Birthday Events.

We had a couple of celebration for Kenz's birthday this past week. On her actual birthday, last sunday, we went to the brinks for dinner. Nathan and Kaylee also have a birthday the same week so they all celebrated together. We enjoyed taco salads and lots of laughs and fun. The three birthday cuties...

On Friday Kenz had some friends over and we planned a scavenger hunt. We did a video scavenger hunt and afterwards watched all the videos. I kinda felt bad i hadn't planned a real party so at the last minute i put a little effort into it and set up a little chocolate fountain and treats. I also turned the scavenger hunt into a competition. We ordered pizza and after watching the videos the kids all played some night games.

She Turns 12.

Happy 12th birthday to Makenzie!! Can't believe she's heading into young women's. She's been ready to leave primary for a year and now that it's here i think she's almost a little sad. But, she is excited. Last night she invited her friend, Kate, to dinner with us. She chose Cafe Rio and then Neilsen's for dessert. Wise girl! Tonight we will celebrate at the Brinks with friends. She opened her gifts at almost midnight last night because she had NO patience to wait any longer.

Happy birthday beautiful girl! Hope your day is just what you want! We love you!

Ending the Year at Disneyland.

A couple of days after Christmas we headed to Disneyland. I don't really know what we were thinking. We knew it was one of the busiest times of the year but we did it anyway. And, really I am glad we did. Even though the park was packed. And, I mean packed, i love disneyland at Christmas time. I love the decorations and the music and the feeling that is there. We only went for two days and despite the crowds we did pretty much everything we wanted to. With the exception of it's a small world. It was packed the whole time. It ended up being a nice little way to end our year. I only had my phone for pictures so these will have to do for the memories...

Traffic was insane on the way home. It took us over 9 hours to make it back. Remind me never to do this again and come home the Friday of new years weekend. This was pretty much our view most of the trip...

My favorite, when it snows...

Christmas Card.

This was our Christmas card for the year. It was so quick and simple to do. And, it got the most compliments ever. I even had people asking me to send them one because they had heard about it. We apparently even won the christensen family christmas card contest. hahahaha who knew!

Christmas, 2011.

Our Christmas morning didn't start out too early. It was nice that we got to bed at a decent hour. I even showered before we all headed downstairs. Everyone was very happy with all that they got this year. A few things Chuckie got were a game for the xbox, a new blue ray player, tons of new movies, ties, a nerd gun. I got a new sewing machine, a camera bag, a new lens and dr. dre beats which i love.

Alexa: We surprised Alexa this year with most of her presents. Mainly because she hadn't asked for much specifically. Well, besides every commercial she saw. She was very happy with all that she got. She ended up with a kindle fire, new shoes and boots, clothes, new doll, password journal, connect four launcher game, smurf movie, bath stuff and a crayon maker to share with Makenzie.

Makenzie: She had her list down to a science. It had been on the fridge for over a month. What she wanted from "santa" and what she wanted from us. They were also labeled by desire as well. Stars meant had to have and an X meant want but don't have to have. Yea, she's a nut. She needed up getting an iPhone, a victoria secret pink sweatsuit (those were two most desired items), dance game for the xbox, new boots, moccasins, clothes, bath stuff, case for her laptop, and she and Alexa got the crayon maker to share.

Aaron: He didn't get a big surprise this year like last year. He knew he was getting a macbook because we had made him pay for half of it. But he was still way excited on Christmas morning. He has been wanting a macbook book for a while so he was so excited to finally get his hands on one. We did surprise him and had it loaded with tons of software though. He also got some new clothes, shoes, game for the xbox, a sonic toothbrush, apple tv, a remote control airplane that takes video and he and his dad got some automatic nerd guns that have been driving me crazy.

After we presents we got ready and headed to church for sacrament meeting. It was a great program and even greater that church was only an hour. We got home and got our food ready then headed over to the Bowdens for breakfast. We had a good time talking and eating. That night we went over to Chuckie's parents for presents then we came back home and just relaxed the rest of the night. Another successful Christmas day for sure!

Christmas Eve.

On Christmas eve night we took the kids out for dinner. Chuckie and I had ran a few last minute errands and told the kids to get ready while we were gone. The girls decided to get dressed up to go out. We went to the cheesecake factory and ate a good meal. After dinner we went to check out some Christmas lights we heard about in henderson. When we got home i snapped a few pictures with my phone of the kids looking so cute...

Then it was time to open the traditional new pjs. Everyone was happy and surprisingly they all headed to bed pretty soon afterwards and they were all asleep by 10pm. To say I was happy would be a total understatement! We were actually in bed around 11pm. New pjs by the tree...

Feeding the Homeless.

The Friday before Christmas we got together with the Rhoads, Brinks, Bowdens, Hortons, Iversons and Boyers to put together 200 meals to take to the homeless. It was an overwhelming experience to be a part of. The adults let the kids pass out most of the meals and drinks and clothes. We even had hot chocolate to share which seemed to be such a treat for most. So many people shared some of their stories with the kids and I hope that the kids all got a greater appreciation for all that they have. I know I walked away feeling so blessed but also guilty for not doing more to help others. One little experience, as we were about to drive away a mother and young daughter walked up and we were all out of things. Alexa begged me to let her give her good jacket that she had been wearing to the girl. Honestly, it was so hard for me to say yes. But she was so happy to take the jacket to the girl and ask if it would fit her. And when it did she was even more happy to give it to her. I'm glad she was able to be a good example to me about giving. Afterwards we all went back to the church and shared some experiences we had. We also decided to do this again and not just at christmas. It was a great day.