Christensen Reunion: Way to go Idaho

After all of our fun in Sun Valley, we headed to Idaho Falls for Susan and Andrew's recital, Eloise's baptism, Beatrice's blessing, and the 2007 Christensen Family Reunion.

On the way to Idaho Falls, we stopped at Crater's of the Moon National Monument to indulge our geology-loving Madeline. All of the girls loved it.

As soon as we arrived in Idaho, we took a quick trip up to Rexburg to see Andrew and Susan Gilchrist's senior voice recital. They did a terrific job! The girls were enchanted by Susan's princess-like outfit.

The next morning Eloise had her baptism and Beatrice was blessed at Grandpa and Grandma Idaho's church building. The events were wonderful and Eloise glowed the entire time. It was special to have so much family there.

Grandpa and Grandma Idaho

Nanny and Grandpa

Grandma Gloria Baker was there for the baptism and blessing, which was extra special since Beatrice Gloria is her namesake.

After baptism and blessing, our Christensen reunion began. Grandma painted with the grandkids and we had a backyard carnival. Our booth was a relay contest to see who could move water from one bucket to the next (with a sponge) the fastest. The winner got to dump water on Maddie's head--her idea. The girls also got to

Other highlights include Jon and Melinda treating us all to shaved ice, driving Kevin Call's fancy cars on the 4th of July with the Zollingers, Uncle Dwight's cul-de-sac fireworks, family pictures at Tautphaus Park, family home evening at Grandma Baker's house, the Splash Park in Rexburg, games and lunch at Jon and Melinda's, seeing Susan and Andy's house, and just being with friends and family.

Link to the full Idaho album below. I left a few pictures at larger resolution in case family wanted to print bigger than 4x6.

Christensen Fun (Idaho)

LeBaron Reunion: Salt Lake City and Sun Valley

The end of June found us on our way to Utah and Idaho for family reunions galore. Loads of fun. As you can see, Bea thoroughly enjoyed finally being able to relax once we arrived at Grandpa and Nanny LeBaron's house. Being a baby is hard work, but she was a good little traveler and earned compliments from several people on our flight. After a quick regrouping in Salt Lake City, we departed to Sun Valley, Idaho, where there official family fun began with the LeBaron reunion.

Here is the whole clan. Quite a bunch. Where's Waldo?

In "Some Valley" we hiked, ate, swam, ate, ice skated, played games, ate, took pictures, ate ice cream, and did a bit of sleeping. The girls had a ball with their cousins and everyone (parents included) was completely worn out by the end of our three days.

After our trip to Idaho we returned to Salt Lake City for more fun . . .we got to go the Sundance cabin and have a playdate with the Lundbergs, some friends of ours from Indiana who now live in Provo. It was so fun to see them! Grandpa and Nanny also took us to see the musical "Beauty and the Beast"--the girls thought it was so magical. Thanks for the wonderful memories!

Link to the entire Sun Valley/Utah album below. I left a few in higher resolution that I thought family might want to print bigger than 4x6.

LeBaron Fun (Utah)

Zoom through June

Now that we have completely filled the last 6 weeks with nonstop fun, it is time to return to the more mundane task of proving that we actually had fun by putting up pictures, text, etc.

June came and went. Significant events include Sarah Jane's preschool graduation, Maddie's end of school programs, Eloise's birthday, Bea's growing, and our departure for Utah and Idaho.Sarah Jane loved her school year and seems to be on the fence between a book worm and social butterfly.

Maddie had an end of year opera and mini-society activity where the students developed business plans and manufactured goods to sell at a school bazaar. Lots of fun. Maddie was very successful making friendship bracelets (with Flori's expert help).

To Ella, her birthday could not come fast enough. She has especially looked forward to her 8th birthday. The celebrations were worth the wait. Flori learned how to make tamales from a Mexican family in our ward and Eloise chose these for her birthday feast (along with a delicious chocolate cake). Happy Birthday Eloise, we love you.

Bea used June to her advantage. She becomes more beautiful (and chubby) with each day. She loves bath time and smiling, when she gets enough attention. As you can imagine, there is no shortage of attention with three accommodating sisters and two adoring parents.

More pictures by clicking on the album below:

North Carolina, June 2007