In Town Summer Activities

Other than our two weeks away, we haven't done very many eventful things this summer....and it's been great. Audrey took swimming lessons during July, so we spent a lot of time at the pool. She loved it and I loved it.

One day when we were getting ready to go home (and the kids didn't want to go) I begged them to smile for one last picture. Then I probably bribed them to smile...and then I got the best picture of the summer.


Wait for it......

Ha!!Does that make you laugh or what? They are hilarious. Those are pained smiles. Anything for candy.

We went to the 4th of July parade with our new friends the Dimonds. Diane Dimond is the ultimate parade watching companion. She chased down candy, balloons, balls...you name it. She won Audrey's heart immediately. Audrey always calls her by first and last name. 

The bugs haven't been as bad this year so we have spent lots and lots of time in our backyard. I started to get a little embarrassed that we were having so many backyard bbq's, but we couldn't pass up the chance to spend time outside in our cute little yard. Here we are playing Minute to Win It games (moving Oreos from our foreheads to our mouths without our hands).

And for journaling sake (since I'm not really sure anyone else really wants to see my scalp) here are some awesome shots of my two bald spots from radiation. 

A little health update: I had my follow-up MRI at the beginning of July. I had myself totally convinced that I had been a primo-patient and had shrunk my tumor. The doctors didn't really plan on it shrinking, so when we got the results that it looks about the same as it did when we saw it in March, they were satisfied because it hadn't grown....but I was a little disappointed. They basically said, "Great, now let's look at it again in 9 months." Boring.  I am feeling fine though and am so grateful for that. My sweet bald spots have started filling in and I'm over my radiation sleepiness, so things are looking up. Thanks for all your prayers etc. We feel beyond blessed that things are as they are.

Audrey Girl

3 and 1/2 years old - she is full of it and I adore her.

Drewbee

Drew has a super cute run....he tucks in his elbows and scrunches up his shoulders and his hands are up by his chin. And then he twists at the waist. This is the best I could capture it. So cute.

Christensen Party

After Red Fish we headed home (Utah home) to hang out with my family for a week. My sisters-in-law Steph, Kim and Julie all had babies within the last few weeks, and Micah and Rachel's baby is coming in about a month so there wasn't much room for far away adventures this summer. We spent the week in Park City hanging out and taking a few fieldtrips along the way. Love those people.
The week started out with a shower for Rachel at Gramma Janny's house.

Here are the remaining shower attenders after the bulk of the party left:

Our first fieldtrip was for brainwashing purposes. Straight to Provo....Go Cougs! Here they are at the new Student Athletic Facility- that place is nice!

The much beloved BYU bookstore.

Then a day at the lake on Joel and Julie's awesome boat. Micah and Rachel and their baby "Chancha". 

Audrey and Hailey

Ellie, Brooklyn, Emily and Audrey

Daredevils! I was impressed that Audrey even rode on the tube let alone stand up!

We all took a turn surfing behind the boat. Here's Todd about to go down...

Cute buns on the boat. 

We finished off the week (sadly Todd and Audrey were already gone) with some good, clean, American fun at the Demolition Derby. As you can see, I really get into these things.....have you ever been? It's a cultural experience. I love Camie's shocked expression.

Oh so fun.

Todd and I each flew with one child....I love my husband but this type of travel is pretty awesome. One kidded flying is the way to go! Drew threw approximately 37 pennies into the fountain at the Detroit airport. I love that kid. 

Fun, fun week with the family. We're excited to see where we'll be living next summer!

Red Fish 2011

Oh, Red Fish Lake, how we love thee. I think this was the 4th summer we've been able to hang out with the Nelsons at Red Fish....it is one beautiful place. The kids are in heaven being with the cousins - they roam around and cover themselves in dirt, checking in at the cabin periodically for food. The grown-ups are in heaven lying on the beach reading People magazine and eating ice cream cone after ice cream cone from the snack gazebo....(maybe this is only true for some of the grown ups).

Sverre, Todd, Dan (food cheeks), Jeff, Mick

I think the accountants for the Red Fish General Store look forward to the Nelson week every year...the kids go crazy in that place. 

Sammy and Aunt Rachel

Kate and Drew

The much anticipated brothers' football game. Below, you'll see Ryan racking his brain trying to figure out how he and Jeffy will possibly come up with some points against the much stronger team of Dan and Todd.

And here's Todd confirming Ryan's fears.

Sammy and Audrey 

Audrey l.o.v.e.s. James. She followed him everywhere and he was so nice to her. Not much reciprocation, but he never told her to leave him alone, which is what the average tween boy would do. Cute James. I heard these words 20 times a day, "Mom, have you seen James?" "Mom, do you know where James is?" "Mom!! I can't find James!" 

Our kids love sunscreen....seriously. Weird.

Kristen ripping up the lake. That backdrop is amazing.

Grown up girls floating down the river...no exaggeration, it was the coldest water I've ever been in. I had to blow this picture up so you could see our faces. Yikes...it hurt.

The hot pots next to the cold river. We filled up the two little hot pots with all our Nelson bodies....too bad for anyone else who wanted to get in.

My handsome husband and me standing on a picnic table in the Sawtooths. 

Isn't she cute? Little Orphan Audrey.

Stuck inside on a rainy day. I'm in the middle of that blonde gang doing french braids on some head for the 11th time...I  actually really like that job.

3 little cuties....Jane, Sammy, Audrey.

Taking an oh-so-lady-like bite of Sverre's food while Todd looks down in shame.

The whole gang on our last night at the lake.

All 21 blonde babies. 

We are looking forward to having Rick and Chris back at the lake with us next year. They are the life of our party for sure. Can't wait for next year.....