It's like Riding a bike . . . and other stuff

We took the kids for a walk this week. We told the older kids that they could ride their bikes. Sammie was so excited. Part way through our walk, Matt decided to help Sammie learn how to work her brake. The girl just doesn't get it. Sammie could apply the brake if she pedaled for 5 seconds, but anything longer than that and she would forget and start to freak out. This is going to talk a while to master. It was fun however to watch father/daughter enter this stage of life. I am trying to figure out when she grew up.



On a different note, the twins have had a few firsts in the last week or so. As of May 23rd, they no longer share a bed. They are just shy of being 7 months. When we would go check on them, we would find something similar to this. . .



They kept waking each other up and would kick one another in the face. Currently Lucy sleeps in the crib and Logan is now in the port-a-crib, until we figure out a more permanent solution.

Both babies have learned to sit on there own. They aren't to steady yet, but are learning fast. Logan has also begun to creep. He will widdle his way to whatever toy he has his eye on. Lucy is slowly learning but for now rolls to her desired destination.

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day this year, we went with my family up to Mueller Park to enjoy a nice picnic. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. It was a beautiful day. Logan and Lucy spent a lot of time with Grandpa Jim.



The kids weren't into the s'mores so we broke out the Popsicles. That was the longest that they sat still while we were there.



Most of their time was spent exploring. They found us lots of Dandelions.



Towards the end we all started to feel a little worn out from our hike (walk). Sammie and Jake just settled in with Spencer to cool off.



We had a good time and look forward to doing it again.

HSM Date

All those that know Sammie, know that she is OBSESSED with all things High School Musical. We watch one of the movies about everyday. We listen to the music in the car. Sammie AND Eston both dance to it when the songs come on. Sammie even has memorized 90% of the choreography.

So it was quite a treat for her when we found out that a local arts center was putting on a production of HSM (that is lingo) for free at Bountiful High. Sammie and I went and had a great time. Nana let her wear the East High Cheerleading costume and we met up with my cousin, Ashley, and her two girls, Brookie and Maren. The girls had a great time.



After the show was over Sammie wanted to take a couple quick pics. This is Sammie and her cheerleading team. GO WILDCATS!!



Sharpay, Sammie, and Ryan



Sammie even wanted to stand on the steps of the school and show me a quick cheer.



We followed up the evening by running a few errands, stopping for some dinner at Paradise, and then coming home to administer 3 children's Tylenol and to put her to bed by 6:00. She was so tired and getting over being sick, that she slept 14 hours that night. What would it be like to sleep that long. I wish for the day. Thanks Sammie for taking me out for a good time.

It's always fun when the Uncles and Kimmy come. . .

All of Matt's siblings decided that they wanted to get together and hang out over the memorial day weekend. As part of the fun they drove down to our neck of the woods to play for the evening. It is never a dull moment when the five Clinger siblings are in the same room.

I was pretty proud of my little girl. Sammie got her three uncles to sit down and play her Pretty Pretty Princess game with her. I haven't seen so many Pretty Princesses in one room. It was entertaining to watch. This girl can get these boys to do anything for her.



After Uncle Jordan decided to be greedy and keep all the jewels for himself. I think he is trying to be a pirate.



What is a fun day with out having Aunt Kim there. Kim played Mickey Mouse Memory game will the Princesses were partying.



We love having the Clinger clan come to visit.

NOTE: Most of them are single and looking for that special someone.

Our new BFF

Eston has his first official Best Friend. It is fun to see him start to connect to kids his own age instead of just following Sammie and her crew around. Kyle is about 5 months older than Eston and the two have a blast together. Everyday he asks if he can go play with "Kynle."
I just LOVE watching the two of the interact together and to see Eston's face light up at the mere thought of his partner in crime.
These are really short videos and it's kind of funny because they bring out the daredevil in each other, but they are only about the age of 3 so, it's not that daring.



I promise no boys were hurt in the making of this picture. Oh and the girl that Eston hit on his bike made it out ok.

The boys wanted to see who could find the highest spot to jump from. The started on the second stair and QUICKLY figured out they could go higher.

A little one on one time . . .

This last Friday we were able to spend some one on one time with the older kids (kinda). Eston spent most the day at his friend, "Kynle's" (kyle) house while I took Sammie and the twins to their check-ups with Dr. Lou.
Sammie had her 4 year check up and weighed 37 lbs. and was 42 in. Logan and Lucy had their 6 month check-up. Logan weighed 16.3 lbs and was 27" tall. Lucy was 16.8 lbs. and was 26" tall. Lucy has a tad more fat on him. It will be interesting to see the difference in the next couple of years.

After visiting Dr. Lou we headed over to the Church Office Building for lunch with my sisters. We got there a little early so that Sammie could see all the brides on the Temple grounds. Sammie LOVES Brides. She was completely content watching all the beauties walk around. We even took a couple of quick shots of Sammie sitting in some of the popular bride spots. We had a good time.

