The Clarke Family

Big 10 month old

2012-03-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

My little rascal is already 10 months old! Crazy how time is flying by.

She's crawling, cruising, standing, waving, blowing kisses...it's all too cute.

She's working on the blowing kisses. She puts her hand up, but doesn't blow... It's still cute.

This is her laughing face...

Ethan let Ashlynn play with his Monster Trucks...

...she was SO happy!

He loves carrying her around on his shoulders too. We were nervous but it turns out she totally loves it. The girls dressed her up with a crown and wand so it just needed a picture...(Mika was spraying herself with a spray bottle...)

She's not as camera savvy as Mika was as a baby. She'd much rather be held and hugged instead of be in front of the camera :)

Travis and Mika!

2012-03-20T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the quote translated: "Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them." -Elder M. Russell Ballard October 2009 Conference

My sister-in-law Stacey found this on the Italian LDS facebook page! Remember when the church came to take pictures of us for 4 hrs?!
I was excited to see this! They are famous in Italy! :)

Ethan's 7th Birthday

2012-03-02T13:40:00.007-05:00

Ethan's birthday was on Thusday this year so we kept everything nice and simple. Travis and I met him at school for lunch and brought his class doughnuts.

His best bud Logan rode home on the bus with him...

They watched a 3D movie...

I tackled making the cake...he was happy with it. :) I just did 2 layers and frosted the heck out of it, making a chocolate teddy grahams smashed jump for a grave digger Lego truck. Don't have a strait-on pic, but you get the idea. Big number 7!!!

Ashlynn enjoyed the cake too!

Presents!! Some aunties and uncles came to join the fun. (Thanks G, Yo, Brando and Stace and Dev n' Heidi!) We got him his own remote so he doesn't have to wait for dad. He LOVES it....

And I got him a big husky that matches his little one.

The next day Angie, Lily and Henry came to visit. Lily got to meet Ethan and Kaylin for lunch at their Elementary School. Lily even got to stay and watch a Dr Seuss movie in bubby's class. Later we went on a golf cart ride and to the park.

The Hayes' got Ethan an exhaust for his bike. He LOVES it. He rode his bike while we went on the golf cart.

Thanks everyone for helping making Ethan's day special!!! Happy Birthday bubs! I was very sentimental for some reason this year. We yelled and cheered at 3:25 when he came into the world 7 years ago, premature and sick. What an emotional trial for us, and now when I look at him, overwhelmed with gratitude for my healthy, strong boy, I can't ignore that spot in my heart where he nuzzled his cute little self into.

2012-02-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

Our awesome friend Mandy and Chad took us to Charleston for a long weekend. It was perfect!! We left the kids with family and stayed in Mandy's parents' condo a short drive from the city. We had a bit of rain, but that didn't stop us. We still had such a great time.

The boys fished one afternoon at Shem Creek. Travis caught a crab and Chad caught a flounder but it let go at the last minute...

My cute friend is 30 weeks pregnant...

I loved all the shrimp boats. Cool names and cool nets.

And the pineapple fountain is of course beautiful....

Some of my favorite places...

2012-02-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

I loved all the cobblestone alley ways, and the lamps, everything was so adorable.

This is a brewery we ate at, played darts and started a Ghost Tour. It actually was right on the bay and owned by a cotton distributor. The story was, his parents died and left him a great inheritance. He put all the cotton he had been storing up on a ship that actually caught fire. He saw the smoke and fire burning in the harbor from the top floor window where his desk was and was so depressed he hung himself from the rafters in the middle of the room....

This is the Waterfront Park. The trees were amazing!

The City Market. It actually was where they sold slaves. But now it reminded me of Pike's Place Market in Seattle. Restaurants surround it.

I loved all the colors of the houses, the sporadic palm trees and the feeling you get walking the streets.

At the Waterfront park they had these swings. It was nice to take a break and just watch the Harbor.

This place was SO good. Travis swears he hasn't eaten better wings!

Love is in the air!!

2012-02-14T21:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day! We didn't do anything fancy this year, but I wanted to make sure everyone "felt" love. I decorated the play room door with reasons why I love my kids. They had fun finding which ones were for them.

I got to spend the evening with the kids while Travis was at church for scouts. We had fun opening gifts and reading valentines. I got to capture some love with each of my little loves.

I love my little Ashlynn. She's glued to my hip and she loves it there. I'm so grateful she says "ma ma ma ma" all day long instead of Dad or I'd be a little disappointed. She's so fun to watch grow, she's similar to the other kids in so many ways, but also her own little self. Not a cuddle bug so I cherish the quick hugs and the bedtime routine.

How can I love this boy so much?! He makes me laugh harder than anything! I love his cuddles and hugs, his laugh and his sense of humor. He is such a happy, excited, fun-loving boy. He loves to play and play with me. When he is on helper mode, he is the best helper I could ask for, so fast, efficient and knows where everything is! His love language is Gift and Time.

Oh my sweet Kaylin! She knows the way to her mama's heart. I love her kisses, reading together, doing art projects together. I love that when I'm stressed, she knows exactly what to do to help lighten my load. She is SO helpful and never complains. She is beautiful inside and out!!! Her love language is Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch.

Mika my little sharer. With everything! Even her little lollipop. She'll share anything with Ethan (and do anything for him too). Anything she gets from school she will divide for us. Or like her Valentines today she gave some to her non-school friend at playgroup. I love her bright blonde hair and her beautiful blue eyes. I love her funny stories and cuddling with her watching movies. I love how she doesn't listen and then exclaims "I listen to my family" so matter-of-factly.

I'm Ethan's room mom at his school. I brought Ashlynn with me this time. She had a lot of fun with the other kids, like with this cute boy, she kept attacking his Vday box taking the eyes off and eating them :)

She kept yelling (this is non crying, but a yell none the less) so Ethan's teacher took a turn with her. (she has two grand daughters)

Ethan happy with his Valentines!

Cute kiddos from his class! (I go in on Wednesdays so I know them all pretty well)

Cuddling up to one of Ethan's classmates. So cute.

Trying to figure out what's going on...

So Travis and I get to go to Charleston with our friends the Ohmans for a long weekend. We are SO excited! Counting that for our date night and fun Vday plans:) Will post pics next week!

Teeth!

2012-02-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

My happy baby took an unhappy few weeks to get new teeth! They are soooo slow growing in, but they have finally cut through her gums, her two bottom little teeth. I'm going to love those full on smiles with a mouth full of teeth :)

Oh I can't imagine our little family with out Ashlynn. She teaches all of us service, patience and happiness. She is a great night sleeper, but the poor thing can't quite get the best of naps during the day time. I always have helpers to play with her and make sure she drinks all of her bottle, so when it's just her and me, I think she's a little bored. :) Love this smiley girl.

Mika's fun days

2012-02-08T18:07:00.000-05:00

Mika's preschool class went to the Aquarium for a field trip! What a lucky girl! She LOVED it and talked about it all night. Her favorite was the Dolphin Show. They did a special show for them.

Her preschool is a local highschool's child development class, so she always has a teenager to hold on to!

After school or on her days off, we do playdates with her cute little friends. Here we are at Jump 2 it with Caroline and Ella. We usually have more little friends, but they weren't here today. She loves them so much! We are so grateful for good friends!

Monster Jam!

2012-01-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

We have taken Ethan to Monster Jam since he was 3. It's one of my favorite traditions. Last year we went to the pits- so we went again this year. You get to see all the trucks racing up close. This is one of Ethan's favorite, El Toro Loco.

Travis' brother Brandon came with us too (his wife was photographing a wedding :( ) This guy handed them a TRAXXS banner and they took it. Yeah I had to carry it in my purse all night!

My friend Kenda and her little guy Dade came with us too. It was so much fun having them with us!!!

Travis with the little boys in front of Grinder. He was the BEST at freestyle! Did a full flip and still went tearing up the track!

Ok so for morning after morning I'd watch Monster Jam with bubs and have gone to Monster Jam for 3 years now, I know my trucks. :) And I was called a redneck just a few times that night. But I had such a good time. I was hooting and hollaring and almost as excited as Ethan was...

We are CLARKE :)

2012-01-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

So my sister Meagan had THE BEST idea having her kids spell out her last name. So I decided to give it a try. Thought it turned out pretty cute!

lil projects

2012-01-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

So we've been working on a functioning play room upstairs. It's been really fun. I figured bright happy colors because it's a bit on the small side. The kids love it and spend a lot of time in here!

My first project was an old bench I made back when Kaylin was 2. We just did a quick make over- new fabric for the cushion seat, a little bit of bright blue paint and a new knob.

The big project was the entertainment center. Family- this is the light wood armoir we had in the "pool room" growing up. It was black at our other house, but I thought it'd be fun to paint it blue. :) I LOVE it, one of my favorite pieces now. Changed the knobs too (they are all mismatched.)

And lastly, there is a whole wall of closets (So boring --but very functional!) filled with toys. I changed out the knobs (all mismatched still) and painted in the inserts the same blue.

Seriously, painting makes me SO happy. It's like a get to release a creative outlet, almost like it's therapeutic!
So I'm very happy with this room! Now on to the next!!

She's trying to what???

2012-01-08T19:06:00.000-05:00

Sweet little Ashlynn Grace is trying to CRAWL. Oh no baby!! I'm not ready for this. I want a few months of cuddling and immobility! She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth, then lunges forward to reach something, pushes up on her toes and gets it. :((((

I love her eyes. They are so big and the color? I have no idea! They change from green to gray.

