a "parents boy" on our trip to Boise, he hardly lets anyone touch him, and I've said it before... his tricks are limited at the moment.

But having said all that...

He has made it into the "boys club" and I'm one happy momma about that :)

and we sure love having so many cousins.

SIL'S

2011-07-14T08:03:00.001-07:00

I just need to say how much I love my sister-in-law's.

I am as big a fan as can be when it comes to Clark men.

Really, I am.

But Clark women? I don't know how all those Clark men landed the girls they did.

Beautiful, intelligent, strong, talented.

It also bears mentioning the female counterpart to Clark men.

Nat.

no words.

While we were in Boise we all spent the evening with Jannie talking.

It was my favorite evening there.

My sister-in-laws are the best and most beautiful.

And I'm off to spend a weekend at the lake with two of them.

cheers!

fourth of july '11

2011-07-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

One of the good things about a death in a family is that it brings families together.

For us it brought us together for the best Nate and Paige fourth of july to date.

Our day started with a small town parade, as any good Fourth of July should.

Melba's small town parade to be exact.

It was fantastic.

Loads of candy, one truck even threw out hot dogs?

I don't know... but the kids were into it.

we hung out on grass while the older kids braved the streets for candy catching.

we got great seats on a church lawn and kinda just hung around after the parade while everyone cleared out.

This happens to be the closest town to the original Zeyer (who brig's named after) homestead.

There was a Zeyer family float and loads of Coleen's family around.

This is her sitting with her 'kissing cousin' .

She really has this Grammie thing down...

smarties? Brig will sit with you for ages.

After the parade we head over to the little fair that was going on.

There were loads of fair-food vendors, little dinky shops, rides, and games.

Coleen knows how to give her kids a good time. She gave all the couples $40 and each kid $10 and said "go get some tacos" we all blew through that cash happily.

until...

Grandpa had to rescue Brig

because his mom thought it would be loads of fun and an incredible photo-op to have Brig sitting in front of his cousins in the green can?

well I was wrong.

but Grammie knew how to make it all better.

yup.

She just handed over her fully loaded coke.

needless to say he took it for a joy ride.

After the fair we tried to drive by the Zeyer homstead... with no luck

then Brig napped the whole drive home.

........

then the fireworks :)

we all headed to Mike and Sis's for dinner and fireworks.

It was perfect.

Ordered-in food, fenced in backyard, upper 80's, 20 some odd kids, and

a firework show :)

It's very nice having 10ish year olds to direct the fireworks.

Leave it to me to get John Philip Sousa orchestrating the show and the kids marching.

what? I'm my fathers daugher :)

the kids were in heaven with popsicles aplenty.

And we walked away with only poor Cleo burning her hand on a sparkler.

We all thought it was pretty good odds considering.

But the poor little tuna :( she and her blistered fingers had to go home early.

please...

Savanna banana was a perfect host to the Nate Clark family btw.

This is brig's headshot for Huggie's new diaper collection.

whew

THAT

Was our Fourth of July.

AND

God Bless America.

7/6/87

2011-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well it was my birthday last week.

You know they really don't have that excitement anymore but they do still have a bit of a glow.

Doesn't seem like a monumental year for me. 25 will be more so.

It does feel good to get some years on my bones. I feel like I've been running ahead of my age for a long time now and my body is finally catching up. I've thought I was so mature and grown for the longest time. Why? It's so boring and so not the case. I like that I am a baby still.

My favorite game to play now that I'm a grown up?

"What I learned this year"

My biggest lesson learned this year is how to be alone.

and to be happy alone.

Yes of course I have a beautiful family and I really haven't experienced the real "aloneness" but I've learned the "independent" aloneness.

It has been a process but I suppose I've always been pre-purposed for it.

My brother aptly assigned me "Rupunzel" as my Disney princess because I could keep myself occupied alone in a tower all day.

I laughed really hard when I heard that.

but

I'm happy with it :)

This will always be my best birthday present.

