The Cluff Gang

DISNEYLAND 2010 -- November 28 - December 1, 2010

2011-01-09T17:52:00.002-07:00

Ok, this is going to get a little overwhelming, but I wanted to post ALL of the blog-worthy pics that I have, because one day, this little blog will turn into a book! So sit back, relax, and imagine you were there with us!

Outside Candice and Paul's house Saturday morning, getting ready to load in the cars to head to CALI! Feel the excitement, baby!

Day 1 -- Heading for the tram...I think we are still in shock. It's been 7 1/2 years since our last visit to the Happiest Place on EARTH! This would be Cam's first time, and Brig was 13 mo's last time we went.

Tickets in hand, ready to enter the gates!

That's a handsome bunch! 17 in all (first day). And no, the wheelchair didn't slow us down -- it was our ticket to the front of the line!

Sleeping Beauty's Castle in holiday decor.

Dallin broke his leg in November and had to be in a cast, so he got to be pushed around DLand. Luckily, he graduated from the thigh-high cast to the just-below-the-knee cast just before our trip. It was so cute to see Brigham walking right next to him. They were best buddies the whole time. As the days went on, Brig actually ended up in the wheelchair WITH him.

Cute lit-tle bugg-ah's

First day, first ride -- Space Mountain, baby!

Skyler-Zack, Caden-Nick

This is the wheelchair car. We were right across from the other boys as they were departing.

Dallin-Paul, Matt-Brig, Cam-Aimee.

The 2nd to last day we were there, we broke down on Space Mountain, so we got to see the inner-workings of the awesome rollercoaster. Sooooo exciting!

Zack and Sarah are loving this! Some workers came and pushed our car to get it moving, then we got to ride the rest of the way in with the lights on. We're geeks because we thought it was soooo cool!

It IS a Small World, after all...

(most boring ride in the park, but you still have to do it :)

Peace on Earth

All suited up for Splash Mountain -- except for me and Caden (in front)

The calm before the splash

Caden's facial expression is priceless! He and I both got SOAKED!

This is Grizzly Rapids in California Adventure. This is the wheelchair boat and they got to go like 3 times in a row. The rest of us were on another boat.

Brigham got soaked on this one.

Brig was lucky and stayed dry on this one, which if funny, because he was in the front, and the only one without a poncho.

mouseCAMteer

Cam's got his Toy Story 3 Mania-3D "game-face" on. Grrrr.

First day -- Indiana Jones. Look out, Zack is at the wheel.

Taylor is afraid

Just kidding

Cam is putting on his brave face. He was a little worried, but he loved it!

Our hero, BUZZ LIGHTYEAR. He was funny -- he took Brig's hat and
Cam's hat and put them on the other. Silly Buzz.

The Stroller Brigade at the end of day one.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle lit up at night during the holidays is an amazing sight!

There is a fireworks display every night. This is a very delicate operation.

If there is even the slightest breeze they cannot pull it off. Some nights we were there they had to cancel it.

Another pic of the fireworks show.

The finale was spectacular! Look at the castle -- so amazing!

The Matterhorn -- Zack/Caden, Me/Cam behind

Brigham was so excited to ride with Skyler, Matt behind

We took the 2 younger ones to Toon-Town on Day 3. They were so excited to meet Goofy!

The Criminals in the slammer.

Cameron used his super-human strength to bust out.

Brigham said "This is too easy."

The get-away car.

Awww...a Disneyland visit is not complete without a photo-op with Mickey!

They had to try out some of the furniture...

And yes, that includes Pluto's bed.

Brigham said this chair was "just his size."

"Mmm...this shoe tastes good!"

Goofy's chair is HUGE!

...and very hard.

We took a lot of "free" photos -- these pics are ones they take of you on the ride, then offer them for sale at the end. We cheated the system a little and just used our own camera's. (he he) The following pics are from the rides.

(Back row and right middle)

Pay no attention to the people behind us...Just Cam & I on this car.

This is my personal favorite -- the picture came out good for taking a picture of a picture.

