Trip to Utah!

Every summer we try to get back to Utah to visit family and friends.  This year was no different. Preston and I found an awesome deal on Southwest and decided the boys and I would take a trip. We drove to Phoenix which is about 5-6 hours from El Paso and flew to Salt Lake from there.  If we flew from Phoenix our round trip airfare was $80 for Jack and I.  We figured it was a no brainer to save the cost and time in driving.  Preston dropped us off at the airport and would later meet us in Utah to fly back with us.

The boys did an awesome job on the flight.  Jack barely got through a show before we heard the flight attendant say that we were landing.  We had such a great time in Utah and are so grateful that we were able to see so many friends and family.  One of my favorite parts of this visit was the weather and relaxation :) It was great taking a break from the El Paso heat but dang did I miss my hubby :)

Here's a few pics before the trip...

 

We celebrated this amazing guy right before we left.  Pres had a birthday right when we were leaving.  We celebrated it a few days early.  He loves grasshopper pie so that was the choice of "cake" this year. We also may have spoiled him with a gift or two :) Love this man of mine and I am so grateful for him each day!

The Friday before we left we found out that we were having a baby girl join our crew.  We are so excited to have this little one joining us at the end of the year.  She is already such a blessing to our family.  We can't wait to meet her!

Now onto Utah and the great time we had!

Someone fell asleep on our way out to Phoenix :) 

Mom and Er decorated the house to celebrate us having a baby girl.  It was so much fun to see everyone the day we got in. Everyone came down for a bbq at mom and dad's.  I couldn't get over how grown up my nieces and nephews were. Yes, I forgot to get a pic when we were all together :(

       

Swinging with Pop up at the cabin. 

                  
Time for a little relaxation on the deck.  These two absolutely loved being outside on the deck. Unfortunately the railing wasn't up for a couple weeks so we had to keep a close eye on Beckham. He hung out in a pack n play most of the time when we were out there.

We met up with Aunt Mikale, Kai and Teagan at a splash pad/playground.  The kids loved it!  I loved catching up with Mikale and spending time with all of these cuties.

Kai and Jack running around.  Not sure when Jack thought it was a good idea to take his shoes off but luckily we found them at the top of a slide. 

It took Jackson a minute to get used to the splash pad but once he did he loved it.  He ran all around. I loved watching him!  One of his favorite things to do was to put his foot on one of the spouts and when he'd feel the water on his foot he'd look down and move his foot away.  He was sprayed in the face every single time.  It was hilarious!  He loved it!!  Beckham however would not get near the water.  He was perfectly content hanging out with mom on the bench watching Jack run around.

This is how we hang out on the deck and enjoy the great weather :) Love this son of mine.

A trip out with Grandma and Pop means ice cream at McDonald's :) He was very much ok with that.

I am not sure Eugene was able to use his doggy bed the entire time we were there.  Beckham had commandeered it for book reading time.  Poor Geno was terrified of Beckham boy.  He'd go to the opposite side of the room or couch when Beckham came into the room.  I'm guessing Beckham taking his bed didn't help the situation. Haha

Jackson playing and wearing butterfly wings while doing so. Haha.  What a cute kid!

The 3 James'.  I was so happy that Jim was able to come down several times to spend time with us.  The boys LOVED playing together and I loved catching up with my bro!

To say that we played hard everyday is an understatement.  These two were outside every single day. They loved playing on the playground, the deck or just in the back yard.  Baths were needed almost every night.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this woman!  I was so happy to meet up with Rhiannon for dinner and some much needed catch up time and girl talk.  There is nothing like catching up with old friends.  We took a girls trip at the end of September with Wynnie and Katie.  Let's just say it was everything I had hoped for and expected from this amazing and crazy group of women :) More on that to come!

We had a few spills while playing outside and with cousins.  This guy took some really good bonks to the head.  Luckily he's tough and quite the trooper.  

Jack and Beckham helped Aunt Erin unload the last of what was left in storage from the trailer. They enjoyed running back and forth and I enjoyed them being contained :) 

                           

Riding on the lawn mower with Pop.  The boys LOVED this!! Every time we visit the boys get a ride and they look forward to it each time.  I'm pretty sure Pop enjoys it just as much as they do :)

Dad and I took the boys for a stroll down to see the horses at a neighboring house.  Every single time we came into the canyon or passed these horses you would get a big "neigh" from two very excited boys in the back seat of the car. They LOVED the horses until the horses would get to close :) 

We gave Mom and Dad a break and heading up to the Calderwood home for several days.  The boys absolutely enjoyed time with their cousins.  They spent everyday outside on the trampoline or on the playground.  They loved it! I really enjoyed my time catching up with Angie as well.  It was a win-win in my book.  