Carie's friend took this shot and it just made me laugh.

I guess you could call that look plastered on both our faces "the williams sneer"

We are only who we are

we pass down only who we are.

Happy Birthday to me

Maree Rose Clark

2011-07-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

We had a tragedy in our family.

My sister-in-law Jannie had a baby girl born with Anencephaly.

They knew the condition of their baby girl early on and chose to carry their angel as long as they could.

Her arrival was difficult with plenty of curve balls.

She wound up passing in her mother's womb.

The most peaceful and comforting place for her I can imagine.

Maree Rose Clark touched many lives.

But all are still heartbroken she is not here with us now.

The entire family made it to the funeral service.

We would not have missed it for the world.

It was only family at the service.

It was beautiful, intimate, and somehow uplifting.

Maree's brothers and sisters made her this beautiful quilt with personal notes addressed to her.

Jannie held her little angel for the duration of the service.

Her family sang to her

her little cousins were there

and her bigger cousins couldn't keep away from her.

One of the most beautiful things about this experience was seeing the cousins.

For almost all of them it was their first experience with tragedy and death.

Seeing how affected each of them was; the curiosity in the younger ones, the hurt in the older ones, each one having this new experience. But through it all, they were right there next to her casket, not wanting to leave her side.

I can think of no better farewell than this.

The older girl cousins were quite emotional.

But they stood together.

The last part of the service was perfect.

Misty had gotten a balloon for each of the kids to send off with baby Maree.

It was an angelic sight to see.

Maree Rose Clark

June 23, 2011

We will remember you forever

and can not wait till we are all together forever again.

15 month check-up

2011-06-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

At 15 months....
weight: 24.12 lbs (50%)
height: 30.5 in (25%)
head: 50 cm (100%+)

it was a hilarious appointment. new doctor... I think the nurse was extra new. She measured Brig's head 3 times would go enter the number in the computer then look really confused. She politely excused herself saying she thought she was ding something wrong and went in search of another nurse. Queue nurse number 2. She comes in and expertly measures Brig's head only to have gotten the same number nurse 1 measured. They then both turn to me and ask if his head is usually large for his age. I see the lovely arcs of the growth chart and Brig's head-dot in far left out field. I am laughing hysterically inside, and respond with a resounding yes.
Oh I love my big headed boy.

You're a walking, climbing fool, and when those feet get going to what I guess you would consider a "run" I melt. You are terrified of your squeak shoes. You took two good falls off our front steps (the bruised head on father's day)You do the feet stomp when you get excited.

You are a man of few words. Well, two words "Daddey" and "Hiy".

Both of which are used to greet Daddy when he walks in the door.

However, you sing along to "clean-up" pretty darn good. You quite enjoy hanging out in your crib babbling and trying to take down your wall decor. You're a sucker for fruit snacks. Since you've started walking you've become more your won person and are now afraid of strangers and do not tolerate them touching you. Swimming lessons were a bit difficult with this development. You also won't let me feed you. It's a "I feed my self or nothing" kind of attitude and I am a little concerned about your nutrition but also am sticking to my guns with the you eat what's on the table philosophy. Plus, when your hungry I'm sure you will eat. Curse vegetables though... I'm yet to find one you like.

Tricks? still not your strong suit. But you drive your cars around like a champ and are getting pretty good at throwing your balls and other items....

your cute though and 15 months suits you well :)

xoxo

momma

McKay turns 4

2011-06-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well this little man had a 4th birthday!
Not only do you not want to miss his parties cause he's adorable and the sweetest
but his mother throws beyond fantastic birthday parties.

I couldn't stop taking pictures of just the decor because it was so dang cute.

There was a petting zoo, pony rides, cookie decorating, a pinata, and enough delicious food to feed an army.

Unfortunately, this was Brig the whole party

Who doesn't sleep on a two hour car drive? He just sat there staring at us with the most ornery face.

He did try to feed the goat though

and pat the pig.

