13

WARNING: Sappy Alert!

Last weekend marked 13 years of marriage for us. 13 years! To celebrate we enjoyed a nice yummy dinner, then a couples' massage at Sanctuary Spa, then off to the movies. We talked about how on our wedding day we didn't think we could get any happier, but now here we were, even happier! We talked about our kids, our life, and our accomplishments. We agreed that even though we have had some challenges and many shortcomings over the years, we really have figured out how marriage works (for us). We just GET each other. I help him, he helps me. I let him play, he lets me play. When I want to pig-out, he pig's out with me. He includes me in his interests like buying me a bike and inviting me to ride with him. When I am overwhelmed with housework and laundry, he's right there doing his best to relieve the load, without being asked. He gets that sometimes I need sisterhood and shopping. He is supportive of my career as a nurse by arranging his schedule so I can work 1 shift/week. He puts up with my endless projects.
In turn I understand his need for the things he's passionate about: bike riding, skiing, and such things that take him away from me and the kids. I pack-up the kids and go to his races and events so we can cheer him on. I try to have a yummy dinner ready and an orderly house when he comes home. BUT, I know it is never expected and always appreciated. And if some days it just isn't happening (oh yeah it happens) I don't have to worry because I know he understands and won't care. I'm sure I do more (I hope) but you get the idea. And did I mention he is the best dad ever? I LOVE YOU babe.

This is us on our anniversary last year:On a Carribean Cruise with 17 other friend couples! Above we are sailing, to the left I am zip-lining through the jungle, to the right Sam is getting a little crazy playing a really fun game (no we're not drunk)!
Below we are getting ready to head out on a kayak/scuba adventure. It was a trip we will never forget.

SOLD

Well, in the last 2 weeks we've gone from 3 cars to 1. We sold the truck a couple weeks ago...we listed it in the morning and it sold later that same day! We weren't quite prepared to see it go so fast - it was pretty sad; we loved that truck!

Then, last week we decided that maybe it was time to update our family truckster....the Yukon XL (0r "Suburban", or "mom's car" as we call it). We agreed that we would list it for a certain price, and if we could get it, then we would sell it and get a new car. If not, then no big deal, we'll keep it.
So Sam listed it and sure enough, last Friday Sam got a phone call, met the guy in Ogden, and watched as our Suburban drove away forever! The guy had a check already for us, it was such an easy sale! Again, we were surprised and a little sad about parting with our car. It has seen us through so many family vacations and has been a great car. It even cleaned up really well despite being totally trashed by the kids (chicken nugget under the seat from who knows how long ago, dried milk from Quincy shaking her bottle, something growing in the cup holder in the very back, dents in the leather seats from numerous car seats and boosters, etc). There were some small tears from shed from Millie and Sambo when we told them it was gone. They were like, "we didn't even get to say goodbye!"

Good thing we still have our "sports car!" But it's a problem...6 people with 1 car that holds 5 passengers. We've had a rental car the last few days but we just dropped that off today...we need to find our new car soon! What will it be? We were thinking about down-sizing but realized that with all of our adventures and 4 kids we still need the space. I guess we'll see...

2 Wheeler

As mentioned in a previous post, Will learned how to ride his "2 wheeler." I think it's funny how the kids call their bikes that for a time when the training wheels come off, like they have to make sure everyone knows!
In March, the week of his birthday, it was nice spring weather (very short lived). But it was enough that we got outside and it didn't take long before Will had mastered riding his bike! He got a new Spiderman bike for his birthday, but he definitely felt more secure on this little "Rocket" bike handed down from Sambo. He was so happy and Dad and I were even happier. It's so cute watching him pedal twice as fast as the big boys and girls to keep up with them.
Because of the cold snowy weather we had about a month gap that he couldn't ride his bike. He has been anxious to get out and see if he could remember. A few days ago I took this video of him...he had been riding for awhile so he was tired by the time I recorded him. But you can still get a taste of his wicked biking skills. His favorite is leaving skid marks.

Guys day out

Today was a perfect day and I am sure I will remember it for the rest of my life. Sambo and Wilbur did so good. It is really fun to watch them become such good buddies!

Check out the mad skills

It is a good thing Sambo has his poles. Look at those little arms go

Check out Wilbur's yard sale to end this clip

As I said it was a perfect day that I will never forget. I love my boys!