All smiles on the playground.

Jumping Jack :) 

Watching closely while Jack jumps. 

Oh my heart!! 

One morning we went on a fun hike.  The boys loved it because it wasn't far from the Heber train that runs along the mountain side.  They enjoyed watching the train go by.

These are some of my favorite people in the world! (missing Britt) I had so much fun laughing, catching up, playing games, etc.  There is nothing like family!!

A little down time.

                

These two!  Beckham loved rocking away in the rocker.  This was one of his favorite spots on the deck.  Jack loved playing in the dirt and collecting different rocks. He came in for a quick Diet Coke break, but oh the dirt that was everywhere haha.

Love this girl!  I was so happy that I could see Betsy while I was in Utah.  I couldn't believe that our paths crossed.  We served in the amazing NY NY North Mission together and have been great friends since.  She's currently in North Dakota and I am in Texas so it's hard for us to see each other. We just both happened to be in the right place at the right time :) How cute are our boys?!

I love this pic!! I think Aunt Erin really enjoyed having these 2 boys around and I know they loved having her too!

   

Jackson, Beckham and James.  The 3 amigos! :) 

Dad's back!! YAY!!!!

       

Grandma and Grandpa Curtis!

As soon as Preston got off the plane we headed to visit the Grandparents.  We actually visited Grandpa Clark first and were thrilled to find him in such great spirits.  We also had the pleasure of catching up with Aunt Beth.  The boys enjoyed playing outside while we chatted and enjoyed one another's company.  We then headed to the Curtis home where we were greeted by a very smiley Great-Grandma Curtis.  We were thrilled to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma Curtis.  We also were able to catch up with Uncle Sherm.  It was a very fun visit.  There's nothing like Grandma's house.

 

 The gang's all here with Grandpa Clark!  Love this pic of Grandpa and Preston :) 

The boys thought it was the greatest thing ever, to push each other in the stroller.  They could do it forever.  

Cousin love!  Mikale and Ammon came down to visit for awhile before we left.  It was so fun having time with everyone.

Nothing like brother and sister :)  

Mikale and I are only a month apart on our due dates.  I can't wait to welcome her little man to the family and for everyone to meet our little lady.

Beckham is my very busy busy boy.  You have to keep an eye on this one or you never know what you may find :) 

James giving Jack a ride :) 

My amazing parents have been called to serve in the Philippines Angeles Mission.  We are so proud of this incredible journey they are about to embark on.  They will be serving and administering to the great Filipino people for a year.  We are so excited for them to experience a mission and I think they are going to thoroughly enjoy this time as they serve the Lord.  The only downside is that Preston and I are officially orphans :) As my parents head to the other side of the world to help Preston's parents in the same mission we have gratitude in our hearts for the incredible parents we have.  They have both set such a great example! We are also grateful to have the amazing family we have because we know we are not alone :)  Best of luck Mom and Dad!  

Our Sweet Surprise!

It's a ...

Baby GIRL!! 

Preston and I are so excited to have a sweet baby girl join our crazy crew.  We will welcome her some time in December.  We are very nervous and thrilled to have another sweet spirit join our family.  We have been working with the boys on being soft but only time will tell.  I have a feeling many worlds will change when she comes our way.

It will be an interesting transition to go from trucks, planes and dinosaurs to dolls, dress up and glitter.  I just know that this little one will be such a blessing to our family.  I cannot wait to meet her and hold her close.

Our Sweet Surprise & A Chicago Trip

So much has been happening in the Clark home these past few weeks.  Preston and I are very excited to announce baby #3 is coming this December!  We look forward to meeting this special little person.

Baby #3 Coming Dec. 2016 

This little one has been giving me quite the run around. I have been sick and exhausted for several weeks and look forward to feeling much better soon.  I am well into my second trimester so I have high hopes for it all to start winding down.  Could it mean we are having a girl this time?  Guess we'll find out soon :) 

A Trip Home

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Chicago to spend time with family.  It was so great being back home for a few days.  The trip went by extremely fast.  Unfortunately, I was pretty sick, but I didn't let that stop me.  I still had fun visiting with everyone and seeing the sites.  I couldn't believe how green Illinois is.  I have really missed green landscape and trees!  We definitely live in the dessert here in El Paso haha.  The weather was perfect while we were there.  It was in the high 70's the majority of the time which is an extremely mild summer for Illinois. It was a great break for us.  The Texas heat can be rough at times. It was really hard for me to leave but I loved having it all for a few days.