Like I said, Carie's party are not to be missed.
A real live Pony.
Named Patches

We tried to coax our ornery cuss to go for a ride... we puled out all the stops.

Binkie, momma, daddy, and of course Thomas.

It didn't work :(

He was introduced quite happily to juice boxes though.

Thank you birthday boy McKay for being such a lovely host and offering a "pineapple juice" to Brig.

The birthday party ended with Brig and Cleo fishing for a few cold ones.

Then throwing back a few.

Our California Clark Family. Even though Carie throws a mean party, I wouldn't have missed it cause I just love them all so much. Our visits may be long over due but we fall into place real easy. We spent the rest of the day enjoying one another's company then heading over to Greg and Carie's friends who are so sweet and maybe live on a dream property.

Bottom line?

So glad McKay was born so I could have such a cute nephew.

We love you Mckay-kay!

Fork

2011-06-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

We're learning to feed ourselves in our home. Primarily with a fork. It's no easy task and I tell you. It is kind of adorable but it drives me crazy.

The boy doesn't eat. Meal time consists of pushing his food around his plate.

He will only swallow what he himself can get on the fork which happens to be very little.

Alas, I'm beginning to think a complete meal is fantasy.

His feeble attempts are pretty cute though... so enjoy :)

Father's day 11'

2011-06-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

First I just have to say how much I love Nate as a father.

(And how much I love this picture?)

It is so incredible watching each other grow and the new roles we learn to play. I tend to be the type of person who thinks things are supposed to be a certain way. Nate has been my great teacher of "things are supposed to be the way they happen for us". I saw in my mind what a father was supposed to be. Nate wasn't that father, but boy he is becoming so much more than those things and redefining what a father is for me. He adores our boy. Stops by home just so he can see that boy toddle over to say "Hiiii", let's him watch as many Thomas episodes cause he just knows how much he loves them, let's him take as long of a bath as he wants, is so proud of every little accomplishment our boy makes, and would give anything for our little man.

In short, everything a Brig's father should be.

We strolled down to Dublin for a very overdue visit with family.

These two were pleased about the arrangement.

We spent the afternoon at my favorite hosts house.

Greg and Carie have a gorgeous home with an even more gorgeous backyard that is the most perfect lounging/hanging out/ birthday partying place around.

Brig and all things water = love

Index finger in water, then straight to mouth for a taste

The boys grilled up Curly's famous steaks and we ate, talked, and watched the kids have the time of their life roaming around the yard.

Although Brig and Cleo were border line lucid from lack of naps it turned out to be a grand ole day.

And I think we all couldn't be prouder of our handsome father's.

And to second Coleen's comment when she saw this picture...

look at those arms!

My man cub

2011-06-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

Is walking

I keep catching myself recording Brig just toddling around. I am absolutely smitten by it. Really, most adorable thing ever. How did I not notice how adorable this is in other children? Arms out for balance, the robotic leg motions, feet that get going faster than little bodies, the deep squats to avoid falling, the sounds made when he thinks he's going down, the last reach before he gets to his destination.

I love it.

Notice Brig's "ohhh" he makes when he gets into his squat and thinks he's going down. This sound can also be heard when the dogs get to the ice cubes before Brig and anything else that doesn't go according to Brig plan.

Brig in what I call his "lederhosen"

brought to you by the hands of Nannie.

(I may or may not have a matching suit)

He took his first steps the first week in May when Brad was in town.

It has taken him a whole month to figure it all out.

but now he's toddling away.

and tasting the flora and fauna at the front of our house.

love you my boy.

The going ons...

2011-06-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing out of the ordinary has been going on round here. Just life.

It's amazing how wonderful good old life can be. We've enjoyed about 3 weeks of having family breakfasts, evenings, and weekends together. A routine. No trips or parties or important appointments. Just easy life.

