Modern Day Christmas Letter

Dear Friends,
If you are new to my blog, welcome!  Here is my attempt at a modern day Christmas letter.  It may also give you a chance to follow our daily (or weekly) (or monthly) adventures as a family.  I started this blog when Trey was born...actually, that's not true.  I started this blog when we went to Beijing, China in 2008 to watch Randy's best friend play in the Paralympics, but then it went on a hiatus until Trey was born.  Since then I have tried to keep it up to date with stories of Trey and the things we do as a family.  I now have three volumes of books of this blog that I have created using blurb.com which are some of my most prized possessions.  I hope some day Trey loves them as much as I do.

Looking at the year in review, I'm going to mention some highlights and link you to prior blog posts that you can read if you're interested.

In January, we settled into our new house in Beaverton.  Randy turned 40 and we had a Clark brewfest with some friends to celebrate.

In February, my sister Julie had her second son, Case Laine Johan McGuire.  He joined big brother Grady, and now all three boys are 16 months apart (Trey, Grady, and Case).  It has been such fun seeing them grow together.

President's Day weekend at my dad and Sandy's in Leaburg 

I wish I could have captured the pure joy on Trey's face when he saw the Yo Gabba Gang come on stage.

Randy's training him early 

My rock star 

In April, Trey continued his transition to a big boy bed, had fun in music and sports classes, and got a thrill out of Sesame Street Live.

Mother's Day in the Gorge 

Memorial Day wine tasting in southern California 

In May, we went to visit Randy's parents in Riverside, CA and our friends in San Diego. 

Practicing... 

Turning 3! 

In July, we went to the coast with Julie and her family for the fourth of July.   

Summer was filled with swimming lessons, art class, trampoline class, and lots and lots of Mommy time.  It was a really really fabulous summer.

At the end of July, Trey had to have his tonsils and adenoids out.  This helped our incredibly-shrinking-boy to start eating more and gain weight again.  Phew!

In August, we went to Anacortes for a Clark family campout.  I am always amazed how many Clarks come together for this fun family tradition.

 We spent a lot of time with Camille this summer...

 And got to babysit Grady every other Friday...

In September, we went to my dad's for the weekend and spent a day out at Triangle Lake.  

Best way to end a summer ever.  

September 25th marked eight years since losing my mom.  It is hard to believe it's been that long.  My dad, Julie, and I went out to dinner to "celebrate" my mom's life and spend some time together.  Despite our loss, we are so lucky to have such a close family.

In October, I got to accompany Trey on his first field trip to the pumpkin patch.  It has been really awesome watching him grow and learn in preschool.  This kid can identify two digit numbers and rhyme words.   He kills me!

If this isn't the cutest Mickey Mouse you've ever seen...

Trey's first time trick or treating!

In November, we went down to Eugene for Thanksgiving.  Having all three boys together is such a hoot.  I can't wait until they are older and play together even more.

In December, I am counting my blessings.  We have so many amazing friends, such a supportive family, jobs that we enjoy and learn from, our health, and a house to keep us warm.  Randy continues to fish on a nearly weekly basis, I continue to love books and reading, and Trey is currently obsessed with Mickey Mouse (thank goodness we are past the Sesame Street stage...).  Every year when I address my Christmas cards I am amazed at how many people I have in my life who I can truly call friends.  Old and new, near and far, frequent and not often enough...I am grateful for you all.

Merry Christmas from the Clarks!