New Years!

2012-01-01T18:54:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve we took the kids to the church to play and be loud and have a picnic. They had a blast.

I love this of Ashlynn looking at Travs.

Ashlynn loved rolling around everywhere. Look at her eyes!! What color is that?!?

My oldest and youngest girlies. Oh I love them...

Ethan lost a front tooth and the other is loose now! Big 1st grader!!!

Travis brought the remote truck they've been working on together. It actually was really fun to play tag with it and watch it clear jumps they made.

Taking a ride on the carts for the church dividers. You can tell we are having fun :)

We decided to be spontaneous and head up to Altanta to watch the peach drop! Travis had never been. So the tower behind us is where the peach is. Really really crowded, but it was fun. We could have walked and talked all night.

Christmas Festivities

2011-12-28T18:26:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Eve we acted out the Nativity with the cousins (Clarke tradition) and this time my kids were stars of the show. Mika was an angel. Paka would read to her what the angel said and she would proclaim it! :)

Travis was Joseph, Kaylin was Mary, Ashlynn was baby Jesus (once he was born) and Laurel was the donkey.

Here we have most of the cast. Sayla was a shepherd and Ethan was a Wise Man.

The excited kiddos waiting at the bottom of the stairs! Travis had to go wake Mika the grump up and Ashlynn stayed asleep. Travis told Mika that Santa came and asked if she wanted to see what he brought her and she replied, "No, I want to go back to sleep."

The kids had so much fun with their cousin Sayla. We are going on a chilly golf cart ride. I crack up at Ethan's face!!!!

My Clarke sisters!! I enjoyed being with Breezy and her family so much this trip. And Stacey was so good to us for sharing her Christmas with both families. She just found out she's having a boy!

Jonathan spent a few weeks with us. He adored the kids and Ashlynn was a favorite. She'd let him kiss her all the time.

After we opened presents, went to church and had a nice Christmas brunch with the Clarke's, we headed down to Macon to see my sister's family and my parents.

It was so good to spend time with them!! Such a fun day!

The Georgia Sharp grand-kids. They all had a blast together running around and playing with new toys. Thanks Ang for hosting, the meal was yummy and the company was even better.

Lily and Ashlynn...

Lily got a stand up microphone and Kaylin got a paper jamz mic so they sang a lot together. It was cute. Lily kept making up her own songs rather than singing holiday classics. :)

10 years together

2011-12-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

My sweet love and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary together. It was so so much fun. We both agreed we needed more time, but a quick weekend get-a-way was still so great. We just stayed at the Westin near Perimeter. It was perfect, we got an upgraded room with a great view of the lake and city.

We shopped and went to a movie, ate and walked around. It was the perfect time well spent.

Travis is so wonderful. He does so much and is the most unselfish person I know. He has a heart of gold, with the best intentions and also tender and sweet to the core. I love our talks together, he just gets me. Like no one else. He's seen the good, the bad and the ugly and it doesn't matter, he loves it all. That means so much. He's honest, kind and oh so patient. I love his laugh, his awesome smile, and even his moles. I love his snoring and the way he falls asleep in 2 seconds- because I know if he wasn't by my side, I'd miss all those things. Thanks for loving me and trying so hard to be the perfect man for me.

My amazing parents had our 4 kiddos all weekend. Of course the kids had a blast, and I'm hoping my parents did too! (probably not much sleep though!)
Here they are Sunday after church in their Christmas clothes. THANKS MOM AND DAD!!!

Yes even after a couple days I missed the kids dearly. I love love love being with Travis, but my kids are my purpose, who I am, what I love. And yes I missed the monster incredibly. :)

2011-12-13T19:13:00.000-05:00

I love my little Ashlynn. I hate that she is growing so fast. I miss her being tiny. But I'm enjoying every minute of her. She is a mover, roller, kicker etc and soon there won't be any snuggle time, so I'm taking as much as I can get!

My big girl is sitting up!! She hardly ever falls unless she wants to roll to get somewhere. I found her today sitting up waving her arms crying. It was so cute, because she was just lonely.

Ashlynn is lucky enough to have more than just baby toys. This is the kids' fake frog (filled with sand) it has a weird texture as you can see on Ashlynn's face.

Mika rises to the occassion of the big sister role when the older kids are gone at school. She loves her so much. Maybe a little too much. :)

I think they look so much alike here. I'm looking forward to seeing if it stays that way or not.

Mika's Class Party

2011-12-07T19:02:00.000-05:00

Travis and Ashlynn joined me and Vicki at Mika's class Christmas Party.

She was so happy to have daddy there with her!

Mika loves to make faces. She refused to smile until we made a face first. This is her grumpy face...

Then her happy girl face

Mika's class got a special surprise! Santa came!! He gave each child a gift of candy and a stuffed reindeer. It was so cute.

Ashlynn even sat on Santa's lap. She is my very FIRST baby who did NOT cry!!

Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-04T18:55:00.001-05:00

Santa came to the Ward Christmas Party! The kids were SO excited to tell him their favorite toy they want this year. I couldn't believe no one cried! This is the first year!

Nathan was home- I love his crossed eyes, I love my Jocey and I'm holding sleeping Ashlynn...

Nathan and Brandon were tossing her afterwards. Yes, you can see the girls behind them...most people are really shocked. But this baby loves it!! All the pictures of her flying through the air were blurry.

My Mormon.org Profile

2011-11-09T13:29:00.001-05:00

Hi, I'm Brittany

I'm a daughter of 6, a mother of 4 and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I grew up in Washington State with 4 sisters and 1 brother. My home, some could say, was chaotic. But to me, it was heavenly. My favorite memories are with my siblings and today after all these years, they are still my best friends. Not everything went perfect, we had hair pulling fights and were grounded to our room with our worst enemy, but those are now what we look back and laugh at. Our paths have taken us all on different journeys and different states, but we stay connected because our family is eternal. It will not end at death. Now at age 30, I have been married to my husband for 10 years. Our sweet relationship has always had its ups and down, but when we turned to each other and our Father in Heaven, we've made it even stronger. We have been blessed with 4 amazing children who are 8, 6, 3 and 5 months. They teach me so much. Our favorite things to do are have dance parties, read and draw together, go boating on the lake and watch movies. I enjoy teaching them and watching them grow, seeing their personalities and testimonies of Jesus and His teachings bloom. When I look at them I know I've always meant to be their mother and the warm truth and understanding that we will be able to be together forever.

Why I am a Mormon

I was baptized at the age of 8 by my oldest sibling, my brother. I grew up in the church, with parents very involved in our local congregation. The gospel was all around me, yet I still had to know the truth for myself. Some would say I learn things the hard way, but once I learn them and I know its truth, it's a powerful testimony that resides deep in my core. I remember at different times in my life, I would gain testimonies of the principles and teachings of the Savior. It didn't all happen at once. Trials and experience helped me turn to my Heavenly Father for guidance and direction. Most of the time I look back and wonder how I got through what I have, and I know my Savior was right by my side, helping me through it. I am so grateful for the Atonement in my life. Without it I would have nothing. It encompasses all.
The world is getting more and more terrifying to me as a mother of young children. I believe firmly that they need strong testimonies to make it in this world. We focus on the future-looking forward to meeting our Savior once again and remember what is truly important in our lives. We keep our home safe, positive and loving teaching each other what it means to be loved and to give love, serving each other and learning our divine natures and individual worth as we are all sons and daughters of God with a unique and important purpose in each of our lives.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

I believe you can control what is brought into your home. To keep our home happy and full of love, we monitor our children's TV shows, movies and computer games online. I also believe that the more you do together, the more love you have for one another. We make sure we all eat dinner together, say family prayers, read together, dance and sing together, go on family vacations and include the kids on making family decisions. If they feel a part of the family, they will contribute more. We encourage playing with siblings as much as possible and inviting friends to play at our home. We want to make our home fun for the kids so they'll want to be here.

How I live my faith

I teach the 16-18 yr old girls each Sunday. They are amazing young women. Most of the time, I prepare the lessons not only for them, but for me as well. It seems to be exactly what we all need to hear. The gospel is never ending, you can always learn something new to apply it to your life. I love these girls, they are examples to me.
My family and I enjoying serving our friends in and out of our faith. We try especially hard to provide meals and toys to those in need.
But our main goal is to love everyone, seeing good in everyone and being a good and righteous example to those around us.
We love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and are proud to be Christians

Day to Day

2011-11-08T18:50:00.009-05:00

These 3 kiddos love taking baths together. I think they looks so much alike here, especially the girls.

Happy Ashlynn just waking up from her nap. She's such a sweetie pie.

She loves being held (like all my babies) and I know I will miss it someday even though it's killing my back now! ;)

Ashlynn loves to be a part of everything. Kaylin is so patient with her. Here they are "eating" snack

She is a rolling machine! She loves tummy time and being on the floor, but only if someone is there with her.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T11:32:00.000-04:00

The weather was perfect for a fun, spooky Halloween! Beware! Out come the Peacock (Mika) a Gypsy (Kaylin) a baby black kitty (Ashlynn) and The Incredible Hulk (Ethan)

The Black Kitty was so happy and alert all night. She enjoyed driving around on the golf cart snuggling in warm blankets.

The gypsy was beautiful and full of life. She loved running to each house and get her bucket full of candy!