So what does that mean for us? Well a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercise.(all the sudden I love jogging... like I go everyday. I know me. It's crazy but I feel so great when I do.) A lot of movies in and evening strolls out. As well as a good amount a tv and snuggling. I've had no desire to be "projecting". So I haven't. I've just been doing well... life.

Having said that. A lot of great and momentous things occur in plain old life.

(Like Brig walking! A post for this later)

First on the docket...

Brig has fallen for Thomas the Train.

The most boring and shortest children show ever... which I now love as well.

Second...

Brig has a new favorite spot

It's adorable..

It's where Nate's electroinics found a home

and

where our baby has found a home

Mesmerized by Thomas, with remote in hand of course.

If you were wondering... no he cannot get out of there by himself humph..

3rdly...

Brig has discovered how to hug the dogs

I know that tongue in his face and mouth makes many a people cringe... what can you do? And plus... I'm pretty sure Brig will come down with giardia after his bout in my water fountain this afternoon.

Really, babies can be so disgusting.

Anyway... that is what is going on :)

gone fishin'

2011-05-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

We went and visited this idyllic fish farm a few weeks ago.

Nate has been super excited about doing only a few things with Brig so far.

Okay he's been super excited about doing only one thing.

Going to the fish farm.

Really?

yup.

Every since he heard about Smith's Fish Farm it has been numero uno on the family list of to do's.

So this last Saturday when he finally cashed in his "Saturday of you choice" coupon I had given him for his birthday (last time I do that...) , we headed for Ida Clayton Road.

Waiting....

Brig's response was just what it should be when a slimy thing is jumping around in your face.

Best thing ever about parenting?

Getting to show your kids their "firsts".

if "slimy,squirmy fish" had a facial expression.... this would be it.

he rode around with his momma too.

poor face... periorificial dermatitis sucks. But it's starting to clear up now...

My man being a man.

Ew... did you know you have to take the hooks out of the fish and kill them when you catch them?

It was quite a fun little family day.

Good idea Nate Boy :)

Here's to more fishing!!

* just for the record... I caught the bigger fish.

w, moma, ybca

2011-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

We had an acronym weekend.

Nate had a clinic in the city.

Brig and I tagged along.

Because....

We stayed at the W San Francisco, which is next door to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is across the street from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

phew...

Nate did his work thing and Brig and I enjoyed roaming a .25 mile radius of our hotel.

Aside from getting room service for warm milk at 5 am (no crying it-out baby in the hotel) and it being 5 am when Brig woke up, it was perfect.

Beautiful 75 degree weather and me having a companion to do something my eternal companion will never do with me.

bliss.

we arrived at the museum just as they opened the doors for the day.

Brig was very interested in what was going on in the foyer.

Our great plan of action for the SFMOMA was top-to-bottom.

And my favorite exhibit just happened to be right at the top.

Brig listening to my favorite exhibit.

They have orchestrated the museums boiler room and have it playing along the bridge that overlooks the foyer.

very very neat.

*sonic sounds

Do mine eyes deceive me?

no.

That's Wendover for sure.

Don't remember who/what did this wall but its how you access the rooftop garden and was very pretty

And of course Brig with SFMOMA's only Andy Warhol.

And how cheeky for it to be a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor and the silver screen.

And as you can see Brig was done.

So this was the last piece we saw before dashing to the museum cafe for lunch, which was bad.

And then...

we headed to the gardens.

The big people gardens are beautiful and have a large and very intriguing water feature.

We headed over to kid land for some play.

I mean, after doing a MOMA with me, the boy deserved it.

A much more appropriate water feature was found.

He climbed over and over that 4 in gap.

It was bliss for him

Very near as magnificent as the MOMA to view.

After all.. he is my masterpiece :)

Then daddy arrived....

and took him on the carousel round 2.

Think he likes his daddy?

When Brig is excited to see/be/talk to his dad he starts performing his one and only trick.

Clapping.

They played a few musical horses...

Then went round and round.

It was a very fun day.

We like tagging along Natey :)

i'm a mom

2011-05-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

I just had to post

in memory of mother's day

that I am a Mom.

