The Full Nelson's

The Zinho

2012-01-16T14:05:00.004-07:00

The zinho turned 9 months old while we were in Brazil, and I heard he celebrated it up....Big time! So we went into his checkup a little late, but here are his stats

length- 28in 37%
weight-20lbs 38%
head- 47.5 cm 94%
4 teeth!!

He is in such a fun stage right! I'd freeze time if I could. Although I think I've said that every month up to this point. He never stops chattering, he sleeps like a champ, and is usually the happiest baby ever! He is so fun to play with and he loves all of his toys that he got for Christmas that never stop making noise! He always has a smile on his face and flirts with all the ladies all the time. He also loves his "theme song" that his dad his written for him! He has also become quite the dancer! We love him so much!

The Ry-ster is another year older!

2012-01-13T15:48:00.003-07:00

It was Ryan's birthday yesterday! And as I reflect back on the past year I can not believe all that has changed! At this time last year we had just moved to Colorado and were renting a small apartment looking for houses to buy! We had no furniture, no friends where we lived and I was pregnant! And at the time I thought I couldn't have been happier.....I was way off!! It's amazing the happiness and contentment that we have found! We moved....twice, had a baby, bought a house, Ryan got a new job, we were sealed in the temple, and continued to travel!
I continue to be amazed by Ryan's patience, calmness, honesty, and open mindedness (who knows if that's a word). And he sure makes me laugh a lot, and roll my eyes! He keeps life entertaining! And he is my very best friend! So happy birthday Lover!!

Final Brazil Post

2012-01-09T16:12:00.009-07:00

We've decided that best places to take vacations are when you know someone who is from or lives there. We got hooked up on all kinds of ways in Brazil. Wednesday Diego's dad took us out on his boat for a day of fishing and hanging out on a less-crowded beach.

The boat was an awesome, old school, wooden boat!
We were on the boat for about a half hour going up the coast. One thing that was interesting was all the cactus' if you look at this picture carefully you can see all of them.

The men dropped us ladies off at the beach to hang out while they went out fishing. This picture is just to show a little of the eye candy we had all afternoon.
Diego had a family friend who owned a restaurant on the beach, so they took all the fish they caught to the kitchen and they cooked it for us for lunch! Talk about fresh fish and the catch of the day! This is one of the fish Ryan caught. Doesn't he look proud?

The finished product. Another thing I want to point out....they eat french fries on top of/with everything!!

On our way home after an incredible day at the beach.
Diego's dad! Gotta love it! Here's a funny story.......You can't tell from this picture, but Diego's dad, has quite a beer belly. Diego was joking around with his dad and told me his dad was pregnant. He patted his belly and told us the Brazilian women are so demanding they have now made the men start having the babies! I thought it was funny......

Thursday we ate our way around the city, eating new things and things I knew I would miss.
That night we went to a really nice restaurant on the canal and it was beautiful with a wonderful ambiance!
Friday we went and spent some time in Rio. Diego's cousin, Miller, drove us around the city and we flew out that night late. In this picture if you look close you can see the Christ Redeemer statue on top of the mountain the mountain that is always shown in movies!
This is on the little hike up to the statue with Rio in the background.

Everyone was taking pictures like this, so we figured we needed to as well.

Miller's friend, in the pink shirt, came with us. And Ryan and I joked that we were traveling with our tour guide, and body guard. They took really good care of us in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, we always felt really safe.

Later we went to Copacabana! We had our final Brazilian dinner before we headed to the airport. Except at the airport they still had pao de quiejo(so I had my final meal at the airport)
We had an amazing trip in Brazil. Ryan loved being back there and using his Portuguese again. The people we incredible and made us feel so welcome and loved. My favorite part of the trip was the food and the beaches! We both agreed we would love to go back, maybe not during the busiest time of the year, but we loved it. And our visas are good for 10 years, anybody want to come with us? This is the only vacation when I haven't been sad to come home.....because I was going crazy without baby! I missed him so much and cried several times while I was gone, so I was so good to be able to hold and squeeze him again! It was back to coats and winter hats again real quick! We brought Hudson back an official Rio Fluminence soccer jersey,and although it's still a little big,I think it's a sign of things to come!

Brazil Part II

2012-01-09T15:42:00.005-07:00

After such a late night the last thing we wanted to do was get up early, but we all felt like we really needed to go to church Sunday morning. It was raining and we had to walk, so I kind of had a bad attitude about it, but once we got to the little old house that had been turned into a chapel I remembered why I needed to go. After such a rowdy, loud, and wild night I needed to feel the peace and calm that you feel in church. It was fast and testimony meeting and even though I didn't understand a word that was spoken I felt the spirit so strong. It was like a breath of fresh air. There was a missionary that was from Payson, UT and he had only been out for two weeks. He bore his testimony, and Ryan commented on how good his Portuguese was. Afterwards we went and talked to him and he seemed terrified, he asked Ryan how his Portuguese sounded and how long it took Ryan to be able to understand people. He was so sweet. I've been trying to get a hold of his mom and tell her we saw him, but I haven't had much luck.
For lunch Diego's mom made us an incredible lunch. She made a pot roast (Brazilian style) potatoes, pasta, farofa, and salad. She is such a good cook it was amazing what kind of food came out of that humble, teeny kitchen.
Later that afternoon we took a walk around the city. This is the canal where all the boats are docked.
On our way home we stopped by one of Diego's friends house. There were a lot of people there and all they wanted to do was feed us. We were still stuffed from lunch but Ryan had room for dessert. And these women were thrilled that he ate and liked it! They just sat there watching him like a hawk as he ate, waiting to see how much he liked it. He ate 3 plates full! They didn't give him much choice.
Monday it was still kind of rainy, so we went shopping! We laughed at how even the mannequins have big booties!
My favorite thing to get at Tocano's or Rodizio's is the cheese bread, Pao de Queijo, and I finally found some!

Later that night everyone ordered pizza. Brazilian pizza doesn't have tomato sauce on it. They put ketchup on it. I didn't like the ketchup, but the pizza itself was pretty good.
Tuesday was hot!! So we headed to the beach and ate our little hearts out. (not like we hadn't been doing that every other day) I loved trying all the new foods that people were selling in little stands along the beach.

Ryan wasn't feeling well, probably from all the dessert he had the day before.

Later we hiked over to the fort right on the beach.

This is the acai with granola and honey, that we loved so much.
And this was the cheeseburger that I loved so much. Mostly because of the bread to meat ratio!

Brazil Part I

2012-01-08T19:38:00.007-07:00

A little back ground before I begin this post: Ryan and Diego work together at Rain and have become really good friends. Diego is from Cabo Frio, Brazil and his family still lives there. He is married to an American, Melissa, they have been married for three years. Melissa served her mission in Rio and met Diego when she went back to visit after her mission. Ryan served his mission in southern Brazil and still speaks fluent Portuguese ....which means I was the only who couldn't speak the language. Diego and Melissa invited us to come with them to Brazil, they were there before Christmas and we met there later...end of back ground.
Leaving Hudson was way harder then I could have imagined! My mom and dad came and stayed at our house while we were gone, so I knew he was in excellent hands, I was only concerned about myself. We had a layover in Dallas and Ryan caught the scent of that fried chicken he loves so much(that's not true he had researched before we left and knew exactly where it was) so we had to make a pit stop.
After a 10 1/2 hr flight from Dallas to Rio de Janeiro, we found a man holding a piece of paper with our names on it and found out he was our ride to Cabo Frio,which is about a 2 hour drive. We arrived at Diego's grandmas house, they call her Vovo-zinho (granny in Portuguese)and she had a GIANT lunch prepared for us. She made rice, beans, chicken, beef, sausage, fried porkchops, and vegetables. It was delicious! All the food we ate while we were there was incredible, we did not have one bad meal. I knew at the this meal I was in trouble.........big trouble. Then we took a much needed nap. This is the room we stayed in. The living conditions were better then I thought they would be, I think Ryan had prepared me for the worst.
It is summer in Brazil right now, and Cabo Frio is where the Brazilians go on vacation, so the city was packed. That night around 11pm we went out. There were a ton of out door shops set up along the beach and tons of little restaurants. This is Melissa and Douglas, Diego's cousin who actually spoke a little English. For dinner we had lots of chicken, beef, rice, farofa(a ground up tapioca flour with butter and garlic that they eat on their meat...and everything else), and some kind of Brazilian tatertot! For dessert we had my new favorite.....acai(kind of a smoothie with acai and guarana) with granola and honey, and a churro with dulce de leche.
After dinner we went to concert on the beach and to say it was crowded would be a gross understatement.
This is Diego, Melissa, Ryan and I at the concert. The music was fun to listen to,even though I couldn't understand it. I guess I thought Portuguese would be easy to understand because I can understand a little Spanish, but they aren't even a little the same! We got home around 3 am.
The next afternoon we woke up around 11 and headed to the beach....us and everyone else in the Southern hemisphere.

Ryan had a sweetened condensed popsicle, which I was skeptical about, but it was delicious.
I was a little shocked at the amount of speedos and G-strings and the types of bodies wearing both. But I'll give the Brazilians one thing....they love and are very proud of their bodies, no matter what the size!
Ryan enjoyed lots of Coconut water.
This is Melissa and Diego's little girl, Madalena. She is two months older than Hudson, and it was her first time meeting all of Diego's family.
For lunch that day we ate at a restaurant on the beach and we had chicken stroganoff, it wasn't anything like what we have here, it was made with creme de leche and served with rice and it was delicious!.....a successful day at the beach.
That night was New Year's Eve! Diego's cousin had reserved a space on the beach for a party. It was roped off and they had a DJ and food. There were people everywhere! Everyone wore white and a huge firework show went off at midnight then we danced the night away!

