Santa Cruzin'

Every moment of our trip to Santa Cruz is worth documenting (with the exception of a few melt downs from child #3)!

We arrived in Cali, and hit the ground running...

after we ate at IN and Out Burger!

Next stop, The Boardwalk. Ella saw the boardwalk and said, "Is this a big party momma?"



Corn dog in one hand, ice cream cone in the other. Ella had to have the full boardwalk experience.

At the beach collecting sea glass and shells.

On our way to Monterey, we pulled off the side of the road to admire some lazy Sea Lions and Otters

Lunch at Bubba's after a fun time at the aquarium.

Down Highway 1 to Pfeiffer Beach. It was breathtaking!!!

We found many ocean creatures


Another day and another beautiful beach

Pure Joy!

Redwoods

Thank you Dad and Mom for showing us your California home. You are both extraordinary missionaries and a blessing to our family! We love you sooooo much!

Good bye Santa Cruz!

Olympic Enthusiast

Grace is in the know when it comes to Olympic talk. Especially when it comes to Speed Skating. She really really really likes Apolo, but her favorite Olympian this year was Jordan Malone.
Jordan attended her elementary school long ago. Gracie's class made posters to show their support. It ended up in the local paper and on the news.

Last night, Grace was able to meet Jordan. She wore her Jordan Malone t-shirt which she purchased with her own money ($20.00 in quarters :). She got to hold his bronze medal. It was a memorable night for Grace!

It's not everyday that you get to meet an Olympian!

All by myself

INDEPENDENT SOUL!!!

This one thinks she can do everything all by herself. Telling her that she can't makes her very very upset! I thought having independent children was supposed to be a good thing?!

I heart you!

I have seen "I heart TJ" on a few of Gracie's things as of late.

So, I'm thinking.... "Man, I've got to find out who this TJ kid is."

So in my cool like motherly way (trying not to make a big deal of it) I ask, "Hey, Miss Grace, who is TJ?"

Grace says,"Duh mom, It's Grandma T and Papa J!"

I say," OH, that is soooo good!"

PRICELESS!

I am so relieved that TJ isn't a smelly 8 year old boy at school.

So....we are hearting Grandma T and Papa J!

Who are you hearting today?

F-I-V-E

5 is pretty sweet!

My favorite thing about Alivia is that she always tells us that she loves us. And... it's almost always followed by a hug! It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

Happy Birthday Sweet Livi!

I Blinked

I blinked and it was over! Every Christmas is always the

"Best Christmas Ever"!

Liv's Preschool Program. She really is an angel!

Gracie and her bud Ethan at their class party.

Journey To Bethlehem

Christensen Christmas Party numero cinco!

Snuggies will be banned from next years party.

Love you friends!

Jim and his Snuggie!

Terin and Danielle

Mark and his white elephant gift.

Matt and Molly

Mark....
and Jenn

Holly and Ryan

Annual Ornament Painting Party at Joe and Steph's
Anna and Meg


I love that Sam!



Christmas Eve!
Nativity

And Christmas Tunes!
Christmas Day

It was a White Christmas in Texas!

We put Kirby away until next Christmas.

I'm sure if I blink, we will be getting Kirby back out.

I Don't Like That Guy

Christmas is not Christmas if we can't put St. Nick in his designated spot every year. We all love him. Well... almost all of us. Last year when we pulled Santa out, Ella was so terrified of him that we had to put him right back up in the attic. We wondered how she would do this year when Santa showed himself again.

When we pulled Santa out this year Ella said,

"I don't like that guy!"

She cried and cried and cried!

Liv tried to console her by explaining to her how nice Santa is. She showed her that we can hold his hand!

That we can give him kisses.

It was to no avail. Ella didn't even like the Christmas tree. She sat on the couch and just covered her eyes so that she couldn't see it!

It's been almost 2 weeks now, and she is finally starting to

"Like That Guy"

I love it!!!