Row, Row, Row Your Boat!

The first ever Clements family reunion was held this summer at the Heber Valley Camp that is owned and operated by the church and its missionaries. We started looking forward to this trip last year when all the reservations were made. It sounded like so much fun, and to our satisfaction, it was just that! So much fun! Here are some fun pictures of our time at the lake!

Here we have the 1st and 2nd mates Gavin and Dallin! Clint was in the rear of the canoe with a little extra arm workout trying to help with getting everyone going in the right direction! Even though they were first in the water, I think they were the last to make it out into the deep!

And here I am with my little helper! You can see the empty seat in front of me, right? That is where Kambriella started out, and then when the man helping us into the canoe gave us a push off of shore, Kambriella went flying forward (thank goodness not INTO the water!) and wouldn't stop crying for the first 5 minutes or so! Needless to say, the rest of the ride she loved and felt completely happy and safe on MY lap! (Kierra was my first mate in the front of the canoe although you cannot see her in this picture!)

After "perfecting" the canoe, (or should I say getting tired of rowing:) the boys decided to switch gears and try out the paddle boats! I must say that they seemed to make much better time in this boat than the canoe! I think it didn't really matter which boat they were in, or how fast they were going, they were all smiles and having the time of their lives with their dad out on the lake!

Here is a glimpse of what we saw at the lake! This deer was the first of many that we saw there, and we were able to get very close to them to take a peek! They are so used to seeing people there and knowing that they won't be harmed that they don't seem to be bothered by us at all! In fact, I think that WE might be a form of cheap entertainment for them as they watched us having our fun out on the lake!

Through a Child's Eyes...

As I have sat back and watched the summer days roll on, and have gotten to spend so much more time with my children, I have been blessed to see things on a different level. Through a child's eyes -life is new, life is exciting and adventurous -and life is wonderful and magical. It's the little wonders and everyday moments that can be so amazing to them. We have been so busy lately doing so many different family activities that it really has made me realize that the saying is quite true..."Each day is a gift..."

I have so many things to catch up on and to write about, but before I even try to get started, I just needed to take a minute and share a little moment that I had with Gavin the other day that I feel really sets the tone for how I feel about my time with them as a mother.

We were gone camping up at the Heber Valley Camp for our family reunion and there were about 50 or 60 of us there. We had a great time together (and I will write more about that later) but when the time came to tuck everyone in bed, it took all the little ones a bit longer to settle in. (With all those cousins to play with, do you blame them?;) We were in a cabin with 3 other families and so we were trying to be quiet as to not disturb anyone else. But, at about 1:30 in the morning, little Mister Gavin quietly tip toed over to my bed and tapped me on the shoulder. His little legs were bothering him with growing pains and he couldn't go to sleep. I got up out of my bed and tip toed with Gavin back over to his bed and snuggled in with him. I had forgotten to pack any Tylenol so I didn't really have anything to give him to help with the pain, so I just layed down next to him and tried to rub his legs for him in hopes that the pain would go away. I thought for sure that this would relax him enough that he would be able to fall asleep pretty quickly, so after what seemed like a long time, I was surprised when Gavin whispered to me, "Mom, this is so fun."

Isn't that amazing? I was concerned about him getting to sleep and helping his pain to go away, and he was deep in thought of what a wonderful time we were all having together up there in the mountains. I smiled and snuggled a little closer to him and said, "Yes Gavin, this IS so much fun..." ;)

Bountiful Handcart Days

For Pioneer Day this year our family decided to celebrate in a different way. We all decided to enter into a 5K race together (the little ones did a 1K) and enjoy a little bit of healthy and "friendly" competition! You see, Clint's mom and sisters have started entering these races pretty regularly for a great motivator in staying fit AND receiving some great goody bags and T-shirts with each one they enter. Of course Clint having the competitive spirit that he does, made a comment that "he could walk faster than all of them were running!" Well - the rest is history! With a comment like that, and competitive sisters to boot, the race was on! They all entered the race to see who could really win!!!! Can you guess who won?;)
So here is my family AFTER we had all run our races. Medals for everyone! Red faces too!

