Christensen's Visit

This past week Megster's family was in town for a mini family reunion. It was so much fun to have them here to explore and play. First stop in California was in Morro Bay.

Christine braved picking up a pretty large crab on an early morning walk from the house down to the beach below the Natural History museum. We had to go early in the day because if you wait until after breakfast the tide in the bay has come in to cover up the beach!

Here is just a quick video clip of Ethan backing into the water. He was told that he could not get his feet wet. However, you can see from the expression on his face that there was water getting between his toes. What a cute kid!

Everyone hiked to the top of Bishop's Peak in San Luis Obispo the following day. The weather was much warmer inland just a few miles. The hike was only a few miles each way, but pretty steep at several points. It was an extra challenge for Meg and I as she was carrying Ethan and I carried Ellie most of the way. I had her on my shoulders so her feet got my shirt dirty, hence the dark spot right over my chest.

After the long hike we hit a local frozen yogurt place called Bali's. You mix and match any flavors and toppings and pay by weight. A well deserved and yummy treat.

Almost everyone took some time to go kayaking in the bay on the last full day in Morro Bay. Here you can see that Ellie is doing a little relaxing while grandpa Christensen does all the hard work.

The final full day of the California trip was spent in Dana Point at the Salt Creek Beach Park. Followers of the blog will know that this is where the 2010 So Cal Ragnar Relay ended. We went back for a more relaxed visit and had a great time playing in the big surf.

To finish off the post... a great picture of Papa Christensen and Ethan having a stroll on the beach. A fantastic visit that went by far too fast!

St. Regis - 24 hours

James' little bro racks up all sorts of perks for his traveling through work. He was nice enough to share some with us a few weekends ago. We stayed at the St. Regis resort in Dana Point, California. For 24 hours. With. No. Kids. We were upgraded to a suite, which was really nice. The balcony looked over the grounds as well as the ocean. Fresh fruit and flowers in the room, but a small jar of gummy bears was $8. We enjoyed a nice dinner then hit up a Redbox for a movie to watch on the big screen back at our room.

We went for a little walk before dinner on Friday. The beach closest to the resort was the Salt Creek Beach park, which if you were in the Ragnar was the end point of the 200 mile race. It was fun to go back there to visit.

The obligatory fluffy bath robe picture. We both could get used to that.

The next morning we both got some exercise. Meg went running, I went bike riding. There was a nice trail along the beach which then lead up the canyon. It was nice to have a cool breeze the whole morning. When we got back to our room the butler (yeah, a butler came with the suite) brought up fresh hot chocolate and marshmallows. It is fun to be spoiled every once in a while.

That afternoon we headed back to reality (we really did miss the kids, who where watched by James' sister, Thanks!). But before we did we hit one of our favorite restaurants Cafe Rio for their famous pork salad. Yum!

Another Finlay Wedding

Two weeks ago James' younger brother was married to Annie Anderson in the Salt Lake City Temple by her grandfather. Megan and I both agree that they look fantastic together and complement each other's strengths in a very pleasing manner. Here they are on the steps in front of the temple.

A reception luncheon was held in their honor a few hours after the wedding. It was loads of fun to get to to see them enjoying their first few hours of being a newly married couple.

Here are the Finlay kids (minus Evan who is on his mission in Argentina) at the reception which was held at Thanksgiving Point.

The wedding party wore pink ties. Ethan decided to sport his for a while without a shirt to prevent it from getting dirty before pictures. If anyone from Chip and Dale's would like his contact info they may contact the admin of this blog!

Brielle 3-year-old Interview and Stats

My name is: Brielle (aka Ellie, Biscuit, Bo-bellie)
I'm: 3-years-old
Things I love:

-Dancing

-Music (especially 'It's a Small World' and 'Yo-Ho-Yo' from Disney's Pirates ride)

-Playing Hungry Hippos

-Trains

-Eating (likes fruit especially oranges, veggies paticularly brocolli and corn on the cob, doesn't really like meat, loves chocolate)

-Reading Books

-Painting

-Swimming

Favorite book: Still loves I Spy Books, other favorite books rotate depending on what we have from the library for the week. Today's choices are 101 Dalmations, The Very Cranky Bear, and Bear Shadow
Pet Peeve: When Ethan takes my toys
Catch Phrase: 'Farkle'=Freckle, 'I think, what are you doin', '.....how does that sound? Does that sound like a good plan Mama?' (I usually haven't heard the entire plan and am not sure what I'm agreeing to.)
Height: 39 1/4 inches
Weight: 33.2 pounds
Words: If I know you I'll talk your ear off, if you're a stranger, don't even try to get me to say a single word.

Sleeping: Night-about 11 hours (8pm-7am), Nap 2-2.5 hours (1pm-3pm)

Movement: Running, Jumping, Climbing on top of counters and bookshelves where I shouldn't be, learning to peddle the tricycle

Going the Distance

I didn't even know I had the desire to run a Marathon. I thought a half would still be a great accomplishment and wouldn't be so torturous on my body. But then on a whim I signed up for the St. George marathon. My name was drawn out of a hat in the lottery that 11,000 other people entered to subject themselves to the same torture of running 26.2 miles. Since I signed up I realized that this really is something that I would like to do. Now is a good time in my life to do it, so...the training begins. Working around James' schedule to watch kids, or sometimes taking the kids with me and running while trying to keep them occupied. Fitting runs in around work, church responsibilities, home responsibilities...life in general. Mile upon mile of pavement under my feet. It is going to be a fun 5 months! Race day is October 2nd.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Brielle!

Brielle (Ellie, Bo-bellie, Biscuit) turned 3 on May 4th (international Star Wars day!). We had TWO great days of celebration for her. She is such a great addition to our family and we love her so much. We a looking forward to what the next year has in store for her and for us.

Megan baked Ellie a chocolate cake as this was exactly what she had asked for. Well, actually she asked for a "twalk-quite" cake, but we think we got the idea. Meg decided to let her help decorate the cake with M&Ms, with which Ellie had no problem.

On Monday the 3rd, we had a family party at James' parent's house. The kids had a grand time playing with their boats in the spa. They both slept great that night. Megan said "Well they had no problem going down for bed tonight after spending 2 hours in the spa." I told Megan that I look forward to a time in my life when I can say the same thing about myself. :)

Ellie received many great presents from friends and family. She is a very lucky girl!

On her actual birthday, Brielle went to the Build-a Bear factory to get a plush toy. She spent a good deal of time there picking out just the right puppy. After inspecting it she was asked what the puppy's name would be. Fluffy Ear. She calls it like she sees it.

To round out her birthday we had a simple little family dinner out on the balcony of our place. It was nice to just get to sit around and talk to her about what her day was like and what she liked best. Ethan enjoyed smearing cake and ice cream all over the place. Meg and I just enjoyed being parents.

Horse Head in the Bed

Here is a little mofia-esque picture for you. Brielle decided she wanted to sleep with her play horse on a pole toys. She was having some trouble going to sleep and kept tossing and turning. She eventually found a comfortable spot and the position was just right to capture this shot. Really a sight to see. My sister just could not resist taking a picture to preserve this moment.