The happiest and greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

and today (which was mother's day) I took a little more time playing with my baby

I took less time worrying about what was for dinner or what chore needed to be done.

Every time I engaged Brig's eye I actually engaged his eye, instead of hoping he didn't get distracted by me and leave his toy he was so entertained with.

I let him take as long of a bath as he wanted then rocked him for much longer than I usually permit.

It was wonderful.

Why don't I take this time every day?

Well, I know why...

But I am determined to let it happen more than once a year.

So let me say:

I am a Mom.

it is wonderful.

And Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful mothers in my life.

You are the greatest.

Easter 2011

2011-05-04T00:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to say such things but, Easter, was a doosie this year.

Nate and I both spoke in sacrament, then I taught a combined Young Women's lesson.

Talk about daunting right?

Well it was.

We both spent all week preparing for the task. Many nights studying, many days pondering. By the time church was over on Easter we both crashed. But know what? It was probably the most genuine Easter I have ever had. Both Nate and I spent the entire week pondering our Savior's life and his atonement. It was genuine, it helped remind me that Brig didn't need a big ole' toy, that dinner didn't need to take me all day and night, and that I want to try focus on the real meaning of Easter.

Every Easter.

We Brig and I did still take part in a few mainstream activities of course

like....

coloring eggs...

When we began the egg coloring event I thought I was doing this just for me.

I mean how much enjoyment can a one year old get out of egg coloring?

wrong oh wrong I was!

Brig had a grand old time.

Picked up each egg and plopped it in the glasses for me.

Our finished product!

Only a dozen this year.

I just die over Brig's face in this one.

I kept trying to not let him reach them (they were still wet) while still having them in the picture.

I failed and brig had a yellow mouth after this shot.

Easter morning was an early one.

All mornings are with Brig...

Of course I had to make us Easter breakfast.

I made these cute sweet rolls that represent an "empty tomb"

found here.

the Easter bunny did bring Brig a few items...

Chocolate bunny : check

Bubbles: check

then things got crazy and pictures didn't happen before church, but after church.

so the light was way to bright, and our cloths we're way to wrinkly.

but, I'm sure this is probably going to be an Easter tradition, and quite frankly, Easter cloths are something I'm not going to be giving up on.

sorry Nate for the worst angle ever of you.

But I still think you look cute, even after you decided not to wear you coordinating blue shirt.

it was probably the better decision seeing as you were speaking...

but you still could have slipped it on for pictures....

hmmph

We're doing the same tongue thing.

I've always thought it was an ugly thing I did.

And well, I've now passed it right along.

Looks much better on Brig of course.

and bubbles....

Brig loved them loved them.

After our Sunday naps we went in the backyard to pick up the eggs the bunny had scattered about our grass and blew glorious bubbles.

Again, thought the egg gathering was going to be a 'for me' thing.

Brig knew right what to do. I mean he also liked unloading them, but he'd crawl to one then dump it in his basket.

Amazing these babies.

*sigh*

It was a very Happy Easter.

brigs first cut

2011-04-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

So... brig and i ventured back to Utah for baby ezzie's blessing

It was all so wonderful, so fast, and not a picture captured by myself.

Sometimes when i've got a big trip like that to document, it's so daunting... I don't.

BUT

bottom line

my batteries are recharged

now a week+ later i'm trying to get back in my swing of things

which is always so hard for me.

I just wind up vegging for a week or so

anyway, the one monumental activity that occurred on said trip was:

the first cut

before

i guess i just didn't realize how out of control/grandpa-ish brig's hair was getting

when i'm home it's just me as a critic

my siblings whipped me into shape, let me know it was time to cute baby boys hair

after

he did awesome, and only in Utah is there one of these adorable hair salons on every corner

he sat in a toy airplane, watched the hungry catepillar, and his aunties, nannie, and ezzie danced around him. He only cried when she used the trimmers around his ears. I'm assuming the noise is what frightened him.