This is Ryan in line for another Churro, I think I had at least one a day.
Ryan and his dance moves were the hit of the party!!! It was fun to hear some songs I recognized from Zumba,so I had some sweet moves myself. People loved that we were Americans, people came up to us and asked if they could take pictures with us. We never saw any other Americans while we were there, except for a missionary from Payson at church the next day( more about that in the next post)

And this is the Vovo-zinho! Melissa, Diego, and Ryan would translate most things for me. But Vovo-zinho didn't care that I didn't speak or understand the language. She would talk to me as if I had learned Portuguese in the 5 minutes since the last time she tried to talk to me, and it's not like she would use simple words or act out what she was trying to say, or point to things, she spoke to me just like she spoke to everyone else and then just looked at me waiting for a response. But we loved her! She is quite the character. Everybody we met was so giving, generous, loving, and so willing to help us out. We met a lot of Diego's family- aunts, uncles, cousins, and you would have thought by how they treated us that we had all been friends for years. They would have given us everything they had, if we would've let them.

Christmas Eve & Day

2011-12-28T16:58:00.009-07:00

On Christmas Eve day Nana and Papa were so nice and volunteered to stay home with the babies and we went snowmobiling/sledding for the afternoon. It was such a nice day, and even though we had to go pretty far to get to some snow, we had so much fun!

Hudson loves his Papa.....maybe cause they look alike!
For Christmas Eve Grandma and Grandpa Schenk came and joined us for our traditional Clark family Christmas Eve dinner of steak and crab.(My favorite tradition) We went around the table and talked about each of our favorite Christmas. It was fun to hear what everybody had to say and it brought back lots of memories.

We had to sprinkle our reindeer food on the lawn so Rudolph would be more attracted to our house then anyone elses.
Then we read the scriptures and acted out Luke 2.( Notice Tanner's version of the wisemen)
Nic and his girls sang a special song for us! They are quite the performers.
All the kids got jammies, the girls got cute robes and slippers, and Nix and Hudson got more manly pjs.
Christmas morning was so special! It was so fun to be with little kiddos who were so excited about everything! And it didn't hurt that it was our first Christmas with this little guy, who loved his Elmo book!

Ryan and Sean got matching shirts from different people.
The Nelson's were very pleased with their loot this year. My parents gave us southern Caribbean cruise in April with my siblings, and I got a beautiful formal dress to wear on the cruise that Ryan's work gave us for a Christmas bonus! After we had breakfast we went to church in Eden and they had a beautiful Christmas program,which was a nice way to help us remember our Savior on his special day!

Our little gathering would not be complete without a Just Dance session, and lucky for the adults, Camryn and Brooklyn got the new one for Christmas!

We had a wonderful, and lovely Christmas day!

Clark Party Time!!

2011-12-26T17:08:00.004-07:00

This year for Christmas the Clark's headed up to Eden, Utah to stay at Steff's parents house. We've stayed there several times and it is a beautiful, large home in one of the prettiest places in Utah! Thursday we all went up there (minus Ryan, he had to work Friday) and ate at this delicious BBQ place that Nic told us about and it was incredible, I wouldn't put it past myself to drive up there just for the delicious House BBQ Sauce.
Hudson is soo slobbery in all of these pictures, and he had a rough weekend. I don't think he ever slept longer than 2 hours at a time. Today I found the culprit......a large front tooth making its way down through his gums. But he still had so much fun with his cute cousins, fun aunts and uncles and his Nana and Papa who spoil him!
Friday we hung out and prepared for the Big Extended Clark family party.

Patti and Kurt bracing themselves for the white elephant gift exchange that always gets out of control with inappropriate gifts and crude humor.......we LOVE it and this year was absolutely no exception!
Hudson opening his gift, which turned out to be markers.
Matt got this super creepy face mask, which is made for extremely cold weather, or filming horror movies.
These two best buddies were pretty cute together all weekend, when Hudson wasn't throwing a fit.
Steff is now a certified Zumba instructor, so we made her teach a class every morning while we were there! We had a blast and she is going to be an AWESOME instructor! I apologize for these pictures in advance, I just thought they were funny!

We had to go cool off outside after wards because we were so sweaty.....
.....ok...Patti was sooo sweaty, the rest of us were just reasonably sweaty!(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

Dance Recital

2011-12-19T16:11:00.004-07:00

Aunt Patti, Uncle Kurt,and Taylor came and stayed with us last weekend because Clark had a basketball tournament, we had so much fun with them and LOVE spending time with them! We went to one of Clark's games and this is how we were entertained! They were losing pretty badly..
Saturday, Maegen had a dance recital and H loved sitting in his own seat! She did a beautiful ballet number to "The Carol of the Bells" which is one of my all time favorite songs ever!! And she was absolutely beautiful, I might have cried a little.

And of course we all met at Kneader's afterwards!

Hudson's Christmas Pictures

2011-12-13T17:10:00.002-07:00

We think they're pretty cute!

If my phone could talk(or show you the pictures I've taken)

2011-12-11T16:59:00.003-07:00

When I was going through the pictures on my phone recently I saw these pictures that I'd forgotten about and thought they were too cute not to share.

Randoms

2011-12-09T09:55:00.002-07:00

It was Kendyl's birthday last and do you know what she asked for? A water bottle! We love her, she has the funniest, biggest personality!
These little dudes got to hang out!
Last night we went with some friends to see the lights on Temple Square! Once we got there and pulled out my camera, I realized my card was still at home in my computer...bummer. So these pictures aren't great but you get the point of how cute and bundled up little dude was!!

Mall Trip

2011-12-07T10:26:00.003-07:00

Hudson and I joined Steff, Nixon, Kendyl, Aunt Sue, cousin Quincie, and cousin Syd for a fun day at H&M! Quincie was doing a photo shoot at a model agency and she needed several outfits to wear! It was fun picking things out and living vicariously through Q, even though H&M is still a mad house. Especially with our two giant strollers. H was a trooper, he's just such a people watcher and a flirt, he was entertained the whole time.

After the mall we had a hair night at Nic and Steff's and things always get a little crazy when there are that many Clark women in one house! Hudson and Nixon loved all the attention!

Sue took this with her phone after the shoot....she already looks like a model!

Putting up the Tree

2011-11-29T17:25:00.006-07:00

Ryan and I started collecting Christmas ornaments from all the places we travel to. It gets a little ridiculous to be in Roatan, Honduras looking for Christmas ornaments in March, but we somehow manage. Since we lived in NY last Christmas we didn't put up our tree, so this year it was so fun going through all the ornaments we collected. Here are just a few........Niagara Falls
Cozumel, Mexico
Boston
Kauai
Grand Caymen
and NYC
While Tanner and Sean were here the Big Rivalry game was on.....the one between Ohio State and Michigan. We had a couple of Sean's friends from home come over and we had a huge OSU cheering section.....felt like old times.
The weather was so nice on Saturday that we went and played soccer at a park by our house. I must say, my brothers have some serious skills!

Later that night Matt, Kate, Averi, and Elle brought over some yummy dinner for us to enjoy and then we played NERTZ. Kate and Matt schooled us as always. I always forget how much I like playing card games....note to self..... What a fun filled family Saturday!! Love it!

Hudson meets Santa!

2011-11-28T10:47:00.003-07:00

On Friday we went to Tai Pan for some much needed Christmas decorations so we could put our tree up. When we first walked in Santa was standing right inside the door waiting just for Hudson. He was one of the best Santa's I've seen! Hudson ,of course, gave his beard the pull test and he passed! He loved Santa!

Santa gave H a candy cane and he had it opened and in his mouth before I take it away from him.
Tanner and Sean came down for the weekend and we took them to one our favorite pizza places, Terra Mia. Sean also brought his friend Jack from Ohio. It was so nice to be able to spend time with them and hang out.

After dinner we had to go to the Sweet Tooth Fairy because we just didn't have enough dessert at my house.....sike, we had tons leftover, but I needed something fresh! After all it was Friday, and everyone knows you must celebrate Fridays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T21:01:00.005-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We spent it with the Nelson's and it was at our house. We put in a lot of preparation beforehand so the day of was pretty relaxed. I went to my "Turkey Trio" workout class which was so fun, it was a 1/2 hour of power pump, 1/2 hour of kickboxing, and then a 1/2 hour of yoga, it was a perfect way to start the day! I got home in time to pull our turkey out of it's brine and stick it in the oven. I wish I would have taken a picture of it and my cheesecake because they were so pretty!

We had Hudson, Eva, Mackenzie, Maegan, Ryan, Baunie, Dawsen, Kim, Blake, Laurel, Allen, and Aimee. It was beautiful weather, which made it an even better day!
Since Laurel wouldn't look at me in the family picture, I told her she had to be in one all by herself, and she was happy to pose for me.
Hudson and Aunt Eva

Everyone chillin before the dessert round.

We love Dawsen! Isn't she so cute! Kim hung out on the floor playing with H forever! Dawsen also loved chasing Moose around the house, which made Moose and Ryan's day!

Thankful for my Little Family

2011-11-23T20:39:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I was grumpy, not even for anything in particular, it was just one of those days! Then Ryan got home from work and just took over and let me have a little break, and that's all it took............a little time for me to just be by myself and everything was better. Last night when I was going to bed and saying my prayers I was so overcome by my feelings of grattitude for my little family and the life that we have! We are truly blessed!

Grateful for my Siblings

2011-11-22T20:06:00.002-07:00

Sunday was Kate's birthday so we all went out to dinner to celebrate at Brick Oven. Unfortunately Tanner and Sean were up in Idaho, and Nana and Papa are in Ohio, but the rest of us all got together. Things are little crazy with all these little kids but I love it!
I can't leave Ryan unattended or this happens..........
Cam & Nic
Steff, Kendyl, and Nixon(barely)
The beautiful birthday girl, Kate!
Sweet B
Matt, Elle, and Averi

I'm so grateful that I live so close to my brothers, I like to think we are all pretty close, and I genuinely like hanging out with them, and their wives, and children!

