It's a Miracle!!

Finally-- I'm posting something-- it's an update, that's out of date :)   Yep- It's only taken me 5 months to post something.  It's actually quite sad.  I found that if I ever have a free minute- My 1st choice is to update my blog.  Journaling- and Preserving pictures/ memories is super important to me.  I guess this isn't my year for a free minute.   And, definitely not the summer for a free minute!  

We have been going like crazy. 

EASTER Since this is our scrapbook- I just can't leave out all this stuff- So-- Yep we are back to EASTER!  
Easter was a real hoot this year!!  We actually were having a really hard time trying to figure out when to do Braces weekend, (between everyone's schedules,) and this weekend happened to be the best.  SO FUN to have Family in Town on Easter!!!  We started it out right, by giving Jackson a little licorice the night before.  His first treat!  Mmm Mmmm- he sat for a super long time just loving every minute of it!

Jackson was going crazy all season- trying to get the Easter Decorations.  We finally let him have at it!

It was awesome!!  Since a bunch of family came- we told the Easter Bunny not to do baskets, and instead we will all just have a massive Easter Egg Hunt in the Yard. 

On your mark. get set. GO!!!!!

The older kids set up the whole hunt while the adults were getting the Easter Dinner on.  It was 

Sa-Weet!  They made those kids work for that candy!

They were pretty Proud!!!

Josh and Rob had some good times wrastlin'  Until of course- The "Full Nelson" came out! .  

The Men of the Group

Such fun Cousins!!!

This Easter dinner was serious..... Don't mess with the Pig!!!

We even had some of my good Friends from High School come.  Becky and Joe used to live in Denver- but now live in Utah.  They were out for spring break- so we had to get together!  We were so lucky they could join us.  Becky and Joe- were both such great friends in HS--and then they got married!!  So fun!!  It was awesome to be with them and their cute kids!

Fun times hanging out!!

Zack got his Arrow of Light!!  Congratulations Zack!!!  

Zack is pretty proud of his new arrow!!  He worked hard- and it paid off!

This Kid..... has discovered EVERYTHING!!!  

In- Out- On- Under-and Around Everything he can!!!

I couldn't resist his shirt..... Since Mark is so "RAD"  it was a perfect fit!!

I have to laugh.... when we met, I think he said that -every other word!

End of the School Year Craze

Track Meets, Soccer Games, Piano Recitals, School Concerts- the list kept going.  It is so much fun to watch these kids and all that they are accomplishing!!!  They work so hard- and it pays off! 

Here is Josh at his Regional Track Meet- he jumped 18'11"  He is quite a jumper. 

Maddie is smokin' fast  at the 100 meter dash.  She did awesome this year!

Allie is still our little Soccer girl.  Maybe she'll hold out and continue playing.  

She really loves it, it's so fun to watch her!!!

Amongst all the end of season games, party's, concerts etc., All of them also had end of the year projects.  Here is Zack at the "Wax Museum"  being Jackie Robinson.  He worked so hard on every detail- and did most of it all by himself.  We were so proud of him!  We were super bummed though to find out that they were doing it a week earlier than usual - so it was right during our Italy Trip (more on that later.)  Kendy was super awesome and took full footage of him saying his entire speech-- all memorized!!  Great Job Zack!

Sometimes I forget to post all the regular things in life.  The Missionary's are such a huge part of our life.  We have been working with Mark's office manager Becky to hear the discussion as well as some neighbors.  We love our missionary's they are such great examples to our kids.  This is Elder Kautai from Tonga and Elder Seul from Connecticut the night before Elder Suel got transferred.  

Josh's Temple Trip to San Diego

So- the idea is that they would go in between 14-16.  Maddie chose on her 14th birthday, but Josh wanted to wait until life wasn't as crazy with his sports, and school.  We had such a great time.  Josh chose the San Diego Temple.  It was amazing!    Our miles would only get us into LA, so we rented a car there.  Since we were so close we had to run by the old UCLA housing.  Wow-- Josh about died.  He thought it was crazy how small everything seemed.  It was crazy- we walk on the playground, and just like the good old days, there were 5 Asian grandmas swinging their grandkids.  It was like we never left-- everything still the same!

The San Diego Temple is BEAUTIFUL!!  Wow- we had an amazing time 

doing baptisms for the dead.  What a neat experience!

Afterwards, before we had to get to the airport  we decided to go see the beaches of San Diego.  It was a little chilly so we rented bikes and ate at seriously THE BEST fish taco hole in the wall we had ever been to.  San Diego was AMAZING and  SO. MUCH. FUN!!!! 

This almost seems like a post all about Josh-- don't worry, there's lots of the other kids too.  Josh just had a lot going on at this time.  

Mormon Prom

We were so happy they started the Mormon Prom this year.  It was so great for these kids to go- and just have a super duper time with their friends, yet learn all the etiquette  etc.  At first the boys weren't that excited, so Mark promised all the priests if they would ask someone- we would do a steak dinner at our house.  Suddenly they were all asking the ladies :)  

They all showed up looking amazing!!  Wow- all modest- super sharp looking kids!