And now?

He looks all grown up!

but still scrumptious :)

Conference Weekend

2011-04-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

jon and cass joined us on conference sunday

these two had a ball

at first they just wanted to fight over this toy

then we helped them figure it out

it was a very happy story after that

oh and conference?

so glad it's every 6 months.

enjoyed it immensely

i forgot to mention..

2011-04-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

the sun came out!

it came out for a whole week!

and the clark's of decanter circle were outside everyday.

the first day of sun i let brig take his racer out-of-doors
he really hasn't figured the whole scooting thing out

and i didn't want his new shoes to get all dirty

he wound up doing some of this instead.

but what a wonderful thing the sun is.

i hadn't realized how depressed i was until she came back.

bike rides, walks, parks, gardening, we even tried swimming.

welcome back dear sun!

a grandfather's blessing

2011-04-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

brig got his first grandfather's blessing the day after his first birthday.

it was a very neat experience.

a very sweet blessing from a very sweet man.

i will remember it forever.

brig you are a very special boy to have such special men in your life.

thank you jaydee, for your example, love, and constancy.

what a man my nate and brig have to model their lives after :)

1 very special party

2011-03-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

what is it they say? "the first two are for the parents"
or maybe it's the first three?
not sure but i l-o-v-e-d every minute of the preparing of this little party. even when my guest arrived and hour earlier than anticipated (thus no pics of the food)
i started thinking about it in january
i started planning it in february
by the end of february i had a breakdown that nate and i were going to be the only ones in attendance
by march i had a few confirmed for attendance
and
on the 22 i had 9 people join me in loving that my boy turned 1
and know what?
9 was perfect

beig and cleo checking out the loot

i bought a bounce house for the occasion as an investment

it was a hit for brig as long as there were other kiddies inside

brig kept trying to get cleo's headband...

shortly after this she body slammed him

he didn't get the memo that you can't cry on your birthday

my family watching brig's tribute movie.
i seriously am so grateful they came.
especially to jonny who had knee surgery 4 days prior.

brig was not interested in opening presents.

so we let mckay and jayden help him out.

chocolate mousse cake.

a williams family tradition.

he was the king of the day.

worth every minute and penny spent on the party.

and now he is

one

wipes...

2011-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

we go through a lot of them around here....

one whole year

2011-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

he's one whole year now.

and i am so late posting this

but have been thinking about what i might say for days.

first:

i love this boy to the end of the earth

he is {probably un-healthily} my life

i eat, sleep, breathe this boy

and have now for a year

after your grand old party {post to follow} i lay in bed, exhausted of course, but just couldn't stop thinking about that night one year before when i slept with you in my arms for this first time. that whole night i kept thinking 'can i really be doing this' and waiting for someone to come in and tell me to put you down. no one did and i cherish all those nights you let me just hold you all night long.

you won't allow that anymore. you are your own person now.

i love the person you are.

i whisper to you all the time "who are you going to be"

because i don't really know. i see glimpses of what you'll be like as a child, teenager, man. but they're just glimpses. i know when i'm old and gray you'll have been the same person all along but right now i am anxiously waiting. i will adore whoever you are. i say all the time i only want brig's. if we could choose the type of babies we got like ice cream flavors mine would of course be you. when i think of having another baby, it's a brig i'm thinking of.

you'r not the biggest, or smartest, or happiest, or easiest baby i'm sure. but you are the most perfect and i only ever want you.

but you're growing up. i see that. and i see you needing me less. i feel for my mom when we all started needing her less and less.

so let's re-cap your first year.

