Classes of 2009 and 2023.....

We started with a Head Start Graduation~ for Kiley of course. She doesn't get to go to Kindergarten next year because she misses the deadline by about a month, so it was a ceremony for her. It was quite the experience- we'll be prepared next year! Kiley got some nice presents and pictures from BBNA and her teachers, but I don't think it quite made up for the fact that she doesn't get to go to the "big school" next year. The returning kids wore the tie die shirts and the "off to Kindergarten" graduates got to wear the cute cap and gowns.


So last night was MATTHEW'S Graduation from HIGH SCHOOL!!!!!!!! Whoo hooo, what an event that was! It started off like any other Dillingham graduation I have ever been to, and then the fire alarm went off. I thought to myself, "Who is the jerk tat pulled the fire alarm? Geesh?" Then as we all ran outside I saw the smoke! Yes, smoke as in there really WAS a fire. Someone had put a box on the stove in the student store and started a fire in the process, I know who but I won't mention any names to save her from further emabarassement (no it wasn't me). Anyway Matthew had a great ceremony- he even had his own little bit in which he got to do a welcome speech. It was very nice.

Prom 2009

"I'm not going to Prom..." that statement became a challenge. Jon told Matthew he should wear a tux like on "Dumb and Dumber"..... and then Matthew said he would go to Prom if Jon found him one. Ten seconds later (thank you Google!) a tux was found and Matthew was going to Prom!!

Matthew and Blake dressed up as Loyd and Harry from the 1994 classic "Dumb and Dumber" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109686/. They were the hit of Prom, they said everyone wanted a picture (of course... only the coolest kids dress up like Loyd and Harry! LOL.)

Kiley decided that they must be the "coolest kids in ALL of Dillingham!"

Matthew~ State Wrestling 2008

I have not been to a wrestling state tournament since 1995. That was the year when my brother became a State Champion his Senior year for the second timet- in the 145 lb weight class, in Fairbanks. That was a tournament to remember, I was on pins and needles the entire time!

Turn the clock 13 years and here I'm at another one....... Jon, the girls, and I went to Anchorage to watch Matthew at his State tournament at Bartlett High School. What a tournament! Matthew did a wonderful job, and wrestled his heart out. He won his first two matches, lost two (heartbreaking!) and then won his last match to get fifth place. We are very proud of him, he has had an outstanding season and should be proud that he got 5th place in the STATE in the 125 lb weight class.

I told his Mom I don't know how she does it, Matthew isn't even my son and I had a hard time watching during some matches! Jon and I were in knots through the whole thing.... we are going to be crazy parents when Kiley and Kalin's turn comes around! The team did very well too- Dillingham got third place over all and had four boys in the finals, with two becoming state champions. There was only 1.5 points between Petersburg (first), Bethel (second) and Dillingham at the end of the tournament.

Our 125 lb Regional Wrestling Champion!

Championship match against Chevak opponent

125 lb Regional Champ!

After the tourney was over and Kiley was watching Kung Fu Panda, the entire weekend wore him out.....

He did it! Matthew is now western Alaska's 2008 125 lb Regional Champion! Wooohooo!

Each match was nerve wracking for Jon and I, but Matthew seemed confident during each one. His dominance was evident as he pinned every opponent. We are so proud of him and this accomplishment.

The Clouses are off to the State Championships next week in Anchorage, where we hope for the best!

Wolverine Classic 2008

Although Matthew was sick with the flu the Thursday before the Wolverine Classic, he still had an awesome weekend. His record at the end was 4-0. Before the flu he was overweight, after an easy 125. Before we know it wrestling regions will be here!

It's a boy!!

Kiley and Matthew- wrapping Kiley up to send to the grandparents.

Jumping on the trampoline

Will somebody please just hold me?

We are proud to announce the newest member of our family - it's a boy! A 5ft 5 inch 135 lb boy with dark hair and brown eyes. His name is Matthew, or "Wee Man" as he is called by his friends. He is a senior this year and a wrestling fanatic. He fits right in.

As you can see in the pictures Kiley is already smitten. Matthew is quite the social child and has friends over all the time, since Kiley loves the "older" kids as she calls them, she is their new best friend whether they like it or not! Somehow she manages to sneak into his room when they are watching movies, and the look on her face! Just pure joy, let me tell you. Kalin seems to have them all wrapped around her little fingers, she lets Matthew hold her so that is a bonus. Our little 5 month old is now able to sit up by herself, she is still a little wobbly but is getting stronger every day.

The phone rings more and we sure have a lot more traffic around our house, but it is really nice. It is different having a teenager in the house, but so far we like it!