Game Overload?

We got a game box for Christmas that includes checkers, Go Fish, Bingo, a matching game, etc.

Melinda and I have spent some time teaching and playing the new games with the kids.

While playing "Go Fish", Melinda asked Abby for a card. She checked and said she didn't have it.

"So, what do you say?" Melinda asked.

She paused for a second and then said "Bingo!"

We all thought it was so funny, but Abby was a little embarrassed about getting it wrong.

We have played Go Fish since and Alex still thinks we should still say Bingo and laughs about it every time.

The Nephite Christmas Story

The kids wanted a snack before bed, so we played restaurant. Abby had a piece of toast with butter and honey. Alex had a toasted peanut butter and honey sandwich. They both had water to drink.

While they were eating I told them about the Nephite Christmas story, starting with Samuel the Lamanite.

"You can't stand on the wall," Alex laughed, pointing to the nearest wall. "Unless you are a spider," he motioned with his crawling fingers.

"Ok," I said. "He stood on a fence then."

"A really tall fence?", Alex questioned.

"Yes."

"A really, really tall fence?"

"Yes." I said, and then he allowed me to go on with the story.

What a funny kid.

We went downtown last night, along with Tyler and Melissa. We got a bite to eat at JB's before heading over to temple square to see the lights.

The kids had a lot of fun, up until they started to get frozen, then we headed directly back to the van.

When talking with the kids before putting them to bed, they both mentioned that seeing the nativity was there favorite part.

They love to play "Mary and Jofes" with our nativity sets. It has kept them entertained for ours during this Christmas season.

We took them to Target today to buy gifts for each other. It was fun. It did't take more than a few hours though before Alex told Abby what he got for her.

I was trying to teach him about surprises telling him that one the secret is out the surprise is over. I said that I liked to surprise Mommy, like the other day I took her out on a date to Abravanel Hall for a Christmas Spiritual Orchestra concert. (It was a lot of fun, even though we were way out of our demographic. We will definitely go again.)

Alex wondered - "When you were a little boy and mommy was a little girl did you get her a present and then tell your sister?"

LOL.

Fun times

Melinda was gone with a group from the ward to sing a Cantata up in Logan. They had already performed for our Ward's Relief Society, and were asked to perform again for the Bishop's daughter's ward. She had a couple solos and sang very, very well.

While she was gone, the kids and I did some cleaning, then wrapped the web cam that we bought for Mom, Fred and Riley. It's going to be a great way to see them more often while they are so far away. We headed over to FedEx to send it up to Alaska.



After FedEx we headed over to the library where the kids had a great time picking out books. I picked out a lot of books myself, but there were all kids books, ones that I remember reading when I was a kid, like, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Biggest Bear. I also picked out a few Dr. Suess books that we don't have.

After we got home, Poppy came over. (Nana was also gone singing in the Cantata). He ended up reading a handful of books to the kids and did a great job, complete with different voices. It was a perfect Poppy moment.

On the steps

Speaking of being little, here is Baylee playing on the stairs.

She has never fallen downstairs, but I'm sure nervous everytime she's
going up or down. She goes down really fast, sliding on her tummy.

Baylee's all grown up

We moved Abby downstairs to 'the library/guest room, and Alex to the
play room.

We bought Baylee a purple bed, with a heart in the head board and she
now has a room all to herself.

She looks so small in her big bed. (I can't believe we had both Abby
and Alex in beds by the time they were one.)

She's growing up so fast, but I sure have enjoyed her while she's been
little.

Reading Party

We had a reading party with the kids. I threw down the blankets, grabbed some pillows and we each got a book. Or course, the kids can't read yet, but it's still fun to have them look through the books. We all had a good time, and we are going to do it again.

Abby is learning all of her sight words, very quickly in fact. And she should be reading soon.

Art

Every time the kids come out to my office they have an art extravaganza.

At the top is a picture Alex did. The letters are wearing gloves so that they don't get cold.

Here is Abby's picture. We didn't teach her about the Curly Cues, but she sure did a good job with them.

I love my artistic kids.

Kids say

When asked why we take the sacrament, Abby said: "So that we won't be
hungry at church."

Abby heard, "Paint your eyes." and laughed. I said "Patronize"

24 sept
Alex said he wants to be a prince for Halloween, and Batman Superman.

Ryan Christensen
Sent from my iPhone

The Kids Say

"I don't want to be five because then I can't be four anymore." Abby
talking about her upcoming birthday. (She has since changed her mind
and us excited for her princess party)

"Dad, teach me something I don't know."
Abby, when she came and sat on my lap while I was working on my
computer.

"I'm sorry we made you sad." Alex apologizing for not listening to
Mommy read a story.

"This is Jesus eating pancakes." Abby describing a picture of the last
supper while teaching us during family home evening.