Thankful for Music

2011-11-20T20:11:00.002-07:00

I love music! I love it while I'm working out, getting ready, baking, cooking, driving, cleaning, and working! I love having it on for background noise, while I'm dancing (obviously) and I especially love holiday and church music. It's incredible how it can change your mood in an instant, make me run faster, or workout harder. It can bring out such strong emotions. It's always funny when you hear a song and you can remember exactly who you were dancing with at an 8th grade dance when it was originally popular. I love being on vacation and listening to Jack Johnson, or when I hear a song playing in a store and I can't help but doing the Zumba moves down the aisle. I was raised by two people who share my love of music and are incredible muscians as well, so I'm so happy that I married someone who loves music as much as me. Even if he is a little bit of music snob and only likes people who write their own music or play the instruments, when nothing makes me happier sometimes than a new Brittney Spears hit that I can dance in the kitchen to!
Friday night Ryan's work had a Music Night and it was awesome! He works with some incredibly talented and creative people and it was a blast listening to them sing and play instruments. Hudson loved it too! He just sat on our laps mesmorized even though it was way too loud and past his bedtime. I hope we can pass our love of music along to him!

Crack Pie & Compost Cookies

2011-11-16T15:14:00.003-07:00

Ryan found out very last minute that he had to go to NYC for work, and I was very sad I couldn't go but I told him I'd forgive him if he went to Momofuku Milk Bar and bring me home some treats. I've seen this place on so many tv shows and I've wanted to go there forever! He told me if I brought him back some Hamloaf from Ohio, he would go there for me!
And he did!!! This "Compost Cookie" is one of THE BEST cookies I've ever had, my measly little iced oatmeal cookie will never be the same. It sounds gross, but trust me on this, it's delicious. It has oats, coconut, pretzels, chocolate chips, potato chips, butterscotch chips, and coffee grounds. He brought me three and I already polished off one. I figure if I cut the remaining two into small enough pieces.......who am I kidding, they'll be gone by tomorrow.

The crack pie has an oatmeal cookie crust, the filling has the consistency of a lemon bar but has the taste almost of sweetened condensed milk. Incredible! I prefer the cookie of the two. They also sell cereal milk, which is supposed to be the milk left in the bowl after the cereal is gone. But I hate that part of eating cereal so I skipped it. Ryan got some and said he was a little disappointed. So if any of you are ever going to NYC I will pay a portion of your ticket if you bring me home some!!
We are so happy we are all together again! Oh, and we got new couches!
So today we are thankful for crack pie, compost cookie, our new couches, and that we can spend the night together as a family!

Adventures in Ohio

2011-11-15T19:26:00.005-07:00

Don't let this cute innocent face sitting by himself at the airport fool you, he was a monster on the plane today! The first leg he was good and fun and cute. From Minneapolis to Salt Lake I would have signed adoption papers had they been close by. I'm just kidding...kind of. I've made a few little observations about traveling with a baby.
1. Everybody is our best friend in the actual airport,because everyone's bored and he was a nice friendly, cute distraction.

2. Once on the plane, I'm everyone's worst enemy! Everyone avoids eye contact with me and I swear I could hear the sighs of relief as I passed their row, obviously sitting elsewhere. And the sudden look of dread and despair as the person I will be sitting next realizes they are stuck with my at very close range for the next 2-3 hours.

3. Men were much friendly and helpful to me and Hudson than the women.
That's all!
We are now tucked in nice and warm in our home minus Ryan, he is in NYC for work, and we sure miss him! Here are a few little pictures from our trip. Friday night we went to dinner with my parents at the Country Club and we were both dressed up nice and cozy! Delicious food too! I always feel a little funny taking a baby into places like that.

I met up with one of my best friends from high school, Abbey. It's always so much fun to see her, and it feels like no time has passed! I wish I could see her more, Hudson loved her!
One day we went to Columbus and did some shopping at Easton in Columbus. It's one of my favorite malls EVER!! I decided we would avoid the crowds at the SLC H&M and stock up in Columbus. Then we ate at Panera and Nana gave Hudson his first piece of bread and he gummed at it for a while, I guess toothed, since he has a tooth now.
Hudson got stocked up on his OSU clothes. We went to a little shoppers bazaar and this little lady had knit all of these sweaters and hats, she was the cutest little lady and they were such cute sweaters we couldn't resist. Who knows where he'll ever wear it, but he has it just in case!!

Today I am thankful for helpful strangers who offered to carry things for me or hold things for me while we were traveling, it made a huge difference in my day! And my wonderful family who is also so helpful to me in my daily life, especially my brother Nic.....but I'll go more into that on another day!

Thankful for Nana & Papa

2011-11-14T07:43:00.002-07:00

Hudson has had so much fun with his Nana and Papa this weekend, and we are sad it is coming to an end. I'm afraid he's gotten a little spoiled with all the attention he's been getting here. But I guess that's what Grandparents are for. Yesterday at church my dad made a discovery.......Hudson has a tooth!! You can't see it, it's on the bottom, but I almost cried! I'm not prepared for my baby to be getting so big. I'm am so happy we made this trip, we have had so much fun and have been quite spoiled. Papa watched Hudson while my mom and I went to the gym and did a little shopping on Saturday and they have just been best buddies all weekend. My mom has came and gotten him early in the morning so I can sleep in, and last night she took him altogether and I went into a different room and had the best nights sleep I've had in months! We're not ready to go back to real life..........yuck!

Thankful for Veterans

2011-11-11T13:31:00.004-07:00

Grandpa Glenn Schenk- Navy
Grandpa Marion Clark-Army

Today I am thankful for all Veterans but especially these two, they also just happen to be the most handsome ones I've ever seen!

Modern transportation

2011-11-10T22:52:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago Hudson and I decided we needed to visit Nana and Papa but we wanted to keep it a surprise from Nana. So my dad made sure she didn't have to work or have class and we picked a weekend. I got a little worried the last few days that she had found out somehow. So Hudson and I hopped on a plane for a long flight to Detroit, then a layover, then a quick flight to Columbus. Our flight was at 7 am so I was sure H would sleep most of the time...nope not at all. He was so hyper and awake the whole 3.5 hrs on the plane, that's not entirely true, he fell asleep during our descent and then the 20 minutes it took me to walk/run to our gate and then he woke up as soon as I sat down at our new gate. But he had so many women just doting all over him on the plane, and I don't blame them because he was so cute during the flight. The stewardess wouldn't leave us alone, neither would the lady across the aisle. Both were grandmas, and they were so excited when I told them we were surprising my mom. Anyway, he really was such a doll. And in even more shocking news, all of our flights were on time with no problems, it seems like that never happens anymore, the exception instead of the rule!

So papa picked us up and we went to Nana's work to surprise her, the plan was for my dad to just walk in holding Hudson and say, "Look who I found", but she was already on her way out in the parking lot when we got there. The look on her face was priceless as she looked at me in the car and it took a second for things to register who I was. Soo worth the long flight. She had no idea and she was pretty excited! So now we're just hanging out, tucked in nice and warm in Nana's house having her wait on us and take care of us for a long weekend. We can't wait to eat Donald's Donuts, Mark Pi's, cookie dough, get in the hot tub every night, eat lots of popcorn and watch movies!

Today we are thankful that have things like airplanes to travel across the country to hang out with Nana and Papa!

Hudson Loves his Aunt Eva

2011-11-09T21:30:00.002-07:00

Today Hudson and I are both very grateful for Aunt Eva! I can not tell you how much Eva has helped us out! She is always so willing to watch Hudson when I am in a bind or just want to go to the gym. I always feel good because I know he is in such good, caring hands! She absolutely goes above and beyond and we love her even more for it!

Thankful for Modern Medicine and Numbing Agents

2011-11-08T14:42:00.004-07:00

Today Hudson had to go to the Dermatologist because he's had a suspicious bump on his head that has worried us for the last few weeks. It's grown quite a bit in the last month and our Pediatrician told us we needed to have it biopsied. I was not prepared for what they had to do today and I do not usually get queasy or grossed out, but I almost passed out and had to sit down. I won't go into lots of details but H was left with gaping hole and had to have several stitches. The hardest part was having to hold him down. He was not happy about it to say the least. But we are home recovering, me more than him. The Dr said he hit a blood vessel so it was bleeding pretty badly so I had to sit there for about 15 minutes just putting pressure on it to stop the bleeding. While I was sitting there the Dermatologist looked at me very concerned and asked me if I was okay? And that's when I started crying, I wanted to tell him that I would have been just fine if he hadn't asked me!
The good news is the Dr said it looked benign, and we would have the results back in a week, the other good news is...they didn't have to shave his head. So today I am grateful for the numbing medicines they gave my baby so he didn't feel a lot of pain.......except the pain of get the shots that make it numb.

#4

2011-11-07T16:13:00.004-07:00

Today I am soo thankful for Ryan's job! That he has a job and especially that he loves what he does! He loves that he can be creative and is working on all of these cool projects with people he really likes. He's been working on a big project that is software that teaches people how to play the piano. He is the project manager and works directly with a firm in NYC. It launched last week and is going really well. If you want to check it out go to www.playgroundsessions.com. If you watch the videos, you might recognize the teacher from this picture....
His name is David Sides, and he is the brains behind the teaching methods and his videos are a huge hit on youtube. The other guy is the head of the NY department. Ryan is headed to NYC this weekend to meet up with them. We're so excited to see if thing is a hit or not.
I'm also grateful for such a happy baby!

