Olivia is THREE!!!

Three years ago our little Lu Lu was born. Today we celebrated her birthday with friends, food, and lots and lots of balloons. She has been talking about her birthday for weeks. It was so FUN to throw her a party. Sequence, balloons, finger foods, and princess costumes - a party fit for a queen :).

Little Buddy is ONE

Today our Little Buddy turned one. I can't beleive it. No fan fare for him today, just lots of hugs and snuggles. Below are our latest and greatest pictures of him.

Biking the Katy

Clinton, Mo/// Highest Point on the Katy/// Great BBQ in Sedalia

Me and The Mighty Mo/// Out on the Trail//// Hartsburg, first B&B

Beautiful Bridges/// Lonely Trees/// Cute Lil' Foxes

The Lindenhoff in Augusta/// St. Charles (245 miles later)/// Heading Home

When Clark's father, Brian, dropped us off at the trail head in Clinton, Mo and we were finally on our way, we just looked at each other and grinned. "Is this really happening" we said out loud to each other. Five days, no kids, just us and our bikes. IT WAS AWESOME!

The weather was beautiful, perfect for riding. We fell in love with the Indigo Buntings, small bright blue birds that were all along the trail. The wild life was so much fun to see: birds, turtles, and foxes, snakes, lizards, and frogs. We averaged about 50 miles a day and were surprised to find ourselves alone most of the time. For long stretches it was just the two of us. The little towns that crop up along the Katy broke up the scenery and added to the charm of being out in the country. The landscapes were beautiful. We spent most of the time under a tree canopy just visiting or lost in our own thoughts. We camped and stayed at B&Bs along the way. This hippy mama has become more high maintenance as I get older, preferring feather beds to a sleeping bag, but, camping out with Clark was awesome. Cuddled up in a tent with him, no babies to wake us up at night, lazy mornings, then a long ride. It was perfect. The B&Bs were also a welcome for our soar bums and tired legs. Soaking in tubs, laying in posh beds, meeting fantastic hosts, and eating yummy food was great! Our favorite B&B by far was the Lindenhoff in Augusta.

The other riders we met along the way were great. Cyclists are some of the friendliest people. Ron from Indiana, the Wisher's from Chicago - we got caught in the rain with the Wisher's - we were all totally soaked but smiling the whole time. We also fell in love with Clinton, Pilot Grove, Hermann and Augusta. All four were really cute towns. In Hermann, we met up with Mimi, a good friend, who gave us an incredible tour (thanks Mimi!). For a long time we have said we are moving to the family farm after Clark finishes his training. Now these little tows have us dreaming about other future possibilities. We'll keep you posted.

As for our kiddos, Grandma Helena did a fantastic job taking care of them. Heavenly Father really answered our prayers. My hope was that they would feel loved, be safe, and not totally melt down in our absence. They both did great. Helena took them on long walks, sang songs to them, and let the farm be their playground. Though it was great to get away, I couldn't wait to see Olivia, to see her face, and hear her voice and hold little buddy in my arms. I thought about them every day, especially little buddy. Even on my bike I could feel him in my arms and imagine so easily giving his face and head little kisses. It was hard to be away from them.

Now it's Friday, a week ago we were in St. Charles. Now we are home and it's back to the grind. Clark's on call tonight, Grandma's back in Virginia, and today was full of feeding, changing, playing, and snuggling my kids. Yes, back to the grind but it's a good grind. Life here keeps us grounded and makes our little get aways that much more enjoyable. Thanks for checking in :)

Winter is gone! We are out of hibernation. The Redbuds and Dogwoods are in full bloom, the attic fan is blowing, and Lu Lu is chattering in the kitchen while Clark asks her playful questions. It feels so good to have Clark home again. He was gone for several days at a conference in San Antonio. He's making bread right now and we are getting ready to snuggle up and watch a fantastic film about the life of John Adams.

As for this past winter, not much to report. We have loved watching our little buddy grow. Isaac is such a little cutie. He trumps his sister in disposition. I didn't think it was possible to have another child as good as Olivia, but our little Isaac is even better than Olivia! As long as his belly is full and his diaper is dry, he's content to just explore his surroundings. I love him so much. I don't know what I will do if we ever have a high maintenance baby. Our two kids have spoiled me.