The Incredible Hulk was well...Incredible. He was the fastest trick-or-treater I've seen yet!

The peacock was beautiful, a little scared, and got pretty tired. But she had fun and got tons of candy!

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

Our trunk-or-treat at the church was so much fun! Travis as the walking half dead experiment gone wrong and me, a witch!

Travis' brother's Brandon and Nate (on left) along with their cousin Garret (middle) did a huge haunted house in a moving van hooked up to the enclosed trailer. Brandon and Travis were the "victims", Nathan was kind of like Frankenstein (his costume is off in this pic) and Garret is the creepy doctor. Kids were terrified!

My young women were in charge of a witch's spooky house. We decorated and all dressed up. Me and my girls! (and Mika too)

Stacey was the super aunt! When I was in the spooky house and Travis in the haunted house, she helped me with my little girls. Cousins with their Auntie after the fun party...

Kaylin won the best costume at her table! Me and my gypsy :)

I loved my friend Joyce's costume! Can you guess what she is?

My sleeping kitty. We got her nose done when she was sleeping :)

Capital Field Trip!

2011-10-25T11:17:00.000-04:00

Kaylin had a fun field trip to the Capital! I was able to come and be a chaperon. This is the Freedom Lady that's on top of the gold dome.

They got to ask questions to our Peachtree City Representative.

Sitting in the desks.

Rep Ramsey and some of her class.

Me and her outside the front.

With her besties, Lana and Gage.

I love this girl. She is so happy and loves learning. She is enjoying 3rd grade so much and her teacher is seriously amazing! We are so lucky!

Projects

2011-10-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

We've been doing fun little projects around the house! They are little but do SO much!!

New sink!

We tore down a wall in the entrance...it opens it up so much! Plus I painted the door and new hardware. It's wonderful!

Zoooooo!

2011-10-21T11:17:00.009-04:00

We met Angie and her cute kids at the Zoo Atlanta! (the kids were out of school)

Here are the 4 bigs on the caboose!

Kaylin loves the Gorillas!

It was pretty chilly in the morning and the shady parts, Ashlynn was all bundled up!

Mika rode in Angie's stroller with Henry most of the time.

I loved snuggling with Ashlynn!

After a fun day at the Zoo we came back to our house. Kaylin, Ethan and Lily played outside most of the time, while my little girls slept the rest of the afternoon. Thanks Angie for such a great Friday! We loved being with you guys so much!!

Pins Out!

2011-10-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a big day for Ethan! I took him up to the Emory Clinic where he'd get to take his pins out! He was a little nervous, but super brave and happy to get that splint off!

The 2 balls come off first, then they pull with tweezers 3 inch pins. I was amazed they were so long and didn't poke out the other end! Ethan watched the whole time and was slightly uncomfortable very briefly.

His X-rays were awesome so he got to go home with just a bandage and a sling for a week! He can't participate in PE for 3 weeks, but he's doing fine adjusting to the freedom :) The Dr encouraged us to let him move it around on his own terms, not to push or pull his healing of his range of motion. We'll go back in 3 months to make sure it's healing properly and his range of motion is all back. But as for now, he's getting used to using two arms again!

Fall Weather

2011-10-19T16:21:00.000-04:00

One day we are out at the park in the high 70's and in the sun sweating!!

Ashlynn and I are taking a break on the golf cart in the shade :) She's almost 5 months this week! I'm dying!

She had her first swing ride. She loved it. I took a little video and it was hilarious. We set her back in the swing and you could barely see her head over it.

The next day (literally) we are indoors with a high of 54 and freezing our southern bums off. It made me sleepy and Ashlynn cuddly :)

Growing "littles"

2011-10-08T16:08:00.000-04:00

I call my two youngest girls "littles". They are growing so fast...

Ashlynn is 4 1/2 months in this picture.

Mika loves being a big sister. She's helpful when she wants to be. She loves making sure Ashlynn has her bottle. And loves to be on the floor with her.

Mika loves to dress up. She's a princess but if you look, she has boots on and is about to go outside with Ethan.

Coweta County Fair!

2011-10-01T16:04:00.001-04:00

We love taking the kids to the county fair. It was a perfect night!

Our fam in front of the big ferris wheel! (Don't ask what Mika is doing, we have no idea!)

Travis, Kaylin and Mika rode the ferris wheel.

We went with our friends the Ohmans. There little girl Ella is Mika's little friend. They all rode on the firetruck.

Mika yelling MOM-eeeee everytime they came around...

The girls went on a small rollercoaster. The cutest thing ever was to see both of their little hands up in the air.

They have a cute petting zoo. This donkey just stood there letting us all pet it.

Cute farmer girl :)

I love her many faces. This one is saying "It smells in here!"

Ethan's arm

2011-09-18T20:55:00.003-04:00

So Friday around 2pm I get a call from ethan's teacher saying he fell climbing at recess and his arm doesn't look right. She wanted me to pick him up so he didn't ride the bus home in pain. I rushed from the grocery store and saw poor little bubs in tears and very scared. His elbow looked deformed. I got Jocelyn to come over and watch the girls while I took him to Urgent Care here in town. After two hours they diagnosed him with a supracondylar humerus fracture and posterior displacement. If it was just the break he could have seen the pediatric bone and joint specialist but because of the displacement we had to go up to Egleston children's hospital in Atlanta. We got to the ER around 7pm. Here he is after they unwrapped his splint, watching TV. He was so tough and brave.

He kept declining pain medicine even though he was green from pain. I told him that these nurses and doctors were just trying to help him, so the next time they came in they gave him some morphine through an IV (which he hated)

After another set of X-rays, they said they needed to do surgery with 2 pins in his elbow to set it. They ended up admitting him around 10pm. I guess there was a major accident where the kid had bone coming out of the skin that was going into surgery first, so we had to wait for morning. I was SO grateful it was just his arm, but when a child is stable, you end up waiting a very long time. He was so patient and the staff was excellent.

They finally let him eat. He had a small window from 10-midnight, so he had just chocolate milk, cheerios and a Popsicle. They told us they start surgeries at 8 am and he was 4th on the list. He hardly slept at all, he was restless and upset. Travis came around 1am and gave him a blessing, which was wonderful and he actually fell asleep during it.

I was expecting to go into surgery around noon, so my mom came to keep Ethan company. I woke up with a severe allergy attack so my eyes were red and watering with my nose dripping like a leaky faucet. I was so glad she was there. Shortly after she arrived, they started prepping him for surgery around 10am. They had given him pain meds about an hour before, and then had him drink some stuff that would make him sleepy before they put him under. The combination made him very loopy and tired. They wheeled him down to the OR and gave him this fuzzy bear. He was SO happy and would cuddle it constantly. Once the drink kicked in full force and he was talking so funny and his eyes were rolling in the back of his head, they wheeled him back to the OR. My mom and I went to the OR waiting room, where our family friend Ngan and Dad came. Unfortunately they didn't get to see Ethan, but it was so nice to see them. The surgeon came out 20 mins later saying the surgery went great!! He was only under for 15 mins. When they brought him back to his room he was very sad, upset and disoriented. It broke my heart. He wanted to rip all his wires off, get his shirt on and go home.

Thankfully my mom was there and she started reading him books and he calmed down right away falling in and out of sleep and then by the 3rd book he was reading along with her. He read the 4th one on his own. He drank 2 juices, had crackers and strawberries and was allowed to go home! He was discharged around 1pm.

I had no idea a simple fall backwards off the monkey bars would turn into this! But I'm SO grateful he is okay. He has a splint and sling for a few weeks until they take the pins out and then he'll most likely get another splint for the remaining time. The Surgeon does not like casts. I'm proud of our tough little man, he is in a lot of pain and does not like his medicine. Hopefully tonight he will get some good rest as he hasn't slept well in 2 days. Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers! It's made this whirlwind much more bearable!

Big girlie

2011-09-14T21:02:00.001-04:00

I'm trying this new blogger app to see if it works!
I was snapping a few pics of Ashlynn and Mika would not stop beaming at me. She was so fun. I'll post more later!

My cutie patootie

2011-09-13T14:21:00.000-04:00

Oh it's a good thing I adore her, because she loves to held constantly and I can't get anything done unless she's sleeping!!!

She is so fun right now, rolling over, cooing, giggling, gnawing on her fingers (and sometimes sucking her thumb! -gasp- She recognizes all the family and will follow. Her favorite spot is in your arms, turned out on your hip. But she also likes to be in her bouncer- although she has to be next to someone and will call out for you to start talking to her. She loves attention, but on her terms :) She loves standing up with help and will bounce and kick on your lap. She's such a joy to all of us.

Six Flags

2011-09-13T14:15:00.001-04:00

Yeah we might be crazy bringing 4 kids to 6 flags, but our friend who works for Coke got us in to the park for Coke family and friends day. We couldn't turn it down. And I'm so glad we went, we made so many fun memories as a family.

Mika and Daddy coming out of the Monster Mansion. She loved it!

Ethan on the carousel. I wish we got a pic of him driving the cars and the bumper cars. He's so good :) We video taped it instead.

Me and the girls on the swinging ships.

Kaylin and I rode GOLIATH with our friend's kids. They are all tall enough! Oh it was so much fun. I LOVE rollercoasters!!! Kaylin kept saying she was going to pass out and it made me laugh so hard I was crying.

After the ride stops...

