Our day of Spring Break--St. Patrick's Day

Our day of Spring Break came and went for 2010. Since Clinton works for Apple 2 days a week and ARL 2 days a week, he had one day of spring break benefit (the day he is usually on-campus for Research Group, etc.) I guess I shouldn't complain since BYU never had a spring break and I was always working after than, but regardless, we enjoyed our day and took advantage of the beautiful weather to go on a family hike...in green.
We LOVED the Sherpani backpack, and it helped hold Riley beautifully, plus had so much extra room for packing diapers, a blanket and picnic lunch.
Daniel fell asleep in the car ride to the trail, so he was not quite his enthusiastic self when we started, but that soon changed.

Riley, on the other hand, was in GREAT spirits. When we stopped to take a picture of her irresistible smile, a couple walked by us with their dog. They thought we were taking a picture of the sky and scenery, but then they saw Riley. After their double take, they also stopped to admire her happiness and comment on her blue eyes. She definitely has a way of stopping people in their tracks and helping them smile--watch out world!

We passed the muddy section, and this is one of the first creeks we came to. Daniel was really hesitant to approach it. This is him "touching the water," as the obedient son that he is.

Because he survived that, he was free to "touch the water with two hands," as seen here.

By then, our Daniel was intrigued, and we couldn't keep him out. We moved ahead to the larger creek, and had a blast playing in the water. It was cold water, but moved enough to keep it clear. (Thanks to Clinton for actually getting me in a picture. :)

One of the highlights had to be the ROCK (he's still talking about it.) Because the water was so clear, he found a rock and bent over and picked it up. He loved the splash, which grew over time. What a fun place this world is; it is so satisfying to watch my kids discover the joys.



Riley had her own perspective of the day, and was a trooper hiking around with us--a good start for later adventures.



Back on the trail again, we loved experiencing nature--this butterfly met us coming and going on our hike.

Oh, and she's discovered her tongue.

And this is where we ended up. It is a beautiful spot where kids can swim and families can play. (If you look closely, you can even see a rope swing that was beckoning to Clinton.) We all enjoyed lunch and headed back the way we came.


Admittedly, we were all tired at the end, but had a great time being there and being together. Next time, we know we can bring the dogs; they will add a new level of adventure, don't you think!

Our little girl is growing up.

Riley at three months old. She's so alert and aware of what is going on around her. We love her.

Taking on the TX COLD!?!

I know we have nothing to Washington, DC right now, or the entire northeast, or WY, or MI, or..., but hey, we're TX and used to living through 100+ degree summers and 50 degree winters. With that said, I braved the snow--yes, a snowy sleet was actually falling from the sky in Austin, TX--to go to playgroup at the Austin Arboreteum today, just next to Barnes & Nobles--they have a great cow statue garden. Daniel had a great time playing with Tori and Lizzy Cluff and Riley, although the youngest (but not by much thanks to Ishaan Agarwaal :) stayed bundled up in her stroller (Thanks Danielle for the warm suit--just in time!). She peeked out whenever she could.
Just thought I'd share the experience with you so you knew I was raising my kiddos right--able to enjoy colder weather. Here's to growing up/living in Missouri, Michigan, South Dakota, Indiana, Utah, Romania/Moldova and New York. Just look at Daniel's smile--we had a great time.



After nap time, I think we'll enjoy some hot chocolate.

Who do I look like now???

I can't remember if I posted these before or not, so I'll post it again. Who does Daniel look more like, Mommy or Daddy?

Happy Valentines Day, 2010

For Valentine's Day, we made you cookies!

Daniel decorated them and gets all of the credit for creative liberty and Riley oversaw the entire process--nice feet, eh?!? :)

We wish you were here to enjoy them, but know we are thinking about you and sending loves and kisses, and silly faces.

Clinton turned 31 on Friday, February 5

Clinton is now 31 years old! Here is a picture at his last 15 minutes of being 30.

After a family dinner of lemon clam pasta and tomato salad, we had a celebration with food, folks and fun on Friday night--see chocolate cakes. Games lasted until 12:30 after which Clinton stayed up to enjoy his new video games. The man's still got game as he lasted until 4:00 am.


What I love about Clinton...(this is by no means a comprehensive list)
Clinton lives his life with exactness to his beliefs and does not apologize for them. He is a man with integrity that I never have to question. He makes family a priority while fulfilling commitments to others (church, school, work). He works hard to provide for the family and succeeds.
He loves his kids and spends time with them as needed. He wakes up in the middle of the night to help with the kiddos, changes poopy diapers and gives the kids baths! Wow!
Clinton has a strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
He knows how to have fun and when we say we're going to do something, we follow through. He will put something on the schedule to make sure it happens, and follows up immediately.
He is concientious to communicate with me and make sure I am involved in family decisions and discussions.
He is a good friend and enjoys helping others.
He enjoys good food and traveling to unique and remote places.
Clinton accepts me for who I am and does a great job at calming me down when I am angry.
He tells me often that he loves me. I am lucky to be married to such a great guy!

Outside fun on the TIRE SWING

We love the tire swing (thank you Grandma and Grandpa Wouden); Daniel will just giggle and "wheeee" when he is on it, especially with his friends. Here's Daniel and Jakson enjoying the mugginess outside today--oh, winter in TX! We are thrilled that he actually keeps a hat on his head (thank you Grandma and Grandpa Jones)!