Picture Time

Nelson got his annual "school" pictures done at daycare.  Actually, he cried and would not let the photographer take his picture (too new and scary...), so the photographer let me bring him into his studio to redo the picture.  It was worth the wait, because it's a pretty darn handsome picture.  Not to be outdone, I had to take Erik to get some photos too.  He gets so excited and has such big grins, we got many cute pictures of him as well.  He's getting quite the personality and talking to us a lot these days.  Time flies by quickly with these adorable boys!

End of Summer & Capitol Pics

Time flies with an infant and a two-year-old!  Can't believe it's the end of summer already.  Erik is a big healthy baby, and getting cuter each day.  He's starting to smile, and likes "talking" with us.  Nelson has been a really great big brother, and likes checking in on "Little E".  Here are some pics, including our annual tradition of taking pictures at the flowers at the Capitol building.

The annual photo - now with two!

Our attempt to get a photo of the four of us...

Nelson, playing in the creek near Rimini

Look how big his hair gets!

Erik, 1 month old

Brothers in Jammies

So sweet

Style Guy



Nelson loves big machines, and got to visit a job site with daddy to see them live!

Taking a turn wearing the white hat

Welcome Erik Thomas!

Erik Thomas Clark was born 7/27.  He weighed 8lbs, 2oz, and was 21 inches long.  Labor was nice and quick for mom, and Erik has been a healthy boy - eating well and growing ever since!  He's been a pretty good baby so far, and looks a lot like Nelson did when he was a baby.  Big brother Nelson has been very good with his new baby brother.  He mostly wants to do his own thing, but is very sweet about checking in on Erik and wanting to include him in family activities.  We are very proud of both of our boys!

Erik is named after Mandy's great grandfather (Nelson is after Jamie's great grandfather), and Thomas is after Mandy's dad.  So, with both boys we kept it all in the family for names.

Also, Erik decided to come on the day that we were moving into a new house.  So, not only have we been adjusting to a life as a family of four, but we've also been settling into a new place.  Given the circumstances, Jamie has had to do most of the heavy lifting - figuratively and literally.  But we are in, and it is nice to have space for our bigger family!  We also have more space if any of you want to come visit too. :)
 

Hello Erik!

Proud Daddy

 

First bath

 

The Clark boys

Erik got to spend one night in our old house!



Brothers - so sweet!

Grateful mama, happy to have a healthy baby

 

Sweet baby

  

Learning a new kind of juggling
 



Nelson was comparing Erik's "tiny" toes to his "big" toes



Happy 2nd Birthday Nelson!

Wow!  Can't believe Nelson is already two!  We are very proud of what a sweet, smart and sunny boy he is becoming.  He's learning new things every day and surprising us with how much he knows.  Time really does fly by.  For his second birthday, Mommy took the day off to spend with him.  We had lunch with Daddy, got to go to the kids museum, and even had a little party that evening.  Nelson got quite the kick out of saying "Happy Birthday Nelson" every time he opened a present.  And while he didn't cry at seeing his cake this year (like he did on his 1st birthday), he only wanted to eat the berries on it.

A little help from Daddy

Check out my new car and truck!

A gift from Grandma & Grandpa combining two of his favorites: bubbles and pushing things around!

"I mow the lawn, I help Daddy"

Oooh!  More trains!!!

A very happy birthday boy

Grandma made him a special Elmo "cake".  He doesn't like cake, so this one was made with ice cream and berries.

The hot weather made Elmo melt a little bit...

But he still loved it!

 

A pre-birthday, pre-haircut photo too cute not to include :)

Clark Family Reunion 2013

We just took a trip to visit Grandmom and Pop Pop and the rest of the Clark Family at the reunion in West Virginia.  Nelson had a blast.  He got to ride on an airplane, play at his grandparents house, meet many of the Clarks and Davises, go to a zoo, check out a bounce house, and much more.  It was really fun for us to see everyone, as it has been quite a while since we've seen most of the Clark extended family.  We also heard from many that have been following this blog - it's great to hear that it's been enjoyed by so many!  Thanks to Bob and Carol for hosting us and helping us in traveling with a toddler.

Dancing with Pop Pop to Reggae

"I've got rhythm!"

Nelson's 1st Bounce House experience

His 2nd cousin Olivia shows him how to get around in the Bounce House

 

Clarks watching a slideshow after dinner.  Nelson got up and made space in the "kids row" for himself shortly after this pic.

Another presentation

Happy Anniversary slideshow for Bob and Carol

Watching the Rainbow Lorikeets in the bird bath at the zoo

Strolling through the zoo

Bedtime stories with Grandmom. 
Nelson's new favorite bedtime story is "Good News Nelson" from Aunt Darlene - thank you!

"Choo Choo Trains!!!"  Thank you Aunt Barbara for surprising Nelson with the train set. 

 Nelson went to bed holding onto a train car he was so excited.