One more from Splash Mountain.

Skyler's Last Jazz Game for 2 Years!!! November 24, 2010

2011-01-07T00:53:00.001-07:00

So, we usually get to attend at least one Jazz game a year (on the house ;)) from my boss. We got to fit in one before Skyler left for the mission field. We went to watch the Jazz trash the New Orleans Hornets with Chris Paul. Skyler (didn't get his picture) wore his Chris Paul jersey and tried to get it signed...don't think it worked out though. But we still had an awesome time!

We made this totally sweet sign for Skyler to hold up. He made it on the Jumbo Tron camera for a few brief seconds......so I guess it served its purpose. :-)

The other side of the sign :)

This is a pic of 1/2 bear...he's a "little" bear :) He posed so I could take his pic...it was cute! (Ya, I don't know his "real" name...but this is what his jersey said)

Shhh! Someone is asleep...

2011-01-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

Shhh! Be quiet...we don't want to wake him up...he looks so peaceful sleeping there in his bed.

Wait a minute -- that's not Cameron!

So I put him to bed and thought he was going to sleep like a good little boy. For some reason, I decided to go in and check on him. As I opened the door, it looked like he was asleep in his bed. So I walked closer to cast a loving motherly gaze upon my sleeping tike and low and behold! HE PRANKED ME! As you can see, he filled the bed with a likeness of himself and was off playing in a corner of the room. He was mad at me for something (probably making him go to bed) and tried to pull this prank off, but was caught. It's hard to fool this old fool!

First Snowman of the Season - November 15, 2010

2011-01-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Cameron was so excited when it snowed 3" -- he just had to get outside and play in it. Living in desert climates for so long has made my children appreciate the wet-white-stuff. This snowfall was the first of the season. It actually was all melted the next day, but Cam was able to build a mighty-fine snowman! The cutest snowman in all the land!

Field Trip with Cam's Class - September 2010

2011-01-07T00:20:00.001-07:00

I went with Cam and his class on their Fall Field Trip in September. We went to Provo Canyon to Glen Park. We ate lunch, went on a nature scavenger hunt and read books. It was a chilly day, but we had lots of fun!!!

Welcome to Cameron's Yard Sale

2011-01-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

"Stop by...take a look around...see something you like...make me an offer." This little guy is quite the entreprenuer! (...takes after his daddy) I was in the house getting ready to leave for work for the day and Cameron was off playing (or so I thought). As I was ready to leave, I looked for him to tell him goodbye and as I walked outside, this is what I found. He had gathered up some of his (and some of his brother's) prized possessions and was attempting to have a Yard Sale. I had to break his little salesman heart and tell him he couldn't have a yard sale. I know, I'm a mean mom.

October 2010 General Conference

2011-01-06T23:43:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to go to General Conference in October. Our Bishop gave us tickets to the Saturday afternoon session. It was such an awesome experience and a first for our family. We decided to not take to two younger boys so that we could enjoy the meeting :)
This is a shot from our seats on the left side of the conference center. We were sitting next to the floor seats in the upper level. We arrived a couple hours early when it was mostly empty and watched so many people come it. We even ran into a few people that we knew -- A Couple from our ward, and the Waite family from Fredonia. :)

The First Presidency seated on the podium. The entire congregation stood when the Prophet entered the room. We could feel the the Spirit so strong and it testified to us that he IS a Prophet of God. I am so grateful that we were able to be a part of this wonderful conference session. We were spiritually fed and hope to be able to attend again!

Skyler's Endowments -- August 28, 2010

2010-12-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

Skyler received his mission call to Portugal, Porto Mission on July 28th 2010. A month later to the date, we went through the Salt Lake City Temple to take out his endowments. We were in few in numbers...those in attendance were Mom, Dad, Grandma Jensen, Grandma and Grandpa Cluff, our home teacher McLane Smith, and some of my close friends from work -- Pua Garcia and Cindy Hansen. I didn't take any pictures that day (forgot the camera, and it was dark) but we will forever remember the day! It was a beautiful summer evening. We attended the 6:00pm LIVE session. This was the first live session I have ever been to, and most everyone in our group. It was such an awesome experience. I am so thankful that we are able to take part is such wonderful ordinances as brothers and sisters in the gospel!