#3

2011-11-06T18:59:00.004-07:00

Today I am grateful for the amazing ward we live in! We did not have such great experiences in our wards in Rochester of Boulder, a lot of it, I'm sure, was that I didn't have a great attitude. But, from the first day we moved in people have been so nice and friendly. When we first moved in I was sure people would be a little snooty, but I could not have been more wrong. I could not count how many people brought us cookies and bread the first few weeks we moved here. My visiting teachers are incredible. From the first time Hudson had to go to the ENT my visiting teacher Racail stopped by to bring us treats and see how the appointment went. I also got several text messages wondering how we were after the scope. Then when he actually had surgery they brought dinners, treats, everything! We have made friends with some of the younger couples who have baby boys around Hudson's age and it's fun to hang out with them. I never have to take care of my baby during church because other women are so eager to hold and take care of him. Since we are in this house for the long haul it's a good thing we love everyone so much!
Oh yea, I'm also grateful that Moose loves Hudson soo much!

#2

2011-11-05T21:28:00.004-06:00

At this moment I am very grateful for this Iced Oatmeal Cookie that I got from The Sweet Tooth Fairy. It is delicious, I dream about this cookie! (Just ask Ryan, or Sean) It is thick and chewy and has coconut in it, all topped with that delicious frosting! The best part is, I wasn't the one who had to make it!
More importantly today I am grateful for bath time. The ones where we aren't rushed or in a hurry. Where we can just enjoy the splashing and giggling and savor the moment with a cute, chubby, naked, and clean baby!!

Jumping on the Thankful Train

2011-11-04T10:37:00.005-06:00

I'm jumping on the Thankful Train, I need it to force me to sit down everyday and really think about all the things I am grateful for. So everyday for the rest of the month I will post about the thing I am most thankful for that day. Yesterday while I was facebook stalking I ended up happening upon a blog of a woman in Lousianna. Her baby has epidermolysis bullosa, this is where any friction or rubbing on her baby's skin causes painful blisters and he is in severe pain all day everyday. It broke my heart, I was sobbing while I was reading it. He is blind now because of all the blisters on his eyes has caused such severe scar tissue, she has to clean and rebandange his entire body everyday. I went in Hudson's room, got him out of his crib and just rocked him for a half hour. Reading about how hard it was seeing her baby in so much pain really shook me up. She can not touch his bare skin. So today I am grateful for a healthy baby that I can hold and cuddle and blow on his belly.

Fav Picture

2011-11-02T19:21:00.002-06:00

Uncle Sean and Hudson are becoming great friends since we get to see him so much now!! I love this picture!!

Halloween #3

2011-10-31T18:47:00.005-06:00

Our third Halloween party was a family one and it was soo fun! Most of us wore costumes and we ate Halloweeny food. At this point Hudson was sick of wearing his costume and it wasn't even Halloween yet. It is always so cute to see all these little cousins get together, and the adults had a really good time too!
Kate's cute table decor....
Kendyl, Sean and Averi playing Halloween Bingo.....
Camryn (the car), Kendyl (the car), Averi (the ghost)Steff (the jail bird) Nixon(the cute baby) Elle(the other ghost), Hudson (blue monster) Ashley(witch) and Brooklyn (a fairy)
My Saturday was spent making cupcakes; brains, mummies, and Frankensteins

He really didn't like his costume but Brooklyn is just the sweetest little girl ever and was trying so hard to make him happy!

These are the Dracula Denture cookies I made, Sean helped too.
Really unhappy...
Kate made these awesome witch finger breadsticks! They tasted good too!

Candy Corn Pizza, made by Kate!
Green Frog Eye Salad, by Steff!

Halloween#2- Brace Yourselves

2011-10-30T21:32:00.006-06:00

Brace Yourselves!! Our good friend Emmie celebrated her birthday in Halloween style and had an awesome party at a Thai food restaurant with karaoke. Everyone was to dress up like a celebrity so Ry and I went as Ellen Degeneres and her wife Portia! We bought a wig and I cut and styled it, then we did his makeup and he was ready to go. It was a hysterical night! I couldn't look at him without laughing!

We got to hang out with Celina.......
and Marge Simpson.....
and Homer! It looks like Ryan enjoyed himself a little too much.....agreed?
Here we are with the birthday girl, Emmie!
Hudson loves Celina!
And Ellen loves me....I mean Portia! We had a BLAST! Thanks Emmie!

Halloween Numero Uno

2011-10-30T21:23:00.003-06:00

Friday night we had a couple of friends in our ward come over for dinner and everyone was asked to wear costumes. You'll notice over the next couple posts that I got less and less dressed up with each party. We had fun and Hudson got to play with his little buddies!

Cohen, as the Last Air Bender, Hudson as the blue monster, and Jackson's family all came as the Incredibles.

These are the sugar cookies I made for the night, and about 100 times more not shown here.

Hudson and His Daddy

2011-10-28T12:31:00.002-06:00

I love these two together! Ryan is such a good daddy, and Hudson just lights up when he comes home from work everyday! These pictures were taken while they were watching Fox News together!

6 Months!!

2011-10-26T15:43:00.002-06:00

This post is a little late! Hudson is 6 1/2 months old!! I can't believe it! But he is so fun right now we don't know what to do with ourselves. Here's what he's up to:

*at 6 months old he weighed 16 lbs 7 oz. He was in the 50% for weight and his head was in the 90th
*sleeps from 8:30 pm to 7:30 am
*takes 2 naps a day for about 1 1/2 hrs. (I fully realize I am completely spoiled and not all my babies will be this good)
*rolling over
*sitting by himself
*eating rice cereal and even kind of likes it
*laughing a ton, especially when I sing and dance for him!
*talks and laughs to himself in the morning in his crib before we go get him
*loves playing with his toys, especially his stuffed Kermit (ironically enough)
*has to have a blankie in his hands when he falls asleep in his crib
*standing while holding onto something

There is his stuffed Kermit from his aunt Eva and he also LOVES this Halloween book Nana gave him1

We love this baby so much and he is always so happy and fun to play with! He is such a trooper and goes along with me every where we have to go for the day, and just flirts with ladies all day!

Cabin Fever

2011-10-24T09:15:00.003-06:00

All of the Utah schools were out of school for UEA so Allen and Eva and some of their friends went up to the cabin and we decided to join them. It was one of those great weekends, relaxed, no real schedule to have to follow. Saturday I got up and went to my favorite work out class then we headed up to Park City to the outlets and got some great deals. We went to lunch then made our way to the cabin where we just hung out for the day. The next day we slept in had a delicious breakfast then went 4 wheeling in the FJ up in the mountains! We ended the cabin stay with little cookout and came home to beautiful sunny weather. After a little skype session with Nana and Papa we went to hang out with Kris and Scott and to top off my perfect little weekend she had pumpkin bread from Kneader's for me to eat! Perfect!! This picture is at Smith & Moorehouse reservoir right by the cabin.

My Home Town

2011-10-19T14:53:00.006-06:00

This was the picture on the local newspapers website when i went to it. The title read

Of 56 animals, 49 dead; only monkey still on loose: sheriff

I first found about the animals on the loose from facebook, of course, then when I picked up my phone it was in the news head lines. I made sure my parents were ok, and they were. One of the high schools canceled was the one and only West Muskingum Tornados, my alma mater. And at first I thought it was funny, a little embarrassed by the grammar of some of the people interviewed from that area , but the more I read about it the more it makes me mad! Who does this man think he is? I didn't even know this place existed, and it was pretty close to my house growing up. Not that I am a huge animal activist but I can't help but think about how it must make our Heavenly Father feel, are they not his creations also? Maybe you think it's weird that that's where my mind went but I have felt sad about it all day. I was upset they were shooting to kill, but I saw an interview where they explained that tranquilizers aren't necessarily immediate and the animals could wander in the woods, pass out, and then wake up again before people would be able to find them. So I understand, just upset it ever had to come to this point.

On a happier note here is Hudson in his Halloween hoodie. Also, we got his Halloween costume and I think it is quite possibly THE CUTEST thing ever! Check back for more pictures!

Hold Over

2011-10-15T21:33:00.005-06:00

I know I haven't posted lately and we've had a crazy week but here are a few pictures of Hudson from tonight. He is just so much fun, and soo happy. We don't know what to do with him we love him so much!

Hudson's Surgery

2011-09-29T15:29:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago Hudson had his follow up appointment with the ENT to see if the medicine was working. After another sad scope down his nose the Dr said there had not been any change. The ENT and our pediatrician both suggested we do the surgery. So Monday we took our baby to Primary Children's Hospital for his surgery. I had such a hard time handing him over to the anesthesiologist, but we knew the surgery wouldn't take that long. The worst part of the day was when they came and got me to go back to his recovery room. I walked in right as two nurses were holding him down while another suctioned out his mouth, he was screaming, although his voice was so hoarse from the surgery it didn't even sound like him. He was thrashing all over his little metal crib in his hospital gown and he had iv's on both feet. Tears immediately started spilling down my face, I didn't feel like I was prepared for this scenario. I almost ran to get Ryan instead because I didn't think I could handle it but one of the nurses told me he just needed his mom to him and that was all it took.
He was pretty out of it the rest of the day, most just whimpering. They had to give him some morphine later for the pain and that knocked him out pretty good. When he woke up later he was pretty happy and smiley.

He had to be on oxygen for a while but he made it through the night without it.
One question that I had for the nurse that she couldn't answer was why do babies get to wear pants and a top and adults have to wear those awful gowns? It seems like it should be the opposite.
Before
After

Zoo!

2011-09-21T12:09:00.005-06:00

We took Hudson for his first trip to the zoo with all of his fun cute cousins!

The Best Day of My Life

2011-09-14T10:48:00.008-06:00

Saturday couldn't have been more perfect! Ryan, Hudson, and I were sealed for eternity in the Mount Timpanogos Temple, but we started the day out on the lake with my family. It was probably the last time this year and we had so much fun!

