Party in Utah!

Going from a more relaxed June to the crazy July we had was unexpected. We absolutely LOVED spending time in Utah with friends and family. We were so happy to be there for Cameron's baby blessing and to welcome Piper Williamson in to the Clark family. 

At first Pres and I wondered if three weeks would be too long. It ended up being the perfect amount of time. There were a few things we wanted to achieve on this trip that were important to us. First and foremost was to spend one on one time with each of our siblings. Second, was to have as much cousin time as I could get for my kiddos and for myself. I miss my nieces and nephews so spending time with them one on one is a huge win for me. Third, I wanted time with the parentals to just relax and play games. Last but certainly not least, I really wanted to see my girls, Rhiannon and Wynonah while I was there. I am so grateful that we were able to reach every single goal!

As I mentioned in the previous journal entry. We arrived in Utah at the end of June. We were so happy we had the opportunity to attend Cameron's baby blessing, take updated family pics and celebrate Pops. 

Here's a look into the crazy July we had...

The entire Spung family at Cam's baby blessing. We had such a great time all together.

How cute are these three?! We sure love that Cameron boy.

The Marx family

Star of the show ;)

Quick break before we all get dressed up for our family pictures.

All of the cousins ;)

A sneak peak from our family pictures. 

Everyone did such an awesome job. We were able to take a picture of each family and then our entire crew. It was so nice to update the picture. It had been like 8 years...goodness.

When we finished with pictures we all headed back to play at Mom and Dad's house and celebrate Dad's birthday.

Us kids and Mom chipped in on getting this gem for Pops. It is the sweetest hammock swing you will ever lay on. It's incredible! Happy Birthday Pops!

    

Pop built a tree swing. This thing was played with non stop. Everyone had fun.

Cody took Quinnie for a ride on the swing. 

Beckham, James and Jack on Jack's rock :)

The boys!

Pres, Brian, Judd, Isaac and Tarisai went to Top Golf for an afternoon. These five really enjoyed their time together and loved the chance to golf.

FOOOOUR!

We took a day to have a BBQ and play games. It was loads of fun hanging out, catching up, playing Bocci ball, bags and eating a delicious barbecue.

Dad and Q mowed a spot for us to play Bocci ball. She LOVES riding on the "tractor".

Cute pic of Mom and Beckham boy.

Jack LOVES babies. 

 I didn't realize it until this trip. Probably because we haven't had a baby around in a while. Especially now that he is older. He adored Cameron and Piper. He loved holding them and playing with them. 

Showtime before bedtime. 

We let the littles have a minute to relax while we got beds ready for everyone.

Aubrey, Haley and Cody helping me out with bed time. They got everyone ready for bed, brushed teeth and read books. They are the BEST! Love these people.

On July 2nd we took the crew to Deer Creek to enjoy some sunshine and water time.

A day at the lake! 

Quinn loved collecting rocks in her bucket. She thought it was the coolest thing. Pres and I took a paddle board out for the first time. It was a little harder than we thought.  Once we got the balancing down we were golden ;) Corey even brought the boat out so we could do some tubing. We all had so much fun! 

Hay Kay was such a trooper taking the littles out for a ride. The kids LOVED tubing. Quinn and Luke could have stayed on forever, haha.

Jack and James took a turn.

Uncle Corey let Quinn drive the boat, needless to say she was in heaven. Quinnie had a smile on her face the entire time.

Lucas and Beckham enjoying the ride.

Not a bad view for the day. We had such a cool spot. It was super secluded and we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. 

Enjoying the sunshine and family time.

Pres and I clearing the mountain.

We took a day to help Dad out with some projects around the house. It felt good to get sweaty and dirty. Grateful us kids could take a few things off of Dad's ever growing to do list ;) Mom and Pop treated us to a little Cafe Rio for our work...not a bad thank you in my book.

Unfortunately Ang was unable to come to the service project because work stuff came up. However, the Calderwood kids were willing to take on my littles while Pres and I helped out Pops. We were so grateful for their help. It made our service day that much easier. 