April 2008

Ryan Christensen
Sent from my iPhone

Art

Here is a picture that Abby or Alex took with my iPhone. I thought it
looked nice, something they might feature at a New York art festival
about food???

Abby and Alex are both pretty good at taking pictures.

Abby's Art

Here is a sample of Abby's artwork. She's is quite an artist. In the
future we can use pictures like this as a display at her NYC art show.

Abby's First Day of School

Here is Abby, being video tapped by her pround Daddy. Alex took this
picture, and about 20 others on Abby's short walk home from the bus
stop, down the street at Nana's house.

She just loves riding the bus. So far that is her favorite part.

She was timid getting on the bus, and waited anxiously for the bus to
show up.

She was so confident as she got off the bus, pulled up her backpack
handle and strolled home resolutely.

It's fascinating sending her off all by herself to learn and make
friends and be her own person. Time goes by so quickly, but it's so
much fun.

Overnight Camping Trip

Poppy, Alex and I went on an overnight camping trip. We rode on Poppy's powerful four-wheeler and towed the "war wagon" which had everything we needed for a great camp.

We got to camp later than expected, but enjoyed seeing the sunset. We camped on the very top of a bald hill, and had a beautiful 360 degree view. Poppy set up the spring bar tent and I started the fire and cooked hot dogs.

We all slept well. The next day Alex and I went for a hike. Then later we all road around on a four wheeler.

Poppy, who is always prepared, used his first aid kit to help someone who had fallen off his four wheeler and hurt his ribs.

We had a great time. Too bad we only got out once this year. I'm just going to have a buy a four wheeler so that I can make sure we go more often.

Sleeping Princess

Abby was using her infant towel as a veil for her princess fun.

Backyard Swing

While I was out building my office in the backyard the kids came out,
with their drinks, and gave me an audience.

The sun was getting close to setting and they looked so cute all
sitting their together. Childhood last such a short time. I'm glad
that we have cameras to help us remember it.

Sleeping Anywhere

Alex can pretty much fall asleep anywhere. He'll fall asleep with us watching a movie on the couch or like the picture below fall asleep laying on the floor next to me working on the computer.

It's fun to be able to cuddle up with Alex on the couch and watch him quickly fall asleep.

Abby on the other hand will just keep fighting it and fighting it, not falling asleep until she is tucked in bed and has at least part, if not all of her bedtime routine.

There have been exceptions to this rule, but only rarely, when she has been exhausted.

Baylee likes routine as well even though she does like to cuddle.

Goldfish

You can't tell but her mouth is full of goldfish crackers.

We were sitting out on the grass in the front lawn. Melinda thought that Baylee might be hungry so she went inside to get the goldfish and when she came back Baylee attacked those poor little fish like a shark.

She grabbed handfuls and stuffed them in her mouth. Not only could she not talk, but she couldn't chew either.

Even with her mouth full, she started crying when we took the goldfish away from her.

My Favorite Thing

One of the things that I enjoy the most and definitely one of the experiences that I will miss the most when my kids are grown is the priviledge to carry them while they are sleeping.

They are soft and limp and trusting. You're literally carrying the world and it's future as it sleeps on your shoulder.

When once their legs just barely reach past my chest, they now hang down past my waist.

I have found memories of my dad carrying me out to the car, wrapped in my blanket against the cold night air. That smell is still one of my favorite and most powerful memories.

Hopefully my kids will have some similiar reflections when they are grown. I know that I will never forget these moments.

Small

This photo is a great way to remember how small Baylee is now. Just
big enough to carry a Route 44 lime-aid.

Sonic is one of our favorite places to grab sustenance. Perhaps that's
because it's also the closest to our house. They do have really good
drinks. And it's perhaps the only place I know where you can buy tots.

Playing in the rain

We were down at the Gateway again, probably at the Apple Store.

Alex, with surprising sponsnaeity, decided to have some fun in the fountain.

The umbrella didn't help keep him dry, but it did help get wet a lot faster.

It was fun to see him have so much fun. Even though he didn't have any extra clothes and it was kind of cold out, both logical reasons not to let him get wet, it's usually the spontaneous, illogical moments that are the most energizing and memorable.

Thanks for being adventurous Alex.

Clark Planitarium

As one of the kid's preschool field trips we went to the Clark
Planitarium at the Gateway.

Here are my three little kids on Mars. It was fun to take them to the
planitarium. I remember going when I was a kid.

I think we were all most fascinated by the two-story kinetic energy
sculpture.

I bought a model rocket at gift shop. I look forward to making good
memories with my kids launching off rockets, just like we did with my
dad when we were young.

My little girl

We were invited up to the Tibbet's cabin for Friday night of Memorial
day weekend.

The cabin is up in Oakely, aka Heaven. It would be great to have a
cabin.