Here are the kids with some of their cousins and "Pioneer Pete" who led the 1K while running bare foot! These little ones could really turn on the boosters! I told Gavin that I could see smoke coming out of his shoes cause he was running so fast! ;)

Here I am with my "Tree Trunk Trophy!" What would you expect the trophy to be made of when you are entered into a Pioneer Day race?;) (Definitely affordable for the city budget!) It was a good challenge for me to try to do my best and I ended up winning 1st place overall for the women at 19:52. Not my best time ever, but good enough for this one I guess. I think that averages out to be about a 6:25 pace. Not bad for a 34 year old! Especially when the 2nd and 3rd place girls were about half my age!;)

Here I am with "the Winner" himself! After only going out running 3 times total before the actual race, Clint was able to beat his goal and beat all of his sisters and his mom! I think his time was about 25:21. Not bad for a first time runner! The funny part of the whole thing is that next year, Clint and I will both be in the "older" age groups and so I think Clint really wants to try and do it again and try and take the old farts trophy! Woo Hoo!!

I know this picture turned out dark, but I still wanted to put it on here so that we could remember all of the family that was there to join in on the fun! I think we might have started a new family tradition! Almost everyone that ran had their personal best times. (I think in part because everyone wanted to try and beat Clint!) Now I think Clint is just waiting for his sisters to all take him out to dinner for beating them. I'm proud of everyone who ran, especially my kids! Good job Clint, way to run! -But just remember, it's a good thing you caught me when you married me because I just don't think you can catch me in a race!!!;) Love you all!

Fun in the Sun...

When I was a little girl, my family would go camping a lot. I have so many fond memories of having fun outside and on family vacations, and I finally got to take my own family to a place that we camped at when I was little - Cherry Hill! Not only did I enjoy all of the fun things to do, and seeing my kids having a blast, but it brought back a flood of memories too! All good ones except the one when my little sister Tiffany fell off of the bunk bed in our trailer and cut her nose open on the kitchen counter on the way down. (I'm pretty sure my parents spent that night in the E.R. at Hill A.F.B.) I am happy to report that even though we didn't camp there, Cherry Hill was a big hit for my family and we came home all in one piece!;)

Gavin , Kambriella, and Dallin had so much fun splashing around in the wading area and in the fountains too!

Kambriella loved the slides and although I had to hold her on my lap for the first few runs down, she eventually got brave enough to go all by herself!

Mr. Gavin cruisin' on down!

Dallin and Carew loved this giant dragon slide! They rode down together, and seperately, and of course racing down! ( I wonder where they got that from!)

Kambriella became so comfortable with the whole slide thing that she even loved going down the big dragon slide too! That even included a spray of cold water and going through a completely dark tunnel, and every time she came out with a big smile!

Kambriella and Kierra were great buddies on the slide too. I honestly think they went down it at least 20 times. I lost count after a while! What a fun day we had, and what a neat thing to actually get to take my kids somewhere fun that I got to go to when I was little myself! - And although many years have come and gone, I still feel like I am a kid at heart! I love spending the time with them no matter what we are doing. I love you guys, and thanks for the fun!!!

We had a "Hay Day" at Carver's Farm!

A couple of weeks ago we went with our family up to a cute little farm in Eden and had a wonderful time seeing, petting, and even riding some of the farm animals. These sweet moments of discovery and exploration are some of my favorite things to experience with my little ones. I am not quite sure who enjoyed themselves more - them, the animals, or me!;)














This little baby goat was so cute! I'm not sure how old it was, but to Kambriella it was just the perfect size to hold, squeeze, and love! She kept going back for more and more love!

It was fun to watch the kids feed the animals too. They each had their own little bowl of food for them, and the expressions on their faces when they would get a wet and slimy tongue up their hand was pretty funny to watch!

Kambriella had the biggest grin on her face when she saw that she not only got to see the horsey, but actual ride him and love him too!