When Aunt Angie got back from doing her work stuff she took the kids out for a buggy ride and I'm guessing ice cream, haha. Jack, Beckham and Quinn were so happy to have that time with everyone. 

    

Cute girls having a little cousin time up in Midway. 

After our little service project Preston and I headed up to the Calderwood house. Every year Cor and Ang throw an awesome 4th of July bash at their place. Pres and I thought it would be fun to stay with them before the party. I helped Ang set up and get ready and Pres took Jack fishing with Corey, Cody and Kam Jam. 

This moment is just awesome. Jack in a life jacket (not sure why), Quinn in her pajamas and Preston wearing the Southwest sunglasses the stewardess gave the kids. Haha. Classic! 

That night we had a little Hamilton party. Angie, Preston and I are big fans of Hamilton so we sang and rocked out to Hamilton on Disney until way to late into the night, haha. It was a ton of FUN!

Rise and shine on JULY 4th!

Jack was SO excited to go fishing with his Dad and Uncle Corey. I couldn't believe he got up at 5:30am and headed out. I wasn't sure if he would make it our not but he was thrilled to tag along. 

My cute cute little man, outfitted and ready to go on his first fishing trip in a boat.

Sun is coming up.

Hanging with cousins while they wait for their first catch.

     

They got one!!

Jack with his fish ;) Way to go Buddy Bear!

Taking a quick break to draw something ;)

Fishing with Uncle Corey, Cody and Kami.

Snack break with Kami. 

All SMILES! Dang I love this kid.

View from the boat. Perfect day and view for fishing.

Heading back to land. I think someone started getting a little sleepy ;)

Jack LOVED his time fishing and mentioned several times that he wants to go again. 

Fourth of July BASH!

The Gang! 

We had such a wonderful time this year with the Calderwood crew. We love when we get to combine our families over a holiday or event. We enjoy catching up and seeing where everyone is in life. I have known this incredible family for 20 years! The only ones we missed this year were Steve and Michelle and their littles. We just keep growing and getting better and better. Love these people!

The lovely hosts of the party.

We missed Haley Kay since she had to work but we got the chance to meet Brock ;)

     

4th of July selfies. 

Cameron boy is geared up and ready to go. Those cheeks, haha.

My peops! Let the Celebration begin!

Meeting Piper Whitney Williamson!

After the party at the Calderwood house we stopped to see Britt and Drew before heading back to Mom and Dads. We loved catching up with these two and checking in on Drew. He had some interesting medical needs arise during our first week in Utah due to an infection in his mouth. It was nice to at least see him and hang out for a minute before Pres took back off to CA. Preston had to get back to "real life" before the rest of us. The kids and I stayed two more weeks. 

On our way to the airport we stopped at the Williamson home to meet the newest Clark family member. We were beyond thrilled to see that everyone else was there. We had Bri and Shelb and Stace. We missed Judd and the Koudelka kiddos but loved being able to see everyone else. 

Uncle Brian with sweet little Piper.

Shelb and I taking a moment with this sweet baby girl. She is just the sweetest!

Uncle Preston playing with Lincoln boy.

When the Koudelka's came back from their trip to Idaho they had a chance to snuggle up with this sweet baby as well. Little Claire, Alivia and Kai enjoying some Piper time.

Isaac Judd with the newest cousin ;)

Beckham gets a haircut!

After our family pictures I had noticed that Beckham had a small chunk of hair missing...yeesh. So the Monday after all of our fun family days I took him to get a haircut. We had to go pretty short due to his own hair cutting attempt, haha. I had no idea he had even done it, haha. Needless to say I think a lesson was learned that we don't try to cut our own hair. 

Williamson and Clark Cousin Sleepover! 

