Ruthie turns 90!

The Clark Family headed to St. Pete this weekend to celebrate Graham's Grandmother, as she turned 90 on April 2nd.  Everyone came into town, and we had a wonderful time catching up with cousins. Ellison had never met a majority of the Graham's side, so it was especially nice to see her playing with Hellriegel cousins.

Funny story:  Graham was telling Ellison that Grandma Ruthie was her "grandma".  Ellison looked at Grandma Ruthie and said, "No, my Grandma is Grandma Charlene.  Daddy, this is your Grandma."  Smart Cookie.  Excuse you Daddy, but Ruthie is Ellison's Great Grandma.

Graham chasing the kids. Ellison was having a blast!

The little girl, Madeline, was a newborn last time we saw her.

Ellison joined hands to bring down Daddy!

We really enjoyed our time with Uncle Drew and Mallory.
Apparently Ellison has not forgotten about Mermaid Mal's tattoo
and the elephant with similar tattoo from Ringling Bros.

On Saturday evening, we attended a huge party
and I experienced German food for the first time.
The Hellriegels are German, but always serve Italian - go figure :)
Ruthie looks amazing for 90!

Nana Nancy with her Grandbabies!

We love you Grandma Ruthie.
An interesting Clark fact:
Graham and I share our Wedding Anniversary
with Ruthie's Birthday.

An Official Mom

You know you are a Mom . . .

• When you take off your bra at the end of the day and 3 pacifiers fall out of it. (true story)
• When you see a minivan with automatic doors and think that is the best invention ever.
• When you sneak into your child's bedroom after they are asleep and cut their fingernails (a little bit gross, I know).
• When you open up your wallet and find an M&M.
• When you can draw the perfect Mickey Mouse (I am quite talented).
• When there is no other place you would rather be, then with your child(ren).

(I added in a sweet one for good measure)

Spring Break - "Oh Yeah"

This past week was Spring Break for Ellison, and as she would say, "oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!" Of course she would say this while doing a little shoulder dance... quite adorable. A few memories from the week. . .



We had some major thunderstorms, lost power for days, and set up E's house and numerous forts with tunnels throughout the house. This is Dylan's redneck shot.



The kids held up pretty well without power.

Ellison painted Easter eggs.

Voila.

We celebrated Aunt Ashley's Birthday... E made a cake.

We watched "Tangled" a whopping 5 times.
We imitated Rapunzel's hair with bows.

Enjoyed the beach with Haley.



Dylan experienced the beach and sand for the fist time.
Mommy came up with a list of "Must Haves" for this summer :)



My Baywatch Babe.

Enjoyed some quality beach time with Uncle Drew and Mallory.

When you don't have power... dress up.

 

Dylan just smiled and enjoyed the week.



Teen Mom

Do you watch "Teen Mom" or "16 & Pregnant"?  If you don't, then let me explain... girls get pregnant at 16, have the babies, attempt to complete high school, cry because they look fat in their prom dress due to excess baby weight, all while MTV films this catastrophe. Some of the highly entertaining girls then move on to star in "Teen Mom" where we watch them try to juggle a baby and life. Highly entertaining... you should tune in.

What does this have to do with my blog? Well, I am slightly obsessed with the show.  And I sometimes watch it and think I could be on the show. I do realize that I am much more stable and much older then these girls, but I do still have a Spring Break.  I do find myself standing up, rocking Dylan with a huge Crim Proc book out in front of me and a highlighter in my mouth.  And well, lets face it, I am still working off that baby weight and I had to wear a bathing suit this weekend.

Pretty random post... I know! 

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yes!!! We live in Florida!
Yes!!! It is in the 80s! (ok, well I am not overly excited about this, but I am in the minority)
Yes!!! My parents have a pool!
What does this add up to?  Pool Season!!! Woo Hoo!

Dylan's first dip.

Ellison was very happy to be back in the pool

Just lounging.

Ellison was extremely upset when I made her get out of the pool.
Grandma struck a deal...
she could play with her Princesses on the steps.

Dylan warmed up in his new pajamas.

Boys Allowed

A few weekends ago, Ellison and I spent a girls only day at the Farmer's Market. Today, we decided that boys were allowed. I think we made a good choice!

I asked E to smile for me and she could head to the playground.
This is her "hurry and take the picture mom" smile!

C & E

My very dear friend, Chantale, is engaged to the man of her dreams, Evener. And now we get to celebrate!

The very happy couple