Cameron's Mini Me

All we ever hear is how much Natalia looks like Cameron. She is such a sweet baby and I am so very glad she looks so much like her dad.

Sophia's First Day of School

Today was the beginning of our children's public education. Sophia started kindergarten today! She goes to school from 8:30am to 3:15pm. That is a long day for a 5 year old but, Sophia loved every minute of it. Here are some pictures I took this morning as we were waiting to take her to school. By 8:00 am Sophia was already to go and was bouncing around the house asking us if she could go yet. Since the school is literally in our back yard she had a while to wait.

I love these pictures.

Sophia's outfit she picked out. Pretty cute.

Am I the only one getting tired of Hannah Montana stuff? She loves it though....

Cameron finished our fence this past week. So cool to have it finished. No more worrying about escaping children or dogs. This bottom picture is her classroom. Isn't that reading loft cool. That is where they can sit and be quiet and read. Her teacher is so kind and nice.

Sophia had a great first day. Said she made some friends but, couldn't remember their names. Her favorite part was playing on the play ground 3 times that day. I thought for sure she would come home exhausted but, it was the opposite--she was bouncing off the walls hyper. That's my energizer bunny. I wish I had half of that energy!

Lily our New Dog

I NEVER considered myself a pet person. I grew up with yippee little annoying dogs (sorry mom). Cameron has wanted a dog for a very long time. We talked about different breeds and then I remembered my friend Harmony from high school had a beautiful Weimaraner that I loved. So we did a lot of research and found a rescue in Denver.
It was a long process with an home inspection and a couple of interviews they finally called us and told us that they had a perfect match for our growing family. They said "Big Momma" (her previous name) was mellow and came from a family with 5 kids.
She is perfect for us and is super mellow. The girls have fully razzled her and she doesn't even bat an eye. I never thought I would get attached to a pet but, pooch had me from first glance.
She is a big dog weighing about 80lbs. She is a total teddy bear and loves any and all attention. For being 2 years old she is super mellow. We love her so much and it feels like she has been a part of our family for a while.
Cameron is in HEAVEN and has started running with her. She is up to 3 miles with him. They are buddies.

My Heroes

These are my grandparents Quentin and Marjorie. They are the dearest people in the world to me. They are the most hardworking, loving, selfless, smart, interesting, funny, kind, caring, resourceful, amazing people I have ever met and they are my grandparents. I often wonder what I did to deserve to have these 2 special people in my life. All I know is that they are who I want to be in 50 years.

I am such a lucky girl.

The Wild Things

Looking so sweet and innocent posing for a picture we took for Nana's birthday present. (If you only knew how many shots we had to take to get this of them all looking at me). This was the ONLY shot that worked.

I introduce "The Wild Things".

Next Stop Amy's House

We had a wonderful time at my sister Amy's house. It is always so fun being with my sister and her boys. All of the cousins got along so well. The kids played in the pool and jumped on the tramp ALL day long. They lived in their swim suites. My sister and I always have these lofty plans of things that we will do and projects that we will accomplish but, we end up talking instead. I guess that is what sisters do best! It was so much wonderful being able to be with Amy's family again. For those of you that don't know my sister is an AMAZING cook so while we were there my sister whipped up some yummy food that I am still trying to work off!!!
My kids miss the boys so much and I do too. We had such a fabulous time and we wish that we were there right now.

All 3 of Amy's boys. John, Charlie, and Sam.

John is such a funny kid and I had a great time showing him how to blow bubbles and getting water fights set up.
Oh Charlie I heart you! Your curls, eyes, and high pitched voice have me wrapped around your finger.

My mom and dad stopped by while I was there. We always love to see Nana and Paca!

Ava is madly in love with Paca (my dad). She is stuck like glue to him when ever he is around.

The "big kids" Sophia and John. I hardly saw Sophia the whole time I was there because John and her just played and played.

The little ones. They played so well for 15 minutes until they would make one another cry and then they would need a break and then they would be back at it again! The poor middle children...

