Grandpa "Chris"

My dear grandpa, Cloyd Christiansen (affectionately called Grandpa "Chris") passed away this past February. He has always been the leader and patriarch of my father's family and it was a very hard thing to lose his presence among us. As hard as it was, we are a stronger family for having done so. We are blessed with the knowledge of eternal families and knowing that we will see him again. At this moment, I can picture him and James' mom, Becky, in heaven talking and guiding us silently through their love. My grandpa was a great example to me of "enduring to the end", a term that is often used in our church. He had been sick for a few years and very sick for most of the month of February before he passed. Regardless of his illness, he still visited members of his church to teach them in their homes, only 8 days before he passed away. He always put the needs of others before his own. When he was ready to finally let go, he simply stated, "I'm ready. They are waiting for me." I love him and miss him dearly. But I know that I will see him again. Love you Grandpa!

Family Corner

A few weeks ago, our family had a bug to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. We drove 2 hours to get to a place called "Lee's Ferry", a place our pioneer ancestors established 100+ years ago. We had a great time hiking, learning about the pioneers, hearing our echos bounce off the canyon walls and playing at a beach on the river. We had such a great time in fact, that David insisted on calling the beach "Family Corner" and recommended returning quite often. It was a great day enjoying God's handiwork. So grateful for the county we live in and the family we have been blessed with.

Coeur d' Alene 2012

We love taking our family trips to the West lakehouse in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho! It has been so special for James and I to make such wonderful memories at the lakehouse. We get so much pride by watching the boys let loose and have fun there, inviting other family members there and honoring Becky by using the house the way she intenteded it to be used. To bring family and friends together and make beautiful memories. Even months after our visit, the boys still talk about their favorite memories of the lakehouse. David said, "going to get ice cream on the boat!" And Steven, "jumping off the dock!" We were excited to go over the 4th of July this year and enjoy the town festivites. We were a bit surprised by the amount of "culture" we were subject to, but enjoyed the fireworks nonetheless. This year was extra special because we were able to invite many members of my family and enjoy the house with James' family as well. We were one big, happy family! We hope to be able to enjoy the house at least one more summer. We'd love to introduce our newest family member to it this year. :)




Can't beat a beautiful sunset at the lakehouse

David and his cousin Rylen doing a little tubing

Mommy and Steven on the tube

James and David at the Cd'A 4th of July celebration

Jared and cousin, Matthew

The boys love riding the waverunner with Daddy

Mommy and Steven swimming in the COLD lake

The boys enjoying jumping off the dock

Having a "foot race" with Grandpa Warren

Yay! First time on a wakeboard!

Aah, the lakehouse. :)

Camping 2012

Yes, it's true. I am in fact the world's worst blogger. I'd like to think having 3 boys under 5 and a part-time job makes a good excuse. Oh well. Better late than never. Right?

Here are more pictures from our camping adventures from the summer of 2012. We had so much fun as a family camping with friends and family all over Utah. The boys enjoyed running around and getting dirty. James & I enjoyed disconnecting from the rest of world and enjoying nature.

Father's Day Camping

Our family just got back from our first camping trip of the summer (and Jared's first camping trip ever)! And it was awesome! We went with a few other families from our neighborhood, so the kids had a blast! Lots of exploring, fishing, eating, laughing and good comfortable sleeping in our new tent. :)

 

Relay for Life

On June 1st, David, Steven & I were able to participate in Relay for Life right here in Kanab! It was a great event! We did our opening lap with everyone, then we got to go play for a little while. There were lots of games and activites there to raise money for cancer research. After playing for a while, David and I decided it was time to do a few laps around the track. I carried Jared in the snugglie, so I couldn't exactly run. But David thinks everything is a race. So, he ran around that track 4 times without stopping! (And lapping his mama a few times!) When he was done, I told him how proud I was of him for running so fast and the conversation turned to Grandma Becky. He said he knew Grandma Becky was happy he ran so fast, because he could feel her in his heart. No doubt in my mind she was running right along with him! It was a fun way to celebrate Becky's life as a family. We love you Becky!