Messin around Montana Style.

Getting' our varmint hunt on!

Snowboarding, OH BOY!

Yesterday Simon and I went on a double date with one of my best friends and her son (Simon's first friend). We took them snowboarding. My friend is a great snowboarder and her son has been skiing a number of times. Whereas, this was Simon's first time and well I, I am not a snowboarder or skier. I would rather watch from the lodge and sip my hot chocolate. But this time, I wanted to spend some bonding time with my little man. Since I don't snowboard, I got Simon a lesson and then took him down a few times until it closed. I tried to go down on my board and help him but I just wasn't coordinated enough so I ditched the board and went on foot.





This is the part of snowboarding/skiing that causes me the most anxiety, the ski-lift. It's the getting off part. I fell every time and Simon fell almost every time and I had to hurry and drag him away before we got hit by the next people. Because we were on the bunny hill, the guy who was suppose to be watching so he could stop the lift if he needed to, was working on some project and never looked out the window. He never stopped the lift, even when Simon's arm was caught and it almost took him around hanging from the chair. We were quite the specticle but we laughed each time we face planted into the snow and had a really fun time.



Simon did awsome!!! He's going to be quite the little snowboarder! Especially once he gets some more practice with his daddy.



He was so tired after a day of learning to snowboard but still begging to go again. Unfortunately, right when we got to the entrance of the ski-lift, they closed the gate and our snowboarding adventure was over.

The Elk

We have heard of these elk from the neighbors, seen the damage they've caused to our trees, and seen their droppings everywhere. But, this is the first time we have actually seen them. This is right along our fence line. The picture was taken from inside looking down into the yard. They were so close and amazing to watch! One of them was about to jump over our fence but we were too noisy so he took off and caught up with the rest of the herd (it's about a herd of 40 elk). Can't wait to see them again.



Simon and Charlie love going outside to play. They seem to get along well out there, or maybe I just can't hear them fighting. This is their first snowman they have ever built (with a lot of help and whining). But they were so excited to have a snowman in the yard and to see it everyday, until it melted. It finished melting while Simon was at school so when he got home he started yelling at Charlie saying that Charlie had destroyed it. Funny, funny boys.

Charlie's 4th Birthday

Charlie is now 4 years old! I just can't believe it. Since we just moved, he really didn't have any 4 year olds to invite to his party so we just did a big family day. I had asked him a couple of weeks earlier what kind of cake he wanted and after going to the store and looking through cake pictures with Simon, his heart was set on a pirate cake. I looked into the cost of the cake from the store and they wanted $40 for their cake, and it was a big cake. I wasn't about to spend that on a large cake for the four of us so I set out to make a home-made pirate cake. After a couple of failed attempts, this is how it turned out. I always think I can make anything, but I have been humbled and have decided I am not a cake decorator. It turned out o.k. but remember, I spent hours with failed attempts.




After we opend presents and ate some cake, we ventured off to fulfill Charlie's birthday wishes. He wanted to go bowling and eat pizza. We all had a really good time. All of the light-weight balls were gone so the balls we had were a little heavy for the kids. That didn't stop them though, they heaved those balls to the lane and pushed or threw them down.



Millie really enjoyed the bowling too. What a cutie!

A Quick Update

For those of you who are really behind on us we've moved. We now live on a gorgeous mountainside in Montana. This is the sunrise I get to watch every morning as I feed Milly. So amazingly beautiful, but so cold. I am still adjusting to the winter (especially driving, SCARY). I have been spoiled with Southern California winters for the past 5 years. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the winter most of the time, except when I'm just dying to get a run in and everything is frozen and my Cali friends can still run outside everyday. Otherwise, it's pretty fun. I love the winter wardrobe, watching the kids play in the snow, the smell of the cool crisp air, the layers of pure white, hot chocolate, cuddling under the blankets, having lazy snow days.....yes, we are home.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

This blog is now under new management. As you have noticed the updates have become sparse. So I (Melissa) am now taking over this blog to keep all of our many followers updated on, hopefully, a weekly basis. WARNING: do not expect this blog to continue to be as witty, funny, amusing, entertaining, etc. as it use to be. I will not try to compete with the old manager, I will just let you know what's going on with the Clater Clan :). Please be patient and kind with me as I learn how to do this crazy thing called blogging as this is not a skill that comes easy to me.

Some things just get neglected

Yep, got a new one...well ok like 4 months ago. A little girl named Amelia. I wish I could say that I have neglected to update the blog because of this, but in reality, it boils down to pure laziness.

I got behind, then super behind, then I went to comic con this year and was so far behind it was a little daunting to see how neglected it had gotten. so I figured it was better just to ignore, perhaps it would update itself...alas, it did not, and my failings continue to mock me. I will perhaps make more of an effort going forward... But no promises.

Someone loves their nests

Charlie is diggin his little pile of blankets. He wrapped himself like a little burrito then began to self-reflect once this task had been completed. Basking in this new accomplishment, he now knows that he must raise the bar in order to keep his audience pleased.

Sheesh, has it really been this long

It would seem it has been quite some time since my last post...the problem lies in the fact that facebook is easier to post my fun facts and mockings along side photos of my meanderings and wanderings. Now I just downloaded a new iPhone app to update this sucker on the fly with photo evidence...let's give her a whirl.


A picture if my press is the first test photo...i know she's makes you feel all weird and tingly...giggity.