Clark Girls Road Trip 2009-First Stop: Boise

After 12 hours in the car Sophia, Ava, Natalia, made our first stop in Boise to stay with some of my dearest friends. After a good nights sleep in Cala's amazing bed we spent the whole day with her little family. We had so much fun. We met up with Tasha (Cala's little sister) and her little ones and spent the afternoon at Eagle beach trying to beat the heat. The kids had a blast. Thanks Dan for entertaining them all so us girls could talk and catch up on the shore! We had so much fun.

Below are pictures of this terrible twosome-Daigen (Cala's son) and Ava. I am convinced that if they had more time together they would get in A LOT of trouble together. Since we have been home all Ava talks about is her friend Daigen. Pretty cute. They were little buddies. Daigen's personality is quite mischevious and funny. A perfect match for Ava.

After the beach Cala and Dan invited all of the Kynaston's over for a barbque. It was so much fun catching up with everyone. Below are pictures of Karlene who was like 10 years old when I last saw her. Isn't she a babe??--and she is super cool. Watch out boys! The bottom row of pictures is Rodger (cala's dad) who is like a uncle to me. Such an amazing guy and I was so happy to see him again. Bottom right picture Natalie and Natalia.

The Kynaston girls and me. We were missing the youngest "Squashy" she had to leave.

In our true form. Ladies you have ALWAYS made me laugh until my sides hurt. I have never met a funnier group of sisters. Your sense of humor and love of laughter is a gift from your mom that I have missed so much! Thank you for always making me feel like such a part of your family. I love you all!

***Cala you are an amazing host. Thank you for opening your home to us weary travelers. We had such a wonderful time. It was so fun spending time with you and your amazing little family. You are such a wonderful mom and it was so neat to see you all grown up. Love you lots quacker!****

Up next Oregon................after 10 more hours of driving............................................

Wasn't it just yesterday?

Wasn't it just yesterday that I could hold you both at the same time?
Wasn't it just yesterday that I was nursing Ava while Sophia played with my hair?
Wasn't it just yesterday that you were both in diapers?
Wasn't it just yesterday that you both needed me so?

Oh how time flies my beautiful girls. I can't believe that you are now the big sisters. You are 5 and 3. I remember like it was just yesterday waiting for your arrivals as you kicked in my belly.
5 years ago when my journey as a mother began did I ever how much I learn from 2 little people. Thank you girls for teaching me how to be patient, tender, and for showing me really what love was really all about. I can't wait to spend many many more years watching you grow!

Sophia you were my first and I made and continue to make so many mistakes and blunders with you. You have always kind of been a daddy's girl which makes your dad feel on top of the world. You light up our lives and I love you so much.
You are:
patient
funny
kind
so tender hearted
loud
creative
TALKATIVE
sensitive
brave
silly
boss
affectionate
active
smart
This last year you:
lost a tooth, learned to write all of your letters and a handful of words, really learned to love drawing and you take a lot of pride in your work, learned to ride your bike, have adjusted to a big move really well, really enjoying primary and going to church, and have been an amazing big sister and helper to me this past year.


Ava being the 2nd born I feel like I was able to slow down and enjoy each moment with you more. It also helped that you were so easy going right from the beginning and fit right into our growing family. You were a momma's girl right from the start so, when it came time for Natalia be born I was so nervous about how you would handle it. Over night you turned from my little baby to a big girl. I have been surprised time and time again over this past year to see this strong little personality come out in you. I love my spunky monkey Ava!

You are:
surprisingly very strong willed
very determined and independent
you love to accomplish things on your own
you love to help out and are up to any task
you are pretty shy and feel the most comfortable with your big sister around
you love to run and will run where ever you go
you are a monkey and with your long arms you can hang and swing on about anything
you have a dry sense of humor that cracks us up
pretty quiet when you are happy
This last year you:
potty trained really fast, got rid of your binki, started to make a couple friends on your own, learned to pedal your trike, started to color, switched to a big girl bed, and handled a big move and a new baby sister really well.

The Party!

The birthday girls waiting for their birthday cupcakes.

Yummy cupcakes.

Yum Yum.

I love Gracie's face in this picture. She looks like she is having so much fun. We are missing a few kiddos from the party in this picture.

Everyone eating lunch in the sun room. We had the party right around lunch time so everyone had little sandwiches, chips, fruit, and salad. Simple stuff.
The girls wanted pink and brown (chocolate and strawberry was what they said).

