The Christensens

Paul took Evan to the Wild Animal Park last week and he LOVED it! Guess its time to get a pass!

Gobble, gobble! We had a super fun Thanksgiving weekend at the Christensens. We were the hosts for the first time- and everything went surprisingly well. So thanks to all my friends and helpers because really you taught me a lot, and the success was because of you. Also a big shout out to the hubs for being the best thanksgiving elf ever! He cooked the turkey, helped with the cleaning, watched Evan for two days so I could hang out with my girlfriend, see a matinee, and have a little post thanksgiving detox.

Meet Evan's two favorite places to hang- the stairs and his chair. Notice his two best friends- Thomas and Percy. I actually bought these as a christmas gift, but they were discovered and the three of them are inseperable. The first thing his looks for in the morning are his "choo, choos". We got a Thomas catalogue with the set and it's now his favorite book. It's kind of fun having a boy and watching him get so excited over boy things.

Yeah for Christy! She made the trek from Utah to play with us on turkey day. I had so much fun shopping, eating, letting you make fun of "One Magic Christmas" (scruge!), and having some quality girl time.
This is mi familia! Chris and his lovely wife Anna came down from Pamona to help up eat a lot of food. Anna made 5 (yes 5) pies for our festivities. Very ambisious, but they were delicious!
Here is a shot of our holiday table.

The election is finally over!!!!!

On Halloween we headed on up to Huntington Beach for the main street party. It was a blast! They had trick-or-treating, pony rides, a petting zoo, big jumpers everywhere, candy, costume contests and all sorts of stuff. I don't think HB has done anything like this before. It was a good parents and kids activity. It's nice they provide a little family fun before the crazy parties start. It really made me miss HB. I've really started to like San Diego, but a beach community is different. Someday when I'm rich and famous I will have my beach front property and I'll be livin' the dream. In the meantime... Halloween was tons of fun.
Evan and Paul playing a little basketball. Evan has a pretty good arm (or so Paul says), he might have beat his competition.
Evan hounded these chickens at the little petting zoo. He would have stayed in that coupe all night if we would have let him.
That is one sad little mummy! He was so busy running around that I didn't get a great shot of him. He did look pretty cute and I'm totally gonna toot my own horn and say that I made that costume! Move over Martha!
He just wanted to ride those ponies so bad, but the line was way too long! Maybe next year!

As much as I love living in CA, and I have even embraced the benefits of renting but there are days when living in a less expensive place would be nice. That way my poor boy could have a yard. Don't get me wrong- he abuses this little patch of cement and dirt. I don't think anyone has ever been so grateful for a patio, but I know he secretly longs for a yard. I too long for a yard (not to take care of), but to let my kid run with all day long with no mom hovering over his every step. To a kid a yard=freedom. To a parent a yard=freedom. It would really be a win/win situation. Needing to look on the bright side, here are some pictures of the monkey making the most of his patio. He likes to drive his truck, use spatulas as shovels, and bring dirt inside. His latest obsession is sitting in the empty pot (I told you I didn't want to take care of a yard). It's the best seat in the house. Now if he could only find a way to watch Backyardigans from the porch...

So I had a surprise on my camera and decided to post them. Thanks guys for taking such lovely pictures and leaving them for us- we wouldn't want to forget you!
This pic is actually super cute- you look like a model!
Adam, this pic is so you and pretty gross! I think Evan will love it!
Eric- how cute and unprepared for this are you?
Hannah- you are pretty cute!

We went on our annual trek to someplace other than SoCal with our friends the Blad's, Ebmeyer's and Koch's. We had a blast! It is go great to have been able to stay in touch with our HB clan. This year we abandoned our usual Mammoth Mtn. trip and headed to a warmer climate in St. George. We stayed and an incredible place- the entrada- big thanks to Steph's sister for letting us use their vacation home. We played games, chased the kiddies, went hiking and swimming, ate good food, we even went and saw Les Miserables at Tuacahn. It was a super fun trip!
This is Charlie and Evan- they were BFF's on the trip. Evan LOVED this little car-it must have been fun to drive something that actually went somewhere.

