The Clements Family: August 2015

The birthday girl woke up bright and early on her birthday and climbed out of her crib on her own, for the first time ever. We really couldn't believe that she hadn't done this sooner, though we were glad she hadn't- "time-out's" are harder to manage now :)

Her brothers guided her around finding picture clues for her birthday present scavenger hunt (this was mostly for Ben's sake, but Amanda was happy to follow along).

She found her presents, and though still a bit sleepy, was super excited to open them. It was nice that she was so happy with one toy, some band-aides, bubbles, goldfish crackers, and a dress and flip flops. She's still young and relatively easy to please.

It was too difficult to schedule our traditional family birthday party with everyone's conflicting schedules and the 4th of July weekend, so Paul and Ben planned and hosted a "rainbow and heart" birthday party for her and her few friends and youngest cousins on a week day morning.

What was intended to be a small, casual party, turned out to be quite the event when Justin constructed a make-shift zip line towards the end of the party. None of the kids were wanting to leave the party!

We also celebrated during a 4th of July party that Austin and Keely hosted. Keely and her boys made Amanda a birthday cake and the extended family that was at the party sang to her.

Birthday Interview:

Favorite Song: "Oh, oh, oh" (The Mother We Share by Chvrches)

Favorite Color: It changes daily according to whatever color shirt or dress she is wearing, but pink seems to a consistent favorite as well

Favorite Food: Cashews and Gogo Squeeze applesauce

Favorite TV Show/Movie: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

Favorite Thing to Do: Jump on the trampoline, have tea parties

Something she hopes to never have to do again: Drink soda

What she wants to be when she grows up: A doctor

Fears: Bad guys

What makes her the happiest: Dancing and twirling

Favorite Sport: Trampoline

Favorite Drink: Orange Juice

I'm just a few months behind in posting this, but better late than never, right?

Ben's birthday started with a traditional scavenger hunt to find his presents. He woke up in the morning with the first clue taped to his bedroom door. He raced around with Paul finding clue after clue until he found his presents.

Then it was time to get ready for school and celebrate some more. Justin, Amanda, and I were able to bring treats to his class and watch as his teacher and classmates sang to him. He was his typical self during this- 70% pure discomfort and 30% joy from getting so much attention :)

Later that day, Ben had his first "friends"party. He really wanted to have it at an indoor trampoline park, Fly High. He had trouble deciding which friends from his class to invite, so we invited the whole class. His entire class, except for one kid RSVP'd "yes". We ordered extra pizzas and squeezed everyone in. They all had a great time. The highlight for most of the kids was ganging up against Justin in a game of dodge ball.

As if 3 celebrations weren't enough, we had our traditional family party in our backyard that weekend as well. We are so blessed to have so much family close by!

After the party, Ben was exhausted and enjoyed playing with his new toys/gifts at home.

As a present from Austin and Keely, they took Ben and Asher to the Monster Truck Rally AND let him have a sleepover. He loves gifts like this- special time spent with people he loves.

I think it's fair to say that Ben was spoiled with love and attention this year!

Amanda is 3!

Ben is 6!