Kickin' back with Grandma

Just had to take this picture...isn't he just way cute? John and Marrianne came to do some temple work with Marv while I played with Ashlyn and Christian. Madison and Brooke were at their first Track practice. Christian was enjoying "Bambi" movie while eating his dinner & homemade bread...when I looked over at him this is what I saw.

Was a little worried about spaghetti, but she did a good job at eating it 'all-gone'. As I opened up the trunk with toys...she was excited to see the baby dolls and books. Christian spent his time with the cars.
After playing with toys and reading stories, Christian decided he wanted to take a WALK in the DARK to see the temple lights. So off we went! It was a lovely evening outside with clear sky's and just a little breeze, perfect California evening weather. And John, Marrianne were able to spend a special evening with their dad in the temple...it being the first opportunity Marv had to be involved with his children during this ordinance. Emotional evening for all.

Very Pleasant-Restful Weekend

We started the weekend attending Newbury Park 2nd Ward where Dan gave a great talk in Sacrament Meeting. Dan's parents, John's family and Carnell came over later for dinner and celebrate Mel's Birthday. Look carefully at this amazing cake...cupcakes with a frosted top.

Brooke and Ashlyn were busy helping Mel decide which gift to open first. Mel had told the family all she wanted this year were GAMES. There are some amazing games out there for children 3 to 8 which teach the importance of sharing, not always winning, recognizing words, numbers and just plain fun. We spent Monday playing games from 6:30 a.m. until noon. Zingo is one of the favorites so far, as even Chelsea can play that one and yet geared for older ones as well.
Grandpa and Grandma Clinger made sure Mel was up on all the new styles. Mel does like clothes and she received a bundle. She will be the best dressed girls in pre-school. Right away she had to put on her new nightgown...very cute.
As stated earlier, we spent a good part of Monday and also Tuesday morning playing many of these new games for children: Uno, Clue, Monopoly, Princess, Zingo, on and on. Spencer would get up early each morning, get dressed, clean his room, eat his breakfast and we ready to play by 7 a.m. Christian came over Monday and enjoyed playing with Mel too.

Around noon on Monday Marv and I headed over to Carnell's house to clean, get bills paid, and found out Carnell had broken a tooth and a cap on another tooth. We were not able to get him in to the dentist until early Tuesday morning, so we ended up spending the night with Lisa's family. ENJOYED totally a nice dip in the spa before dinner. We wanted to go to a movie that evening, but nothing of interest was playing...so Lisa prepared a lovely Samon dinner, provided a movie and pop corn for us. The next morning I played games and got ready for the temple as had to be there by 11, while Marv took Carnell to the dentist. Had a very nice day at the temple and was able to get caught up on several Volunteer responsibilities. Marv was on the later shift this day, so I went over to a friends apartment for some homemade soup, corn bread and our oranges for dessert [her husband was also on the later shift]

Tonight we meet up with some other friends to go out to dinner and just socialize. Thursday John and Marrianne are coming to the temple to do a session with Marv and I get to play with the grandchildren. We will most likely stay in Santa Monica this coming weekend...waiting for exciting news from Colorado as the twins are due any day now. Maybe they will be born on Heather's birthday next week....happy birthday mom....hahahaha

Pictures from Arlee

The Bjorn's made a trip from Texas for the weekend...with Inger coming to do family haircuts. Isn't Annika a little doll with her new bangs...all grown up. Get a load of Marylyn's pregnancy food desires. This is her friend Tanna who is expecting twins just two weeks before Marylyn is due. How do you like Marylyn's new haircut? Very Cute!