And we are off!

Jackson loves flying!  Every time we took off he would throw his hands up in the air like we were on a roller coaster.  Love this kid!

Jackson makes friends every where we go.  He loved hanging out with these boys while we waited for our flight.  He laughed a lot and would point out every plane that went by.

We stayed with Britt and Drew at the Greissmeyer homestead.  It was so fun spending time with them all.  Jack and Beckham LOVED having cousins to play with.  We had several stops along our journey.  First place we hit was of course... Portillo's for some good Italian Beef.  Sooo good!  That night we had dinner with one of Preston's old high school friends.  It was great having families meet and catch up on life. 

A very happy Preston and Jack at Portillo's.  Such great food!

Pres & Beckham with his high school buddy Keith & daughter Layla

The great city of Chicago!  We headed to the Shedd Aquarium the day after we got home.  We were so excited to spend time in the city and at a cool museum.  One of Preston's co-workers hooked us all up with free tickets so of course we had to go and check it out. The kids had a ball!  

Aunt Britt showing Jack the ducks.

We are showing the kids where the gators are. 

Surprise photo of Pres and Jackson, haha.

Waiting for the show to start.

Family of four having fun!

We weren't allowed to use a flash so the pics of the show are pretty blurry.  This is the best one we had.  Dolphin out of water :) 

Jack LOVED the penguins.  He thought they were so funny.  He was jumping of a ledge trying to jump like them.  It was the cutest. 

The whole gang!  Luke and Beckham fell asleep towards the end.  Too much fun for them.

On our walk back to the car I had to get a shot of Soldier Field.  Da BEARS!

Such a cool city.  On our way home we stopped at Al's for some Italian Beef.  It was pretty good but I will say that I like Portillo's better. 

Beckham was so tired from our city adventure.  Such a cutie pie!

The boys loved swimming in the pool.  Jack was quite adventurous.  He'd jump off the side and Pres would catch him.  I couldn't believe it!  He loved it and had so much fun.

Beckham boy liked to stay on dry land for the most part.  He would get in the water for short periods of time but would rather I hold him on the steps. 

Even Jack understood how awesome Aldi was, such big smiles for grocery shopping.  Love me some Aldi ... and this adorable boy of course.

Had to take this pic.  It just reminds me of home :)

The weather was perfect for a park day.  Jack decided he was big enough to do the slide by himself now.  Before he'd get to the top and hang out for a minute and then turn around and go else where.

Such a big boy!

Loved these things growing up and so did he :)

We had such a fun evening with Grandmere, Aunt Steph and Aunt Patty. It was great catching up with them.  I love me some good food, great company and awesome conversation.  Every time I get together with family I learn something new about someone.  It's such a fun time getting to know your loved ones as well as your ancestors.

Eating s'mores by the fire.  

My boys by the fire.  LOVE them!!

My Uncle and Aunt surprised the family with a sweet bench dedicated to my Gramps, so we had to go see it.  My grandparents live right in front of a lake and have lived there for decades.  It just seemed fitting to have a special place in memory of my Grandpa.

Grandmere with the boys.

One with Aunt Steph and I added to the crew.

A family pic by the lake.

Aunt Stephie running with Jack along the lake.  When I was a kid we would take walks all around the lake.  On the other side you'll find a sweet play ground. 

Taking a breather to enjoy the ducks and fish in the pond.

Beckham boy being patient :)

Lydia and Jack watching cartoons in style.

That evening we went to Grandma Mandrelle's house for dinner and company.  It was so great spending time with her.  There's nothing like Grandma's house, right?!

The boys climbed up and sat together in Grandpa's chair.  It made me miss my Gramps but I love this pic. 

Preston explaining computer things to Gram. Haha

Family pic with my Gram :) 

LOVE THIS!! 

The Freeze clan with Gram as well.  

We are so appreciative for those that were able to make time for us and let us stay with them.  I look forward to heading back again soon.  Although next time I won't be preggers and I can enjoy everything a little more :) Thanks again to the Greissmeyers, Britt and Drew for letting us come crash with you.  We love you guys and hope to see you all again soon!