The Cluff Family

This is what 37 weeks looks like with baby boy. Chloe is so excited to meet her baby brother. Sometimes it feels like this pregnancy flew by and other times I feel like he can't get here soon enough. I am just anxious to see him and to know that everything is okay. I want to know that he makes it to me safely and that we both survive the labor and delivery. Chloe's delivery was so rough that I can't help but feel nervous and anxious but at the same time I am so excited to welcome another member into our family. This pregnancy has been a little harder than last time because I got the stomach bug twice and he just seems to kick more and rest lower on my pelvis than Chloe did. He definitely loves to move so we will see if that is how he will be outside of the womb. I still need to pack my hospital bag and make some freezer meals but besides that I am ready. I have been "ready" my whole third trimester. I can't say that I will miss being pregnant. I am just not one of those women who loves being pregnant... nope... not me. Luckily I have a very patient and loving husband and a daughter who is very forgiving. This adventure is going to end soon... and for now we are all just trying to soak up our last minutes as a family of three.

Every year I look forward to Springville Art City Days. It gets better every year as Chloe becomes older and can do participate in more activities. We started the week off by going to the Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Library, just Chloe and I. It was a kick off for summer reading basically but Chloe enjoyed the puppet show and book reading.

On Wednesday night, we went to the carnival. It might have been a mistake because it was family night and every ride was only one ticket... which meant that it was a zoo. There were so many people that it took 45 minutes just to ride the Ferris wheel. We walked the booths, ate some BBQ sandwiches and took Chloe on a few rides including the carousel (twice) and the Ferris wheel with us.  She loves the carousel! We bought a snow cone while we waited in line and it helped us all be patient as we waited... especially Chloe. Coming to the carnival tonight was a sign that Chloe is not ready for Disneyland. 

On Thursday afternoon, my mom came down for the Fun-O-Rama. The Fun-O-Rama is a carnival geared especially towards little kids. They have blow up toys, face painting, swings, and a train ride. My mom was babysitting Kahea and Michelle had her two boys with her along with Chloe and I. We enjoyed lunch first at the Cravings food truck which is basically a gourmet grilled cheese. It was so yummy! Then we waited in line for the swings which is pictured below. If you look closely, you can see Charlie behind Chloe really enjoying the ride!

Kahea was a little angel baby and patiently waited the whole afternoon in her stroller since she was too young to enjoy anything. 

The kids all enjoyed the train ride that was totally worth the half hour wait... not. Anything for our children right? Last year when I came to the Fun-O-Rama it was not as crowded so it was kind of a bummer to have to wait in lines.

One line we didn't have to wait in line for was this big bouncy floor. Chloe loves the trampoline so she was in heaven. We ended the trip with temporary tattoos for Chloe and Bradley. Being eight months pregnant, I was wiped out after this. I was grateful for my mom's help and for joining us on this fun afternoon. We always love when Grandma comes to town.

On Saturday morning, Tanner, Chloe, and I went to the Springville parade. We bought donuts at Daylight Donuts and set up our spot anticipating the parade. Chloe loved the princesses meaning the pageant winners. She also loved the colorful floats and school bands that would play music. She especially loved the free candy that was being thrown out. Coming to the parade just made me love Springville even more and the small town feel it gives.

Since we didn't use all of our tickets Wednesday night at the carnival, we returned Saturday afternoon to use them up. Chloe rode the caterpillar roller coaster and the dragon that lifted her up in the air. Watching her go on these rides all by herself makes me realize how much she is growing up. Maybe next year we can make it to the Hot Air Balloon Festival since we missed it this year. Art City Days is always a highlight of our summer.

 Tanner, Chloe, and I started our Fourth of July celebration by attending the Provo Parade. We got so lucky in the fact that we parked a block away (at the apartment complex where we met) and snatched a front row spot that someone had been saving and didn't need anymore. Chloe enjoyed the princesses aka pageant winners and the different school bands. They even had a huge balloon Squirrel held up by multiple strings. Chloe and I took our afternoon naps and when we woke up we were ready for more celebrating. Our little family went out to eat at Texas Road House since we won't be able to have the luxury of eating out soon. We came home to a house full of people who were hiding inside to escape the 99 degree weather. I caught a few snapshots of the grandchildren and of my family. My brother brought Rocco, the brown haired Boston Terrier to play with Tara. Around 7:30 pm we all headed up to Andrew's lot that he just barely bought. His lot is right by the Y hike and has an amazing view of Utah valley. We set up canopies, chairs, and blankets and enjoyed watching all of the private firework shows throughout the valley. We also enjoyed homemade peach ice cream that Tanner made... yum. My mom made her traditional flag cake that also doubled as Michelle's birthday cake which unfortunately did not get eaten. I was craving it the next day though let me tell you. Chloe lasted the whole evening and loved watching the fireworks. She was a little scared by them and added her commentary the whole night. The Stadium of Fire fireworks completed the night and our Fourth of July. By 10:30 we were packed up, in our car, and Chloe fast asleep. I am so grateful to live in this country and for the freedoms that I enjoy. I always get emotional thinking about our veterans and all that they have done to serve our country. God bless America.