We had a room full of people (over 50) who we love and care for and we are so grateful that they were able to share this special day with us. To say Hudson was an angel during the sealing would be an understatement. He was beyond perfect! It was by far the best and most special day of my life...unforgettable!

All of our family that was able to come!

After the sealing we had a dinner at Blue Lemon in Highland and everything was delicious and so much fun to spend time with the people we are closest to.

Adventures With Nana and Papa

2011-09-13T08:48:00.004-06:00

My parents came in town last weekend! Everything just seems to turn into a giant party while they're here. Tanner was is also back in town for school and we were all finally together again since we were in Puerto Rico, with three new babies added to the mix. These two little boys are so cute together!
We were able to go to Camryn and Brooklyn's soccer game with Nic as their coach. It was adorable!
Brooklyn with a steal!
Hudson missed his nana! He just wanted to cuddle the whole time.
Thursday I went through the temple and took out my endowments. I had so many members of my family there that traveled from all over. It was such a special night and I felt so lucky to have so many people that I love there with me!
Friday we went for a hike to Stewart Falls with Matt, Kate, Elle, Averi, Tanner, Nana and Papa. It was a beautiful day and stunning scenery!a

We made it!

Then we ended the night with a trip to see "The Help". I loved the book and couldn't wait to see the movie. Ryan, Nic and Papa stayed home with the kids and we partied with Grandpa and Grandma Schenk, my cousin Nichole, aunt Leslie, Steff and my mom! And I loved the movie!

Bumbos and Hikes and Tidbits!

2011-09-07T22:16:00.005-06:00

I realize everyone has or has seen a bumbo. But this is a first for us and we think it's cute!

We went to dinner at Blue Lemon and Hudson spent the evening lounging.
Maegen and Mackenzie spent the week with us while their parent were out of town and we had so much fun with them plus they're really good babysitters! Saturday Sean came to visit from Provo and we went on a hike up to the Timpanogos Caves. It was a little harder of a hike than I expected but we still had a really good time...especially Hudson! He loves being outside.

Sean holding up the mountain

If you look really closely you can see our house.
Don't worry, he still had service.

This picture was right in the beginning of the cave. After a while Hudson got bored, fell asleep, and snored loudly for the rest of the tour.
Later that night after our hard workout, we treated our selves to a whole lot of cookie dough and a few actual cookies while we watched a movie!

Last Pool Day

2011-08-31T07:24:00.002-06:00

The summer is coming to a close and I can't believe it! Nor do I want to even thing about it. To make it a little better, my little brother Sean is in the State to start school at BYU. So on Saturday we hit up my favorite pool with Sean, Matt, Kate, Averi, and Elle Belle. It was such a nice day and we had so much fun.
Ryan and Hudson had a fun time watching the surfers on the flow rider..........
and going around and around and around the Lazy River.
And Matt and Sean had fun tossing crazy, fearless Averi all over the pool! A good day to end the pool season........if we must!

Family Pictures

2011-08-29T08:45:00.002-06:00

We had family pictures taken last week and I just LOVE them! Here are just a few!

Boating and Twins?

2011-08-28T13:00:00.005-06:00

Sometimes people think Steff and I are sisters, not that Nic is my brother. And I can kind of see where that comes from, we're the same height, blonde hair, but every once in a while some one takes a picture and I can't really tell us apart......this is one of them!
A few weeks ago, while my dad was in town for Nixon's blessing we went boating in Pineview. It is one of my favorite places, it is so beautiful! So thanks everyone, we had an awesome time!

Lyle.........or Hudson?

2011-08-26T13:09:00.002-06:00

Hudson and I went up to Idaho a few weekends ago while Ryan was in Ohio. While we were there my Grandma showed me some of my dad's baby pictures. I hadn't really seen any before. And although everyone says Hudson looks just like Ryan........I think there's definately some Lyle in there too!

Saturday is a Day for Play!!

2011-08-22T12:59:00.004-06:00

It's no secret that we love boating, and it runs in my family! So when Nic called to see if we wanted to go we jumped at the chance. Things get a little crazy because we all have crazy kids...but that's just how we like things. This is me and brothers and all our new babies, all born with in 8 weeks of each other! (I think!)

Myself, Steff, and Kate before our WILD tube ride!

Averi skied for the first time and did Fantastic!
Matt doesn't need fellow passengers....they'd just get in his way!
Kendyl sure loves her daddy!
The Matt Clark family!
Steff, Kendyl, and Averi

Steff helped Brooklyn start off skiing from behind the boat, so she got in the water to hold the front of the ski up. Off Brooklyn went....but she was so concerned with her mom being left behinds, she almost ate it! It was so cute! But she did awesome!

Grandma's 80th Celebration!

2011-08-19T10:20:00.002-06:00

Our beautiful wonderful Grandma Clark turned 80 a couple weeks ago but we waited to celebrate until my dad came out for Nixon's blessing. We went to Rodizio's and it was delicious, I think better than Tucano's. Ryan was in heaven,f talking Portuguese to to waiters, eating chicken hearts, and all the red meat he can fit in his stomach. I guess that last part applies to all all men! We so had so much fun but we sure missed mom, Sean, and Tanner!
Averi and Brooklyn
Ryan kept trying to sneak Hudson chicken hearts, don't worry I always caught him.
Kendyl always eats food in the most interesting ways.
Beautiful Kate and Grandma
My dad with all of his grand kids.......underneath that smile he looks a little overwhelmed.
4 generations of Clarks My dad, Nixon, Nic, and Grandpa Clark

My Poor Baby and Knees!

2011-08-15T13:12:00.002-06:00

***warning long post.....lots of words**
So if any of you have met Hudson, you know he is an extremely loud and worrisome breather. Since he was about 2 months old he has had a hard time breathing. I noticed it especially at night and his labored breathing really made us nervous. You could tell he struggled and he would have episodes were he couldn't catch his breath and would panic until he could finally get a breath. Pediatrician #1 told us he had croup although he did not have a cough, he gave Hudson a steroid shot but it didn't help. Pediatrician #2 told us it was RSV or asthma, but the breathing treatment he got at the Dr didn't help, she ended up just telling us to come back if it got worse. Pediatrician #3 told us she thought he had some sort of growths in his trachea or on his vocal chords so we would have to go to Primary Children's to an ENT and get a scope, unfortunately they didn't have any openings for 3 weeks. Well today was the big day and we finally got some answers! He has severe laryngeal malaysia. Basically some cartillage collapses over the airway when he breathes in making it had for him to breath. He's on medicine now to see if it helps but if it doesn't get any better the Dr suggests having a procedure to take care of it. It was so hard to watch have a scope put down his nose but we are so happy to know what the problem is and that it can be fixed!
Now to my poor aching knees! Ryan and I ran our first post baby half marathon on Saturday! I decided when I was still pregnant that it was something I wanted to do. Obviously I had some weight I wanted to lose and this seemed the best way. When the Dr okay-ed me to start working out I started running very small amounts on the treadmill and worked my way up. After we got a jogging stroller I got more serious, it has been so fun to be able to take Hudson on runs with me everyday, he loves being outside and is such a good sport. The other thing I have found about training for this race is that I have a goal other than just simply losing weight, I have something more to focus on other than the number on a scale. I cared more about eating healthy and getting good sleep because I knew my body would not function like I wanted it to the next day on my run if I didn't. I didn't break any records and I didn't get an amazing time but I got to run on a very beautiful course (Provo River Trail past Bridal Veil Falls) with my husband and achieve a goal I had set for myself. I may no be the skinniest I've ever been, but I don't care because I feel strong and in shape, I can run 5-7 miles enjoyably but I know if I push myself I can go longer. I sometimes don't feel like I have many accomplishments but I proved to myself that I can do things I set my mind to. I hope this doesn't come across as bragging but sometimes we are so careful about not wanting to seem so into ourselves that we sell ourselves short a lot of the time. So I guess what I really wanted to say is....I'm proud of myself.

Nixon's Blessing

2011-08-12T08:59:00.003-06:00

Little baby Nixon was blessed Sunday and his dad gave him a beautiful blessing. It also gave us an excuse to all get together after wards and eat Steff's delicious cinnamon rolls. I don't have tons of pictures just a few precious ones after everyone left.

Summer time BBQ

2011-08-09T20:47:00.004-06:00

Friday night we had a bbq at my uncle Micheal's house with all my mom's side of the family. The food was delicious and the company was fun.......what more could you ask for on a summer night.
Hudson and Nixon are already best friends!
With all of our cute cousins Hudson doesn't even need his mom!
Aliyah, Hudson, Me, Brooklyn, and Morgan
Steff and Nixon

Yvett, Elle, Kate, and Meg
Ryan, Nic, Steff, Nixon
Karen, Hudson, Leslie, and Michael
Matt, Derris, and Laurie
Since Averi moved back to Utah, her and Kendyl have had so much fun together.

Nichole has the magic touch!

Lake Powell

2011-07-26T16:34:00.004-06:00

We went on our annual trip to Lake Powell with Allen, Eva, Maegan, and Mackenzie. It was nice to staying in a hotel with our little baby instead in the heat and by the end of each day we had had enough of the sun and felt good to be able to take a shower and go out for dinner. I was nervous about Hudson on this trip because of the long car ride, out on the boat and sun all day, throwing him off his schedule and sleeping in a new place. But he was an angel! We were very careful to keep him out of the sun and cool, he slept great in his pack and play at night, and took naps in his carseat under the dash board on the boat. He was such a good sport and it was so fun to take him along! My sister in law, Kate's mother made Hudson this little washcloth toy and he loves it. The picture above is him playing with his toy waiting to go out on the boat the first day.
Ryan and Hudson helping aunt Eva get the boat ready.
He has gotten to the point where he doesn't really like to be held like I am holding him in this picture. He likes to be turned around so he can see whats going on.

