gentle rain

longing for fall!!

We have no idea what is going on with this kooky weather of ours!  Last week we were blessed with two days of beautiful Seattle dewdrops and temperatures dipping down into the sixties.  Two days and that was it.  There are no signs of fall here, other than seeing pumpkins at the supermarkets and pumpkin lattes and pumpkin muffins/bread  (a new favorite of Kili's) added to the menu at Starbucks (yum!). 

 I've decided to not allow warm temperatures stop us from enjoying this wonderful season.  We will be able to breakout our snuggly sweaters soon enough!   Resolution...before school yesterday, Kili and I picked out some cute tiny pumpkins and cinnamon scented pinecones to help decorate the house. :)

it's been awhile...

since some pages have been shared.  Here are a few that have been made this past month.  :)

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thanks for looking folks!

starting the day right!

(just had to use this photo although it's a year old!)

Before heading out the door to meet Auntie Jen at their new house across the street yesterday (yay!), Daddy wanted to recap his "lecture" with Kili.  She jumped into his arms and he asked her...

Laya:  Okay, now what did we talk about? 

Kili:  I know no??!! (smiling)

Laya:  What are you going to do today?  Are you going to be a good girl?

Kili:  Yes!  I'm going to be a good girl!

Laya:  What else?  What else did Daddy say??

Kili:  Ahhh....don't put the crayon in my mouth!

Laya:  (laughing)  right...don't do that either...but what else, grabbing her ears....(giving a much bigger hint)  LISTEN!!

Kili:  I'm gonna LISTEN!!

I just HAD to document this!  Thinking about that minute shared, kept a smile on my face throughout the day.  Isn't it amazing how tiny moment can make all the difference?  Little blessings...totally rock!

three is the new two!!

I am soooo not thrilled to be quoting Kate Gosellin, but I do have to agree with her here, when she responded to how she battled the "terrible twos" to Oprah by saying, "Don't you know, three is the new two!"  LOL!! 

 Kili definitely keeps us on own toes, but you can't blame the girl for trying!!  I don't know how she comes up with an answer for EVERYTHING and how she believes she has the right to negotiate all orders.  Daddy gives her extra points for thinking out of the box and her surprising schemes.  I shake my head.  Yes, I do live with Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes!  :)  Okay...enough of Mom venting...ha ha...

Here's a story for ya!  Last week was picture taking day at pre-school.  I was a little concerned about how she was going to smile.  I, as her mother believe she has a lovely, happy smile, however, because of shoving a camera in her face too frequently, she has figured out a clever way to push my button.  She refuses to smile naturally and gives me a "fake" Chandler smile.  Now if any of you are fans of the tv show, Friends, you will know that I am referring to the smile he would make while taking his engagement photos!!!  It is the funniest, and ugliest face ever!!!  And if you haven't seen that episode....it is a MUST!! 

Okay...back to the story.  I would ask Kili how she would smile for her pictures, and she would tilt her head and give me that "Chandler" smile.  Horrifying!!!  Of course, Laya thought:  AWESOME!!!  Anywho...before she left, he coached her into sticking her tongue out for at least one of her photos.  (she's supposed to take a class picture as wellas two shots of her own)  Do you see the kind of stress I am dealing with people??!! 

Fast-forward to being in the office lounge with Kili's three teachers, her classmates, and parents filing in. Kili announces in her loud voice so she can be heard over the other voices to head teacher, "Teacher Judi!  My Daddy said to take my picture like THIS!!!"  And preceded to stick her tongue out, squint her eyes, bend her knees, and push her tush out.  Miss Judi replied loud enough so I could hear as I tried to escape, "OH!  Your Daddy said to take your picture like that!"  I immediately had to respond, "Kili!  Do NOT listen to your Daddy!"  Do you hear me?"  You can imagine the laughter that roared through the office.  MOR-TI-FY-ING!

pages

 

Disneyland photos....FINALLY...i know... i know...

Catching the tram...we are on our way!!!

They are standing in line to meet Minnie Mouse, Daddy was sooo excited. LOL!  Too bad it wasn't the Little Mermaid!!

Flying with Dumbo was one of her favorite rides.

Laya obviously is not the photographer in our family...just joking!  I gave him the wrong camera!  And yes, I did bring two cameras, and no, I did not make Laya carry them, (Keoni).  I did so myself.  :)

 Mickey Mouse is still her first love.

 our cookie monster indeed

 

After meeting as many characters as she could, we ended the day on a high note.  She met one of her favorite princesses, the lovely Cinderella!!!  How cool is that?!!!

She's being a lil' stinker here...trust me, she IS purposely covering her face as this photo is being taken.  Daddy is being such a good sport, although he is hating this too!!  I promised it was the last one to be snapped.  :)

It may have been 90-something degrees that humid August afternoon, but seeing such JOY on Kili's face and the quality family time made the whole experience more than worth it!!!  :)

 

 

 

 

topsy turvy

Sooooo sorry folks for being M.I.A., but once again, things have been a bit crazy for us in the Clark household!  With actvities such as school, insane editorial duties for magazines, playdates, birthday parties, planning for the Olympia, baseball games, packing suitcases, and catching flights, we have been more than busy!!  I will try my best to return to my somewhat regular blogging schedule by the end of this week!  Until then....have a fabulous week!!! 

Happy Birthday Stacy!!!

I don't think I could ever articulate just how phenomenal Stacy is in ALL aspects.  She lives her life with such discipline, strength, and endurance.  She always puts others first before herself, and only knows how to give more than what is expected.  Naturally, she does not know how to give anything less than her all.  She is the BEST mother, friend, teacher, coach, athlete, supporter, you name it.  To have her as your friend, you must have done something right because God has certainly blessed you!  Happy Birthday Stace!!! love ya!!!

Happy Birthday Granny!!

She is the honored matriarch of our crazy family.  She is the glue that holds our family together, and we can always count on her to fill our bellies and warm our hearts.  She is our faithful confidant, patient to listen and even MORE willing to give her unsolicited advice!  ha ha!  Thanks to her abundant height gene, she has surely bestowed her grandchildren with a lifetime worth of alterations!!!  Boy can this woman sew!!  All jokes aside, she has a heart of gold and just being known as Stella Isara's  granddaughter is a compliment in itself.  We love you Granny!!!  Love, your  6 Grandkids plus 1 Great-Granddaughter

fingerpainting

We have been having sooooo much fun with paint.  Putting the brushes aside (Kili's brilliant idea) we're using our fingers.  :)  Maybe we should try and apply paint to paper more than to self?  Oh well...looks like she is having a blast!  And that's all that matters, right?  

Will remember to post our works of art once I photograph them.  I do have to say, they're awesome!!  lol!  I believe we may have a budding artist on our hands!

I know this one came out waaay blurry...but i just love it!