Teagan and Quinn

I was so excited when Mikale reached out to see if I could take the Williamson crew for a day. We ended up making it a sleep over and the kids were thrilled to say the least. I went and picked them up in the morning and then the games began. We had such a blast at my parents house. I set up a few ground rules for safety and sanity ;) and everyone did great! My kids LOVED having time with their cousins and I think I could say the same for Kai, Teagan and Lincoln. It was non stop for about 48 hours but the littles were in heaven. I was grateful to have the time with everyone too. I've missed those munchkins.

Linc, Beckham and Kai playing cars.

Lunch time!

Playing on the playground.

We were at the playground constantly. The kids LOVED swinging, sliding and playing Pirates.

Sprinklers for the win!

Running and playing freeze tag.

Lincoln boy on the tire swing.

Teagan had so much fun pushing Quinn and I enjoyed the break :)

Playing Pirate Ship.

Quiet time and Naps ;)

Jack and Kai drew and talked while everyone rested and napped.

Round 2 after naps. Everyone went straight to the swings.

Love this kiddo. Smile Kai guy!

How cute is this little man with his glasses?! Good job swinging Linc!

Dinner on the deck. 

Movie Night!! We watched Moana and enjoyed some popcorn and cookies. 

This was another favorite. They rode the trucks down the hill and then would roll them back up. They did this again and again and again. Haha. It was awesome and so funny to watch. It also got a lot of wiggles and energy out.

There goes Kai!

So funny.

One more lunch together before naps and quiet time. 

Building towers, robots and houses. 

Lincoln boy. 

I took the kids back after dinner that next day. All in all we had an exceptional time with the Williamson kiddos. I am so grateful that Mikale gave us this opportunity. Not only because I was hoping to help her out during those first weeks after having a baby, but also because our kids (and I) loved spending the time together. Making memories is what it's all about.

Me and my Gram! 

I was so happy to hear the place my Gram is staying at allowed visitors during the pandemic. I really wanted to see her and I am so grateful I did. She was in such great spirits when Mom and I came by. She was super optimistic, feeling great and crackin' jokes left and right. She kept telling me how proud she was of me that I started my tee shirt company. She was so happy for me and extremely supportive. The visit could not have gone better. 

Mom's Birthday Celebration!

All of us sisters and Mom got together for a pedicure, lunch, shopping birthday celebration. We were so lucky to get all of us together and free from any other responsibilities. Luckily, Dad watched my kids so I could enjoy a little break with my sisters and Mom. It was such a perfect girls day out. No interruptions. Just great conversation, shopping and lunch. Mom chose the Cheesecake Factory for her bday lunch. I didn't even push her into it ;) I haven't eaten at a restaurant in months! You can't even imagine the thrill it was to sit and be served in my favorite restaurant. It felt like my birthday, haha.

Pedicure Bliss! 

I hadn't gotten a pedicure in ages. Well, probably since the last time I did this with my sisters, haha. It felt so nice. Perfect company, perfect color choice (thanks Ang for choosing) and a perfect day. Happy Birthday Mom!

Meanwhile, back at Mom and Dad's, Pop's had everything under control. They even got to do an all day pajama day. The kids were thrilled LOVED every second with their Pop. So grateful to my Dad for giving Mom and I the much needed girl time. Us girls had so much fun spending time together.

Mom and Dad also gave me the chance to go to dinner with Rhiannon and Wynnie. We had such a great time catching up and seeing each other. There is absolutely NOTHING like a friendship that grows through the years and makes you so grateful for every year leading up to your now.  I have the best friends in the world! Whether those are relationships made in IL, TX, UT, NY or CA. I love having friends from every place I have been/lived in my life. 

Quinn's new style. 

She would wear towels with a chip clip holding the back together, haha.

Britt invited Jim and I over one morning for a play date so our kids could all play together. It was a beautiful day and great for some water activities. 

Beep Beep! Luke taking Quinn for a ride in the jeep.

Everyone stopped to find the plane in the sky. I thought it was cute that the boys were all looking.

One more stop at the Williamson house before leaving. Kai guy forgot a book when they all left the week before. We were so excited to return it and get the chance to see everyone one more time.