Josh asked his good friend Summer Grover.  They are both in the same grade- and it was fun to go with a friend.  Don't they look SO AWESOME!!!!  It was cute.... they asked/ answered all creative just like the good old days.  It's lame, not everyone does it like that here.  So glad they made it fun! He'll deny it.... but he was nervous for his first date.  Good thing Summer is so fun to ease his pain.

The Ladies

Brittany, Chelsea, Jessica, Sloan, Sydney, ?, Summer, Olivia, Kara, and Lexi

The Guys-- and Josh's closest friends.  In fact- the one in the purple is Tanner Arnett.  We are missing him so much- He was such a great kid!  Tanner passed away this last June up at High Adventure in a Canoeing accident.  It's so hard to think it is actually real.   Now that things are winding down to go back to school- and families are back in town- it is beginning to sink in.  Josh has greatly missed his good friend Tanner!

Carter, Josh, Justin, Curtis, and Tanner

We had a great group of Parents help us.  In fact almost all of the Parents brought something or helped in some way.  Becky Grover- is amazing at Decorating for events.  She came and set up all the tables-- and made everything so pretty!

Kris and Becky thought we needed pictures of the cakes we made.  What they don't realize- is that we kind of make them a lot.  Hmmmm-- Probably need to change that. Maybe.

Taking their orders- and serving them was great, But the behind the scenes eating was the best!!!  Such Yummy potatoes- huh Kim!?!?

Just before they all loaded in the Arnett's Van to go to the Dance.

This was all too exciting for the girls!  You should have seen them peering behind the corners to watch all the dates.  So cute!!  Afterwards- they were in Heaven playing with the big giant balloons!

Zack's 11th Birthday

Can you believe it Zack is already 11!!  He had a fun Birthday- full of lots of fun things!  He got a new bike  (with a mile computer on it) so he is thrilled to get out and count the miles. 

Josh gave him this super awesome gift---- Any guesses?

Zack is a Jimmer fan all the way- so he was delighted!!

For his Family Party he wanted Mint Mud Pie- Mmmm

And for his Sunday Dinner Cake- he wanted Peanut Butter Cup Cake!  Mmmmm   

Pretty tasty choices Zack!

Austin and Kendy's Wedding

Since Kendy was here watching the kids the week before her wedding- and they got a chance to talk Wedding all week--the Kids were extremely excited to see it all go down.  They could hardly wait!   Here they are outside the temple ready to babysit all the babies!

Woohooo!  It's official!!

We had to chuckle!  Afterwards- we ran over to the new Salt Lake Mall and then finally headed home. However-- we totally lost our car.  Like couldn't find it anywhere!  We turned every corner etc.  One of the corners- we see Kendy and Austin traipsing up and down the rows too-- They had lost theirs too!!  So funny!  I guess they had an excuse for not finding theirs.  Kendy laughed-- "I was kind of thinking about getting married.....not where we parked!"

Oh My.... Cher and Bry's Yard was Glorious!   Down to the every flower planted to match the wedding- oh my..... It was beautiful.  All their Super Hard Hard work paid off!

Cher- did all kind of cuteness- down to the very detail!

Since Retro is way in these days..... They went all out.  It was so cute, they had all the doilies our Grandmas had made- with a cute little note about the Grandma.  It was sweet.

Mark and the Boys were actually at the BYU Basketball camp all weekend, 

but came home for the Reception.   It was so fun to see them.  It worked out good- because it was  a down pour- but it cleared up just in time.  

All of the Teenage boys took turns driving the older folk up the hill for the reception.  

Josh was loving it!  

And Allie's favorite part was getting yummy food with Ellie- and jumping in Clayson's car for a ride! 

The Best of All though..... was the wild and crazy dance.  Total Mosh Pit business..... SO FUN!!!  I think Austin's family were looking at us a little strange --We are a wild crowd!!  Kendy and Austin are so much fun- they were right in the thick of it-- wedding dress and all!  Finally we settled down to some good old circle dancing!  Zack and Tom showed us the moves!

And just before they were off- Kendy and Austing went down the Arch of Fire!!  It's amazing her hair didn't catch on fire!  Of course while this was going on- Bry had lit up the sky with amazing humongous- totally illegal :) fireworks!! So fun!

 LOVING THE DOWN TIME!!  It was so nice to hang out the day after the wedding.  Jackson got to know his cousins Ella and Tom.  Not sure Ella likes him too much!  

He doesn't quite get the personal space thing. 

I have no idea what this is!!  Isn't it fun- to find pictures on your camera- especially ones like this!!!  Apparently Cosi was in for a treat!!  Can someone please comment-  I hope this was a game????

Memorial Day -Provo Cemetery

I love that Mark goes to the Camp every year over this weekend.  It is so neat to have the chance to go down and see both Dad's, as well as my Grandma and Grandpa Christensen's graves.  I love the opportunity to sit and talk about their lives- and their examples.  What awesome times-- 

They are so missed!!!  

Look who got glasses!!  Doesn't Zack look awesome!!!  The best part is that he can see-- it's a wonder isn't it- how long he hasn't been able to see.  When he put them on- he said "Is this what it really looks like?!!- Wow!!"