He got to go on his first tube ride! We're not sure how he felt about it.

But he was impressed with his dads wakeboarding skills.
I love me some naked Hudson!

Maegen, myself, and Mackenzie in front of the damn.
We had so much fun, and so grateful we have a baby who can adapt to changes so we can still go on fun trips!!

Updates!

2011-07-15T14:48:00.004-06:00

I've signed up to run a half marathon in August so Hudson and I have been running every morning. Grandma Baunie and Aimee got us an awesome jogging stroller that makes it soo nice to run, and my sweet husband got me some oakley sunglasses that I can run in, so we have no excuse not to go. Hudson is such a good sport and is so happy/asleep the whole time. This week we've been running 7 miles a day so we're getting close we only have a couple weeks left to train........so wish us luck!
I never documented the 4th of July. This is how we spent it! We had a cookout at Allen and Eva's and then set off some fireworks in the driveway.

Ryan and I play on a coed soccer team every Saturday and I was a bit skeptical at first but it has been so fun. I haven't played since the 6th grade and most of the teams have been really really good but last week I hit my groove and scored a goal!!!! Hudson missed it, he was busy sleeping. Aunt Eva is so good to us, she wakes up early every Saturday so she can come watch him while we play!
And the most exciting thing is...........we are officially going to Brazil! We will be spending one day in Rio and then driving out to a town called Cabo Frio and spending the week at the beach partying with the Brazilians! I've read that it is an awesome place to scuba dive. We are going with one of Ryan's friends who is from Brazil and his wife who served a mission there so we will have awesome tour guides!
I mean.......look at these beaches! Can't wait!!

Introducing baby Elle!

2011-07-07T17:18:00.003-06:00

Matt, Kate, Averi, and brand new baby Elle have finally moved back to Utah. So if anyone is looking for a dentist, Matt could be your new best friend! They came over to my house so we could meet Elle. And she is a doll. It's funny how I've already forgotten how little they are when they're born.
My mom was still in town so she brought Camryn, Brooklyn, and Kendyl so they could all play together!
Comparing the monster to Elle Belle, I've already decided this is what I'll call her, hope that's ok with her parents!
Kendyl spent hours "walking" Moose in the backyard, you can see how cooperative he is!
Nana and Hudson had to say good bye but we'll see her again in a little while!

Blessing Day

2011-07-04T11:56:00.004-06:00

Hudson was blessed on Sunday July 3. Ryan gave him a beautiful blessing and I was grateful we could spend the day with our family and friends! We had brunch afterwards at our house with french toast casserole and buttermilk syrup, bacon quiche, corn bread muffins, banana crumb muffins and tons of fruit and fruit dips. We have such an incredible family, lots of them came from Idaho and northern Utah and we appreciate them making the drive! We are also so lucky with such great friends that we think of as family.

Hudson's First Boating Day

2011-07-04T11:42:00.006-06:00

My parents flew in for Hudson's blessing so for fun we went up to Steff's cabin in Park City and hung out. I can't how beautiful and green everything is right now!
Yes, I know, I wear this sweatshirt alot.
I caught Hudson and Nixon playing when they thought I wasn't looking...they're already best friends.

The next day we went boating at Jordanelle. The water was freezing! But the water was so calm and the sun was hot so we had a blast.

Friendlies

2011-07-03T19:34:00.004-06:00

One of the best times in my pre-married life was when I was living with Kristen and Carole ann and Celina might as well have lived there too. We always said we would be friends forever. Luckily we all married people who also like each other.......like they ever really had a choice!

Stars...they're just like us......they leave restaurants!
Hudson loves hanging out with aunt Kris while she's getting her hair done!

Cabin Getaway and Funny Faces!

2011-06-25T21:17:00.006-06:00

Ryan still has some clients in from NYC so we took them up to the cabin for some fun on Friday. The weather was so nice and everything was beautiful and green!

I was so happy Carole ann and Jonathon could come! He is such a fun little guy and I love being hanging out with C ann!
We had some delicious grilled food, that Ryan obviously fed to Moosie!
Our friend Brad, his wife, and two little girls came up and they had so much riding around on the 4 wheelers.
Aunt Kristen couldn't come to the cabin but she was over the night and Hudson did not want to be burped, and this is the funny face we got.
Hudson got a "Kermit" beenie, it's way to big but we couldn't resist.

Weekend Events!

2011-06-20T14:44:00.004-06:00

Things have been awfully smiley around our house lately. Hudson has just been smiling and talking up a storm. He is so much fun to have around and just getting cuter and cuter.
Saturday we went to the pool with the girlfriends! Carol Ann and Johnathon are in town and we had to take them to our favorite pool. The water was warm enough that Hudson loved it, and then he decided he just wanted to lay out with aunt Kristen. (Not really, we are very careful about him being out in the sun, so he was only there for a second, so don't call Children's Services on me!)

Johnathon could not be any cuter! He has the cutest little personality and is so much fun to be around. Oh yea, Canne's not bad either. Just kidding, we love her!
Ryan scored us free tickets to a Ray Lamontagne/ Brandi Carlile (two of my favorite artists!) concert for Saturday night so we had to say goodbye to Hudson for the first time and leave him with Allen, Eva, and the girls for a few hours. That's not entirely true, I've left him with my mom a couple times, and my brother Matt, while Kate and I got pedis, but never for very long. It was hard for me for to say goodbye but we had such a good time and the concert was amazing and I knew her was in great hands! If you've never heard of them, get on itunes and check them out. Brandi was almost better live then on her albums. I would go to her concert again and again!
Hudson is fascinated by whistling! So we do it alot!!

Hudson's Dad!

2011-06-19T20:51:00.005-06:00

I sure love Hudson's dad! I love watching him be dad, and he is so good with Hudson so it was really fun to celebrate the holiday with our little family! I never dreamed he would be as involved as he is.......a very pleasant surprise! I'd love to be able to say that the nick name "Kermit" has died and gone away but it is still very much alive. I also hate to say it's growing on me....purely as a nick name.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-17T10:13:00.002-06:00

I'll post about my baby daddy later. But today's post is all about my father! I'm not even going to start it off by saying "I know I may be biased".......because I have , hands down, the best dad in the world. Those of you who know him, I know are nodding quietly at home in agreement! He has always been so hands on, playing with us, coaching our teams, or loudly cheering in the stands. We've been on so many adventures together as a family because our ring leader can leave no stone unturned on this earth. He must do it All!
One of the funniest things about my dad is how predictable he is....
There are a few things about him that I can guarantee
1. If he's at a track meet he will be yelling "Dig, Sean Dig!" (or whoever is running
2. If you are at his house on Sunday night he will have made caramel corn
3. If you are at his house on a Sunday afternoon he will be taking a nap on the couch in the family room, head on the west side of the couch with his arms crossed at his midsection
4. If there is some kind of special event he will be at his grill cooking a very specific kind of steaks served with potatos and salad
5. If he is running, he will be slightly bobbing his head, his hair will be flowing in the wind, and he will be making a weird kind of humming sound
6. If there's water and he's going to jump in , his phone will no doubt be in his pocket
7. a more recent development, if you are with him and can't find him for an extended period of time, he will have wandered off and will be taking pictures somewhere far off the path from where he should have been
8. if he is on a warm weather vacation he will be wearing his white linen button up shirt with his swim trunks and it will be unbuttoned
9. if he is around...you're in for a few laughs!

We love you! Happy Father's Day!

Recent Happenings

2011-06-16T10:52:00.004-06:00

This is what we've been up to lately........our niece Maegen had a dance recital and she danced so beautiful! I can't believe how grown up she is!

And speaking of growing up......Camryn and Brooklyn turned 5! I wish I had better pictures from their party but I was preoccupied with cupcakes and cute girls! Happy Birthday C&B we love you so much!!
Ryan is working on this awesome project at work where they are writing a program that people can learn how to play the piano. Some people came in from New York who are also on the project and we got to entertain them for the day. So we took them up to Sundance to hike to Stewart Falls. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful view, and always fun to meet new interesting people. We took Hudson but didn't get any pictures, he slept through the whole thing in his carrier!

Ready for some fun in the sun!

Ohio Cont....

2011-06-16T10:29:00.004-06:00

I mentioned in previous posts that I went to Ohio for my youngest brother graduation. Hudson and I flew by ourselves and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He slept the whole way and I just carried him in my sling......which is my new best friend. Both sets of grandparents were already there when we arrived and it was so nice to spend time with them.
The last day we were there we went to a prison where Shawshank Redemption was filmed. It's one of Ryan and I's favorite movie so it was exciting to go walk through and recognize things. This prison closed in 1990! Isn't that crazy?

If any of you have seen the movie you can remember this seen. In the movie it was supossed to take place in a hotel near by but it was actually filmed in a room in the prison.

This was at the airport when they picked us up with my Grandma Clark

9 weeks

2011-06-08T19:18:00.003-06:00

My little man had his 2 month check up this week. He was actually 9 weeks 1 day. It was hard to watch him get all his shots but I realize it had to be done. On a completely different note. I'm selling my brand new chicco stroller if you know anyone who wants it. It has been used literally 3 times......twice at the mall once on the Provo River Trail. Let me know!

2 month stats
weight 10 lbs 4 oz 20%
length 22.75 in 50%
head circ 40.4 75%

Everything looked good and he seems to be pretty healthy and growing very nicely! He obviously inherited my large head, poor guy.

Things he's been doing-
*rolling over....only from stomach to back
*focuses on things, makes eye contact
*smiling and cooing....which is my favorite, it makes me so happy!
*he sleeps really good at night, he usually only wakes up once but sometimes twice on the down side he has not been sleeping much during the day
*he is reaching for the mobile toys on his bouncer and swing
*took his first flight and he did so good...he slept the whole flight out and was wide awake the whole flight back, but did not cry, he was just curious
*grabs my hair...he needs to realize I don't have much as it is so it is imperative I keep what I have! Don't worry we had a talk about it this after noon and I think he gets it now.

