Christensen Reunion in Idaho

We were lucky to be in Idaho the same time my brother Rob and his family were there from Georgia. My parents had everybody there except for my sister Megan and her family (whom we missed very much!) My Mom and Dad planned a little reunion which included things like: a "Grandma Christensen" breakfast (a smorgasbord of things my Grandma used to make or have for breakfast), a bike ride to Tautphaus Park for a picnic, a visit to see my parent's goats and chickens, swimming time for the kids, and of course we can't forget the eating of cotton candy!!

The goats just had babies a couple weeks before, so we got to feed the baby goats!

Amy and me talking, about what? I don't know.

KISS!!

Checking out the chickens.

Emma having the time of her life!

Cute close up of Grayer, Andy and the goat, not so cute of me -- oh well!



Grayer, Bea and....

Audrey!


Grandpa taking charge of the Cotton Candy!


Grayer and Maddie

So excited for his Cotton Candy!

Salt Lake City Visit

After two weeks of being at home in Idaho, Grayer and I said good-bye to Andy as he flew back to New York to start his summer internship. We were sad to see Daddy leave but we were excited that we got to stay for one more week and play!!

One thing we (My Mom, Grayer and I. My Dad didn't come with us because he was on the Stake Youth Pioneer Trek.) got to do this week was take a trip to Salt Lake City. I had not been to Utah since we drove through it when we moved to Tennessee which was 3 years ago. So I was excited to visit again! The day we got there we visited my sister, Amy and her family, and went swimming with them in their neighborhood pool. (I forgot to put on sunscreen and got a MAJOR sunburn -- ouch!)

That night Amy talked me into leaving Grayer overnight with her so that I could go shopping with my Mom and have a free night with no little one. This was Grayer's first night away from his Mommy, I was nervous, but he did Great!! My 9 year old nephew, Sam, wanted Grayer to sleep with him and when Grayer woke up in the night Sam just brought him in bed with him and they both fell back to sleep!! It was so fun to have some alone time with my Mom that night and not have to worry about Grayer!

The next day we went to the Hogle Zoo. Grayer loved it but it was sooooo hot and soooo crowded, I was glad when it was time to leave!

Grayer and Ana


Sam, Grayer, and Dan watching the bird show.

That night Amy and her husband Mike let my Mom and me tag along with them to a play at the Hale Center Theater in West Valley. We saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels it was a great show and very funny!

The next morning we walked around Temple Square. Grayer wanted to go swimming in all the fountains!!!

Stopping to smell the roses

Grandma had to hold his shirt to keep him from jumping in!




Then it was time to head back to Idaho, that weekend was my Dad's Stake Conference and we needed to get home in time for the Saturday night meeting. I was glad I was in town to see and hear my Dad speak to his Stake, he is a great and very inspired speaker!!

Garbage Plate

We had a fun week this week because my brother Rob came to visit us. He had a conference in Syracuse, NY which is about an hour and a half away from us so he made the drive over and spent a day and a half with us before he had to drive back! It was short but we still had fun. One request Rob had was to test out the famous Rochester "Garbage Plate." We had never had one before so we were all for it!!!

What is a "Garbage Plate"?

A Garbage Plate is a combination of one selection of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages, chicken tenders, or fish and two sides of either home fries, French fries, baked beans, or macaroni salad. On top of that are the options of mustard and onions, ketchup, hot sauce, and a greasy sauce with spices and ground beef. Then it's served with Toast on the side.

Is a "Garbage Plate" Good?

Yes, it was surprisingly good! Definitely not something I want to eat everyday, but it was fun to try out something new and something unique to this area!

So if you want to try a "Garbage Plate" come visit and we'll treat ya to some fine dining!
P.S.

Health.com named the "Garbage Plate" the fattiest food in the state of New York!!!!!!!

This is a cheeseburger "garbage plate"

This is a hot dog and Italian sausage "garbage plate"

Rob and I enjoying our "Garbage"!!!

Nice family picture, except Grayer was not too thrilled!

We HEART Stony Brook State Park

Ever since we moved here to New York we have been hearing about a beautiful state park that is about an hour away from us. So this past weekend we decided that is was the perfect time for us to go and check it out! We had a great time having a picnic, playing on the playground toys, but most of all, hiking up to all the waterfalls and wading in the water!!
We saw this snake on the hike back down...

Which caused Grayer to become nervous and wanted to be carried the rest of the way. It was cute the way he ran to Daddy for protection from the snake!!

The Hill Cumorah

We have been having some WONDERFUL weather here in NY, which we have been taking full advantage of!! We have loved being able to barbecue, eat out on our porch, go on walks, play at the park, and go on picnics.
One particularly beautiful day we went to visit the Hill Cumorah! It was a great little family outing!! Grayer was so excited to climb the hill. We thought he would get tired about half way through and would want to get in the stroller, but he kept chugging away till he reached the top! And let me tell you, it is no easy climb, we were all panting and red cheeked by the time we reached the top. But is was well worth the climb to see the beautiful monument and to feel the spirit of the sacred place where Joseph Smith received the Gold Plates.

Us in the Visitors Center

Grayer opted for an even harder climb by going off the path, and went straight up the hill!

The Monument

The view from the top

I think Grayer was checking out some bugs!



The Hill Cumorah Pageant is coming up for anyone interested. The performances are July 8th-9th, and 12th-16th. If anybody wants to come you are welcome to stay with us!!!!

Andrew's TENOR Debut!

Yesterday, Andrew performed in a recital at school.
This was his first time performing since his recent voice type change from bass/baritone to tenor.
For only being a Tenor for 8 short months I think he sounds fantastic!!!
He has SO much talent!!!
I'm pretty sure I am going to be the wife of a famous Opera Singer some day!!

p.s. Sorry about the crazy videoing, I was obviously struggling:)

AWESOME HUH!?!