Here are a few pics from my trip home for my sisters wedding. I brought my good camera and didn't end up taking any pictures of the actual wedding, my sister in her dress, my cute niece, or anything very wedding-ish. I was too busy chasing my son and trying to get a bite of my food before it was too gross to eat! So, here is what I got...
My busy boy!
Everyone needs a self-portrait!
How cute are my grandparents? They really are my heroes!

No we haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but it sure feels like we haven't been home in a while! Evan and I took a trip to Utah to attend my little sis' wedding and then took a road trip to St. George to have our annual friends trip. It has been a fun few weeks but I am ready to return to a regular sleeping schedule! Did I mention that Evan has mono? Don't ask me how he got it, (He's not a playa, he just crush a lot) but he was dead dog sick for a little while and has been sleeping longer that usual. I'm trying not to get too used to that! He seems to be on the mend, but the doc said it could last up to 4 months- please bless that's not the case. Pics and more details coming soon...

I can't believe my little guy is 18 months today! Time fly's too fast. Evan is growing up so fast and has all sorts of his own personality. His vocabulary consists of "Whoa!", "What's that?", "Right there!", dad, mama, shaking his head "no", blowing on things when they are hot, making car noises, grunting, whining and crying. He is also an excellent pointer! The two of us are pretty effective communicators. He is obsessed with his blanket, his new chair, his hot wheel cars, the key to the truck and dogs. We have been working on animal sounds but as far as he's concerned every animal says 'ruff, ruff'. He does make an 'Oh' sound for monkey and sometimes cows make a 'vroom' sound (as do cars), but for the most part all animals sound the same. He loves being outside, dancing,singing, Barney, playing airplane with his dad, turning on and off lights and appliances, and helping mom out around the house. People tell you that you love your kids in some sort of crazy way, but I never really believed it. I love this boy all sorts of crazy! Every new face or noise is exciting. Nothing melts me quicker than his smile or laugh. I love watching him catch on to new things. I love when I teach him something new and three days later he lets me know that he got it. I love his cuddles in the morning, which help offset 6:30 a.m. wake up cries. I love his open mouth kisses. I love it when he does boy things- he has been walking around with two or thee hot wheels in one hand and his blankie in the other. I love that he is really nice. He is busy, but he is laid back at the same time. I only hope that I can be a good mom so that I can help him be what he is supposed to be. I'm so blessed to have him.
Evan's favorite way of helping do laundry. He lays in the warm clothes when you pull them out of the dryer.

He loves to read! He will flip through this book and make noises as he points out the different animals.
A boy and his chair! He cracks me up when he's in his chair, he just kick back with a bottle and a blanket.
Bathtime! The one thing I don't love about being a mom is cleaning the high chair numerous times a day. I wish they made disposable trays! Maybe that could be my big money making invention!

This weekend we were lucky enough to have my cousin Chris and his wife Anna and baby Scout come visit us. I'm so lame for not taking any pictures of Evan and Scout because those two love eachother. Scout spent the weekend in my closet trying on all of my shoes and Evan just followed her around. We worked out a babysitting schedule so each of us could go to the temple and then we went and had some fun. We decided to go to Point Loma and visit the old lighthouse. It has such a beautiful view on all sides. Evan had a great time running all over the place. Our entertaining has actually turned into a campaign to get Chris and Anna to move to San Diego. Hopefully it works! We would love to have some family down here.

I love this little video of Evan- it shows just who he is right now. Busy, loud, active, figuring out words, and cracking us up all the time. He just gets bigger and smarter everyday- time really does fly!