Kaylin loved the carousel. She'd pet her horse and then act like it was really running. So cute. She also liked the water log rides, which of course we don't have pics of. That's why she's in her bathing suit! She got soaked!!!

Mika was a little trooper. She couldn't ride a ton of rides, but the ones she did she was grinning from ear to ear and would wave to us every single time she passed.

The old rickety Georgia cyclone. Oh it was horrible and painful and I thought we were going to fly right off of it. After the ride Kaylin asked if I liked it and I told her why I didn't. She said, "Oh phew because I really didn't like it either!"

What a fun family day we had!! Mom came around 1pm and took Ashlynn for us so we could ride more rides with the older kids. We went back to Grandma's house around dinner time and they watched the kids so Travis and I could go out to eat on a date. It was a a perfect ending to a fabulous day!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-13T13:53:00.001-04:00

Breezy and her family came down the week before Labor Day Weekend. Nathan came from Hawaii too! It was a blast having them here. Brandon Stacey, Garret and Jocelyn came over every night for game night.

We also went swimming in Lake Peachtree and the pool.

Ashlynn is chilling in her stroller on a gorgeous almost fall day...

Breezy's baby Sayla and Ashlynn. They are about 9 months apart.

We played games at the church a couple of times. Volleyball, crab soccer, and interesting tennis matches....

We went to Lake Wedowee for the weekend. I didn't get many pictures there because I was either holding Ashlynn or in the water...but we had a great time. Unfortunately we got rained out. But we still had a great time just being together!! Thanks Breezy, Troy and Nathan for visiting!!!

Didn't know...

2011-08-23T13:37:00.001-04:00

I didn't know I'd cry today...

Well my "big girl" is going off to preschool this year. And boy is she ready!! This was meet the teacher night. She found her apple :) We asked her if they wanted her to call her Aidrian Mika or just Mika and she said, "I AM Mita!" So okay...they call her Mika.

She is going to a local High School's Child Development Class. So basically she is one on one with a high school student 3 days a week for a few hours. I thought this was great for her, exposure to other kids and she loves attention from older people (like her aunties and babysitters) Below is the door I drop her off and they have a great playground too.

This morning, all smiles! We've been counting down, but a 3 yr old has no concept of time, so when she asked me this morning, "Mom is school yet?" I said Yes! And she ran to get her new school shoes and her glitter back pack. It was so cute.

I pulled up to the curb and got her out, she immediately said, "Bye Mom!" and when I said I would walk her to the door she said, "I'm FINE mom!" I choked up walking her in and then called Travis on my way home bawling that my little shadow was at school. (I still cry about it.)

So proud of our little Mika. She said the boys were nice, she played pirates on the playground with a wheel and a little lookey through thing ;), ate apples for snack, sat on the carpet for circle time and talked about the sun and clouds and rain.:) Too cute.

Big kids

2011-08-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

Is there a "stop growing" button. Man, these kids are getting so big and it's really surreal. I took a moment today to just sit and talk to each of them, and I couldn't help but smile at everything they said and at their adorable growing faces.

This boy I adore. Always had a soft spot for him and I need to hug him more.

My little beauty. I'm so proud of her. I love listening to her talk, her little mind is constantly going, thinking, wondering, questioning. Big questions too. I love that she trusts and values everything I say. I love that she is excited by life and all there is in it. I love that she loves science and experiments, drawing and pretend play--all these I loved too.

Such little buddies. They fight, they wrestle, they push each other's buttons, but boy do they love each other. They protect, care and encourage each other. I love it. I love how Ethan is "hugging" Kaylin.

My growing girl

2011-08-15T13:57:00.000-04:00

I took Ashlynn to her 2 month check up although she's a week shy from 3 months. She weighed 11.2 lbs (20% tile) and was 22 inches long ((20% tile)

She is constantly changing and I feel like she's growing SO much! Her eyes are always changing too. Lately they have been this pretty blue/green color. I wonder what they'll turn out to be. What do you think?

She's been taking long naps in her swing. It's been great to have some time to catch up. I love her precious face when she sleeps. And those cheeks--all my kids have had them although they are skinny they are droopy cheeks! (very kissable)

She is cooing, smiling and lately even giggling. I can't help but stop and "talk" to her. She gets mad when she wants to talk and no one is there. (but please "no touching" is usually her motto)

She still has her curly dark hair but it is getting lighter. In the heat or if it gets wet, it's tiny curls. And her bangs will never lay down flat.

She loves bath time! She kicks constantly and never cries until she gets out. Another water baby?

Mika loves bathing with her and since her cast we've let her often because the water level is lower. She's very soft with baby Ashlynn.

Birthday Boy!

2011-08-08T20:33:00.013-04:00

Travis is 32! This year his bday was on the first day of school and the weekend before he was at the lake for a scout campout, so we just did a small family fun night. First we had his favorite meal, Alfredo with bacon. (the red signs are birthday greetings from us to him)

The kids insisted I make cupcakes so he could blow out some candles (although Travis' request were ice cream sundaes--we had those too!)

These next 3 pictures crack me up because they totally show each kids' personalities. Ethan stuffing...

Kaylin licking...

Mika showing...and messy...

A "normal" family pic...

Oh wait, and another normal family pic...

Ashlynn was sleeping...

Then it was onto games with balloons, birthday tickles and spanks. We had a blast celebrating Travis!

Mika took this one, that's why we are on the floor.

We played blind hide the block...

Happy Birthday Travs!! You sure are loved!!!

1st day of School!!

2011-08-08T10:46:00.000-04:00

About the catch the bus on their 1st day of School!! I really can't believe. I have to admit, I'm enjoying a quiet house, but at the same time, I miss my little helpers...my heart drops when I think about Kaylin in 3rd grade...Where did the time go?!?

Ethan the 1st grader! He has Kaylin's 1st grade teacher and he's so excited about it! His best buddy Logan is also in his class. He's one happy little boy this morning!!

Kaylin the 3rd grader. GULP! I can't believe it!! I feel like I was just in 3rd grade! She is such a beauty and I'm so proud of her, she has a great teacher and she's so excited for the new school year.

I got this idea from a friend. Although she goes all out with a meal and treats etc, I just chose a scripture for the kids to think about during the school year. One that they could memorize and we could use through out the year for family home evening lessons. We introduced it last night before Father's blessings and they did well reciting it. This morning I had they both say "Remember Jesus in everything you do!"

Life

2011-08-07T10:28:00.000-04:00

Ashlynn loves sleeping on her daddy's chest.

Mika and her friend Casch coming in from outside dirty from head to toe...

Me and Ashlynn at Angie's house...

Some very cute faces :)

Happy Birthday Henry! Lily, Mika and Henry...

My lifesaver...now I might be able to get some things done...

Mika's Elbow

2011-08-06T10:23:00.000-04:00

Tuesday the kids were playing outside with the hose. We have a brick wall that goes along the driveway, it starts at 1 foot and goes up to about 4 ft. Mika was on the brick wall and slipped off, unfortunately at the 4ft level. She fell on her elbow.

This is the first day of swelling. We gave her advil and iced it. The next day the swelling moved to the back of her arm and about 2x's larger, so I called her Dr. They had me take her to a outpatient X ray place, then made an appt for the next morning.

Turns out she fractured her elbow. They made her a temporary cast, a splint and then covered it with a camo wrap. She was pretty happy about how it looked and she said her elbow didn't hurt her anymore. I'm taking her to a pediatric orthopedic to put a full cast on Wednesday.

Emily and Allie visit!!

2011-07-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

Dave gave Emily and Allie a birthday present to come visit family in Georgia! We have LOVED having them spend time with us!! Allie is great with all the kids, here she is holding baby Ashlynn.

Kaylin adores her. I find them holding hands and they've been inseparable! There's nothing like cousins!

Angie, Lily and Henry came on Monday too. Lily was so excited to play with her cousins, but she always has to have time to hold Ashlynn.

Henry wanted to hold "baby" too. So cute!

Having lunch!

Aunt Emily trimmed my girls' hair. Mika has only gotten one hair cut in her life. I was surprised she sat so well and listened to all Emily's instructions. :)

The kiddos at Grandma's house....

Grandma built a fort for the kids to sleep in. They love doing that at Gma's house!

I love my sister!!

I love my niece!!

In the Water!

2011-07-25T14:41:00.000-04:00

My kids LOVE tubing!! They wanted Allie to come on Saturday with them. They had so much fun they tubed with Travis after he finished work on Monday with the Hayes too.

I love action shots!!

They went on a slow ride with Mika...

Mika loves swim breaks the best. Here she is swimming with Aunt Emily.

Travis playing King of the tube!

Mika wanted to go on a ride with Emily!

The real fun is watching these guys on the tube!

Mika

2011-07-20T18:11:00.001-04:00

My pet monster is just about the cutest little thing ever right now. If you look closely she is burping her baby dora doll and reading mom's book. I left the room and came back to her patting the baby on his back and talking to him. She told me, "I'm being a mommy!" I guess thats what I do all day?!?

I love this face!!

Mika and her adorable new friend Casch. She said "I am the mommy and he is the daddy!" Then she'd feed him pretzels while he was driving :) When he left she was looking everywhere saying "Where did my daddy go?"

Ashlynn 8 weeks

2011-07-20T18:08:00.000-04:00

Little Ashlynn is growing so fast!! And my favorite...she's smiling...

