joy to me: 12/1/08

12/21/08

National Christmas Tree

Last night we went to see the National Christmas Tree. We all bundled up and drove down and parked by Rob's school. Then we walked by the White House to the Ellipse. There was a lot of construction on the back side of the White House. They were building Inaugural Stands. The Dept. of Treasury also had some nice Christmas Decor. Sophia loved watching the trains go around the bottom of the tree. In one of the photos with Rob she looks a little upset because we turned her around for a picture and she couldn't see the trains anymore.

12/19/08

Botanical Gardens

Today we went to the Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas Exhibit. They have replicas made out of natural plant parts of the Landmarks on the National Mall. It was amazing to see. They really are beautiful with the background setting of all the plants and flowers. Sophia and Ethan's favorite room was filled with trains and little miniature scenes of Fairy tales and Santa's village. We could have stayed all day long watching the trains wonder through the the tunnels and villages.

12/15/08

Happy Birthday to my Honey!

Rob only plays fantasy football now, but looks pretty hot in his high school football uniform. Maybe he can were it when he sits at his computer and plays ;)

If only life were as simple now as it was for him when this photo was taken. This last rotation has been a real zinger. He has had 8 days off in the last 8 weeks and been on call every 4 or 5th night. So when he comes home he eats, sleeps, and studies. He makes a little time for Sophia and I and we love that. We are so excited to spend Christmas break with him and not have to share him with the hospital! He is such a hard worker and we appreciate all the long hours he is putting in at school and at home so that one day we can live in a comfortable home and always have our needs taken care of (oh ya and a vacation home in Europe or Costa Rica- he'll deserve it after working hard for 8 long years.)

We love you so much Rob! I'm sorry you had to be on call on your Birthday.

12/14/08

What is Sophia up to?

Yesterday, Sophia said, "Birthday Party."

Today, Sophia threw my one of my cute black flats into the toilet.

Baby, it's cold outside

12/5/08

Vegas Baby!

Head count 29!

Sophia and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were surrounded by 27 of our Clark family relatives. There were only 3 missing (Rob- had to work,darn med school, my cousin Kira and her husband). We stayed with my Aunt Linda and felt very welcomed. She has 6 kids so Sophia had a blast and someone to play with all the time. Colton, one of my cousins has the biggest heart and took Sophia under his wing. He always played with her, made sure she had toys, watched her from going up the stairs and helped me find my way around their kitchen. One morning he said, " Valerie, I'm like your butler." Kids say the cutest things.

We saw aunts, uncles and cousins that we hadn't seen in years. I guess that's what happens when you live on the east coast. Of course we also spent time with my sisters, Bree, and my parents. There was lots of hanging out, food (Grandma made her famous dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls), talent show, bowling, and the Vegas strip.

It was hard to leave a week full of family and fun. I'm so thankful for my family and the opportunity we had to go out west. Thank you for hosting us Aunt Linda and Grandma and Grandpa. Sophia was an angle on both flight coming and going. I had numerous people tell me what a good baby she was. A 5 hour flight is long, but Sophia was wonderful. We wish these reunions were more often and can't wait for the next. Love you all and miss you much.

Big thanks to Tyson and Alyson also for hosting Rob on Thanksgiving day. He said he enjoyed the food, company, and Rock Band. I'm thankful he was able to spend the day with you all.