The kids played non-stop with their cousins. Abby even got her
fingernails painted.

I can't believe my baby girl is growing up. She is going to start
school this summer. Wow.

Bring your son to work day

Alex decided it was bring your son to work day. He was so excited and
so polite I couldn't object.

He had a lot of fun. We came home for a late lunch and Melinda said he
was beeming about it for the rest of the day.

He played with the typewriter and used the stamps and glue sticks to
make me some letters.

He played for quite awhile with the stapler but more especially with
the staples. He liked to stack them up to make a castle.

We played with the darts too, as seen in the picture.

It's fun to have a son, especially I like Alex.

The kids say

Alex wanted me to rub his back after I got done singing his songs.
After just a few moments he said, "Dad, I'm asleep", keeping his eyes
closed and laying peacefully on his pillow.

He is a very loving boy. He frequently will say "Dad, Dad" or "Mom,
Mom" and when you ask "what" he replies with a so sincere it almost
catches you off guard, "I love you" tonight he said "I love you very
much."

He is also a peacemaker. The other day Melinda sat Abby down in the
couch and was giving her a taking to. Alex came in between them and
said, "Mom, give me five!" and held up his hand.

He also likes to do "muscle" which most people call "bones" or "bust".
I think he calls it muscle because you make a fist when you show off
your muscles

The last time Melinda had her girls night out with all her neices Alex
and I went over to Greg Dibbles to play Halo. Alex fell asleep on the
way over (and drolled his chocholate candy all over his shirt) but he
stayed up all night long, until 3 in the morning.

He was supportive of his lackluster father. (I'm not very good at
Halo). When I would die and say something about Alex would say, with
heart, "Its OK Dad, just try again, just try again."

Abby stayed at Nana's today while I took Alex to preschool. When I got
back Nana asked me where Melinda was.

"She's at Womens conference"

Nana laughed because Abby told her that Melinda had gone to make butter.

What Melinda had really said is that was going to make herself "better."

Ryan Christensen
Postcardmagnet.com
(801) 636-5375

Sent from my iPhone

Alex's Bike

Alex got a bike for his fourth birthday. He picked up on bike riding
pretty well.

Quoteable Kids

"I don't want to be five because then I can't be four anymore." Abby
talking about her upcoming birthday. (She has since changed her mind
and us excited for her princess party)

"Dad, teach me something I don't know."
Abby, when she came and sat on my lap while I was working on my
computer.

"I'm sorry we made you sad." Alex apologizing for not listening to
Mommy read a story.

"This is Jesus eating pancakes." Abby describing a picture of the last
supper while teaching us during family home evening.

Ryan Christensen
Postcardmagnet.com
(801) 636-5375

Sent from my iPhone

Fingernail

After I got done cutting my fingernails, I asked Alex if I could cut
his fingernails. He quickly declined and said, "No, I like this one. I
use it to open wrappers."

Kid Quotables

"I don't want to be five because then I can't be four anymore." Abby talking about her upcoming birthday. (She has since changed her mind and us excited for her process party)

"Dad, teach me something I don't know."
Abby, when she cane and sat on my lap while I was working on my computer.

"I'm sorry we made you sad." - Alex apologizing for not listening to Mommy read a story.

"This is Jesus eating pancakes." 

Abby describing a picture of the last 
supper while teaching us during family home evening.

Baylee's First step

Today, 9 March, Baylee took her first steps. Her record was five steps.

She walks better with her left foot and pivots on her right so she
ends up doing a circle.

She should be walking all over this week.

Alex's Bed

Here is another photo of Alex's bed.

Silly boy.

Story Time

Our normal bedtime routine includes:

Story time
Scripture
Prayer
Brushing Teeth
Songs

This routine is non-existent if the kids fall asleep in the car, or while watching a movie.

The kids are usually great at going to bed. Baylee usually go to slip in our bed and we take her into her crib once Abby is asleep.

Candy sneak

When we rearranged the furniture upstairs we found evidence behind the
couch of Alex's indulgence. He confessed sheepishly, with a cute
little boy smile.

Tummy

Alex loves to have his tummy rubbed. He would let you rub his tummy or
his back forever. You can usually stop after he falls asleep.

Strawberry shortcut sad

Melinda took the kids to the store and among other things bought some
bubble bath.

Abby was so excited. She disappeared into the bathroom and a shirt
while later she came out, crying, with her hair slicked back and comb
in hand.

She thought the bubble bath was for her hair and once she got it in
she just couldn't get it out. She was upset and disappointed that she
did it wrong. She likes to do things how they are suppose to be done.

A bath took care of the problem, but we he to get a picture first of
one of the saddest faces ever.

Techno Girl Jr.

As I was saying, all of our kids are going to be computer junkies just
like their parents.

