Deadpanned

Noticing the laughter and squeals of delight coming from the blanket where Owen, Grace and baby sister doll were playing, I brought out the camera to capture the happy moment... and instead, got this-

Already??

Happy Birthday Aunt E!

Special birthday wishes today to Aunt Elyse. We hope you have a wonderful day- and can take a study break to celebrate!

We love and miss you!!

Apple time

This week we kicked off fall with some apple picking! We had a great time, though could've done without that hot summer sun. There were lots of apples, samplings, tree climbing and red faces. Here are some pics!

Welcome Connor!

We are so happy to welcome cousin Connor Wayne Norman into the world!

Connor was born September 9, 2010 at 7 lbs 8 oz and 21 in.

Congratulations Alec and Shannon!

Team Clement 13.1

Today Kyle and I ran the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half-Marathon! We began training for the big race back in June and are very happy to have completed my first and Kyle's second half-marathon. Now we're ready to relax!!

Team Clement Incorporated- Mike and Abbie Smith, Kim Cook and Chris Clement. Go team!

Preschool!

Today Owen had his first day of preschool! He is in the 'Kangaroo' class, has a super nice teacher and a classroom full of fun toys. While there were a few moments of uncertainty this morning, it was a good start to the school year!

5 month little Duke

It's a purple and gold week in this house as we celebrate JMU's big win this weekend and Gracie's 5 month birthday. Go Dukes!

And in case anyone missed the biggest football upset of the year... here's the recap. Wooooo!!!

Cute, clever or cheeky??

Owen LOVES cheesey snacks, especially Cheetos and cheese balls. I try not to have them in the house since they are addictive and super messy, but when they are, there is a strict rule that they are only to be eaten at the table. So when Owen was finished with his snack and went to play, the leftover cheeseballs stayed behind. Five minutes later he comes finds me in the office....

Owen, holding oversized patriotic hat: "Want to see magic trick, Mommy?"

Me: "Ok! Is there something in your hat??"

Owen, with a sly smile as he pulls out a bowl: "These cheeseballs!"
He commences to proudly eat them, running away. laughing like a lunatic.

Now to go find those cheesey fingerprints...

Animal lessons

This weekend we enjoyed a fun trip to the animal park to feed and pet the animals, and learned a few things along the way.

Pony rides are fun!

Pot-bellied pigs are funny!


Carrying the food guarantees animal stalking.

Never turn your back on a llama.

Watch where you step!

And a lesson on the birds and the bees... and turles. Owen and Reed weren't sure what to make of the "turtle wrestling", but they thought it was hilarious!

Clicky hips

One step forward and two steps back. While one of Grace's hips has improved, the other is still dislocated and so we start again in the harness full-time. Grace is a trooper, despite having her rolling put on hold, and we have high hopes this will soon be behind us.

Another mom we ran into at the park shared that she too had "clicky hips" as a baby and wore the same harness, and has been active and without a problem since. It was encouraging to hear, plus "clicky hips" (in a British accent) just sounds better than "hip dysplasia".

9/02/10

Happy 90210 day! Literally. Celebrate this once in a lifetime day by remembering the great days of shoulder pads, flannels, the Peach Pit, Color Me Badd and "Donna Martin graduates". Or tune into an old ep.

Da-na-na-na, da-na-na-na....