Everyone just hanging out at the end of the party. The girls had a great time with all of their little friends. I have made some AMAZING friends here and I feel so fortunate to have them in my life. Their children are all around the same age as my girls which makes for a lot of fun play dates. I love my girlfriends here and all though I have only know them for a short while I feel like they have all been apart of my life forever. You all made the party so much fun thank you!
**Christina--thank you for shooting all of the cake shots-- I would of missed it all!**

Learning to Ride

Since the weather has been nice we have spent a lot of time riding out bikes.

Ava is FINALLY able to reach the pedals and loves "pedwalling" her hot wheel trike. She gets a little frustrated when she can't keep up. She is persistent though and will pedal around for hours on end.

Sophia ditched her training wheels right before her 5th birthday. We are so proud of her. She loves to ride her bike and will just take off with her new found freedom. As you can tell in the picture of Sophia above she is pretty happy with herself too. I took her for a walk with me around the lake at Frontier Park which is just under a mile all the way around. Sophia rode her bike for a solid 3 laps and didn't stop once. Cameron is one proud papa and is already talking about the next bike he is going to get her. No more of this wimpy princess bike stuff!

Look Daddy!

If 'Talia could talk she would say: "Sorry Daddy I didn't wait but, while in Oregon I learned to sit up all by myself."

"I think it is pretty fun."

"Miss you bubs."

Sophia says: "Daddy I am learning all sorts of new tricks. Look what I can do on John's tramp."
"How many more days until you come."

Ava says: "I miss you Daddy. I am doing lots of fun things."


I ventured to Oregon by myself to visit our family and friends. I stopped along the way to stay with my dear friends in Boise. Now that we are here we have been busy busy and have been having a fabulous time with everyone. One thing is missing and that is Cameron. It's not quite the same without him and can't wait for him to join us on the 2nd leg of our trip.

Right now we are in Tillamook visiting my folks. I have a lot of pictures to post and will do more later. Happy 4th of July all!

Marshmallow

Oh me oh my! I can't believe how big my little baby girl is getting. This is my favorite sleeper for her. It is soft and she is squishy just like a marshmallow. If she smelled like one I would for sure have to bite her. Get ready for a picture overload of Natalia the marshmallow.
Our living room has this great big window that Natalia loves to just stare out and pucker her lips. She is always puckering out her luscious kissers. These lips definitely didn't come from me.

"Sissy" snuck in for a picture. Yes if you are wondering Sophia is ALWAYS in her underwear. She can't stand being in clothes. She always strips after shortly coming home. We have tried everything to keep clothes on her but, she always strips. Sophia is such a good big sister to Natalia and loves to sing to her. It makes Nat laugh.
Look at that widows peak! That she got from me!
Look at those cheeks! Yummy! We love her so much. She is such a good baby and is growing so fast. I want her to slow down just a little. I love this phase.
Here are a few little things about her.
-She loves to face out when you hold her. She loves to look around and doesn't want to miss anything.
-She loves to be around her sisters and cracks up at some of their antics.
-She is a great sleeper. Morning naps are always 2-3hours then she will cat nap in the afternoon. At 8:00pm she is done for the day and will let you know it. She will only wake up once to nurse. I wish that the older two would sleep as well as her!
-She loves her bath. It is one of my favorite times with her. Kicking and splashing the whole time. I just have to keep her from rolling over.
-She loves to be on her stomach. I lay her down on her back for bedtime and she will always (even in a dead sleep) flip over on her stomach.
-She has made nursing this time around a breeze. My other two girls were a bit of a struggle at times which made it hard for me to want to continue nursing for the full year.
-She has been eating solids for the past month and is a little piggy. I only feed baby food 1 time a day but she will snort and squeal because I am not feeding her fast enough. She doesn't care for any of the cereals but, loves all of the veggies and fruits (totally different than my other two).
-Any time you make eye contact with her she will flash you a huge grin (it melts me).
-When she talks it sounds like a bird chirping. It reminds me a lot of Sophia's babbling as a baby.

We feel so blessed to have Natalia in our family. She fits in like a glove and seems to like all of the chaos. I don't know if I mentioned it but, I love this baby girl! :)