I realize these things are not ground breaking but it's funny how when it's your baby doing these things it feels like the first time anyone has done anything like it!

The Seanster Graduates!

2011-06-05T13:34:00.002-06:00

My youngest brother, Sean, graduated from high school last Saturday. He was ranked #1 in his class and the only one graduating with a 4.0 for his entire school career. He was also national honor society president. Can you say over achiever? He was asked to sing a solo at graduation and he did awesome! I am so proud of him and everything he has accomplished and can't wait for him to come out to go to BYU!

First Trip to the Pool

2011-06-04T16:17:00.002-06:00

We went out to Ohio for Sean's graduation and it was HOT! I think the first 4 days were all in the 90's. One day it finally cooled down enough for us to go to the Country Club to go swimming. I was a little worried how Hudson would do and he didn't like the water but he was perfectly content hanging out in the shade.
A lady came up to me while I was there and told me she could not believe I would bring a baby out in the sun, even though he was in the shade 90 percent of the time wearing his hat, a shirt, and sunscreen. She made me feel like a bad mom for 5 seconds until she made her grandson dive off the diving board, when he came up he said it hurt his forehead, and she replied, "That's just cause your head is so big, it'll be fine!" I mostly just couldn't believe she'd say that to me.

Smiley Hudsy!

2011-06-01T20:13:00.002-06:00

Hudson and I are in Ohio and I have lots of pictures to post later but for now I thought I'd show his new trick! He is smiling so much lately and I just love it!

Cute Outfits and New Cousins

2011-05-19T21:28:00.003-06:00

Nic and Steff's little baby boy was born on May 18. While we were waiting for the little guy to be born so we could take Cam, B, and Kendyl to meet him, we watched "The Land Before Time". These two little girlies are so cute with each other. I loved how they were sitting watching the movie.
And here he is. He weighed 7lbs 1oz and his mommy couldn't have looked better right after birth. We are sooo excited to have a little cousin so close to Hudson's age. Next up, little baby Elle.
Such proud big sisters and dad. At one point Nic said Nixon was hungry and Kendyl tried to feed him her graham cracker, so generous already!

Now onto the cute outfit! I thought I'd be sad not having a little girl to play dress up with. But in all honesty, it's just as fun to dress a little boy....just harder to find cute clothes.
s
Dear Matt and Kate,
I found you a house that I'd like you to buy. It's so nice and close to my house. Please consider it.

Thanks,
Ash

As of Late

2011-05-16T11:44:00.003-06:00

We are all moved in! This little nest is in a tree right outside our master bedroom window.
I'm sure you've all noticed a little less Moose in the posts lately. Don't worry he's been very happy spending his days sunbathing, chasing birds, and exploring his new back yard. And the answer is yes, we are trying to grow dandelions all over our yard.

This is my niece Maegan. Everyone thinks we look alike (lucky girl) and her and Hudson love hanging out. And since we live so close now they get to see each other all the time!
This is my sister in law Eva, and she has been a life saver! She let's me work out in her gym at her house and watches Hudson while I exercise. She is so good with him! And always offers to take care of him if I need her. We couldn't do it with out her!
We finally got Hudson's crib and put it together and I love how it all came together with his bedding.
The top part of the crib looks black in this picture but it's actually brown. We got a dresser to match but it hasn't come in yet.
And last but not least Aunt Laurel and Hudson. This is one of my favorite pictures! As much as she gives Ryan a hard time, she sure loves his little boy! She makes sure to let Hudson know how naughty his dad is.

Our New House

2011-05-09T09:25:00.005-06:00

First, Hudson says "hello" this morning! We finally found and bought a house in Highland and we're hoping to move in in the next few days. The sellers live in Ireland so it's been a pain with getting all the paper work signed and back in the U.S

kitchen
kitchen
kitchen/dining
dining/family
entry
master
master bath
And my favorite part.......lockers outside the laundry room, right as you come in from the garage.
Our other favorite part is the big lot and fenced in back yard for Moosie to play in!

Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:34:00.002-06:00

Mother's Day obviously has a little different meaning this year than previous and I couldn't be more grateful! I love being a mom and I love my little man more than I ever thought I would. I am very blessed with the incredible mother that raised me. She is one of my best friends and I love spending time with her.

Hudson's first (actually second, the first pair are brown and don't fit yet) pair of Van's. Ryan thought it was very important that they match his.

A Few of My Favorites (ok maybe way more!)

2011-05-02T09:41:00.005-06:00

Got Milk?

2011-05-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday

Nap Time

2011-05-01T12:57:00.001-06:00

My boys love taking naps together! And aren't they cute?

Birth Announcement!

2011-04-22T14:23:00.001-06:00

Hudson had his picture taken yesterday and I love them!! I can't wait to get them back. So this is just a preview for now!

Family Fun

2011-04-22T09:36:00.004-06:00

Matt, Kate, and Averi were in town so we had a little family get together. I can't believe how different Averi is since I saw her in December! Such a little mover and talker! And look how cute those curls are.
These four little girls loved playing together.
Aunt Kate and Uncle Matt got to meet Hudson.

I love this little hoodie on Hudson, it is Newborn size, and look how giant it is! His tininess is going to throw off his entire wardrobe with the seasons. So I guess I just dress him in them anyway/
Kristen and Hudson spend every night between 8 &10 like this. It's their nightly ritual and he loves her!

The Nana.....a lifesaver!

2011-04-14T10:39:00.004-06:00

Hudson came a little early, and it was kind of a surprise to every one. So as soon as my mom heard I was in labor she bought a ticket for the very next day. She was an angel. She would take Hudson at night and bring him to me when it was time to eat. She brought me breakfast in the morning while I was feeding Hudson and she was great company. I love having her around and it was hard to say good bye. Luckily she'll be back soon when Steff has her baby! Great Grandma Grandpa Clark came down to meet the new addition and it was wonderful to see them. Brooklyn has been so cute with Hudson. She is going to be such a good big sister to her new brother.

It's hard to believe this lady has 5 grand kids soon to be 7!

People told me I would love him more than I could ever imagine and they were all right! I can't get enough of him!

The Story of Hudon's Birth

2011-04-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

I won't go into a lot of details but if you're weirded out by all things pregnancy related just stop reading and check back in a few days. This is mostly for my personal documentation, and so I don't forget how everything happened. Let my first start out by saying that I fully realize how lucky and blessed I am that I had a relatively pleasant pregnancy. I never really threw up a lot and my nausea phase did not last long. I did however have a lot of back pain because o,f an injury in high school, but I knew I would. Doctors told me I would have a lot of pain because of how my back had healed. Besides that, and just being generally uncomfortable the last month I was able to function pretty normally. I still went to the gym regularly and traveled as much as I would have, had I not been pregnant.
We've moved around quite a bit while I was pregnant. Starting out in Utah, then Rochester, then Boulder, then back to Utah. We are happy to be back, and any one will have a hard time convincing me of being in a car for longer than 2 hours for quite a while.
I started seeing a midwife as soon as we got back to Utah. Ryan actually found it. One of his ex girlfriends works at the practice, and we didn't have a lot of time to find one. I had a midwife in Rochester and I really liked her a lot so I was excited to be back to one after having a Doctor in Denver. I didn't love the practice from the beginning but I thought I'd give it some time.(not that I really had any to spare) But I didn't really have many other options.
We signed up for a labor and delivery class that was for Friday 1st, and Saturday 2nd. Friday afternoon I started having contractions. I knew what they were because I had to have an NST earlier that week and I was having contractions then. So we went to our class Friday night and when we got home and we were talking to Kristen and Scott I told everyone that I knew I was going to have the baby by the end of the weekend. Saturday morning around 2 am the contractions were closer together and pretty painful. The nurse in my class the night before me had told me that when the contractions were 4 minutes apart lasting a minute for an hour it was time to go to the hospital. So I timed them and for an hour and a half they were 4 minutes lasting around a minute and woke up Ryan and told him it was time to go to the hospital. I was in quite a bit of pain at this point but they weren't super strong. I called the midwife who was on call and couldn't get anyone to call me back for over a half hour. When she finally called me back she told me she'd meet me at the hospital.
When I got to the hospital and the nurse checked me I was only dilated to a 2 but they were getting closer and closer together. So they told me they leave me hooked up for an hour and if I wasn't any more dilated I would just have to go home. When the nurse came back my contractions were every 2 minutes but I wasn't any more dilated so they sent me home, gave me a pain pill and told me to come back when the contractions were stronger. (The whole time I'm thinking, if I've taken a pain pill, how will I know when they are stronger) I never saw my mid wife.
So we went home and went back to bed before we had to be to our Labor and Delivery class at 9am. The class went until 3pm so it was long time to just be sitting all day while having contractions. Although they weren't 2 minutes apart anymore they were still pretty consistent all day. Let me also say before I move on....that I am sooo happy and grateful we went and took the class. It was so informative and helpful and I think I would have been terrified the next morning had I not had the information and breathing exercises she gave us. I think it was really good for the two of us to do together. She also gave me some things to do to help me dilate more and faster.
By the time I got home the contractions were pretty strong and painful. I took Moose for a walk, went to Walmart, did my exercises to help me dilate more while Ryan went to the priesthood session. We went to bed early but I never really fell asleep, I was in too much pain. At 4:30 Ryan decided it was time to go to the hospital. This time I got a hold of the midwife (a different one then the night before, one I had never met) right away and she told me she'd meet us at the hospital. The car ride was miserable and I obviously have never been in so much pain. I just kept thinking..."I can't believe anyone would do this more than once!"
When the nurse checked me this time I told her if she told me I was only dilated to a 2, she was going to have a brawl on her hands. She laughed and told me I was dilated to a 6! I could have kissed her! I got my epidural a little later and when the checked me 45 minutes later I was at a 7. After I had the epidural I took a little nap and Ryan went to get some food. When the nurse came back to check me again I was at a 10 and she looked a little worried but we were still waiting for the midwife who was supposed to be there 2 hours earlier. They put me on oxygen because my heart rate was so low, but no one seemed too concerned so I wasn't. So we waited and waited. She finally walked in and it was time to push.
I also need to say that Ryan was incredible through the whole thing. I really thought he would be so weirded out by the whole delivery part but he was very involved and he was incredible at helping me remember my breathing through contractions. I pushed for about 20 minutes. The only people in the room were Ryan, myself, the midwife, someone she was training and the nurse. It was very calm and relaxed. The nurse was just sitting on the side of the bed and the midwife was sitting the end of the bed. Ryan kept telling me how awesome it was. When he was finally out it was a rush of excitement that I can't really explain. They set him up on me but he was pretty blue and wasn't breathing and the cord was kind of wrapped around his neck so for a minute everyone seemed a little panicked. This of course made me little panicked and I didn't really know what to think or how to feel. They took him over to the side and the nurses worked on him for minute and he started to cry, which made me feel much better. Everything turned out fine and when they gave him back to me I instantly fell in love. He had a hard time maintaining his temperature for a while but the by the next day he had passed all his tests and we were able to go home. He is so precious and we love him to death! I feel so blessed that he is here and healthy.