Thank you for all the calls, posts and concern about my life's greatest problem! I know that if anything really tragic happens- I have the greatest support group in the world. Just so you all know, my air conditioning is officially fixed! My mood has improved and I'm a much better mother and wife. I'm also watching speed walking on the Olympics- I can't believe some of these sports that you are allowed to get a gold medal in. Maybe one of these days you will see me participating in some unheard of sport just so I can have my own olympic experience!
So I have been tagged- I haven't actually returned a tag before because I am way to lazy to cut and paste and try to think of witty answers- so much PRESSURE!
So Jen, thanks for the tag and blame any inane answers on the fact that it's 12:30 in the morning and speed walking has got me captivated.

My 3 Joys:
My baby
Diamonique hours on QVC
Music- the good, the bad, and the ugly

My 3 Fears:
Anything happening to Evan
Paul dying
Nickelback

My 3 Current Obsessions:
The Olympics
Another baby (hopefully)
Finding a new piece of jewelry- my 5 year anniversay is coming up I think I've earned something that isn't Diamonique!

3 Surprising Facts:
I'm super cheap
I hate peanut butter
I wish I was a backup singer in a band

I tag:
Lisa
Sarah Hoagland
Stephanie
Dolly
Amber

I don't have too much to complain about living in sunny southern California. In fact whenever anybody hears I live in San Diego, I always hear about how great our climate is, well I'm about to blow that theory to hell! It's almost midnight, and I'm sitting in a sauna! OK, not a sauna- that sounds too relaxing. I'm sitting in a sweatbox otherwise known as home. It has been so hot and humid the past few days, and my air conditioning is broken! The landlord is supposed to have it fixed in the next day or two but in the mean time I've been trapped in my house with a clingy baby who is running a high fever (that is the equivalent of a space heater attached to you) with no definite relief in sight. I can't take it anymore! I'm probably too spoiled by all of our good weather that I can no longer handle the extreme! Tomorrow I'm going to take my hopefully not sick anymore baby to the mall and hang out in that air conditioned haven until I can't take it anymore! If anyone has any suggestions that aren't as financially risky, I'm all ears!

Here is round two!

This was the night of the infamous talent show! The kids put on a great show. We had scooter and skateboard tricks, hula-hooping, dancing, bike riding and acting.
This is Adam showing us his headstand!
This year we found a new place to hang out. We had to hike into this little lake, but it was beautiful! It was a fun place to spend the day. Paul took Evan for a dip on the rope swing, and there was also a zip line set up that the adults and older kids took advantage of.
The men went on an overnight camping trip with the boys. They had a great time. They had to backpack in, make their own food, and sleep under the stars. Sounds like the trip from hell to me, but they seemed to enjoy it!

Here are just a few of our pics from Tahoe. As you can see, Evan had too much of a good time. In fact, we are making up for his great time this week with a high fever and hours of sleep! It was so great to have most of Paul's family attend the annual trip! I never thought I would be so grateful for all the niece's and nephews, but this year I learned how great they can be. Not only do I love them, but Evan does too! He basically only hung out with me when it was time for bed, food, or a kiss to make it better. He spent the entire week trying to keep up with the big kids! I read the second and third book of the Twilight series just because I could! This was truly a vacation to remember!
He finally crashed on the last five minutes of the trip home. You can see his battle scars from the week! He fell on some rocks while we were at the pool. His nose was bleeding, and his eye was swollen- I was pretty sure he would have a black eye. Luckily for us CPS wasn't called and his nose is almost healed. It's amazing how quick babies rebound from this stuff!
Want to know the trick for keeping a one year old entertained in the airport? Here's your answer! Poor Paul! They must have rode the escalators up and down 50 times.
Here is a good shot of the nose!
Watermelon is Evan's favorite. He was working on this chunk for a long time. The beauty about feeding your baby watermelon in at the lake is that he's already half naked, the juice won't ruin or linger on clothes, and there is water nearby to rinse off! This is such a win/win situation!
How CUTE is my kid?! I love this smile! We were driving home from breakfast one morning and he was just so happy! He kept smiling into the mirror to get my attention. His favorite songs to rock out to currently include "The Wheels on the Bus" and when he wants you to sing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" , he will hold his hands over his head like the rain is going to come down. I think he is a little music man, and that he gets from his mama. One day we'll have to expand his music repitoire!

