Camping

Despite having a new addition to our family. Jim and I promised ourselves that we wouldn't let it slow us down. At just 10 weeks old, Payten experienced her first camping trip. She did so well, that we decided to go multiple times this summer. Our first trip was with our friends the Pyles and the Pollards. We headed up I-90 and just found a campsite off the road. We bunked with Jill, Bart, and their baby Holden in their HUGE 10 person tent. It was like a sleepover party!

Next camping spot was Orcas Island. We headed out Friday night, drove up to Anacortes and took the ferry over. We met up with friends Tim and Carly, and their baby Ali, and some of their friends. Orcas Island is such a beautiful Island. I can't believe we haven't gone their sooner. We had a blast camping all weekend, playing in the warm lake, hiking through forests, playing in waterfalls, and sitting around the lantern (this was during the heat streak in late July, so their was a fire ban) playing games. We can't wait to do it again next Summer.

Our latest camping trip of the summer was at Lake Easton State park. We went with the Pyles and Pollards again. We bunked up with the Pollards again, and had a blast telling stories around the campfire.

Hopefully we will do it again soon!

Utah

In July we headed to Utah to have some fun, get some sun, and be with family. Our first stop was Bear Lake where we played at the cabin. There is not much better in life than being out at the cabin, eating Raspberry shakes, and hanging out with great family. Payten was only 8 weeks old at the time, so it was her first road trip. She slept the whole way there, we couldn't believe it! I wish I could say the same about the way home!!

Our next stop was Salt Lake City where we went to Kim and Nick's wedding! She looked so Beautiful and they seem so happy! I wish I could have said I looked as beautiful in the Bridesmaid dress,,,,,,but given I had a baby 8 weeks prior,,,,,,,I guess I can give myself some slack.










Jim's sister Stephanie also came into town with her two adorable boys and her brand new baby Adalyn. It was so fun to see Payten and Adalyn next to eachother. They are only a month apart. It will be fun to see them play together when they are a little older.

After two weeks of playing, it was time to head home. We had so much fun, and can't wait to head back soon.(and boy was it a long ride home!)

Payten 2 weeks old

The first two weeks have had there up and downs. Overall it has been the most amazing experience of our life. Payten loves her stroller rides, so we have been going on lots of walks. She has had a few nights where she has slept as much as 4 in a half hours straight. She also got her first cold. We spent the whole night for three nights straight taking turns staying up with her, making sure she could breath. She has been such an incredible addition to our family,,,,even Bridget thinks so.

Our little family

On May 5 2005 we had a wonderful addition to our family. Payten Mae Clarke was born and weighed 7lb 6 ounces, was 19 inches long and had a beautiful head full of straight brown hair. I felt that this would be a great time to start a family blog since now along with Bridgett our dog, we are truly a little family. A little bit about us, we have been living in kirkland WA now for 3 years. We bought our first little condo there and have been loving it ever since. We actually have the smallest condo in the complex, a tiny one bedroom one, but we have the most people living in it. Between Jim, I, Bridgett, and Payten, we are pretty cramped but are making things work. We are hoping in the next year to be able to get into something a little bigger. Jim has been working at the Boeing Company and also working on his MBA. He has about 4 quarters left. I have been working at the Bellevue Club and also working on MBA. However the past month I have been on maternity leave and have been enjoying every minute I get to spend with our little girl.