Her everyday life is simple: being surrounded by her siblings wherever she is, whatever she is doing...

and never with out kisses...

Her eyes are changing from blue to green, they change with her outfits, inside or outside...she's always looking up at fans. (we call them her "friends")

She loves her bath, never cries until she gets out and that dreaded onesie comes on...

Her favorite position- wrapped like a burrito with her bright green passy, whom she talks to.

She has a new fun spot on Ethan's bean bag...

Her lashes are growing in, her hair is still curly...and is still super cuddly and ever so precious.

Ashlynn Gracie Grace

2011-07-10T22:45:00.000-04:00

Our sweet baby Ashlynn was blessed today. She had an awful night sleep and then was super fussy all morning. I was so scared she'd cry during the blessing! I had just gotten her to sleep when it was time. I handed her over to her daddy and he said she was wide-eyed, alert and happy the whole blessing.

I am so proud of Travis, being able and worthy to bless this sweet treasure.

What a weekend, it's been an emotional one to say the least. But wonderful. Sometimes you forget what priceless gifts from heaven our children are.

After the blessing, she was so happy, smiling and cooing. I'm sure there were a million angels surrounding us from the feeling I had holding her. It was amazing and beautiful. I felt a sweet bond between us.

After an eventful day, miss Gracie Grace is finally out....

My friend Joyce got her this bracelet...I love it!

My friend Melanie gave her these adorable flowers for her feet. They are suppose to connect from ankle to toes but her toes were too little. They were darling anyway....

Baptism!

2011-07-09T21:53:00.002-04:00

Our firstborn was Baptized today. I can't believe it still...She was so excited and nervous. Travis and I were a wreck. We both started crying in the opening song. :)

Aunt Stacey took our family picture. I love it. Even though Mika wasn't feeling well and Ashlynn has her bright green passy, this was such a special day we'll always remember.

Travis looking so handsome. I'm so proud of him, he was amazing.

I love my beautiful sweet Kaylin. She is a mini me in so many ways, but I also see Travis in her. I adore her and her sweet spirit and her wonderful testimony. We are so proud of her obedience and decision to be baptized.

She was baptized with her best friend Lana. Their birthdays are 2 weeks apart. The program was beautiful and simple. The girls were glowing.

My dad was able to come for the first part of the baptism. He had to quickly go to do a sealing at the temple, but we are so glad he was there. Kaylin adores Grandpa.

My mom gave the Holy Ghost talk. She was brilliant. She talked about the story in the scriptures where you couldn’t hear the Lord in the wind, earthquakes or fire, but in a still small voice. She also had the congregation sing different songs loudly at the same time to distract the girls, while she whispered in their ears to fold their arms. She said that’s how the world is, loud and chaotic, but to listen for the holy ghost to whisper to you. She gave her a wand with a star at the end that said Believe. It's one of those talks you'll always remember.

Thanks to the Gardners (especially Jennifer and Stacey) for everything. It was perfect and beautiful, a cherished memory for us. All these pictures in this post were taken by Stacey, thanks- I love them all.

Remembering Danen

2011-07-06T21:38:00.001-04:00

It's been 6 years now, that Danen returned "home". What an awesome brother. This year we just went to his grave with some family. We know Danen doesn't want tears or sadness so we laugh and love each other.

I love my family. The Clarkes are some of the best people I've ever met in my entire life. This is one of them. I love Auntie Nae like a sister. She is so sweet with all my kids and loves Travis and I with all her heart. I adore her. I don't have any pictures with her sisters, but Jocelyn and Laurel I can't say one bad thing about. They are selfless, hilarious and adorable. I'm so glad I got to spend that night with them, as well as the next day. It helps to be with family on this day.

We missed Travis' parents badly as they were away in Chicago for work. My thoughts constantly went to his siblings all day, just wishing I could be with them. Thankfully they are coming in August and I can't wait to see them!!!!
Brett, Sarah, Brock and Becky came out too. They are like my brothers and I adore their wives so it was neat to have them with us. All the other tall lanky boys are cousins. It was fun to see them, it's been too long...

It's crazy to think Danen died when Kaylin was 2 and Ethan was 4 months. It hurts to think they won't have memories with Dane, but that's what we have eternity for....

Fun with fam swimming the next day...

Independence Day!!

2011-07-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

The Peachtree City Parade!

Patriotic Kiddos!

Me and my little firecracker :)

My sister in law Stacey and baby Ashlynn

Waiting for fireworks over the lake! Front row seats!!

The 4th Weekend

2011-07-05T21:27:00.000-04:00

We went to Lake Wedowee for the 4th of July weekend with some friends, the Ohman's Henriches and Roners. This was Ashlynn's first trip to the lake! She did so well, I don't remember hearing her cry at all...

Mandy and Ella, Me and Mika riding the tubes!

Kaylin on the rope swing!!

Some of the cute kiddos!

The men had King of the Tube wars. They all had a blast. (while I got sick! barf!)

Who is Who?

2011-06-24T16:25:00.004-04:00

Can you guess who is who?!

I know the blue shirt gives Ethan away, but I think they all look SO similar but different!! Definitely all Clarkeys! :)
And when you figure out who everyone is, who do you think Ashlynn looks like!?

Father's Day

2011-06-20T13:12:00.000-04:00

The best daddy in the whole wide world....

I love this pic, my handsome little men.

Our family of 6!! I'm still getting used to it, that's why I keep telling myself :) Needed an updated pic for my wall! But it was SO hot and muggy with bad hair days...so this is the best one we got. Pretty good though eh?

This daddy LOVES bebes :) I love Ashlynn's face in this one!

Like father like son....it's so true in this family!!!

ONE HAPPY DAD!

Our children couldn't love him anymore. They play with him, confide in him, help him, and love him SO MUCH. I'm so grateful to have married such a hands on dad who finds so much joy in his family. LOVE YOU my wonderful husband!!!

The BIG 3-0!!

2011-06-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

Travis had the kids all day so in the morning my friend Joyce took me to get my nails done! The massage chair was my favorite! Thanks for the pedi Joyce! Then we went to Taco Mac for lunch and did some shopping! It was a great day! When I got home my cute little family ate dinner together. After all my girlies started coming over to do hair and make up! Renae, Jocey, Emily and Nicole all came over, it was fun :)

Then Kindra and Mandy met us there. They didn't get the wear all black memo so they were fun to play with :))

Emily did my make up "smokey eyes". It was different--never had it done before, but it was super fun to have it tonight. Thanks Em!

We played a game called Laser Frenzy where you have to get through the lasers without breaking them. It records your score. These are the ladies who did it. Proud to say I was number 1 because in laser tag I wasn't so good....

First game was a random team divide by couples. I came in LAST place!! Probably because I screamed so much everyone knew where I was....but the 2nd game we did girls vs guys and I was 4th out of 6th...I was moving up in the world! ;) It was a blast anyway and we want to to do it often.

My sweet hubby. He was so good to me. He made my day perfect.

Falling in Love with her....

2011-06-20T11:13:00.000-04:00

We are all smitten by this new little stranger in our home. She is so precious and PATIENT!

Ethan takes very good care of his littlest sister. He makes sure she has her passy and talks to her whenever she's awake. He also keeps our runny nosed noisy monster away! (He's very protective!)

Kaylin is my biggest helper. She LOVES holding her and when I need her to, she'll burp her for me. I love these pictures so much because Ashlynn is nuzzling her neck and Kaylin has the biggest true blue smile.

How sweet is that?! It's so amazing to me, the connection siblings have. It's like they remember each other, they feel safe, they know they are loved....

My beautiful children. I love how this picture turned out.

I have never seen Mika this happy in a picture before. She is such a proud big sister!! She wants to help in any way she can...this includes: singing on the top of her lungs right in her face, getting her passy and waking her up to give it to her, patting her tummy to burp her...etc etc.

I've been lucky enough to have so many people helping me on and off, that I have a very sweet bond with my little Ashlynn. She is a sweetie and I feel so connected with her. I absolutely love it when she's upset and I just put my cheek to hers, she stops crying.

I feel so amazingly blessed to have my 4 sweet children. Being a new mommy of 4 during the hot summer time has proved challenging, but I wouldn't change anything to not have them in my life...

Matching!

2011-06-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

My very talented sister made all the girls matching dresses!! They are SO cute!! So after I took a few family shots fo the Perdue's we tried to take all the kiddos in their matching outfits. The boys just wore white shirts with blue shorts, but still looked as handsome as ever.

This is at a nearby waterfall, unfortunately not a lot of light, but very cute faces! We missed Henry in this one as Angie took him with her so she could put dinner in the oven for all us hungry folks!

We tried hard on this one too but there were a ton of bugs and it was SO HOT!! This is the best one. And yes Ethan is holding Ashlynn... (Travis thought it was a doll!)

Sandy Springs has a bunch of statue turtles around their city, and this was one of them. The kids started climbing on it, but the little kids were "done" with pictures :)

Kaylin is growing way too fast for me. I love this picture. I think she looks a lot like me here...

Thanks Meagy for sharing your wonderful skill and talent with us! We will cherish your dresses!!!

Fun times

2011-06-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

Meagan and Chris and their two little kids came to visit us! I got to spend several fun days with them during the week. Unfortunately I didn't think about getting pictures with Meagan and our babies until they left! But we still have some pics showing some of the fun we had!

Wendy LOVED Grandpa! She didn't like sharing very much. It was simply adorable.