Olivia. Playful, affectionate little Lu Lu. Though the winter at times seemed long and drab, she was my little jester, keeping me company, running me ragged, driving me crazy. We love her so much. I spent the winter being the mommy, working out, and battling eczema. And Clark, he continues to work hard as he always does. He is my rock. I am so lucky to have him in my life.

We are really excited right now. Clark and I are gearing up to bike the Katy Trail the first week of May, Clinton to St. Charles, without the kids. Lulu and little buddy will be staying with Grandma Helena on the farm. We'll be camping and staying at B&Bs along the way. We can't wait to get away, to be outside, and to ride all day. It's going to be awesome!

More to follow. Until then, thanks for keeping in touch. Love Clark, Jess, O, and Ike

Time Flies

Clark started a fire today. The house is cozy warm. Everyone is sleeping - a perfect time to write.

November was a month full of anticipation for a singular event - THANKSGIVING. Clark and I flew with the kids to Idaho to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We spent the week filling our bellies with great food and watching our kids play with their cousins. Dad did a masterful job being grandpa, from leaf fishing to bon fires to smores. Sue was incredible. There were seventeen of us in all, 10 adults, 7 children. I don't think she left the kitchen except to sleep and use the restroom. We were also able to spend an afternoon with my mom and her side of the family. I am so glad she and Steve were able to make it up to see us.

I had hoped for more one on one time with my sisters. I had envisioned us staying up late and talking, going for long walks with eachother and just being silly. That didn't really happen. With our growing broods, I am discovering this time of our lives is more about our children than eachother and that's okay. The Thanksgivings of my childhood are great memories - treasures. When I think of them I think of Granny's chocolate chip cookies. I think of sand castles and sea turtles. I think of the Ocean. I think of my cousins Avery and Mindi. I wonder what my children will remember? I am excited to help them create wonderful memories.

December finally felt like Christmas. This is the first time in such a long time that December has felt like Christmas. The decorations, the music, food and family. It was great. We brought home a pine from a tree farm, drank apple cider, went to Christmas parties, and attended Church services celbrating the birth of Christ. We spent Christmas day with friends and celebrated the New Year with family. Nothing out of the ordinary, really, but it felt so good. In the past I've been preoccupied or weighed down. Not this year. It was awesome from the 1st through the 31st. I hope to have many more Decembers like this one.

January, too early to tell and too tired to write anymore...goodnight friends & family, you are never far from our thoughts.

Fall is Finally Here

We celebrated the beginning of fall this year by camping at Catfish Katy's and attending the Pumpkin Festival in Hartsburg, Mo. It was so much fun loading up our van with the kids and camping gear. That's right, the Andelin Clan now has a van. We love it. It's awesome. Clark is still commuting to work on his bike, so, we are still a one car family. But, now, we are truly traveling in style!

Camping was quite the experience. The campgrounds were full and being overrun by the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Just imagine us pitching our tent on some shoddy campsite with remnants of cement footings nearby, while folks dressed in Medieval garb, wielding swords and armor, make their way over the hill to camp out by the Mighty Mo. It was so much fun! We built a fire, snuggle the kids, and slept out under the stars. After Clark and the kids went to sleep, I slipped outside to investigate what was afoot over the hill. Madeira, an SCA member registering other members, cloaked me in her velvet cape as she took me on the tour. I cannot even explain what I saw - being at their campsite was like being transported back to the Middle Ages - Men slogging beer, viking tents everywhere, torches lighting the way. As I crept back to my campsite and snuggled next to Clark, I fell asleep as music and singing drifted down from their campsite. It was so much fun.

The Pumpkin Festival was also great. Live music, yummy food, friendly people, and a great feeling of community. Once a year 70,000 people descend on this tiny town of 108 people to celebrate the coming of Fall. Olivia loved it. Little Buddy was clueless but happy. And, Clark and I enjoyed just getting away with the kids and doing something fun.

Missouri is so beautiful this time of year. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and we are beginning to burn wood and wear sweaters. I love this time of year.

Olivia's first Pony Ride