your stats were:

weight 7 lbs 3 oz

height 20 in

you are now:

height 29 1/2 in 40%

weight 21 lbs 8 oz 30%

head 99%

you were sick a bit this month and all the tricks you picked up in month 10-11 went down the drain. plus, your kinda a one-trick kinda guy. you learned "so big" and "how old is brig" then you learned "bye, bye" and it trumped the other two and that is all you'd do. then you finally got clapping down and that trumped everything. now if we say "how big is brig" "so big" "bye, bye" we get a round of applause from you. it's really funny. you crawl but are still kinda slow, you pull yourself up but don't stand unassisted or take any steps. but sir, you are an aficionado at one thing in particular. eating. really your a wonder. you popped your front teeth last week bringing you to a total of 4 teeth yet you eat like a pro. omelets, pulled pork, pancakes, grilled cheese, green beans, oranges, grapes, tomatoes, chicken, you name it you can handle it. having said that you are not a fan of the bottle. kinda stresses me out but the doctor said it is fine. your favorite toys are the dog kennel, the dish washer detergent cabinet, and the cutting board drawer. matter of fact, when i called the dogs to get in the kennel the other day you beat lucy there and i wound up locking all 3 of you in. you were happy as a clam.

-in your one year of life-

you have been on 12 flights

you have been on 5 road trips

one of which was riding on the top of a tow truck in a van

you have moved once

you have been sick 6 times

we have not had any emergency situations

you have watched baby einstein an obscene amount of times

listened to jewel's lullabies till we all went crazy

but mostly in your one year you have made your dad and i wonder

who were we before this? what did we even do before we had you?

because simply put

we are smitten

happy birthday sweetest little man!

i'll love you forever

xoxo

mommy

san diego

2011-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

boo

are you scared?

well this is the quality of photos you get when you go to sea world by yourself

why would you do that you say?

well i've been experimenting with this 'tag along on business trips' thing

verdict?

resounding yes!

but keep up your energy and don't expect a lot of hubby

nate headed down to san diego for this orthopeadic conference and said i could come. i figure any change of scenery is nice. originally i thought we were meeting family down there to play with but they had a change of plans due to the inclement weather and i decided i'd still go anyway.

glad i did because, like i said, change of scenery.

the weather wasn't perfect but better than expected and i spent a lot more time with nate than planned.

we also took one or two pictures...

nate dropped brig and i off at sea world after we left the airport

it was a ghost town. brig and i walked through a few exhibits, took a nap on the grass, then watched shamoos big show. which is still as amazing as my 6 year old head remembered.

we stayed in del mar and were pretty close to the beach. so the morning we had sunshine we went for a visit.

briggy loved it.

after the beach we drove a round long enough for brig to take a good nap

then wound up in coronado in time for some lunch and a stroll

one day we''ll stay here...

just need to make a our reservation a year in advance and stay for 3 nights.

lessons learned:

1. our room in the marriot del mar was probably just as fun as disneyland would be for brig at this stage

2. bottles suck on vacation

3. the bartimeaus trilogy was an excellent recommendation from my brother

4. me and my stroller are the bomb

11 month boy

2011-02-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

you figured out how to stand up in your crib on your 11 month birthday

and now we have a few bite marks

and a few flag casualties

but I could eat those cheeks

and I love you to the moon

my valentine

2011-02-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

read his shirt and weep.

yup.

that's right he was my valentine

as my valentine

he was woken with a new racer to help him scoot around

however, on valentine's morning

the back door was just a little bit more interesting.

i also set this adorable table for the day

nate was MIA for my sweetheart breakfast

but in consisted of delicious heart-shaped pancakes and homemade coconut syrup

brig and i were big fans

this guy was the best valentine ever.

and my best valentines ever.

just a slow day of naps, heart shaped food, a date to the gym where child care is free, and a movie

i felt happy all the day.

it maybe would have bode a little better for nate had we watched a romantic comedy instead of karatekid

but,

whose complaining?

hope yours was as heart shaped as mine :)

puttin' on the ritz

2011-02-24T23:43:00.000-08:00

yup. i got to spend the night at the ritz-carlton half moon bay.

it's was lovely and beautiful weather and a 24 hour extravaganza.

well, not really.

nate had a work retreat thing and when he found out he was going to have his own room, he didn't really have a choice. i was going too.

pretty much we slept in the same bed and had lunched together the next day and that was all the interaction me and the hub had.

but brig and i?

we just enjoyed the lovely rooms, views, sunshine, and beach

just the twos of us

the view from our morning stroll

after a lovely excursion to the beach and 18 holes for natey we headed to our favorite half moon bay joint, sam's chowder house and enjoyed lobster rolls.

lovely, lovely

and

my biggest lesson learned?

a stroller is a girls best friend

i'm invincible with that bad boy

a very presidential day to you too!