    

Jackson and Piper!

I love these pictures of Jack and Piper. They are so sweet.

Jack, Beckham and Quinn were so excited to finally meet Piper and they LOVED her instantly.

     

Quinn's turn with the baby.

These three were pretty content just hanging out upstairs :)

The crazy crew I had for two days! LOVE these kiddos. We had so much fun and I am so happy we got to see them one more time. We had a fun lunch with everyone before heading back to Grandma and Pop's house.

One more shot with Piper.

Jack asked to hold Piper one last time before we took off. She's so tiny, even in his arms. Such a precious picture.

Girl cousin picture ;)

Back at Mom and Dad's before Jim and his kids took off and before we left.

The biggest challenge this trip was finding out who could climb to the top of Jack's rock. Everyone gave it a shot and at some point every one made it. I love Ava in the picture on the right. She was so proud of her success! We were too.

    

Staying clean at Grandma and Pops house is not an option. Especially with the mountain!

     

Such dirty little faces. How cute are these kids?!

I have always felt that childhood should involve tree climbing, tire swings, dirt everywhere, digging for worms and don't come in until the sun's going down. These kids LOVED everything outdoors while we were there.

SO much dirt!

Quinn, Ava, James, Jack and Beckham

A salute to being awesome!

These three slept real good every night. They were plum tuckered out from the days we had.

Jim had a meeting one morning so Mom and I took the kids to Britt's. We figured having a quiet house would be easier for him to present his presentation :) We enjoyed the time outside and chatting away.

Water always makes things more fun.

After our Come Follow Me lesson that night we had a quick treat before bed.

Yes, we are awesome!

LOVE this brother of mine. 

I really enjoyed having Jimmy around for two weeks while I was there. He was able to work from Mom and Dad's most days and our kids had the chance to play a TON! It was a blast playing games and catching up. This guy is someone I have always and will forever look up to. He's amazing!

Swinging with Sammy!

Me and my girl.

     

Can you find Beckham in the picture on the left? He climbed past Jack's rock to what we now call Beckham's tree :) He LOVED climbing and sliding down. Cute little Quinnie on the right, hanging out by the tree swing.

     

Another day. More dirty kids :) 

Celebrating Luke's 5th

Playing pin the badge on the police officer. The kids giggled so much. It was super entertaining to watch as well, haha.

The boys are in jail, haha.

Cupcake time

I think the boys enjoyed their cupcakes :)

I think the girls did too, haha. 

Quinn and Ava having a turn at a jail picture.

One more meal time before we take off back to Utah.

On our last night in Utah I had the opportunity to spend some much needed one on one time with Mom and Dad. I had been going non stop for three weeks. We played games, snacked on delicious treats and of course enjoyed cold Diet Cokes while we caught up on where we are in life. It's always good to have that one on one time with your parent. It's a great time for them to see what's happening in your life as well as you seeing where they are in theirs. We ended up staying up until almost 2:30am in the morning deep in conversation and fun. I was blessed to be sent to the family I was sent to. I thank my Savior for choosing such an incredible family for me to join. They help me along while I strive to do my best in this life here on Earth.

Back in California!!

 

Preston got everyone McDonald's for the way home ;)

Time to build a fort.

I took a nap when we got home and woke up to this. Pres and the kids built the sweetest fort. I think it's safe to say someone missed his kiddos ;)

Time with Dad in the fort.

Piper Whitney Williamson

Born July 3rd

 7lbs 2oz 

19.5 in 

Welcome to the family little Miss Piper. We all love and adore you so much already.

We all had such a great time with our family and friends during our stay in Utah this year. It was so nice to see everyone and spend so much time with each family member. We walked away from this adventure with no regrets and full of love, gratitude and the feeling of being very blessed. 

Our family had a few days home together before we welcomed Mom and Dad Clark to CA. We were beyond THRILLED to finally see Grandma and Poppa Clark on their little vacation from the Philippines. Those adventures are coming in our July Part II segment.