Baylee came with us on our first tour of Ikea (our new favorite store)
and she was so excited to sit at the computer and type.

Techno Girl

Abby and Alex both love to work on the computer. They both use the
mouse very well.

Here's a picture of one if Abby's drawings. (Notice how she's using
all the different colors)

I plan on teaching all of the kids how to use Illustrator. They will
be employable as graphic artists by the time they are 12.

Our kids have no other option but to become computer geeks like their
parents. We'll all be one happy apple family.

My little girl

Abby is growing up too fast. The other night when I was tucking her
into bed she said, "Dad, I need to find a boyfriend so I can get
married."

As a concerned Dad, because Abby is already so beautiful I told her
that she couldn't have a boyfriend until she was 18.

She didn't object. We'll see how long her compliance lasts.

Ryan Christensen
Postcardmagnet.com
(801) 636-5375

Sent from my iPhone

Backwards

Abby and Alex both love to paint, draw, color and create.

Alex also likes to wear his shirt backwards. He says that he likes to
"read the letters" on the tag.

He also puts his shoes on the wrong feet, and he writes his name
backwards (from right to left).

I don't think its much to worry about yet, and I don't think the
clothes have anything to do with it, but he might be a little dyslecix
like his dad.

Free Standing

Bayler isn't walking yet, but she does a great job standing up all on
her own.

She thinks its great fun and the rest of us clap and cheer to
encourage her.

She claps along, bounces and smiles, but just can't pick up her feet.

The Warm Heater

I use to wear my Dad's T-shirts to bed as pajamas. It was almost a
daily habit to wake up the next morning and huddle over the heat vent
to get warm.

Alex has far surpassed my heater obsession.

He sleeps on the heater. "I want to sleep on the nice, warm heater" he
says at bedtime.

He puts his feet by the vent and makes sure the blanket covers it to
trap the air.

He also likes to sleep with his toys. As you can see in picture
below he fell asleep holding his hammer.

He does stay in his room all night (unlike his sister) and he's
usually the first one to wake up on the morning.

Almost twins

All on their own, Abby and Alex got their blankets and pillows and
laid down to watch Herculeus. They both fell asleep.

They just love to do things together and they miss each other when the
other one is gone. They are best friends.

Snow Art

We went out to Sizzler for Baylee's birthday. When we were leaving
Alex saw the smiley face drawn in the snow (top right) and decided to
draw his own.

1 year old

Baylee is already one. She is "free standing" now for brief intervals.
She hasn't taken any steps yet, but Melinda predicts that she will
walk by Feb 10th.

In the meantime she can still get into plenty of trouble.

Dead weight

Anthony was over at the office. He was suppose to be making sales calls for AP&P, but there wasn't very interested. We decided to get business going with our photo/video editing business. We were busy gathering comparison pricing when Melinda called to report that Poppy got an elk and we needed to go down and help.

We loaded up and drove down to Santaquin canyon. I dawned my new coat and snow pants that poppy bought me for my birthday and headed up the mountain.

About a mile later I collapsed in the snow next to Poppy and his now headless cow elk. He was exhausted from dragging the 700 pounds as far as he had; impressive after hiking all over the mountain since 7 that morning.

Gravity and momentum provided us with enough help to get maybe half a mile before we decided to stop and wait for help. Todd and his friend Kelly were on their way up.

To thaw out our gloves, warm ourselves up, make a search light and most of all to pass the time (nothing is more entertaining that breaking up wood to throw on a fire) especially when you have good company.

Todd and Kelly brought sleds which made the dead weight more manageable but it must have been another few hours before we made it to the vehicles. Nana and Melinda and our kids had been waiting for us on the entire 4 hour ordeal. I haven't had such a workout in a very long time.

Poppy rewarded our time by taking us to the One Man Band diner.

Ihop

We went out to breakfast with the Claytons and Roxy as a farewell;
Roxy is off to Costa Rica for 5 months to live with Rachel and Greg.

Ihop has really cool straws, as evidenced by this picture.

After the Apple Store

We make regular trips to the apple store. The kids love to play on the imacs they have setup and Melinda and I usually find something to buy.

After our most recent trip we sat outside at the fountain and watched the water in the cold night air. Our angelic kids didnt even complain. Baylee especially likes the cold night air.  

Ryan Christensen

Sent from my iPhone

Two cute kids

Fire!

Melinda intended to heat up some water so the kids could have some hot
chocolate. They sat anxiuosly at the counter, Melinda and I were
sitting by the fire talking.

We heard the kids laughing and saying "fire", which suddenly decreased
our enjoyment of the faint odor of smoke.

It turns out Melinda had turned on the wrong burner. The cork on the
bottom of a portugeous plate holder started on fire and the kids
really enjoyed it.

The smoke got pretty bad and we had to open all the windows and doors.
No serious damage but a great memory.