I seem to be having some technical difficulties with my camera, but they will be resolved soon. We just returned from our Utah/Lake Tahoe adventures and we have some fun stories to tell. Since I've been beat up about no pictures I thought I would just tell a story about my sweet baby boy. On the first day of our Tahoe trip, Evan was sharing a room with us. Paul got up to go make a morning bottle and then Evan laid back down for a few minutes. As Paul and I were falling back to sleep we heard Evan moving around and then he yelled "Paul!", we waited a second and sure enough we hear "Paul!". He was totally calling Paul's name! Needless to say Paul had to get up and play dad. I rolled over and went back to sleep. It was the greatest morning ever!

We had a great 4th of July. We actually stayed on San Diego which according to Paul means that we have officially embraced San Diego. I say that it means that we officially have a crazy one year old. I guess if truth be told, it probably means a little of both. We started off the fourth by going to the local Scripps Ranch parade, and then we took off to the park for follow up fun. We came home and took the baby swimming and napped so we could be sure to stay awake for the fireworks. Evan loved being out late, not to mention the fireworks. I'm really starting to understand the importance of tradition the older Evan gets. I loved doing our own family thing and continuing on the tradition that is the 4th.
This is what Evan thinks of coming in after swimming!
Paul and Evan at the parade. We had a hard time keeping him on the sidelines. If he had it his way he would have gladly marched with the parade.
Evan and me at the fireworks. He was mesmerised by it all-as long as he was sitting on my lap!
We installed a ceiling fan a few weeks ago, and Evan was happy to help!
One of his favorite places to play. He loves climbing in, but still can't figure how to climb out. Look how massive his foot looks in this picture!

For those of you who know me, know that I heart George Michael. Make that like triple heart him! So when I heard he was coming I knew this was one show I wouldn't be missing! Let's just say it was a GREAT show. He performed all of the big hits and some of the not so big ones. Needless to say I am suffering from a sore throat and a lack of sleep today, but it was all worth it! Thanks to Jen and Dave for letting me be the third wheel!

Well here is my monthly update! Things are just fine at our household. We have had a busy month and are preparing to embark on the rest of the summer. That is no small task! Evan and I are going home to Utah for 10 days and then we are off to our annual Lake Tahoe trip. Let's hope we can all survive!
This is Evan on Memorial Day. It looks like he's loungin' with a cold one, but I assure you it is probably Diet Coke. He had a long and fun day. We went to the park for a picnic with our friends up in Huntington Beach. It was good to catch up with everyone. My cousin Chris and his family joined us. They just moved here from Utah to Pamona for an internship. We are excited that they are here. I love having some family closer to us!
Paul went to the Lakers/Spurs playoff game. Thanks to Casey for the hook-up!

Evan with his crazy hair!

A weekend with the girls!!!! Oh, what is a mom to do with no baby, husband and 4 of her best friends? I would answer that but what happens in Vegas...
I had a great weekend with my besties in Vegas. We did some lounging by the pool, shopping, eating, more shopping, a little more eating, saw a show, played on the strip, watched a chick flick, put a few bucks in the slot machines, and then ate a little more. We had a BLAST! It is so fun to see all the girls I have known for so long. I must say our conversations have changed. We used to talk about what boys we liked and gave each other advice on fashion, boyfriends, etc. Now we sit around trying to tell the worst mom moments, trying the scare the crap out of our Holly (have fun giving birth!), how crazy our families are, and funny husband stories. If you would have asked me 5 years ago about hanging out with a bunch of married girls with kids I would have died- BORING! But it was GREAT! Funny how the things you swore you never do end up coming true a lot sooner that you ever thought. I'm so far down the cool ladder it's almost pathetic, but happy nonetheless! Thanks ladies for the great weekend! Thank you Paul for being a good dad and a great husband and taking Evan for the weekend!