A Quick Trip to the Zoo

2010-07-09T13:41:00.007-06:00

We ran to the zoo on Saturday, July 3rd (when the majority of the state of Utah was there...and celebrating the 4th btw). We love being able to go whenever we feel like it, due to our season pass. Matt's sister Rebecca and her husband Clint gave us a season pass for Christmas last year. We've gotten a lot of use out of it, too! We were in and out of the zoo in an hour and a half! We weren't running, but we were also not just standing around. We got in and got to see the things we wanted to see. Skyler and Matt weren't with us because Skyler went to see Trent McCormick before his mission, and of course Matt had worked the night before.

Just monkey'ing around...
Ok, gorilla'ing...They wanted to try to climb on this statue, but they kept sliding off.

One of the monkey's has a stuffed animal Just a rhino...

that it held on to the whole time. Cute!

This Tiger was kind of funny. He was pacing back and forth by the fence through a sprinkler to keep cool.

Brig in the lion's mouth Cam in the lion's mouth

Cam ready to hatch Zack's not sure how he got in there

Awww...give me a hug

Movie Night at the State Capitol

2010-07-09T00:04:00.001-06:00

We went to the Utah State Capitol for a movie on the lawn. They do this for a couple months in the summer. This week, they had a fairly large crowd -- Matt says around 800 people. It was pretty fun and the boys liked it. The movie was "Sandlot". It's a funny one, but I forgot how much the little boys swear in this movie. Oops.

After the movie, we got a personal tour of the inside of the Capitol building. Matt has just transferred back up there (he was with protective services when he first hired on w/UHP). It was a little eerie being in there at night, I mean, think about it...that's a pretty old building.

This is a shot of the Rotunda. It so much more spectacular in person! Breath-taking! As Matt was taking us through, we got to peek inside the Supreme Court room, the legislator's chambers and a couple others. The elevator ride was pretty cool, too! Then Matt got lost and couldn't find the underground hallways to get back to the security headquarters. Lots of fun!

The Line Up. What's Caden doing?

You don't want to mess with these guys...

The 3 Stooges. Shooter, Captain & Happy.

Camping on the Kaibab

2010-07-08T23:48:00.004-06:00

We went camping in June on the Kaibab in northern Arizona with my husband's family for the Cluff reunion. It was tons of fun! The day we got there the weather was beautiful and we were looking forward to the cool days and even cooler nights. So day two came, and the morning started out nice, but then the clouds came...and didn't leave. We were there two full days and it rained for a day and a half. We were pretty soggy, but still had fun! I wish I would have taken more pictures. I took one of our camp, then this silly one of Cameron. I'm not sure why he thought to pose that way, but I decided it's because he was pretending to be "deadly-armpit-hair-guy".

Here is a picture of our tent. We just got it and were so excited to camp in it. Matt's parents bought it for Matt's graduation present (thanks!) when he received his Bachelor's degree. Through all the rain, our tent was about one of the only ones NOT to spring a leak. I would recommend it to anyone looking for one. It's a Kodiak (like a Spring-Bar) and it has basically 3 poles (one across top, one on each side) and the awning poles. The easiest tent to raise, ever! It was hard for us to go from being trailer campers back to tent campers, but with this tent, it is not as bad as I thought it would be!

Here is the outfitter's tent that Matt's mother purchased especially for this reunion. It's a good thing, too, because the weather (this picture is deceiving...this is the next morning before the clouds moved in) really decided to not cooperate for most of the time. It was a fun reunion though. A lot of people came and the boys had a chance to ride their motorcycles. Caden was able to ride the 125cc for his first time, and had a blast! Zack was able to ride the 80cc, also his first time (on a motorcycle) and did excellent! They can't wait to go to Fredonia again just so they can ride their motorcycles! It's tough living in the city...