There's no place like home for Spring break

So our plan was to get outta town Sunday night (Easter) and drive down to Zion's National Park, St. George, and Las Vegas for Spring break. The kids have the whole week off and we always travel south...we really love it! We also love going with our good friends and meeting up with Sam's family in Vegas.
But too many things were getting in the way of going (Will sick, Sam's work, etc.) so we decided to stick around here for the week. This is the 1st time we have not gone anywhere for the break.
At first we were all a bit disappointed but it didn't take long for us to make a "Plan B" and take advantage of some serious down time.
Monday the kids played ALL DAY with friends, something they haven't done since last summer. Turns out lots of people stayed home like us. The kids were so happy to be riding their bikes and scooters. Luckily Wilbur was feeling better.
Speaking of, I need to post about Will and his amazing bike riding skills. In March he got a new bike for his birthday. He was way excited and learned to ride his bike without training wheels the next day! I will write about that soon.
Anyway, Sam and I enjoyed getting some work and play done at the house keeping in mind that technically we were on vacation!
Tuesday was a rainy spring day. We took the kids to get haircuts, which they think is a total blast. I was happy to see Will's eyes again! Then we went swimming to try-out their new goggles and swimsuits they got for Easter. It was a great time. On the way home we grabbed Kneaders and that is pure joy in itself. To top off the day, the kids had a late night with movie and popcorn "pop pop" as Quin would say. The parents watched "Australia" and "7 Pounds," both great flicks.
Wednesday was a total snow storm which I'm sure most people were ticked about. But the kids were thrilled to play outside in the snow storm, even Quincy was begging to go out. Murderer's Hill was totally covered. Then we went out for a nice dinner at Goodwood, cause ya know, we're on vacation, and that includes not grocery shopping or cooking. Ice Cream sandwiches and popcicles for dessert.
I forgot to mention that these 3 days included SLEEPING IN which hasn't happened for quite a while. The Clark sleep genes kicked in and the 6 Clarks slept until 9:00 (minus Sam, he had work).
Today I bounced back to reality to work a 8 hour shift at the hospital. I pulled out my driveway at 6:00 this morning in 2 feet of snow! I've been back since 4:00 and there has been alot of playing Uno and video games since. While I worked the kids played at Aunt Casey's and then Grandma Judy's and that's always fun!
Tomorrow we are taking the kids skiing since the weather is finally supposed to be good. At least we know the snow will be. After that the girls have a mother-daughter hotel sleep-over date with some friends, and the boys will be heading back to the swimming pool. Who knows what Saturday will bring??
So far, this week has been very delightful - no running here or there, no schedules, just being together and having fun. We don't have to go anywhere to enjoy our time off!

But, we are looking forward to next year's spring break in Southern Utah.

Millie and Quinny warming up in the tubby

Easter part 2

Another wonderful day celebrating Easter! Caitlyn, Ellie, and Cambree visited from Minnesota so of course the weekend was one non-stop party! It was so fun to be with those girls, we miss them so much! Some highlights include sleep-overs, going to see "Hannah Montana" (girls) and "Race to Witch Mountain" (boys) at the movie theater, going to the new Chuck-E-Cheese, coloring eggs, baking and decorating sugar cookies, going to church all together, big yummy Sunday dinner (before which Millie said a beautiful prayer), playing at the park, and coconut cupcakes. While all the kids were so excited about the surprises left in their Easter baskets, Quinny couldn't have cared less about her basket...all she wanted out of it was the Reeses pieces that were in a wrapper shaped like a carrot. Then she was obsessed with Uncle Shad's Dum Dum suckers that she found in his cupboard that weren't even for Easter. She had 3 in her hand at one time! She also fell in love with a stuffed bunny that Grandma got that would sing and dance when you press it's hand (you know what kind I'm talking about). We heard "Here comes Peter Cottontail" about 1000 times, so much that she can sing the whole song. I really need to post the video clip of her singing and hopping with this bunny! Little Bode loved it too. Speaking of bunny, Grandpa Tom has nicknames for each of the grandkids...he names them when he first sees them after they are born. Amilia = Beamer (he says because she beams) Samb0 = Bubba (he knew what a chunky solid baby he would be) Will = Buck (That's what Millie and Sambo named him in my tummy) Quincy = Bunny (She was as cute as a bunny) I think he really knew because that name fits her perfect! Now we look forward to a whole week out of school....hooray for Spring break!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Easter part 1

Last Sunday the weather cooperated for an Easter egg hunt and dinner with all the Clark's. We had a great time, it's always fun to get together with you guys! Thanks "Grandpa Judy" for planning such a fun celebration and for all the goodies and gifts! Happy Birthday Jenny and Rylee!

Thither Thuthie Thitting on a Thithle

Look who lost his 2 front teeth:


The first one came out last week,


And the second one yesterday. So he made $2 bucks in one week from the tooth fairy! He was so stoked, then today he came home from school and told me that his friend got $5.00 for one tooth. What? Really? 5 bucks? I guess his house has a richer tooth fairy!
We love you Sambo. Stop growing!

Millie has expressed concern to me that she is worried he is going to beat her in losing more teeth than her (she's lost 8, he's lost 7).

Blow-out

All 6 of our birthdays are squeezed into 2 1/2 months, so if you add all of the times we have sang the "Happy Birthday" song it comes to about 15 times (at least). We celebrated each of the kids b-days at Disneyland, on their actual day, with mom's side of the family, and with dad's side of the family, etc.
So Quincy is very expert at the birthday routine. Of course with singing the song comes the cake with candles, which is her favorite part. Our favorite part has been watching her TRY to blow-out the candles! She has not been successful on her own...even once. We have laughed and laughed watching her. Sadly, we never captured this hilarious moment on video. So tonight we pretended and stuck a candle into a doughnut, (a Tasty's doughtnut, double blueberry, best ever), and started singing, hoping she would do it again.




She did a pretty good job re-enacting, but this clip is still not as funny as all the times before! This is the first time she realizes she's not getting the job done and says, "I can't!" Then it ends sad because she touches the hot wick.

Damn kids

Life has been crazy lately! My new job has really buried me and when I came home from work today, I nearly lost it. I really only have 2 rules when it comes to my office.

1. No kids are allowed to play in the office
2. No one is to touch my work laptop

Needless to say both rules were violated in this photo
I had totally forgotten that today was April Fools Day! Good job kids, you got me.