SCHOOLS OUT!!!!

5th Grade Graduation  Wow-- Our Zack is getting too old!  Crazy to think he is on to Middle School already!  It has gone too quick.  We are so grateful for Zack in our family---- Such a sweet, mildness that we are all in need of.  Everyone can get a long with Zack-- He's just that kind of kid that  makes you so happy!!  

Here he is on his Graduation day.  They post a picture of him doing something he loves- but can't do too often.  He got to make his own page- describing what he likes, and what he wants to be when he grows up.... Orthodontics huh?  Seriously- had no idea.  I thought it was PE teacher so he could get all the kids birthday treats and play sports :)

We loved Mrs. Boisen- she was so awesome for Zack!

The Big 5th grade Grad Party!  I know..... for real!  I thought it was expected to graduate from 5th grade-- but hey, we all need a little extra on our plate these days.  Actually -- it was fun to chillax and watch Zack have a great time with his friends. 

There's just nothing like being out of School!!  Maddie and her friends Greta and Cambri were......

OVER-JOYED!!!!!  Woooohooooo-- School is out!!!

The weekend after School got out- Mark, Josh, Maddie and I headed for Youth Conference in Nauvoo.  What an amazing experience with the Youth!!  We loved being with them- here are a few fun pics.  I totally didn't brink my camera- cuz I wanted to just focus on the other stuff- so these are a little blurry with the phone camera.  

Stephanie and Camila came for Braces

What a treat to have them come out to Colorado!!  We had a great time playing in the pool-- hanging out-- and getting out on the boat!!! 

This was one of our first times Ever- so they all took a try trying to learn how.  Zack popped right out of the water on the wakeboard!!  So fun!

Josh popped up after a few tries- then started trying tricks-- Was this one of them Josh?

Camila did awesome on the wakeboard-- She is so strong- and was blazing right along.

Steph schooled us on how to ski!  She is still so good- so fun to watch!

Jeff was stellar as well on the wakeboard.  What a fun time on the boat!!!!!

And Jack- Jack just did super fine on the boat!  He's found his spot- and loves to stick his head out with the wind blowing on his face.  So cute!!

Father's Day  We were super lucky to have Jeff, Becca, Steph and Camila here with us to celebrate Father's Day!  The kids couldn't wait to help make a tasty dinner- and candy bar posters for them!

Happy Father's day to the Best Dad in the World!  

Mark is amazing!!  Oh man-- I would fall apart without him.  Thanks for being the best Dad, Friend, Everything in the world!!  We are so grateful for all he does and teaches us!!

Love any shane we can play Ticket to Ride!

Hot Summer Days--Love those hot summer days- where you just have to get out and play!  Zack, Bryson, Allie and Devree were loving the ride to the pool- swimming- and the ride back again on their wheels!

Mark and the kids were super duper sweet for my birthday this year!!  Mark and Josh waited to have breakfast with me in the morning before they headed off to high adventure.  AND- -Josh even stayed up super late to make me a chocolate birthday cake!!  Wow-- What a huge surprise!!! 

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!

Just a little FYI- It's a captain EO pajama shirt- not Gay rights shirt :) 

Josh came through with a highly needed --super useful gift for me!  Fitting.... just as I came home from running and all.  He called it "The Sweaty Mama!"  Nice josh-- That sweet red headband is going to save me hours of sweaty eyeballs- Thanks Josh--- you are so thoughtful!! :)

Best Buds  Love that Zack and Allie always want to help each other out!!!  Such cute kids-- they have been busy all summer catching toads, butterfly's  weeding the whole yard-- and just playing like there's no tomorrow!!  So fun they have each other.

Jackson-- the mover!!  The kid doesn't know how to sit still.  He is LOVING summer- and the chance to roam all over the grass!  He has discovered Balls.  Which means-- nothing else matters!  LOVING Every One!!!

We can't even keep him away from them long enough to clean his face!!  And- We think we might have a lefty--The boys are super excited for sports.

Jackson Turns 1 year old!!!  

Happy Birthday to our little Jack-Jack!!  Wow- it's hard to believe it has gone so quick! What a little delight in our lives!  We love him SO much!!!

We had some friends come over for his party!  Wish we had a group pic- oh well.  Jackson felt the love!!   All he really cared about was  ripping  up all the paper, and eating his cake!  

He opened his presents- and didn't know what to think-- new toys!  It was funny- he really was excited.  Then- we headed off to the airport to go back East for the Crane Family Reunion. 

We just couldn't resist a little photo shoot!  At first Jackson wasn't so keen.  He was not amused.  

He kept looking at the cake- like "What is this--- and more pictures???"  Then he fell in it---- got mad-----we washed his hand off-- but there were crumbs waiting to be licked.  Mmmm-- the kid was hooked!

And then there was no-pulling him away!!  The boy had found a treasure!  

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!  We Love You!!

So that's it for now.... I still have about 3000 pictures left to blog of our trips/ reunions etc. etc. this summer.  That's up next!  Hopefully it won't take me 5 months!