Valentine's Extravaganza

This Valentine's Day was wonderful from start to finish...and then some. I went to a fitness class before the rest of my little family woke up and grabbed some delicious donuts from the Provo Bakery on my way home. Kaylyn couldn't have been more excited by her pink sprinkled donut (though her face may not exactly express that. She was focused;) I loved how she ate the frosting and sprinkles on the top first. 

Next I took Cael into the pediatrician because he's had a super high fever for the past four days. Sure enough it was an ear infection - his first one. I don't usually like to go to the doc unless we really need to so I was waiting to see if his fever and runny nose would work itself out, but after 4 days we went. I really appreciate being able to talk to the nurse at our pediatrician's office any time to help me determine if I should be worried and bring the kids in right away or just let the sickness run its course. Anywho, we got the blessed antiobiotics that we needed and within 24 hours we had our energetic little busy body back. It's so great to see your kids well again!

On our way back I stopped in for a quick oil change at the Jiffy Lube in Orem on State Street. They gave me a white rose as I checked out - cute Jiffy Lube. It made me smile.

But even cuter - actually a whole lot cuter - was my sweet husband who got flowers for me and Chancha. He wanted to be the first one ever to give Kaylyn flowers. Isn't he a sweet dad?

 The fun continues. We had a family Valentine's sleepover at the Double Tree downtown Salt Lake (formerly known as the Embassy Suites where we frequently stayed with my dad when we were growing up. I have wonderful memories of ordering free Shirley Temples (coincidentally the actress Shirley Temple just passed away on Feb 10th) and popcorn during lunch hour and eating amazing pancake and waffle breakfasts that were included with our stay). We had some Thai food in Lehi on our way up and went swimming until 10pm at the hotel. Kaylyn loves the water and could've stayed all night in the pool.

Lately Kaylyn puts on her cheesiest smile for the camera. 

 The next morning we took our time waking up and headed to The Park Cafe near Liberty Park. Let me just say, it was deliciousness.

I ordered the French Toast Foolishness and it was goo-ood. I suppose they call it foolishness because no one should eat that much food in one sitting, but most do because it's so tasty. 

Micah got their special - Huevos Rancheros and he was equally pleased. We have an unintentional tradition of eating breakfast for lunch when we're on vacation because we usually don't get out of the hotel until 11am or so. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day so it works out wonderfully:)

 Then while Micah waited in the car doing some work on his laptop the kids and I went "strollin'" (Kaylyn's favorite Baby Signing Time reference) at Liberty Park.

Both kids were captivated by the ducks and geese. I tried to get them to look at me for the pic, but this shows their real interest. Did I mention it was almost 60 degrees outside?

I didn't realize that Cael had fallen asleep somewhere along the way back home. It looked even funnier in real life, but as you can see he is gone burgers. 

Next we headed to Rach & Todd's house to see our newest niece Molly. She is oh so sweet and such a blessing for the Nelsons and all of us. I want to hold her some more:) Finally we headed to Midvale to meet our good friends the Zimmers at the Bohemian Brewery & Grill. We love them. They always introduce us to cool new restaurants. I love their taste and I just love them. It was a wonderful evening.

And that was our Valentine's Extravaganza. Micah rocks.

2013 Part II

The RV provided a couple of highlights last summer.

The first was a trip near the end of June with Seth & Amy to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone

We were packed into the RV like Sardines. All 10 of us - 2 in the back, 2 where Jakey is playing early morning video games, 1 on the floor, 2 baby beds, Ellie on the couch and 2 more up top where I'm taking the photo.  

We stayed in an RV Park in Jackson Hole and I went on a morning run after a long night of making sure my babies didn't wake anyone. It was a welcomed and beautiful morning.

My boys hanging out. Dad on his laptop and Cael just chillin'. Classic.

Kaylyn LOVES her cousins

But she plays it pretty cool sometimes;)

She also loves animals - this one is just a stuffed one or else I don't think she'd be so brave.

Lunch at The Bunnery

Such a sweet moment napping with my baby.

Kaylyn always plays with my hair to go to sleep, but Cael's was more accessible here.

My little family - I spy Micah in the background.

Kaylyn loved collecting rocks and flowers at Jenny Lake.

The kids collecting rocks and Sam and Ellie exploring in the shallow water.

Have you ever seen the view from Jackson Lodge? I had never been there before though I've been to Yellowstone several times. It was breathtaking.

We love our Jaynie!

We're all family here. I can't help but imagine having a whole gaggle of children. Here we have 6, but we hope for 7:)

The girls were teaching Kaylyn a dance inside the lodge so here she is performing some of her moves.

We love these people!!

One of the many beautiful sites inside Jackson Lodge.

Our next RV adventure was a long weekend in August with just our family to the Uintah's. 

Kaylyn makes herself right at home in the RV

This was the perfect setup. While Micah was driving I could throw both kids into the pack n' play and they could see out the front window and I didn't have to worry about them falling over when we turned or a bump in the road.

We got to the Mirror Lake campground late so there were no spots available (a typical Christensen family vacation occurrence:) . After driving around for quite some time, we parked in the day time camp area and ended up staying the night without getting kicked out.

 The following is a step by step shoot of Kaylyn helping Dad gather firewood and get it started.

She is such a great helper and was so proud of herself! Man I love this girl. And this guy:)

Tin foil dinners

My boo casting out.

At one point while we were watching Daddy attempt the last catch of the day during a light rain shower Kaylyn suddenly called out, "Nice cast Daddio!" 

We found the perfect chair for Cael.

Kaylyn can't wait to go in the Sunburst 300 with Dad.

All suited up.

Cael and I enjoyed our time together while they were out on the water. He is cuuuuute.

I took a spin with Kaylyn and we relaxed in the sun.

Cael had a great trip! We love camping - RV style:)