Chloe

My littlest little is turning 2 next month. TWO! What is that all about and with the approach of her big celebration..it has got me to thinking about how she is my baby. My last baby and she is growing up and getting so big. I almost can't handle it..you know? And while I know our family is complete and I am content with that..thank the heavens...it's still hard to know that this little one is the baby and our very last. A little bittersweet..but it has made me enjoy her all the more...trying to take in every moment and every snuggle and every kiss and every everything

and especially the moments like these..cuz we all know these are super short lived

So I will try every day to keep soaking in all I can from this little gem..who thinks she is one of the big girls round here...she gets her blanket and sits right next to them while they watch movies...she puts her clothes on by herself

She loves "tweets" (a girl after my own heart) and corn on the cob (again a girl after my own heart)

She chatters like nobodys business and she hearts her dad more than words can say. She loves polly pockets and baby dolls..and she is the best kneel down prayer out there

So here's to enjoying the moments that we get to have with spirits like her. She is an amaze-fest of love and fun!

USA Celebration 2013

 One of the best things about living in a small town are the traditions that never change. You could come back here in 50 years and we would be doing the exact same thing. All lined up waiting for the good ol' parade to start. Get ur candy bags ready kids!

 And what parade is complete without "POPS"? Chloe was mesmerized by those poppers and went through at least 5 boxes.

 Here we are showing off our red, white and blue patriotism! Another small town tradition..new outfits for everyone.

Chloers and mama! Both of us lookin mighty good if I do say so myself. Happy fourth!

Lake Powell 2013

Our traditional family vacation gets bigger and bigger every year..and by that I mean we keep adding more people..next year there will be 3 more boys to add to the chaos and I tell my dad we need another houseboat :) to accommodate all of us..23 people on one boat can get pretty crazy..but somehow we make it work and we have the best time..

could seashells be any more entertaining...

cutest boat captain ever..and don't be jeal of the mauve carpet..totally in style :)

I had to add this shot..because could you die at her..seriously this is my 10 year old. When i was 10..lets just say there was a lot more chubs and less cute bootie...I am scared for all the boys who will be a knockin'.

We come up with lots of our own ingenious entertainment..like a homemade waterslide

Cool moves down the boat slide...

And we even had a cheerleading camp...(I am convinced Rob was a cheerleader in his previous life :)

And after 33 years and 5 kids, sometimes you gotta toot your own horn and admit you still got it. So, ya..this mama still gots it! Forget wakeboarding and lets get to the real deal..slaloming..

And with the sun, sand and six days in it, we get our fill...but if you ask the kids, it's never enough time. They ask to go back almost daily.

And lets just preface this pic with..if you are coming to the lake with us..leave the make-up and hair brushes at home..cuz this ain't no beauty pageant! Just bring sunglasses..cuz putting those babies on at least makes you feel semi-cute!

And I'm not done yet..just a few more pics...

someone decided to half try skinny dipping..and who could blame her..not like soggy diapers and swimmies are comf city

We start 'em young ..this is Sophie's second year skiing and this year she got up all by her lonesome. 6 years old!

Connor mastered the wakeboard and even went in and out of the wake behind the boat

Annie, Ellie & Roo

And that is how we role Christensen style at the Lake...

Totally "That Mom"

I always hated when my mom used to dress my sisters and i all alike..like roll my eyes, shake my head in despair kind of annoyance...and yet...wait for it...

Chloe was being a matching hater and did NOT want her pic taken

Shheeeeesh! That karma's not lettin nothin get by her..But honestly, in my matchy-matchy defense..could you die of matching cuteness? And seriously..for $7 a piece at the Downeast tent sale..how could I go wrong? Four dresses for under 30 bucks..that deserves an award of some sort. And ps..ellie totally rolled her eyes at me for all the matching going around..I guess age 10 is the matching max limit..but was a good sport (and secretly might have liked it)