Angie and her cute fam came up on Thursday to spend the day. She had to fight Lily for a chance to hold Ashlynn. :)

Pool Time!! Mom has a great pool at her townhouse. One of the days Ashlynn and I ventured out in the heat.

Kaylin loved having Chris in the water with her. He loved playing with Kaylin and Wendy.

Kyle took a nice shaded nap...

And so did Mika...

Meagan was in the water the whole time! Just like when we were kids...Kyle enjoyed the dip to escape the heat. He's one calm easy going little guy and oh so cute.

Mika just tottled around with her floatie with no cares in the world...

Wendy used one of Mika's floaties but was a little unsure...she loved being with Grandma in the water!

They had a great time playing relay races and Marco Polo!

Still so tiny

2011-06-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

I loved the time I got to spend alone with baby Ash when my little family was at the lake. She was so incredibly sweet and mellow.

She's such a good little sleeper and wakes up to eat like clockwork. I have found though, that she is pickier than my other kids with what I eat. So far she doesn't like salsa, chocolate or coke. Everything in moderation right?!

I know she looks chunky in all the pics, but really she is so tiny. All my babies have had small heads full of dark hair --and lots of it, and chubby cheeks. I'm taking her to the Dr soon to check her weight.

This picture I love. It shows her tininess and her jet black hair. She is constantly grunting, stretching and making all sorts of cute baby noises. She'll yell out occasionally but we've only heard her really truly cry a few times.

Memorial Day

2011-05-28T16:38:00.000-04:00

While me and Ashlynn were recouping at home, Travis took the kids to Wedowee for Memorial Day Weekend. They had a blast!!! Ethan loves the boat, playing with his little boats and with Bronson.

They are little water bugs. They played King of the Tube with their dad and Travis said they are strong kids!! He had to really fight to get up there. :)

Brandon and Travis always think outside the box. They have SO much fun together. These pictures made me laugh....

While they are having fun on the wakeskate, Ethan was put in charge of the video camera. Travis said he did a really good job!

This picture I have to call "True Joy" that look on Travis' face is priceless to me. :)

Mika loves her Clarke aunties. Jocey painted her nails. Look at her cute bun!

Kaylin loves the lake. She doesn't even mind that little fish nibble her toes. Devon caught a fish one day, marinated it and cooked it. Travis said if she took a bite she could have some chocolate. So she did. When asked if she liked it she responded "It was okay..." My heart sunk, but I think she'll stick on my side for the time being....

Mika liked stealing Bronson's floatie. I have to say she looks pretty cute in it!

Yo Yo and Kaylin on the Paddleboard....

Kaylin swam out to see Paka. I call him Paka the grouch in this pic ;)

Mika swimming with her "Bama"...

End of the Year!

2011-05-27T10:46:00.000-04:00

The kids had a GREAT year at school! Ethan learned how to be a terrific reader and is working on writing and math. He had a fabulous teacher who I adore. I was their room mom and loved his little class so much.

I seriously can't believe he'll be in 1st grade next year!!!

Our Kinder-Grad! (with Mika hugging him...no he does not have two sets of arms...)

Kaylin has learned and grown so much in her 2nd grade class. She's become quite the little reader and excels at math and science! Her last day was board game day and she had fun playing and saying goodbye to her friends. We brought Ashlynn too so her class could meet her.

Visitors!

2011-05-26T17:57:00.000-04:00

Sunday my cute little family came to visit with Grandpa Sharp and Grandma Wendy. We realized then "We have a BIG family!!" But it's perfect and can't imagine our home with out baby Ashlynn.

Kaylin loved touching her hair and singing to her. Ashlynn looked A LOT like Kaylin at birth.

Ethan thought she was the cutest thing ever. He wanted to hold her constantly. What a good brother he's going to be with her.

Mika liked laughing at all her noises and grunts and yawns. She thought baby "Ash-a-lin" was so fun to watch, hold and kiss!

Grandma Clarke came home from NC to see baby Ashlynn!

We call Grandpa Sharp the "baby whisperer". He just has a way with babies....

Friends came to visit too! It was nice to have so many visitors! Emily, Andrew and baby Mia came to meet Ash.

So did Kenda and David.

Other hospital visitors were Joyce (she brought a bunch of goodies like a diaper cake and baby necessities. Ashlynn was in the nursery when she came. :( Brandon and Stacey came to see their new niece, and also Maddie and her kiddos came to stop by. Thanks guys!

Once home Brandon and Stacey stopped by a lot. I think it was to use to golf cart, but they came to say Hi to baby Ash every time :)

Jocey came a lot too. I didn't get one with Garret though. :( I have another kiddo for Jocelyn to spoil!

Renae came into town and came by on the way home from the airport! We love our Clarke aunties!!!

Britt Butler stopped by to meet Ash too. She brought us breakfast!

Angie, Lily and Henry came to visit to celebrate my mom's birthday! It was so fun to have them here for a day. Lily LOVED holding Ashlynn and asked every chance she could. :)

Angie had to steal her quick from Lily bug :)

Ashlynn Grace

2011-05-23T17:43:00.000-04:00

Ashlynn Grace Clarke was born May 21st at 9:14pm. She weighed in a whopping 7 lbs 11 oz (my biggest baby so far!) and was 20.5 inches long. She had dark black curly hair and was very alert.

It was a very quick delivery. I progressed so quickly after they started inducing that I got an epidural after an hour and was a 6-7. That slowed things down a little bit, but a little less than 2 hours later, she was ready to come! I had to wait for 10 mins till my Dr came and that was probably the hardest part of it all. After 7 pushes this beautiful bright eyed baby girl came into this world and into our hearts. :)

My labor and delivery nurse was awesome!! I loved her and hated going over to postpardum because I wanted to stay with her. She took our little fam picture. This was about an hour after Ashlynn was born.

She nursed right away and was a little pro! Here's daddy giving her her first burp :)

Going Home

2011-05-23T10:19:00.013-04:00

Ashlynn was so alert and calm. I love this picture, how she's looking at me...and she looks so much like Kaylin did when she was a newborn.

Daddy loves giving kisses and having his babies suck on his nose. She didn't like it at all, so he'd end up just nose to nose talking to her....

Little miss is going home!

Sweet baby girl...

Mika is THREE!

2011-05-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

What a little spunky birthday girl! She had a fun family/friend party on Saturday and then a small family party on her real birthday. She wore her tutu she got from her friend Caroline and LOVED it. She made me call her "Princess Ballerina" all day...

She picked out some cupcakes for her real birthday and enjoyed them thoroughly.

She was trying to cover a spill on her shirt so she could be soooo pretty. I just adore her.

She got a bubble wand from Kaylin so here Travis is making bubbles. I love their faces....

I love how she gets so excited about every gift. She took time to look at each one and tell everyone thank you.

And of course a funny face. When we say to smile or say cheese she'll do this...

Travis and I cracked up at her sitting position.

She loves doing somersaults. I thought this was the cutest pic in her little tutu.

Polka Dot Birthday Bash!

After we walked over to watch Uncle Andrew run, bike and swim we came back for her party. She was so happy. Kind of did her own thing, but loved her friends and family there. She is showing off her lollipop that she run playing musical dots!

Opening gifts and giving every one the best surprise look!

The party table...some of her friends aren't in this, but what a fun little table--eating pizza and chips.

Thanks everyone for coming and helping!! She had such a great birthday and loved all her gifts so much!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-20T13:58:00.029-04:00

Mother's Day was a really wonderful day. Travis did all he could to make sure I was happy, fed and rested. :) Church is early, so we did everything after. The kids were great, helpful and happy. But one of my favorite things about Mother's Day is family pictures. I know, I'm lame. But I treasure them. I just adore my family.

37 weeks. It was exciting to think I'd have another little one joining our family soon.

My love. He's so good to me. Thanks for such a perfect day.

After lunch Kaylin came in and colored on my bed with me. After a short nap, they all piled on excited to give me their gifts they made and bought. It was a sweet little treat.

I just love my crazies.

Bubby is my big helper, and a speedy one at that. He loves cuddles from mom but only if they are short. :) He gives the best kisses and I adore his scratchy voice when he says I love you, every night. He's learned that "mommy is always right!" even if it surprises him every time. :) My little man....

Kaylin is my sweetie. She is so obedient and always wants to make sure mommy is happy and feeling well. She loves giving me hugs and cuddles. She looks a lot like me and it makes her so happy when people say that. She is my peacemaker. My sweet girl....

Ah Mika...my little shadow, my boss, my playmate. She loves to cuddle, sing me songs when she thinks I'm upset and loves to talk and talk and talk. We spend so much time together that when we are apart I miss her dearly. One can't go anywhere with out their shadow right?

I LOVE being a mommy and don't know what my life would be like with out my crazies. I treasure each of them and their distinct personalities. I love watching them grow and learn. Motherhood is so exhausting but also more rewarding than I never knew possible. Thanks for such a great Mother's Day!!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T09:18:00.004-04:00

Our rule is the kids have to find their basket first. The basket is from Mom and Dad. They find the best chocolate, a toy, and some small nick-knacks. Once everyone finds their basket they can find the eggs.

Ethan got a...surprise! Another Monster Truck!

Kaylin took the longest to find her basket, but on the way back to us she kept saying "No way! No way!" She got some small La-la Loopseys. (don't even ask...)

