Dress Up

Mom is gone and Dad is having fun with his girls. It doesn't sound like they are getting much sleep since Kalin has decided to get up around 5-ish every morning (ugh). Dad has been taking the girls on long walks with Kiley on her scooter (she has been very daring going down long hills and has asked me to pick her up a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads while I am here in Anchorage) and playing dress up.

This is the longest trip I have taken away from my girls and right now it is harder on them than me... although I miss them very much! Just a few more sleeps and I'll be home. I'll be taking a class from Monday through Friday, then I'm home!

Here are a pictures of the girls- Kiley in her mermaid outfit (and new haircut) and Kalin in a ballerina outfit (with her blonde hair).

The Texans leave the Alamo and head to the Nushagak

The first week has passed. We were afraid that the weather would work against us since it was raining, foggy and 40 some degrees when they arrived, we were so wrong! The Texans have been busy seeing the sights, the sole Colorado man has been busy with projects around the House of Clouse.

Here are some highlights:.

Stephanie- Incredible weather (she takes full credit for), lots of wildlife on the Nushagak (she's really enjoying the camping), Damon swimming in 40 degree water, Seeing, but not catching lots of fish....

Damon- 19 Moose, climbing the hill on the river, exploring at the local beach (the same beach that Sarah Palin was interviewed at with the Today Show last week), eating lots and lots of salmon, lots and lots of daylight (light out until around 2:00 a.m.)

Paul- Getting waited on by Willow Palin (daughter of Sarah and Todd Palin) at the local hardware store here in Dillingham. Sleeping.

Colorado 2009- Having Fun but we Miss you Dad!

Mmmmmm... watermelon!

Swinging in the Park

Swimming Lessons

Playing in the "pool"

We made it into Denver with hardly a hitch... or sleep on my part. We had a great day in Anchorage with Uncle Max and Auntie Jeanette and the Johnson's. The girls and I caught the Red Eye from Anchorage to Denver just barely- with an untimely "accident" just getting us to our gate as the plane was boarding. I didn't sleep a wink but the girls did (thankfully) and we made it into Denver happy to see Papa Paul and GB. Nancy was nice enough to make us breakfast and let the girls run around a bit- I was a total zombie and not the best company, I'm glad we will get to see her and the rest of the family again on our way back.

So far we have enjoyed amazingly warm weather, which includes lots of sunshine and water for the girls. Both girls have eaten their weight in watermelon, strawberries and grapes, and any other fresh fruit they can get their hands on! Kiley has started her swimming lessons and is loving every last second (she is turning into a fish!)

We have gotten our fill of "Old MacDonalds" (as Kiley refers to it), Sonic, Subway.... all the fast food we don't get in Dillingham. We even got a trip in to Pueblo to see our newest cousin/ niece Bella and to see Uncle Ben and Aunt Jenny. Mom even got some shopping in (yeah for Mom!). My old college roommate Erin drove to see us with her little boy for a few hours and we got to catch up a bit, there is never enough time to catch up like you want to for sure!

This weekend we hope to head back to Mommy and Daddy's old stomping grounds to have some fun with the Alamosa Clouses. Yeah!

Ready for Summer!

I am not above bribery! This is kind of how it went "down":

Mom: Kiley I think you should get your hair cut.
Kiley: NOOOOOOOO! I like my hair long!
Mom: It would look so cute if you cut it, and then it will grow fast.
Kiley: NOOOOOO! I like it long!
Mom: But you never want me to fix it and you cry when I brush it.
Kiley: But I like it long! (sniff, sniff and a few tears)
Mom: Kiley if I buy you a DS will you cut your hair?
Kiley: YES! (absolutely no hesitation!)

Ok, so Kiley had no idea we already had a DS for her, from Matthew, and were saving it for our trip to Colorado. What? It worked didn't it! And look at the results. Isn't she adorable with her new haircut?