We later went and took Sammie to get her dance pictures taken. Sammie and I had a great time and it was really relaxing even with Logan and Lucy in tow.


C
When we had finished dance pictures we went to get Eston. The first thing he said to me was,"Camping with daddy now?" Friday night was our Stake's Father and Sons Campout. We all went home so that Eston and I could gather his gear together for his dad time. After we had gotten everything together I went outside to get his Booster seat out of my car. I stuck it by the front door. The next thing I knew Eston was parked out by the front door and wouldn't budge until Matt got home 35 minutes later.



The boys had a great time and spent the night in the back of the Jeep. Eston has talked about nothing else since he got home.

Sammie and I were able to spend more time together (while the boys were gone) along with the twins. I think we all enjoyed being able to spend more quality time with one another.

Race for the Cure

On May 9th my sisters and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. This was my second 5K this year. Lindsay, Carly and I all signed up together through Lindsay's work. This time I decided to take Sammie and Eston with us in the stroller. Lindsay had told me that due to the mass amounts of people that come out to do this 5K, you end up walking anyway. Sammie and Eston were so excited that they got to go do a race with mom this time. They woke up early to come with me and just ate breakfast in the stroller.



We raced in honor of Gram, who has fought cancer a few different times, some of which was breast cancer, and lung cancer. She is amazing and continues to be a support and inspiration to me.



About 2 miles into the race, Sammie and Eston wanted to get out and walk with us. Sammie actually ended up walking about 3/4 mile on her own and wanted to do what we were doing.



Both kids were very happy and enjoyed themselves.



After the race was over (it took us 1 hour) we went and enjoyed the snacks and party that they had going on.

I enjoyed spending time with my sisters and hope to do something like this with them again.

Pinkalicious is 4!!

This is a long post, WARNING!!

On May 11th, we celebrated Sammie's 4th birthday. We started the festivities out with a big Pinkalicious party on May 9th. Sammie invited 12 girls to come dressed in pink to the park and play. It was centered on cupcakes, pink, and all things girly. We had a lot of fun. We started the party out by reading the book Pinkalicious. It is one of Sammie's favorite stories.



There was a lot of family there to help. Grandma Brenda and Kim came down from Idaho to play with us. Nana, Carly, Cathy and Lindsay also pitched in with several things. I don't think I could have pulled this off without all their help. Lindsay painted all of the girls faces with cupcakes, flowers, etc.



The girls decorated pink cupcakes to use later for the game pin the cupcake on Pinkalicious. Then they got to take them home to put on their fridge as a magnet.



Other party fun included painting every one's fingernails pink. That went over big.
Anyone who knows Sammie knows that she loves attention and she received a lot that day. She was in heaven with all the friends that came.



Even Lucy was happy to be part of the party. You wouldn't guess it from this picture though.



This is Sammie with her cousin Christine. I love this picture. Christine is just adorable.



On Monday, May 11th, we sang to Sammie as she came down the stairs. She was finally 4. I let her pick her birthday breakfast. She choose Pancakes. I through some chocolate chips in them for fun. She didn't like that. Kudos for being healthy girl.



This year Matt and I gave Sammie her first 2 wheel bike. (okay it still technically has 4 wheels, but has the potential to just be two wheels.) Later in the day we went and picked out a new helmet and elbow and knee pads. Everyday she asks if we can go outside to ride bikes. She loves it.



Here are a few quick likes that Sammie has:
Books: Pinkalicious, Eloise, Olivia, Fancy Nancy, and Samantha (American Girl series)
Favorite Food: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Favorite Drink: Root Beer
Favorite toy: dress ups and jewelry
Favorite Movie: Anything High School Musical
Favorite Color: Pink and Purple
Sammie is very into how she wears her hair and what she wears each day. Sammie is a planner (surprise with that pedersen gene) and loves to help decide what our agenda is going to be for the day. She loves little kids and wants to mother them. She is an amazing big sister and likes to be with her 2 brothers and sister. She is already talking about boyfriends, dates, and her girls. We are in trouble with this one.

Happy Birthday Pumpkin!! We love you tons.

Happy 30th Baby!!

Isn't he hot!?!

We started off the morning with breakfast in bed from the kids. We then went and had lunch with Matt at his office and the kids made him birthday cards. They also made him a treat to share with all his little friends.



Later that night we had (kinda) a surprise dinner for Matt. He was under the impression that it was just going to be my parents and him and I at dinner. Matt invited his family several times to come along with us, but they told him they had too much going on. Matt's family and I had already planned about 2 months earlier for them to be here. The plan was for my brothers and sisters along with my parents to meet us at Pat's BBQ. Matt's family came down and drive with me over to the restaurant. We got there just in time before Matt walked in. I was just excited that I was able to keep his dinner a secret for so long.



The food at this place was amazing and the portion sizes were huge. I ate 1 rib out of my 3 and was completely full.



We love you Baby. I hope you have an awesome 30th birthday!! Man, you are good looking!!