Another rule was that the eggs on the grass were for Mika. Travis made it a bit harder for the older kids :)

One of Ethan's toys were those boxers and you use your thumb to make them box. Him and Travis had a pretty good round. :)

Jocelyn, Garret and Laurel came over for the hunt. Mika just adores Jocey and sat with her while the older kids kept trying to find all the eggs. She was content with her little loot and her new pony.

Yeah, it looks a little scary, but it's a plush my little pony and Mika loves it. It even sings and talks to her.

Kaylin enjoying the air conditioning and all her treasures!

We took a few quick shots of the family. Mika had a hard time cooperating, but the older kids were adorable. It's time like these where I think they really do love each other!

Me and my love. I'm 35 weeks....

Yeah it was fast Sunday. I guess I'm super tasty :)

My family!

Happy Easter!! It was fun to be able to talk to the kids (now being older) about the meaning behind the Easter Egg, Springtime etc. Kaylin really enjoyed the talk and it made so much sense to her. We also watched a wonderful Easter Message on lds.org about the Savior that was very sweet and deeply touching. We are so grateful for our Savior's sacrifice and the Resurrection that allows to live forever as a family someday!

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T20:53:00.000-04:00

Our friends the Anthony's hosted a great Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck! The kids had a fabulous time!

Travis was a "hider" and maybe a too good of one at that...he kept having to give hints :)

Ethan is exclaiming: "I found a golden egg!" He was so fast and found a TON!! Later he told me he followed a smaller kid and picked up what he spilled! Stinker! (we made sure the little boy had enough) I love this pic because that is a genuine smile for bubs....

Kaylin could reach a lot of the high ones and had a great time with some of her favorite friends!

Mika was hilarious. She'd spot the high ones and I love her expression, it's like "the egg is Where?!?"

Mika and her stash

Ethan and his loot

Thanks Anthony's for a great afternoon!

Atlanta Temple Open House

2011-04-23T08:53:00.001-04:00

The Atlanta Temple was open for tours the last two weeks. We were able to go inside with our little family and see the new remodeling and show the kids where Grandma Wendy and Grandpa spend a lot of their time and also to see where Mom and Dad got married! It was so beautiful and we all felt such a peaceful real feeling. Grandpa walked through with us as well, while Grandma Wendy was in the reception tent at the end of the tour.

It was so wonderful to walk through with Travis, my eternal companion in the place where we were sealed 9 1/2 years ago...It's also fun to see where we are now all these years later, with 3 beautiful crazies and one on the way, living nearby.

They were so well behaved in the temple!

Kaylin loved all the white rooms with the big chandeliers. She was so sweet and felt a warm feeling while there. She loved being with Grandpa too.

Ethan liked the baptismal font. He held my hand most of the tour. He was happy to see where Mom and Dad got sealed.

And Mika? We were just happy she was quiet! :) Travis at one point told her to look for Jesus (there are esquisite paintings everywhere of Him) and the air conditioning turned on and she said in a very loud whisper: "Gasp! I just heard the toilet! Jesus flushed the potty!" (she IS potty training right now, so her and the toilet are "one" right now...)

The kids were so excited to see Grandma afterwards. We took a quick picture at the backside of the temple so Grandma could get back to her "job" in the reception tent.

It was such a wonderful day! We love the temple!!!

Baby Shower Dinner

2011-04-18T16:14:00.001-04:00

My fabulous friend Emily threw me a fantastic baby shower dinner! Her and her mom along with Maddie made THE cutest decorations! These bouquets were made of baby shorts, onesies and socks. How cute is that?!? Thanks for spoiling me Emily--best baby shower I've ever had. :)

Can't go wrong with Chocolate Strawberries!! Yummy cake!

My friend Joyce gives THE best gifts! She totally spoiled me. :)

checking out the goods...

Look at this gift basket! It had so many of my favorites! I had to hide a lot of it from Travis and my kiddos!

With my wonderful, kind friend Kindra. She made sure I had something for me AND for the baby!

Yeah I'm a dork...

Maddie is so creative, she always surprises me with her amazing ideas! She's also my prego friend due a couple months after me!

A bunch of ladies contributed to the diaper cake. So cute! I can't even open it yet, it's the centerpiece on our table right now :))

My gorgeous friend Megan (who is also pregnant!) put together a hospital essential kit. :) It was put into this carry on bag--I love it. I'm halfway packed now!

My thoughtful friend Britt gave me some cute bows along with some other baby clothes! I love girlie stuff!

My amazing and lovable friend Erin, she's so fun :) She gave me cute summer rompers.

Most generous and sweet friend Jennifer, always need warm pj's!

My talented beautiful friend Kenda, who took pics all night. Thank you!! It's nice to not be the one behind the camera all the time! :)

I missed all my dear friends that weren't able to make it, but I had such a wonderful time and appreciate all the gifts and friendship I share with all of you. Now I feel ready for this baby girl in about a month!!

THANK YOU!!!

A big girl on our hands...

2011-04-18T15:44:00.000-04:00

Mika has been potty trained for a week now! We still have issues with #2, but she'll go with out us even asking if she has to go. It's so nice. What a big girl!! ;)

We are eating lunch with Travis at a new BBQ place and all she wanted was pickles...

Mika washing her hands after using the potty. How cute it that???

Spring Break - Hilton Head - Let's Play!

2011-04-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

After dinner we saw a park with a statue of a guy walking an alligator. We had heard stories that sometimes people would see gators on the beach...so we had to take pics of all the kids riding a gator!

I'm 33 weeks!

Ethan! He thought this was the coolest thing ever!!!

Kaylin, pretty little thing...

There was also a spinning compass thing that Kaylin thought was so fun.

Mika was very unsure about the gator. She did not like sitting on it by herself.

We found a fun little beach park with a fountain. I love her expression. She truly is a little fish.

We had such a great time, we plan on taking a longer vacation there again. It was so family oriented, with so much to do. We love Hilton Head!

Spring Break - Hilton Head - The Beach!!!

2011-04-11T15:48:00.000-04:00

We headed out to Hilton Head for the weekend! It was gorgeous weather and the beach was perfect for the kids. We went with our friends the Anthony's who had kids the same ages as ours. They got along so well. We had such a great time. The only problem was that it was too short!! I think we are all wishing we were still there...

I absolutely love this picture. This kiss went on for minutes, she gives the best kisses!!

I've wanted to just sit and veg on the beach for a loooong time now. It was SO nice just to soak up the sun and watch the kids play in the water with their daddy. It was also nice to have friends to talk to while I did some R&R :)

Not a fan of maternity suits, but this one was super comfy so I embraced it :)

I swear he's the cutest dad in the world. He'd pull the kids on boogie boards, help Ethan skim board, take Kaylin out to sea and build castles and mermaids with his girls. All in all, everyone was happy.

There were 2 tidepools when the tide was out and it was perfect for skim boarding and little refreshing dips when it got too hot for those of us who don't appreciate the waves...

Ethan is practicing for wakeboarding this summer on the skim board. He is getting good!

He also enjoyed his dump truck, here he's pushing his friend Ethan, we call him E-Man. :) They had such a great time together. I have a million pics of them playing...

Travis has been running at night, but since we were on vacation he skipped. :) I'd say he still got efficient excercise....

When Kaylin wasn't in the water, she loved relaxing in the sun.

A few times we saw some dolphins. Kaylin was way out with her dad and a bottlenose swam right past!

Mika enjoyed the boogie boards too, but when they got close to the waves, she bailed. It was so funny. She's still my cautious worrier. :)

She loved the tide pools best. She decided to put her head in the water for some reason. It was so funny!!!

When she was really brave she'd jump the waves with mom--note it was with mom because I pretty much went as far as she would go...

Travis taking a moment to himself on the skim board...

Spring Break -Part 1

2011-04-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

For a couple of the days for the kids' Spring Break we headed up to Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Sharp's house! The kids had so much fun exploring every inch of the new townhome and also being outdoor adventurers with Grandma!

There is a creek nearby that the kids loved! Luckily it was a sunny and beautiful because these kiddos got wet!!

Grandpa's birthday was on Thursday but since we were there on Wednesday we celebrated early! On Monday their cousin Lily was there and had made some cupcakes for him, so we polished them off :) We did math problems to figure our the ages of my parents. Dad embraced it...mom, not so much. ;) We went in on a gift with Aunt Meagan and she got him some topsy turvey planters for their patio and we bought the tomato plants for it.

We love Grandpa!

While we were there Mika went on the potty most times she had to go. BIG GIRL!!! (we are still working on it, it's definitely on her time table right now....)

My Pet Monster

2011-03-31T15:20:00.000-04:00

Yes Mika has earned the title "My Pet Monster" or "Mika the Monster". Very lovingly of course. She is hilarious, friendly and lovable, and the next minute she's bossing me around, throwing a major fit, or running away with out listening and obeying. Never a dull moment!!

This is at a play date with Halle. She calls her "my friend Halle. No, no, my best friend Halle." Both are full of spunk and flavor ;)

My other friend Emily has a little baby Mia who Mika adores. I was wondering about this and how she'd react to babies. So far so good. :)

She loves being a "princess". Dressing up or even just wearing a dress makes her go into this mode of twirling and singing. I personally love the head band the best.

As mother's we pick our battles. I think it's our way of staying sane. Every day getting into the car was a nightmare. Especially if I was running a tad late.... ;) So we decided to try to booster seat with the back. She LOVES it and honestly so do I.