Meeting the Family

2011-04-11T21:31:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe that our little guy has only been here for a week. In some ways it feels like he has always been a part of my life and yet everything is so new and exciting. My mom is staying with us and has been an angel. She takes him during the night and will bring him to me when it's time for me to feed him. She brings me breakfast, dinner, dessert and keeps me company during the day, which has been so fun!
Saturday we went up to Bountiful to see some family. We stopped by Grandma Nelson's to hang out for a bit. He was so content on her lap forever, not a peep, not a movement.
Grandma Nelson
Then we went to Nic and Steff's for a Schenk family party and I pulled my camera out kind of late so I don't have many pictures. But I found these four enjoying a Bearinstein Bears book. I believe it was "No girls allowed".
Kendyl was very concerned about Hudson keeping his binky in his mouth. Adorable!
Uncle Tanner came down to visit Sunday and decided to join Hudson for a nap.
He loves his swing.

Daddy
Nana
My cousins Nichole and Heather and Maycee

And these lovely folks and the wonderful people who are letting us stay with them. They saved our lives and they are so generous and friendly. I've decided living with your best friend is one of the best things ever. I'll be so bored when we move out. Thanks Scott and Kris!

The Early Days

2011-04-06T20:44:00.003-06:00

I fully plan on posting the story of his birth but we're having so much fun just sitting around staring at each other it might have to wait a few days. My mom flew in town Monday night and it has been so nice to have her here. Hudson and Nana have just fallen in love with each other and we've just been doing a lot of hanging out. We had two check ups today and both went really well. He is exactly at his birth weight, he's a good eater and sleeper, and has been pretty alert.

My mom made this quilt and I love it!

It's been so fun having Eva, Maegen, and Mackenzie live so close to be able to come lots. He loves his cousins!

Hudson Scott Nelson

2011-04-05T11:35:00.006-06:00

Our baby was born on Sunday the 3rd at 9:30am. He weighed 5lbs 7oz and is 19 inches long. We've had lots of friends and family come visit and we are so excited and happy to be able to share this experience with people we love.

38 weeks!

2011-03-31T16:07:00.004-06:00

This is me at 38 weeks pregnant. I feel like I look extra large in this picture but everyone told me I had to wear a tight shirt this time since the last one was playing an optical illusion. I also feel like I have tripled in size in the last few weeks. I went to the Dr today and was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. (It's hard for me to be an adult and say any of that without gagging or snickering)
Next order of important business is a name.....any of you who know me or my husband know that we having quite the time with a name. We agreed on Hudson early on when we found out it was a boy......it's Ryan's middle name, which gives a little extra meaning and I just plain like......I feel like it's not too trendy but doesn't sound made up. We've had a couple of other names we both kind of like.....Jude(which Ryan now doesn't like) Milo(which became super popular all of the sudden) and Christian. But Ryan now has his heart set on......brace yourselves.....Kirby. I can't even type this without getting a little frustrated. Help me explain why this is an awful idea. Any suggestions of talking him out of it would help. We value your opinion.

A Few of my Favorite Things cont.........

2011-03-13T01:42:00.002-07:00

1. My dear friend, Roni, gave me this adorable little stuffed alligatorr for Hudson. And I have loved it so much I recently ordered the aardvark in bright orange and the elephant in blue. Just the perfect colors for his room!
2. These little pants for baby H. Ryan has some strong opinions about what H will and will not be wearing. He is on the fence about these pants. How does this affect my purchases for said baby? I buy them when he's at work and not there to say no!
3. These beautiful roses my husband gave me for our anniversary.

4. The guacamole we got at "Aji" in down town Boulder for our anniversary dinner. It was delicious and I almost marched myself back in to the kitchen to see if I could finangle the recipe
6. The little girl scouts who were selling these cookies outside Walmart today. Totally hit the spot.

7. Chick fila's chicken nuggets..I can't get enough and did you know there are only 300 calories in
8 pieces! Just an added bonus!
8. When I was working at Deleon some of the massage girls used this massage oil in Black Currant Vanilla. I've been hooked ever since. I love the lotion too!

9.Adele's new cd...I could listen to it over and over

10. Florence + the Machine's cd "lungs"

11.My new Petunia Picklebottom baby sling! I haven't seen it in person yet but it shall be delivered soon! And my carseat cover material, my sis in law made it for me and I picked out the fabric before I left Utah and it is soooooo cute! (Never thought that paragraph would come from my computer)

12. Friday Night Lights season 1 on my itouch while I work out. Yes I've already seen them but I love me some Lyla Garrity and Tim Riggins and it makes the time go by faster.

Not so Favorite

1. Subway sandwiches, I'm just too burnt out after eating them almost every day since I got pregnant.

2. "How do you know?" Ryan went to a concert with a friend a few nights ago so I watched this Reese Witherspoon movie at home. I usually love everything she does......but this movie was awful!

3.The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest......I can't make myself finish it.

4.packing.........ugh

5. My neighbors balcony is directly below our balcony......and I love to sleep with the door open but the new neighbors have been smoking a lot of marijuana on their balcony.........and although I haven't fully researched the affects of weed on a fetus, I'm pretty sure it should be avoided. So now I have to sleep with the door closed.

6. Not knowing if what I've been feeling are contractions or gas
.

Two Years!

2011-03-11T15:56:00.004-07:00

This guy and I have been married for 2 years today! Who would have thought? I love him more every day. And he makes me laugh harder today than ever before. I am always amazed at his generosity and kindness!

These last two photos have me missing a few things: a tan, a waist, and the ocean! All in good time! We're planning an oceanside vacation in the fall if anyone would like to join let me know!

Baby Shower

2011-03-09T13:18:00.006-07:00

35 weeks

This weekend I flew out to Utah for my baby shower. My sister in law Steff is pregnant and due in May and my cousin Lora is due March 31 so we had a joint shower. Everything was sooo cute! A big shout out to my mom for all the work and creativity that she put into this fun shower!
The cake was Adorable! Much thanks to Aunt Karen!

My aunt Laurie made this vegetable basket (obviously made to look like a bouquet) And everything was edible. It was almost too pretty to eat!

Lora, Steff, and me
Two of my best friends, Roni and Kristen, made the long drive from Provo to Logan, and I was so excited to see them!

My grandma Schenk made all of us these beautiful white quilts with a little lamb in the middle and they are made of my favorite silky material. I loved it!
All of the Schenk(my mom's sisters and sisters in law plus cousins) women. It was a wonderful day and I felt so special! Now if these next five weeks would just fly by so the little man can get here.

Catch Up Day 10, 11 & 12

2011-03-05T08:44:00.005-07:00

10. One of my favorite vacations was when we went to Hawaii in 2009 to pick up Tanner from his mission. We stayed in a beautiful condo, and our weather was incredible. This picture above is one of my favorite moments on my favorite vacation. Nic probably ran a 400 m sprint in his snorkel gear down the beach, it was hysterical!!
This day we took a catamaran up the Napali coast where they shot Jurrassic Park, and it was such a cool day. We saw dolphins, had a delicious lunch, and went scuba diving off the boat. It was the most incredible view!

11. The town where I live......I wish. This picture was in New York. And at the time I wished we lived there, I no longer have any desire to live there. But now I don't have a picture of the town I live and..........We are moving back to Utah so we don't really know what town we will be living in!
12. This is my Moosie and (mom stop reading) I love him with all my heart. When we moved to New York and then Denver he became my best little buddy all day. He follows me around the house everywhere no matter what I'm doing. And he's starting learning new tricks. Here is Moose giving a high five!

Saved by Steff!

2011-03-01T14:19:00.003-07:00

I got an email from my awesome sister-in-law, Steff, and she sent me a picture of myself at 2. This is my brother Nic and I at my Grandma Clark's house. We loved that swing hanging from the tree, and sadly it is no longer there. I can't believe how light Nic's hair is! So cute. Maybe I will have cute kids after all!

Day 8

2011-02-28T17:38:00.003-07:00

Today is supposed to be picture of myself at 2. I don't have any pictures of me at the age of 2. So we're switching it up to my most recent purchases. Poor baby Hudson (no that's not the official name but I'm hoping the more I put it out there, the Ry-ster will come around) doesn't really have anything to call his own. With t minus 6 weeks and counting I am quite behind on the baby equipment. I do, however, have my diaper bag and his baby bedding! The important things....right? Thought so!