Thanks, Arlee, for sharing your photo'

President's Day Journaling

Hope you all enjoy our slide show [Thanks Megan for the idea and Lisa for ALL your help in setting it up]. Lisa and the children came to our Santa Monica apartment in time for breakfast as they drove their daddy to work Monday morning. The children played with our toys while Lisa helped me with our blog. About 10:00 we drove to Olveria Street visiting the fire station first...then on our way to get a taquitto and just look around. As we were about to leave their were some Aztec Indians performing which we all totally enjoyed. After reaching our car we headed down the 10 Freeway to the Santa Monica Pier to spend the rest of the day. Walked [children had their scooters] along the pier, watched fishermen/women, saw some great artists, went on the merry-go-round, had lunch, and enjoyed all the monkey bars and swings on the beach. It was amazing to us all the things the children could do on the monkey bars and climbing the ropes. Too cold for the water, but a beautiful sunny clear day. About 3:30 we headed back and stopped at "Diddy Riese" ice cream which was just around the corner from Dan's work. The children were excited to see their daddy and Grandpa Clinger. We then went back to our apartment until Dan was finished with work. It was a very fun day [Thought about Matt's Heather...she would have loved this day, so we'll have to do this when you guys come next time].

President's Day in LA

BAPTISM

What a very special experience it was on Saturday morning to be apart of Nathan's baptism. There was a special spiritual feeling there which was felt by everyone.












































Aunt Heather lead the music, Mom Heather played the piano and gave the opening prayer, Grandpa's were the witnesses, Grandma's gave a talk on baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost...referring to how Jesus was baptized and received the Holy Ghost. Nate is following in Jesus' footsteps as he makes this very special covenant and promise to always try and Choose the Right. There was a special musical number on the flute by two young women from Nate's ward. Nate was welcomed into the ward by his Bishop and closing prayer was by Uncle Dave.

ICE SKATING IN COLORADO

The last day we were in Colorado, we piled into cars and headed for the Ice Skating Rink Everyone bundled up, gloves, hats, coats...All were able to skate as they had red and blue walkers to help the children learn to skate. Jenna went around and around many times. As snow flurries fell grandpa hugged the heater.

COLORADO in February.....brrrrrrrrr

It was in the 09 to 30's in Colorado, but layering our clothing worked just fine.

Heather took us to a very fun museum and "Discovery Days" where the children have a lot of hands-on activities. Both girls show very artistic abilities.

Grandpa helped Christa make a valentine, Jenna loves to paint.

The museum upstairs has windows to look out, books to read, costumes to wear and other educational activities.

As we were growing up we definitely remember this radio. We would sit around and listen to stories and visualize what was happening. On Sunday morning they would broadcast the 'funnies' as we read along with our newspaper. Heather is expecting twins within the next couple weeks, but it does not slow her down one bit! She is active as ever and always with a smile.Christa liked to have grandpa read to her and toss her on the couch.

Sam and Nate sure to have fun together and really enjoy playing "Zarahemla" [thanks to uncle Andy and aunt Marylyn] and hide and seek with his cousins. Nate is busy with reading, legos, games, cars, crafts, etc.
Jenna likes to build and play with her "polly's".

After school and dinner, we enjoyed fun evenings with Dave's family, just horsing around, visiting, playing...

Whenever we had the camera out, Steven wanted to pose; or when we had food, he wanted to eat...and always with a big smile.

Hey Mel, it takes three to do a bathroom...but they do three bathrooms.

Nate Turns '8'

At eight years old, Nate, was our 8th grandchild to be baptized. We flew to Colorado to spend this special birthday with him and the family. It is fun to see the traditions family's have set as we visit our children's different homes. Nate was able to choose what food he wanted to eat for the whole week...wow! We enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake by aunt Heather and another night an 'ice cream cake' by his mom and me.

Nate went through the spanking machine several times.

Grandkids waiting for fooooood! We were really treated royally with all the good food. Matt's Heather introduced us to a great 'cinimon french toast', homemade pizza, rootbeer floats, baked chicken, berry pancakes, and much more. Dave's Heather made her homemade bread [eat your hearts out guys] and was sure we were set with food for our trip home. Both Heather's prepared a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner for Sunday. Ok...back on the diet!