It's hit or miss with Mika at dinner time. She could love it one night and the next week won't even touch it. Such a mystery....but this night she sure loved her spaghetti!

She plays hard, talks constantly, and sleeps like a rock. This of course was right before dinner time. It's the most stressful time of the day for me, so when it's quiet and I don't have another kitchen "helper"...I bury the guilt and let this monster sleep.........

I love my little monster. She is my true joy. I was having a hard time thinking of her 3rd birthday approaching in less than 2 months--and although Travis reminds me I'll have another baby soon, I can't seem to accept that she is growing up. I wanted her to stay small forever!! But I've enjoyed watching her grow and learn so much. I treasure her--and the sugar and all the spice too!

The name is in the bag!!!

2011-03-18T10:28:00.004-04:00

I don't have a lot of pregnancy pictures this time around, so I figured I'd have Travis take some on a "big one." 30 WEEKS! Time has totally flown by. I'm ready in so many ways, but not in others. 2 MORE MONTHS!!! I can't believe it. One of my 'not ready' things is her name. NOTHING felt right or fit. It's been frustrating. But we've got one now and there's no going back! :))

(cool filter on this too huh? it's like grungy...)

People say I look so small, but I feel so huge. I haven't gained a lot of weight, but this pregnancy has been different than my others. Actually when I look back, every single pregnancy has been different! Anyway this one has been a very sensitive stomach. I've thrown up more this time than all of the others combined. But I'll take that over kidney stones, pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure. :)

So the name verdict?! Did I keep you reading? Okay drum roll please...Ashlynn.
I loved it as soon as I said it out loud, my heart just soared. I knew it was right. I told Travis and he liked it instantly (which has NEVER happened) We've prayed about it all week and every time I see or say it I'm so incredibly happy. I love that it fits with the other kids names, Kaylin, Ethan, Aidrian, and Ashlynn. We were going to use Arahia for a middle name, but now we aren't sure. We love Lynn at the end because it's Travis' only sister's middle name and it's also my Aunt Diana's, whom I was very close to growing up. So we've got both sides covered! :) Travis is debating with no middle name, but we'll see what happens. I'm just happy she has a first name now!

So I don't want to hear you don't like it, because I won't change it!! Practice saying it for when you all come visit me!!!! She'll be here May 20th!

My fabulous sister Meagan made the baby this beautiful comfy and perfect blanket! I love it, I can't put it away! It's so cute and fun, and best of all, homemade. Thanks a million times Meagy!!

Picture Day!

2011-03-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

The kids had Spring pictures last week. It was gorgeous weather, so when they came home from school we took a few shots. I love the outdoor photos (and mine) much better anyway. :)

Ethan wanted one on his bike too. I love his little face. It reminds me so much of Travis.

Mika had to join in the fun too. Yes, that's a doughnut. Whatever works. :)

New Hair Color

2011-03-08T11:17:00.003-05:00

My friend Emily talked me into highlighting my hair. She added some caramel and blonde. I LOVE how it turned out! It's new and fun and perfect for Spring. It makes my eyes more green too!

Birthday Boy!

2011-03-04T20:23:00.001-05:00

Our little man is 6!! I really can't believe it! On Saturday we had a fun party with friends and family. It was a racing party! This is his awesome cake!

The most stressful part of the party was making the Pit Passes! But they were worth it! (its around his neck) We had fun games, like jumping monster trucks, racing through cones, jumping through tires etc. After each event they would get a prize and at the end they got trophies. He was one happy little boy!

Kaylin's job was to hand out the pit passes. She had a lot of fun too.

On his real birthday Mika, Travis and I met him for lunch. Mika was being so funny that morning, I had to take a pic. She was being a pirate.

The birthday boy! It was such a beautiful day!!

We brought ice cream cups for his class for after lunch.

Mika loves seeing her siblings at school. She can't wait to go!

After school he had a friend over and we met some other friends at Jump 2 it. He was one happy boy.

He got to pick the dinner, which was tacos and we ate his left over cake. He's wearing his hat from school.

Later that night, Aunt Jocey brought Ethan his present. 2 frogs!! He was so surprised and happy!

Kaylin decorated the upstairs :)

Mika enjoyed the cake :)

Happy Birthday Ethan Chase!!

Zoo Atlanta!

2011-02-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

Ang and I took our kiddos to Zoo Atlanta! We had a blast. The weather was perfect and the kids were great.

Lily and Bubs had so much fun together. :)

I love this pic! I actually cropped him, the girls are all looking cute, but Ethan was pulling this face cuz the flamingos stink so bad!

The gorillas were a favorite spot. They had twin 2 year olds and a new baby. They were fun to watch.

Kaylin liked the little monkeys too.

Kaylin did the climbing rock. There were 2 boys and another girl that went with her and she creamed them all to the top! Although she didn't know how to get down, she went up super fast. The helper was very impressed and she was so proud of herself. :)

Love Day

2011-02-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

We had quite the whirlwind of a weekend! We helped my parents move, went to Monster Jam, Travis got sick, I got an infection in my tooth and then Valentines Day. Crazy!

But we survived and even managed to get some cute pics. :)

At Ethan's class party.

Mika joined him in the Bingo game.

Handsome little man!

I can't get over it when I curl the ends of Mika's hair. She looked so adorable :)

The pills I had to take for my infection actually made me sick to my stomach, so we had to leave the party early-and quickly! So I wan't able to sneak in Kaylin's class or take any pictures of sweet girl, but she brought home this Vday card that made me chuckle. All the rest were those pre-bough Valentines with candies, but this boy Tamaras made this cute card for Kaylin.

Even though Travis had lost his voice and I was taking medication for my tooth, we both needed to get out for Vday. Our friends had planned an evening where we'd eat and play games. We were so glad we eneded up going, we had a blast.

It's amazing to me how much you can love another person. And how you think you can't love them any more and then the years prove you can. I can honestly say he is my best friend and the best match for me.

Taking some pics with the girls at the partay too. Megan, Brittany, Me and Emily. I think it's hilarious that they are all my sisters names or mine!

Such fun girls, such a fun night! Thanks Emily for putting it all together and making the best dinner ever!

Who's ready for Monster Jam?!?

2011-02-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

Travis took me and Ethan took Monster Jam this year!

We also went went Jocelyn and Garett and met us with Justin and his boys too.

This is us in front of Grave Digger (as close as we could get...) to Ethan's favorite truck.

Travis, Ethan and Garett in the pits. This is before the main event where you can walk around and see the trucks close up and get autographs.

Me and Jocey in front of "Get-er-Done" Yep a real truck.

I loved this shot of me and little man. :)

He was SO excited! Here he is walking down to the pits. A couple of his favorite trucks weren't here tonight, but he still had a blast! His favorite part is the freestlye after the races. LONG night, but one of his favorite for sure.

This shows how big these trucks really are!

After the pits we walked into the city to get a bite to eat...along with everyone else! Jocey and Ethan :)

In our seats. Even though they were cheap seats, they were 4 rows back from the balcony so it was a pretty good view. Me and my honey :)

The tracks all lit up for the main event! Fireworks, songs, and the trucks all doing laps. So cool!

Love this girl

2011-02-05T22:51:00.000-05:00

Kaylin has so much spunk and personality, I love it. She's reading her homework assignment to me. I couldn't resist taking a pic.

Saturday night we were out and about and starving. We vote on Chick-fil-A not realizing that it's Daddy/Daughter night there. It's fancy, they seat you, take your order, bring your drinks etc. We show up with holy jeans, sweatshirts, (me-greasy pony tail) not to mention Ethan, his friend and Mika...oops.

Kaylin was SO happy about this date night and it wasn't even like any one else was even there, just her and her daddy. They had cute little books with questions on how to get to know each other better and she just ate it up. (not literally) They gave her a flower and a stuffed cow. Too cute. We heart us some Chick-Fil-A! ;)

24 weeks

2011-02-03T17:14:00.000-05:00

So here I am at 24 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by, and I still don't have a name for her yet. Oh well, maybe I'll be inspired at the hospital in May!

Pretty Girlies

2011-01-30T19:47:00.000-05:00

It has been the nicest weekend!! It's been pretty chilly for the south, so the sunshine and warmth was very appreciated! I have gotten these cute spring dresses for the girls and was waiting for it to start getting warmer and Kaylin insisted on wearing today. :) We curled their hair (even Mika's thin little wispy hair.)

Kaylin is growing way too fast. I wish she would stay small forever, but she just gets more beautiful and beautiful every day. :)

Mika Moo is my little monster right now, but boy do I love her. She's hilarious and oh so opinionated. She is eating a granola bar and this is the best shot I got.

Fun Visit

2011-01-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

My sister and her two kids and my mom came to my house for MLKing Day. What do you do on a cold rainy day? We ended up going to McDonalds who had a huge indoor play place.

Henry was hilarious. He was so smiley...

Grandma Wendy with 2 of her grandsons. What handsome little guys...

We also tried the park, it was drizzling, but they still had fun. Lily has her bike helmet still on. :)

These two girls are so much alike. It's so fun to see them play together. Here they are coloring one of Kaylin's princess puzzles.

And building a "fort" in Ethan's bed with the cat, Fox.

My mom had the camera and she caught a moment with Travis and I. I thought it was sweet cuz I don't get many pictures of us in a "moment". :)