Lots of things can happen on a road trip. Some good, some bad. Now that we are done with the first half of our trip, I would like to give out a few awards to places and individuals we encountered on the way to California.
The Cheesiest Road Sign Award: This award goes out to the city of Weed, CA. As you enter the city there is a sign that says, "WEED like to welcome you!" This made both Alli and I groan. Clark, on the other hand, was speechless.
The Super Origami-Man Award: While stopping at a BK in Redding, CA, for lunch, we met a man who had the knack for folding paper. When we sat down he was in the process of making a little girl at the table next to us a T-rex. Then, as he was leaving, he gave Clark the gift of a dollar that had been folded into a tiny little collared shirt. It was so cool! I was totally inspired by this man who used his gift of paper folding to bring a little joy to others around him.
The Coolest Invention Award: Everyone has seen those vending machines that you come across in the bathrooms at truck stops. They dispense everything from aspirin to condoms to fake tattoos. But Alli and I saw a new one. Cologne. This machine had five different spray nozzles that will squirt your choice of imitation scents on you for only a few measly coins. The silliest thing was that in order to get your neck up to the nozzles, most people of average height would have to stand on their tippy toes. Sheer genius!
The Most Thoughtful Train Conductor Award: On the final stretch of road on the way to Fresno, we came across a train crossing our path. Not a problem...usually. With only one and a half train cars left to go, the conductor stopped the train. Just when we thought we were almost there, we had to turn around after waiting 15 minutes. Thanks a bunch, inconsiderate train conductor man!
The Ding-dong-McGee Award: This one goes out to yours truly. We made our first stop of the road trip at the Woodburn outlets, which was only about 45 minutes from our home. Alli pulled out a brand new container of formula for Clark. The tab to open the container broke off as she tried to open it. Without even thinking, I said, "Just hand it to me. I can open it." I pulled out my keys. The sharp edge of a key would be more than enough to pop the top of the container. So I took the key and pushed. Good news, the can was open. Bad news, in my rush to open the container, I opened it a little too hard. With a nice firm push, I pushed the key, and my fist, to the bottom of the can. Formula shot everywhere, coating Clark and the entire backseat of the car with a hefty dose of white powder. Clark stared at me in shock. Alli laughed out loud. And I, not wanting to curse in front of my child, began to spurt out the closest thing possible to what I truly wanted to say. "Ef! Ef, ef, ef, ef, ef, ef, ef!" One hour later, after a good vacuuming and a much needed cool-down period, we made our way to California.
Beth, Alli and Clark
Sean, Susan, Clint and Nicole
Zack (who loved playing with Autumn's toys more than the baby toys) and Stephanie
Jake and Mackenzie
Mark, Zack and Stephanie
Ben and Travis
Clark really loves the new Bumbo he got over the weekend.
Clint also loved wearing it as a barbarian helmet.
The boys, Jake and Clark!
This was the Clark anytime he would get into the car seat. (Thank goodness!)
After exploding half a can of formula all over him,
Clark met his new Uncle Chris for the first time.
He has begun smiling quite a bit over the last few weeks. 
Clark loved falling asleep on Grandma's shoulder as much as Grandma loved holding Clark.
Clark at the salon with Tia on the wedding day. I would have been yawning
Clark got all gussied up for the wedding in his little tie onesie.
Clark zonked out on the grass during pictures.
Super Clark!
After sweating through two onesies on the day of the wedding,
One more smile for the camera while in his 4th of July outfit
The stylish men in my life wearing matching sweater vests. Like father, like son!
Daddy and Clark watching the US beat Egypt in the Confederation Cup qualifiers (that's soccer).
Out at Syun Izakaya in downtown Hillsboro.
At the road house with the birthing class.
On the trail with the Sean, Susan, Jake, and their dog Riley.
Alli, Susan and Clark relaxing after the hike.
As you can tell, Clark has already grown out of his newborn clothes.
Chilly Clark after a bath.
Clark loves his monkey!
Pensive in the swing.
Holding up my head! 
Downtown with Auntie Jamie... 
...and Dad...
...and Mom! 
After missing the last few weeks of church in order to get things in order, we thought it would be appropriate to have Clark's first trip to church be on Mother's Day. Everyone smiled and loved seeing him. I also saw many personal light-bulbs turn on and heard others saying, "So that's why he hasn't been playing guitar lately." But most of all, I loved everyone saying Happy Mother's Day to Alli.
Clark likes his tummy time on his soccer blanket my sister made.
Clark's first bath at home.
Clark getting dried off in his cute baby towel.
Clark and Ben celebrate Manchester United being at the top of the table after last week's win.
Our first family picture.
Clark showing off his guns.
Hanging out with dad on the play mat.
Check me out!
Wow! Check out my hand!
What!? I'm naked?
Being almost 9 pounds and 23 inches is hard work.