Cameron had so much fun. The other kids were having fun, too. They were just not always around to be photographed. Cameron is an animal...he learned these "rock on" hands from his brothers. he he he

Brigham's Baptism

2010-06-19T13:35:00.003-06:00

I can't believe this day is finally here!
I love Brigham so much and I am so thankful he
made such an important decision to be baptized.

Brigham asked Skyler to baptize him. Skyler will

be entering the mission field this summer and this

was a wonderful opportunity for him to get some

practice, and to make a memory with his brother.

He is so happy! Here is Brigham after

being baptized.

Brigham got his very own scriptures for his special

day. He was so excited...

that he cracked his new scriptures open and started

reading them. It was a wonderful day and I know he

will remember it the rest of his life. Not many in our

families could attend, but the spirit was very much present.

Brig's Army Birthday Party

2010-06-19T00:36:00.001-06:00

Charged and ready for action!

Let's open a few gifts first...

Tug-o-War...ready, set, GO!

Brig's team won!

They finished up with a few water games.

The weather started getting bad right at the end,

but they all had a great time!

Off of My Blogging Hiatus...

2009-10-20T22:55:00.002-06:00

I have been a big stinker lately. Well, it's worse than "lately" - it's been almost a year since my last post. Something I am re-committing to is to keep my blog updated. I have taken many pics that are more than blog-worthy, so be ready to be dazzled! Now that we are living away from most of our family, I feel it necessary to keep family and friends updated and in-the-know. I have received inspiration from many family and friend blogs...not that I'm stealing ideas, but rather I'm receiving direction. I think my biggest problem has been how to organize my blog and what to talk about. Well, more or less, in semi-Seinfeld fashion, this will be the "blog about nothing". No, really it will be about my family, but in a random, nonsense manner.

2009-01-21T22:57:00.008-07:00

We took new family photos back in November and I thought I would share of few of them with you, but the disk I have will not open, soooooooo....you get to look at this one for a while until I figure out what the prob is. Enjoy!

2008-11-29T22:37:00.016-07:00

At pack meeting last week, they had a race to see who could push an apple with their nose from one side of the gym to the other. Cameron was so excited to do it! He was the youngest to participate. At first, he didn't have an opponent. But once he was about half way across, Zack decided to jump into action and as you can see, they finished with a close tie. But Zack won and was super lightning quick with a good strategy - sliding on his belly.

Look at this mannequin's amazing likeness to Skyler.
We came upon it while shopping at Old Navy. Wow, so life-like!

"I've got you in my sights!"

"I can see you with my X-ray vision glasses.....be afraid, be very afraid."

Who is that "masked avenger"? (aka: cam cam)

Here is Matthew (at right end) shaking hands with state legislators and other UHP big wigs at UHP Awards Banquet in November. He received a Medal of Excellence for his service with the highway patrol. (Sorry, not good photo - cell phone was all I had to take it with:( )

Here is Brig (green) and Captain Cameron at our elementary school Halloween carnival. They had tons of fun swinging on this contraption.

2008-07-26T17:20:00.013-06:00

Zack the drama king - always playing a part.

Caden is becoming pretty good on a skateboard. He dedicates

a couple hours a day to perfecting tricks.

He likes street skating the best.

Skyler OWNS this ice cream cone.

Skyler turned 17 this summer. Mr. Big for President Brigham the wise guy.

Hey, look at me!

2008-07-26T17:14:00.006-06:00

Here he is, mister adorable. Cam is always ready to strike a pose....usually a goofy one.

2008-04-21T22:08:00.007-06:00

WOW! You're probably thinking, "Gee, that kid has a big mouth.....or maybe it's because he's trying to eat a very large IN-N-OUT original, the Double-Double?" Well, both really. And can I just say.....St. George has finally got its own IN-N-OUT Burger!!! We are so excited because we happen to love this joint. We have to hit it every time we go through Vegas. Caden and Skyler's YM's Prez was even going to take them to camp out for the grand opening. Well, we beat them to that.....IN-N-OUT had a 'private party' the night before the grand opening for Law Enforcement/Emergency Services and we believe city of Washington employees - on the HOUSE. Our bill would have cost us $48 and change but we gladly obliged and pigged out!