Kambriella was also feeling concerned about all of the bugs that were going to "eat the horsey." She would say, "Oh no, horsey's sad..." So she would pat them and try to cheer them up;)

Even though Dallin tried not to act too excited, I think that actually riding on the horse was the highlight of the day for him! YeeHaw!!

Cute cousins! Carew, Desiree, "Horsey" (not a cousin;), Cohen, and Dallin.

Here we are all together on the tractor at the end of the visit. We are so blessed to have such a fun and loving family to enjoy spending time with! We love you all and thanks for the fun!

Beautiful Mount Timpanogos

One of my favorite things about summer is how beautiful the sunrises are. You can step outside early in the morning and get a breath of fresh air right along with a good dose of mother nature's natural beauty. The Saturday that we got up early to go hike Timpanogos has been one of my favorites of the summer. Not only did I get to enjoy the exquisite view from above, but I got to enjoy it while I was holding Clint's hand;) (Ooo He's so cute;)















Kierra and her best friend Valerie really enjoyed hiking together. They talked and laughed and tried to beat her "old" parents up the mountain...but of course THAT didn't happen!

This is inside the mountain - they call it "Chocolate Falls." It looks like a gigantic mound of ice-cream with carmel or hot fudge on top. Really it just looks that way because of the mud that once ran over the top of it from a river a very long time ago...

Squeezing through the cracks...(Cute boy!)

Valerie, Clint, and Kierra in the darkest part of the cave! (Plus, it's a little chilly inside, about 40 degrees all year long!)

Thanks for going hiking with me you guys! I love being in the great outdoors but especially with those that I love!!! You guys are the best!!!

P.S. Kierra and Valerie: In case you didn't know, Daddy loves a good competition! Even if it is to see who can make it to the top first!;) P.S.S. Clint, did I tell you how cute you are?;)

17 Years!!!

I thought I knew what true happiness was when I married my best friend 17 years ago. I guess I really did know... I just had no idea how much more true joy would come from time after time and moment after moment of giving and loving, and growing even closer together and falling deeper in love. Am I happy? Well, "happy" just doesn't seem to describe it quite good enough. Is there a word that fits just how I feel? Intense joy? Eternally grateful? How about "smitten" or "spoiled?" ;) I just can't find the words to say, but sweetie, I think you know just what I am trying to say... I want to grow old with you!!!!






















We stayed at the Castle Creek Bed and Breakfast in Cottonwood Heights for our Anniversary. The whole place had a "Camelot" feel, and yes, they did make you feel like royalty. The bed was so tall you had to use a step ladder just to climb on, but unfortunately for Clint, the only "throne" they had was the one in the bathroom ;)




































We went to the Fast Kart Go-Cart Race Track in Salt Lake where we were the only ones there. It was good for me to not have to worry about running someone else over besides Clint as I got used to the feel of the track. I wanted so bad to just focus on beating Clint, and I thought to myself, "Yes! This is my chance! No one else will be able to get in my way!" But- then, after doing my best to just keep up with him, I sucumbed to the evil MOTION SICK MONSTER!!!! Yes, sadly enough, Clint had to finish the second race without me while I sat with my head down and just tried to stop the room from spinning. I hate it when that happens! But it sure was fun going fast while it lasted!!!













We ate dinner at the Asian Star restaurant that was only a half mile away from where we were staying. We had never been there before, but our good friends told us about it and it's their favorite restaurant so we decided to try it out. It was a beautiful place and the food tasted so authentic and delicious! Our appetizer came out on a large sizzling platter with a small statue in the middle of it! It was pretty cool!

We also took a trip to the temple on the evening of our anniversary. What better way to remind each other of promises that were made than to go to the Holy house of the Lord where we are reminded that families and marriages are meant to be eternal. Through thick and thin, good and bad, happy and sad... TOGETHER FOREVER is where we want to be!!! My dear, sweet, and eternal BEST friend...thank you for the last 17 years of love that we have shared! You make me want to be a better person everyday, and with you by my side (making me laugh all along the way:) I know that we can do it! Now, as for "happy"... Let's continue to define it, shall we? ;)