Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Last night Kiley, Kami and myself went on a Winter walk with Papa, Gram and Harley. The temperature was just about perfect- hovering around 16 degrees. We had a beautiful evening topped off with a gorgeous sunset behind the Manokotak Mountains. Kiley tried to convince me she was ccoollldd about five minutes into the walk, but I wasn't going for it. I told my Mom and Dad it was like walking into a National Geographic picture- it was that pretty! I was thinking what a great night it would be to go skiing- but with this big belly I'll have to wait to ski until next winter.

Dillingham at -27 (yes, below zero)

December and January were ccccooollldddd months in Dillingham. I think we averaged about -20, but with the warmer days we are experiencing now that might jump up a bit. Luckily we had a lot to keep us occupied inside because it was too cold to do anything outside. My poor little camera had a hard time snapping these pictures, I couldn't quite get the shots I wanted. :0 But you get the drift.

Kiley, Mom and Baby Ariel.....

Well I can't believe that I am posting this picture. I am getting so brave, but here it is anyway! I am entering into my third trimester so I won't be looking like this much longer. Here is a picture of Kiley and I posing with our bellies- she definitely has a Clouse body! :) I am currently 29 weeks along, YIKES!! I've got a few other more decent pictures of the Clouse gals that I will post from home. Maybe I will delete this one.....

We have been holding down the fort pretty well with Jon coaching b-ball- but we are so glad he is back! Kiley was just about doing cartwheels and jumping out of her skin by the time he walked off the plane yesterday. She didn't let him out of her sight all afternoon and evening.

Conked OUT!

After a busy day of playing it took Miss Kiley about 2 minutes to fall asleep in the truck on our way to Papa and Gram's house. If only it was always this easy for her to go to sleep!

Wondering why she has a fur ruff and such a warm coat on? Because it was about -27 below ZERO!! We have been enjoying an average of -20 degree temperature since before Christmas.... I think those of us in Dillingham have had our fair share of this nasty temperature, the break in weather and "warmer" temperatures are much appreciated. I'll share some pictures I took of the -27 temp. in another post.

A big welcome to the newest Clouse Baby!

The AK Clouses would like to welcome the newest Clouse baby to the family! Bella Ryley Clouse joined the Clouse Clan on January 15th at 6:45 am weighing in at EIGHT pounds 22 inches long. She is such a doll baby and Kiley was so excited to see her! She was asking me, is that MY baby Mom? I had to explain to her that it was Uncle Ben and Aunt Jenny's baby but ours was coming soon enough! We are going to have so much fun when all of our girls are together. :)

Merry Christmas.... past and present

We had Santa come to our house, which Kiley didn't like too much. She was scared to death of Santa, as usual. I remember her first Christmas in New Stuyahok where she actually sat on Santa's lap! Maybe she will indulge me next year and think that Santa is a good guy....

Here is her only willing picture sitting on Santa's lap, circa 2004, at about 3 months old.
As soon as we get our Christmas '07 pictures downloaded I'll try to do a few new postings. Happy New Year everyone! We had a great Christmas day and tried to bring the New Year in with a bang.... but this pregnant woman and her three year old daughter didn't quite make it. :)