Beaver Lake

Yesterday we went to Beaver Lake to walk along some of the trails. It was a perfect day to go there, not too hot or cold.


Riley wanted to be a big girl and walk some of the trail herself.


Riley was able to see turtles and ducks.






She walked on a big log (just like in Dirty Dancing - except not over water and not with a boy).


Just as we were about to exit one of the trails, there were 2 deer standing within feet of us, of course they ran as soon as we were spotted but we're glad Riley got to see them.


And so Riley got a deer before we left. It was a fun day!

The (not so) tough life of a toddler

It has been one month since Riley has turned one and she is well into toddlerhood! Riley by no means has a tough life as a toddler. She loves to play, dance, run and talk. Riley loves "E-I-E-I" or to those of us older folk, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." She loves to sing (yes she really does sing along) to Justin Roberts, and dance to anything with a beat - such a momma's girl. Her vocabulary has exploded and she says many new words. She especially does a good job when she is able to mimic what you are saying. Check out some of her favorite activities:







Riley loves to play "knock-knock" on the door. Whenever you tell her that you're going bye-bye she runs to the doors and says "knock-knock, bye-bye."




Riley loves to point out trees by yelling "TREEEEEEEE." She can also say leaf and green to tell you what's on the tree and what color the leaves are.


Lastly, I go back and forth about whether or not we should get a cat. Riley loves the kitties that hang out outside her window at the neighboring apartment. Everyday she stands at her window yelling (seriously yelling) "MEOW" because she wants to see the kitties. It's too cute - except when the cats aren't there, then it's a tough situation to clean up! :)


I am more and more impressed at all the wonderful things Riley can do! The fall is upon us and soon it will be apple picking, pumpkin picking and Halloween. We can't wait and will be sure to blog it all!

There's no babysittin' blues!

This weekend, Mama and Dada were going to a wedding. My godmommy Aunt Laurie and Uncle Adam came up to babysit. I was a little nervous, but my best cousin Keira told me how much fun she has when they babysit for her, so I knew I was in for a treat!

They drove up very late on Thursday night, and when I woke up on Friday morning they were ready to play. The first thing I did was show Aunt Laurie ALL of my books.

I also decided that Uncle Adam is my new best friend. We had a blast this weekend singing my favorite songs: Willy Was a Whale, I'm Gonna Catch You, Pop Fly, and "E-I-E-I-O".

Uncle Adam (I like to call him Aaaaaad) gave me a baba and I fell asleep right in his arms. I think he might have the magic touch, because I took an almost two hour nap!

I was still a little sleepy when I woke up, so I cuddled up with my Aunt Laurie.
Once I was wide awake, Aunt Laurie got me dressed and did my hair. Then we had a tea party! But I decided that teacups are for beginners, and I'm an experienced tea partier.
Before I knew it, it was time for dinner. Uncle Adam made me pizza, which was so yummy! And I ate like the big girl that I am.

Before I knew it, it was time for bed. I had such a great night!

But it wasn't over! When I woke up, they were still there. I was so excited!!

Aunt Laurie made me waffles, and Uncle Adam enjoyed my crazy morning hair.

I had such a good morning, and before I knew it Mama and Dada were home. We went to the Windmill near Keuka for some yummy food (Aunt Jenny's favorite butterfly potato!) and more quality time with my bestie, Aaaaad.

Overall, I think I have to agree with Keira: I have a pretty awesome family. I had fun with Aunt Laurie and Uncle Adam, and I know they had fun with me. I can't wait to see them again!

(This was guest-blogged by Aunt Laurie, who wants to thank Riley for being the best girl this weekend! xoxo)

Congratulations!!

Riley and her parents wanted to give a shout out to Crystal and Josh who got married today 09.09.09 in St. Thomas.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Parrott!!!

We can't wait to see the newlyweds when they return!

My trip to Skaneateles

Here is my story about my trip to Skaneateles:

It was a beautiful partly sunny and breezy Sunday and daddy had the idea to go to Skaneateles so that I could see the ducks and boats. So in the car we went...


I like to feel relaxed while being driven to and from places. If I could say "take me away Jeeves" I would but let's be real, I am just mastering please and thank you, but I digress - off to Skaneateles we go. Now for those of you not familiar with this lake and don't know how to say it, just say "SKINNY ATLAS." At the lake we saw ducks as promised by mommy and daddy - lots of ducks.


We walked along the lake and watched the ducks swim around and fly into and out of the water.



While taking a break from all the walking, mommy offered me a delicious Gerber Cinnamon Apple Cereal Bar. It was yummy and delicious and I think that the ducks could smell the deliciousness as well, because here's what happened.

The ducks were right at our feet! Mommy freaked out a little when she saw them for fear they might try to fly and swipe said delicious cereal bar.

And who would have thought we would have seen what we saw. Are you ready for this one??? A PIGGY, we saw an actual real live from the farm piggy! I got up close and personal with this piggy. He was cute...wonder if mommy and daddy would ever agree to buy me a piggy?

After our encounter with the piggy, we went out on the very long dock to watch the boats. I practiced saying "boat" and "water" for mommy and daddy - they were pretty impressed (and who wouldn't be?).

It began to rain after a while and we were all pretty hungry. Daddy said he knew of a place where we could eat lunch and then get ice cream. I was all about food and ice cream!!

We stopped at Skan-Ellus. Mommy enjoyed a cheeseburger, daddy a bacon cheeseburger and I had chicken nuggets. We all also enjoyed some french fries. It was a delicious lunch!

And the ice cream was just what we needed at the end of our meal!! YUMMY!!!

It was a great and successful Clark family fun day!

Wonder where we'll go next??

1 year check-up

Today Riley had her 1-year check-up with Dr. Rufa. Well this was not a smooth and easy check-up by any means. Riley screamed from the time Dr. Rufa walked into the room until the last bit of blood was drawn for her lead test. It was horrifying and by far the worst doctor's visit for Riley AND mommy! Riley received a total of 4 shots and a prick in the finger for blood to be drawn. Her shots were given to her in her arm this time and not legs since Riley is now mobil. And although we have new stats on Riley to present, we can't be sure how accurate they really are since Riley was a wild woman in the office.

Weight: 22lbs
Height: 30in.
Head: 18.75in.*

Once again Dr. Rufa reported how impressed she was with Riley's large vocabulary and ability to walk. She said she treated this check-up the same way she would a 15 month old. We go back to see Dr. Rufa in one month for Riley's second flu shot...well at least it's only one shot! Riley was a brave girl (and so was her mommy). On the way home Riley enjoyed a cookie and her sippy cup - she deserved it!!


*The head circumference is the only accurate measurement.

My Birthday Luau!

The day after my birthday, mommy and daddy threw me a 1st birthday bash. All of my family were there and it was a luau theme. I got a real Hawaiian dress from Hawaii. Mommy bought me a lei and a headband to match my outfit. Here are a few pictures from the day.






Yummy cake...it was delish, as I'm sure you can tell by the next 3 pictures!!


The best part about any birthday party are the presents! And boy did I get a lot of awesome gifts!!

I had so much fun I was pooped by the end of the day!


This picture = successful party! Wonder what my 2nd birthday is going to be like???