Thank you IN-N-OUT!!!

Easter Weekend Campout

2008-03-26T09:15:00.002-06:00

We had a great family campout Friday and Saturday. Gram & Gramp Cluff, Aaron & Tammy, Josh & Tiffany, Jacob & Michelle and our family went out to the Arizona Strip for an over-night campout. Gram & Gramp Carr were able to join us for the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. It was nice to see them out and about, even though Gramp hasn't been feeling well and Gram is up and down also. This tradition was started last year and we held it on the Kaibab in the tall pine trees. This year the Kaibab had more snow than last year so the melt off left things too muddy. Josh found a cool sight and it worked out well. Lots of dirt for the grandkids to play in! Matt was on duty and couldn't come out with us on Friday, so @ 3:30 in the morning he was able to join us. We are glad daddy was able to make it! We had a great time, thanks to all the family who helped put this together and hope to see you all there again next year (and maybe more of you)!

Keeping Up with the Cluff's

2008-03-20T10:41:00.000-06:00

Just a brief synopsis of what's going on with everyone.
Matt: Matt is going back to school and is currently working on his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management through the University of Phoenix. He has 1 1/2 years left. Oh ya, and he still has a full time job with UHP. We decided that he needed to get going on his education for a second career since he will be retiring from UHP in just 8 short years! If all goes as planned, he will finish up law school two years before retirement. Wish him/us luck! The hard part is still yet to come!
Aimee: Working hard keeping the family in line. As of yet, I am inbetween jobs for the first time in my life. I hope to start soon.....very soon! I love being at home and wish I could have the opportunity stay in the home, but finances say otherwise :'(.
Skyler: A Junior at PVHS and played JV Basketball this past year. He just returned from a spring break Catalina Cruise with a friend and his family (ya, spoiled) and will be attending the Swiss Allstar Basketball Camp in Zurich, Switzerland again for his third time. He's working hard in school and has a 3.3 GPA and will soon be employed (we hope!).
Caden: A sixth grader at Fossil Ridge. Just got himself a phone and thinks life is great. He is the king of texting! This is actually more for mom and dad than for him. We see it as a way to get a hold of the kids. Caden played football this past year and has an umblemished report card - a 4.0! I wish this counted for more...but it is only 6th grade (dang). But he's making good study habits now to take with him into high school.
Zackary: Never a dull moment! Playing baseball is the highlight of his life right now. He plays for the Marlins and so far has played right field and third base (really, two different worlds...) but loving every minute of it. Also excelling in school - testing in the top 10% nationally for 3rd grade for the Iowa Test. (way to go, Zack!)
Brigham: In Kindergarten and his little brain is like a sponge. He is learning to read and can read some easy books. Will be playing T-ball starting next month. He is very excited! He loves playing xbox and is excited that it's getting warmer outside so we can go camping more.
Cameron: Turned 3 in January and is officially "potty trained" (whoo-hoo!) This has to be mom's biggest accomplishment for the year so far! He even goes all night without wetting...so life is good in no-more-diaper-ville! He is a very active 3 year old who will not take a nap! He is the baby, and it shows.....

WOW!!! I am now a blogger!

2008-03-20T10:31:00.000-06:00

Can't believe I am actually doing this! But I figure this is the easiest and most economical way to keep family and friends informed of what our family is up to (as long as I take the time to keep it updated:). Now that we live away from most of Matt's family and half of mine, this is a great way to stay in touch! Not to mention that I am horrible at taking time to scrapbook, write letters, make phone calls, email and every other form of contact with family and friends. And for all of you that view this, I appreciate you taking the time to catch up with my family. Life comes at us fast (especially with five boys - whew!) and things change constantly so I'll do my best to keep you current.