2011-02-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

i love monday holidays.

they're great and sometimes i can even convince nate to do a half day of work or something like that...

brig represented ole' hickory this year

(andrew jackson)

he's among my favorites for many reasons

maybe it's just the true southern gent in him... i don't know and it is a bit awful the trail of tears falls under his office.

my high school history teacher had a undeniable devotion to him and i think we spent at least a month on just his office and antebellum US in general. it was fantastic.

although further investigation proved that presidents day is actually president's day (ie only celebrating washington) brig gave jackson a wear today.

and that

is as presidential as we got.

brig climbed his first stairs during these little snippets

bravo briggy!

brig forgot to ask....

2011-02-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

won't you be our valentine?

yes i intended to post this on valentines but apparently blogger wants me to pay to blog now?

it took me a week to figure it out.

anyway...

my dapper boy suited up once more to extend this invitation to you.

finally...

2011-02-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

i say that loosely...
because
a. we're finally here where brig is doing things
but
b. it makes him very grown up

this week brig decided he was ready to grow up

he started pulling himself up earlier this week and now he's pro
and we really can't get over his cutest little bum
(he's wearing shorts because it was 80 today)

when he woke up from his nap to see our super bowl snacks spread across the coffee-ottoman
he was, well to put it nicely, excited. he quickly tried to get any and everything.
we settled on celery being the safest option

he got a stick in both hands and attempted to eat them for a good 30 minutes.
he even shared :)

this week brig learned to pull himself up
and
drum roll....
he's doing tricks!
finally
i've been working on any and all tricks i can think of
apparently i've been the problem cause it was his dad who made 'em stick

now in brig's repertoire he:
copies dad's laugh, it goes on for hours :)
sticks his tongue out on demand
does "so big" with his arms up

we are soooo close to finally getting waving to stick and pretty much are on a trick a day regiment

ohhh we're crazy about him and ohhh i feel like he's grown up so much since he started crawling
and ohhh it makes me baby hungry
okay, i said it out loud.

love you my boy
and
i'm so sorry for making you sick this week.
i will use better judgement when taking you to kids korner
2 hours of working out was not worth the 5 days of a cold

traintown

2011-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

it's 1/10 the size of disneyland!

literally, it says that on the brochure.

anyway.

it was fun.

i was a little stir crazy by saturday
i get that way when nate's gone for a weekend.
so saturday when he moseyed out of bed and off to the gym he knew he was in trouble
when he got home and i was sitting down in the shower he thought it a good time to let me know he planned a day for us.

it worked
we headed to the cutest little place in sonoma and met up with the cousins

it reminded me of a place we visited in colorado when i was little
tiny town.
honestly, i thought the place was cooler than disneyland.

brothers and babies

i really love the combination

the weather was not perfect, after a week of the mid-60's saturday decided to hit the 50's and drizzle

but you take what you can get

this girl is cute as a button.

and full of tricks, like kissing her cousin :)

jon and cass stole mckay for the day to join us

never was a cuter boy.

and 3 is simply magical.

the mini train takes you on a 1.5 mile track and stops in the middle at a "tiny town" that also has a petting zoo. i would have more pictures of the adorable "tiny town" but they only leave you there for 10 minutes and my dear animal lover of a husband ..

fed the animal.

the whole time.

luckily i stole brig away and we got one cute shot of the kiddies in the jail

oh train town.... you were just what my week needed!

love, love,love family outings.

just wish they happened more often