Some of our 2008 Highlights!

6 years of wedded bliss . . .

4th of July with the Lancaster clan

Lake Powell

A sister-in-law!

The annual girls trip

St. George with Paul, Nat and Tate

Our boardwalk bike ride

Celine Dion concert at the Honda Center

A visit from Santa Claus

New Years Eve- "Wicked"

Carter the cowboy

Carter's 2nd Birthday

We didn't really plan a birthday party for Carter this year. I just wasn't up for it, but we did celebrate with the family at a Chuck E. Cheese in Vegas of all places. We decided to drive up for the day to see my brother Blake's wife, Kristi, play in the Mountain West conference for woman's soccer. After the game we spent an hour driving around looking for a decent Chuck E. Cheese. We finally found one and Carter almost had as much fun as his dad who spent the whole night trying to beat the high score in "pop-a-shot". Carter made out pretty good in the gift department. His grandma and grandpa got him a new scooter, which he rides everywhere, we got him some action toys, and his uncles got him swords to fight with (He likes to pretend he's Peter Pan).

Scary Monster!!!

I let Carter pick out his own halloween costume this year. I was surprised when he insisted on the monster costume, but as the month continued I could see how appropriate it was . . . he played the part well (must be those terrible two's!). My aunt Nancy had a fabulous Halloween party for all her favorite kiddies. Carter had so much fun and he loved seeing the other kids dressed up. He couldn't stop staring at my cousin's little boy Jackson dressed up like a dragon. Carter finished off the night in true monster form inhaling at least three cupcakes!

"Vroom Vrooms"and "Bas"

We had so much fun during our most recent trip to Utah. Our first stop was Elk Meadows, a beautiful ski resort just up the canyon from Beaver. We were hoping for a sunny weekend so that Kent could finally get some use out of his motorcycle, but to our shock and horror it was SNOWING when we woke up Saturday morning. Luckily we had done some riding on Friday. Carter had sooooo much fun riding the "vroom, vroom" with his "Bampa". He talked about it for days!
Once it started snowing we decided to head to Sandy. During the rest of the week Kent interviewed with some Salt Lake firms. While he was gone we took the boys on little outings. One outing that ended up being not so "little" was our visit to the Hogle Zoo. Carter and his cousin Tate had fun cruising around the zoo in a wagon and riding the Merry-Go-Round. Carter's favorite part however, was seeing the "Bas" (translation- Gorillas). He's been obsessed with gorillas ever since he saw Tarzan. He even does the Tarzan yell while beating on his chest- it's pretty cute. Before we left the zoo Nainey treated the boys to an animal mask of their choice. When she gave Carter the Tiger he immediately got into character, growling and clawing at poor Tate. He continued to terrorize and annoy Tate the whole way home from the zoo- NOT so cute. Nainey and Tate
Carter and Aunt Natalie

Looking at the Gorillas

Terrorizing Tate

The torturous ride home

Baby Boy Christensen on the Way!

I realized the other day when my neighbor asked me in a shocked voice, "Are you pregnant?!", that I haven't been very good about spreading the news. So now I'm spreadin' it . . . We're having a baby and it's a boy! Kent of course is thrilled. My mom and I were a little disappointed, but once our dreams of frills and bows were dashed, we got to thinking about how wonderful it will be for Carter to have a little brother (to beat up on), and how I wont have to buy any new clothes ('cause you know I just hate shopping), and how I already know how to do the whole boy thing (basketballs, cars, baseballs, cars, soccer balls, and more cars). All joking aside, I really am excited for the new addition to our family. He's due the middle of January so we're halfway there. Let the countdown begin!

Happy Birthday Elaine!

We wont mention your age, but we can't let this day pass without wishing you a very happy birthday and telling you how much we love you! You are such an amazing woman. You've accomplished so much in your life and you continue to do amazing things, even with a smashed hand. It was so wonderful to get to spend a few days with you and it made us so happy to see how much Carter loved to be with you. We love to be with you too and we miss you lots. Thank you for being the mother and grandmother that you are. You are the best!

Love, Kent, Andrea and Carter

cousins, cousins, cats and cousins!

We had so much fun on our trip to Idaho and Utah. Carter was in heaven surrounded by so many kids! All of the cousins were great to play with him and entertain him. In Idaho he jumped his little heart out on the trampoline, chased 20 kitties (no exaggeration) around my uncles farm, rode the wiggle scooter for miles and visited Tautphaus Park Zoo. In Utah he dug for hidden "fossils" at the Dinosaur museum, rode four wheelers every chance he got, made friends with a singing elk named Buck who lives in Nainy and Grandpa Roge's basement, became Luke and Caleb's shadow and swam in the big pool.

Our Idaho cousins, Krystal and Kaitlyn


Sidney was so good to Carter. She showed him all around Tautphaus Park.

Those poor kittens were so traumatized by Carter. He would not leave them alone. In his efforts to "cuddle" with the kitties he would squeeze and choke them. I could see the fear on their little faces when he caught one.

Utah cousins Rachel and Caleb! Caleb gave me a huge break. He pushed Carter all around the dinosaur museum.

Carter, Caleb and Sam digging for dinosaurs.

I think Carter and cousin Tate had the most fun uncovering dinosaur bones.
Gabe and Caleb sat on the same dinosaur six years ago when they were just toddlers .

Tate and Carter riding around on Grandpa's 4-wheelers. Carter loved the "vroom, vrooms"

Swimming and making soup!