Zander Turns 2

We had to celebrate Z’s birthday a day early, due to Dan’s trip.  What does it matter with a 2 year old anyway? 

Z got the grumps right before we started presents. 

Then he started opening presents.  What better cure for the grumps?

The wiggle car from G’ma & G’pa Preece was a HUGE hit.  He kept on stealing G’s bike, so now he can stay up with his brothers!  He sneaks out all the time to get on his bike.

Banana splits for birthday cake.  What a hit.  Gotta love that face!

A new scooter from G’ma & G’pa Harward.  Great for a boy always on the go!

Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate!

July 2014–Part II

Here we go with the end of July.

Dan decided to grow a beard for the month of July.  Alicia liked the look, but not the feel.

Time to start harvesting the garden.  Z thinks that he is the best helper.  Every time we bring home beans he jumps in and starts snapping them.  And then Mom has to pick out the bad ends.

Pioneer Day: Alicia & the boys did a morning hike up Dry Canyon.  They were not happy to start out…but the snack is always a hit!

Zander is at that stage of constantly getting into things…drives Mom CRAZY!!  First attempt of cheesecake mini cupcakes and then Z got ahold of them…grrr!

Dan took a last minute trip to NYC at the end of July to attend the ceremony for his company going public.  It was a great trip for him!

He even had his picture put up on a Times Square jumbo tron!  So much fun.  After the ceremony they ran around NYC like crazy tourists, trying to fit it all in!

Dan brought home great gifts for the boys.  T-shirts and legos!  Awesome.  Oh, and yummy chocolates for Mom!

Going to put Z’s 2nd birthday in a separate post.  Way too many pictures for this one.  Wahoo for July!!

July 2014–Part I

Summer months are horrible to condense.  So have to break July into 2 posts.

Let’s be honest.  Alicia hasn’t gone through the pictures for the last half of July, and really isn’t motivated to do it right now.

First things first, Alicia turned Thirty….something at the beginning of the month.  Does it matter the number after you hit 30?  The decade just melds together.  Anyway, finally got a pool party for her birthday.

Gotta love the kiddie pool!!  Oh, and homemade Key Lime Cheesecake by Mark at the poolside.  What could be better!!

We ran the Freedom Festival Fun Run with the boys.

Thankfully we saw our Orem friend’s the Wrights before the race so we could get a family pic.  So proud of the boys.  Connor and Haden were under 10 minutes, and G ran all but about 100 yards of the course.  In fact, Alicia spent 3/4 of the race trying to catch up to G!

4th of July means BBQ’s galore.  First hanging out on Grandma’s new covered patio.

Aunt Heather gave Z an early birthday gift.  A pack of Double Stuff Oreos, just for him.  He is definitely an “eat the cream first” kid.

The evening of the 4th is our annual Christensen BBQ Bash.  All you can eat hot wings, fries, and treats with a Fireworks bonanza. 

Sparklers are always the kids favorites.  Jamie always gets burned.  And we always stay out WAY too late!  But we love it.  Great location for awesome fireworks from Jamie and the neighborhood!  (Oh, and did I mention Dan decided to grow a beard in July?)

Mid-July we took a 3-day trip up to Timpooneke campground and spent quality time as a family.

G and Z practiced their mad frizbee throwing skills. (FYI – G is left handed, but throws the frizbee right handed.  Kind of freaky to watch)

Spent the morning at Cascade Springs

Loved the boardwalks and trails everywhere, so Z could just walk on his own.   Until 2 minutes in, when he decided to try and get in the water. 

Spent the afternoon checking out the trails in the campground.  Z did wonderful walking 2+ miles without needing to be picked up.

Heard screaming over by the back of the car. 

Is that a hitch in your pocket?  Teaches you to sneak the treats out of the back of the car!

Spent the last day hiking up the Timpooneke Trail.  Made it all the way to Scout Falls. 

Okay, maybe a little beyond the falls, because Alicia didn’t look well enough in the right place.  We know better for next time!

Fish Lake 2014

After 5 years we made it back to our good old camping favorite – FISH LAKE, UT.  It is a family tradition to spend an extended weekend at the lake in late July.  Due to schedules we moved it up to late June, and it was still wonderful weather. 

First casualty of the trip.  (note, the skillet is still hot even if the burners are off)

Great object lesson for the boys…and Heather…hehehe

We don’t fish at Fish Lake…ever.  We throw rocks, and piss off all of the fishermen.

Notice Z has to pick up the biggest rock?  That boy is not competitive AT ALL.

This year we decided to check out the overlooks on the other side of the lake.

Didn’t plan the whole gas thing really well and almost gave Grandpa and Alicia a heart attack.  Dan was cool the whole time.  Of course.

The babies figured out 1-2-3 weeeeee, and made you do it EVERY TIME you went on a walk.

Did our annual craft project (painting airplanes, birdhouses, and race cars)

Alicia is a glutton for punishment.  Paint.  With boys and 2 year olds.  Camping.  Favorite Quote:  “Dan get over here.  It’s FAMILY BONDING TIME!!”

Learning how to share.  Okay, that one is still in progress. 

This just happened to be a good moment.

Returned to Capitol Reef after 5 years…and realized I didn’t miss the heat.  Love the park and the hikes, just HATE the 100+ temperatures.
We’ll have to try again in the off-season.  Boy, that was rough.

Ended the trip with the kids pigging out on our S’mores smorgasbord.  (Amazing combinations, and way to much sugar)

Grandma and Grandpa spent the night trying to not get in the smoke.  Lost cause.

Wahoo!  Looking forward to next year, and better campsites!!