Spencer fam

March 2010 Skiing/Snowboarding, Karsen's 8th B-day & Baptism

2010-06-14T01:38:00.003-06:00

This skiing/snowboarding season was absolutely amazing for our family! We enjoyed many, many days on the slopes at SUNDANCE, UTAH! Our kids rock & rolled each day and made huge progress. Watch out for them in the OLYMPICS!! Colten's amazing on his snowboard and has a very SMOOTH TECHNIQUE. Karsen's a SPEED DEMON and DOWNHILL RACER on skis and his little sister is never far behind! Cambria has NO FEAR whatsoever and loves to beat us down the hills and find JUMPS! All 3 kids conquered a few BLACK DIAMONDS and enjoyed many adventures through the trees! It was a tremendous season and a sport we all enjoy doing TOGETHER - so worth every $$ invested!! As always - WE CAN'T WAIT TIL IT SNOWS AGAIN!!!

A very special Snowboarding day with just COLTEN and MOM !

A beautiful view from up TOP! AND -

I guess its okay to admit now that the kids weren't really that sick this school season.

--- They had ski FEVER really bad !!! ---

Our BIG Snowboarder! Seriously - watch out Shawn White!

Colten has SKILL !

We were adventurous this season and really enjoyed snowboarding in the trees!

Our skiing TRIO - Karsen, Cambria and Colten 2009 -2010

These kids totally rock... it's amazingly fun to ski with them!

Karsen turned 8 this year and had a tremendous Birthday and Baptism Day!

He is such an awesome boy with so much love for his family! He's funny, silly, smart and has the most captivating facial expressions you'll ever see! He's a GAMER.. video games, basketball, baseball, soccer, more basketball. The guy NEVER misses a SHOT on a basketball court - that's because he spends hours each day SHOOTING!

Karsen was stoked about his birthday present this year! He rules the STREETS now!

He also LOST another tooth!! It's the year of MISSING teeth for Karsen.

It was also PAJAMA Day at school on his B-DAY! So, here he is with his buddy Toby.. I brought him a special birthday lunch too and ate at school with him!

Another snowy day in March skiing with Papa Kirk.. You'd think all we do is ski! Well - kind of I guess!

We'd ski and board everyday of the season if Brett could get paid doing it!!

ON the slopes in UTAH with G'ma Sue and Papa Kirk.

Our FAMILY SKI season PICTURE 2009-2010

Karsen's special Baptism Day.. March 27

Our family.. we are so proud of you Karsen!

Two special pictures: Karsen and his grandparents and Karsen with his dad!

Our little man has turned into one very HANDSOME boy! We love you Karsen!

the Spencer family (above) and the Sorensen family (below)

Karsen's Baptism fans!

February 2010 B-days, Love, Feet & Shows!

2010-06-10T12:34:00.004-06:00

February was full of fabulous entertainment!

First of all, Colten turned 9 years old! I can't believe how fast he has grown up!

He's a brilliant, funny, nice, friendly and helpful boy! He still loves sports - especially basketball, baseball, skiing and snowboarding! He also always enjoys beating his dad in a game of Call of Duty or whatever else he wants to play!

He had an OLYMPIC themed BIRTHDAY PARTY which was a huge success!

His birthday sign this year included all the sports he enjoys playing!

We had many fun games set up all over the house in which all the kids competed in! The most popular was the shoot-out! We actually let kids shoot air-soft guns inside our house!!

Back Row: Cambria, Olivia, Lauren, Conner, Jakob, Josh, Colten, Jacob & Karsen

Front Row: Koby, Ethan, Christian, Jake & Spencer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTEN!

Then, we had to have a SUPER BOWL PARTY.. and boy was it fun!

We ate the yummiest food and played all day!

Valentine's Day is always fun as the kids get treats and surprises... just because

we LOVE 'em!

Aren't they just TOO CUTE!!

the boys didn't want to take more pictures, but Cambria kept holding them tight so they couldn't move!

but Cambria stuck around to take a photo shoot! I took picture after picture and pose after pose. This was her favorite! Sometimes she's just hilarious!

Mom and Dad.. Valentine's Date 2010.. Still so sweetly in LOVE! and

Cambria showing off her new Valentine's PJ's from G'ma Sue!

Valentine's Day Breakfast! Pink, Pink, Pink!

Feet... Feet... Feet!

I don't know about anybody else, but I didn't think our feet would ever be so close in size.. Just try to guess who's feet these are!

One kids foot is on the Left in each picture and one kids foot is on the Right!

So.. do you know whose feet these are yet??

Pictured above: COLTEN (9yrs) is on the LEFT and KARSEN (7 11/12yrs) is on the RIGHT!

But this picture is the FUNNIEST one of ALL!

Feet in order from L to R: COLTEN, MOM, and KARSEN!

I thought they wouldn't catch me until they were at least in 5th grade! This happened way sooner than expected but the upside is - I can buy the boys really cool $$$ shoes and I can wear them!

COOPER and CAMBRIA swinging on the swings.. K - i - S - S - i - N - G!

Oh wait.. that's later in life. Cooper (Skousen) was one of Cambria's favorite friends in Kindergarten and we loved it when he could play at our house. They had the GREATEST time together and there was never any GIRL DRAMA!

Cambria's poster for her STUDENT of the WEEK at school!

Cambria had her BROADWAY BOUND performance the end of February.

She sang Disney songs, danced and acted a role in a scene from "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE".

Her brothers gave her FLOWERS after her show - I think that was the BEST part for her!!

Afterwards, we ate at her favorite place! And why not choose the BEST PIZZA JOINT close to home - the PIZZA FACTORY! But what we really came for was the NEVER ON SUNDAE DESSERT! A warm, soft, snicker doodle cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon-sugar and caramel.

(I think I'll go get one right now - don't tell the kids!)

February was Fun, Fabulous and unForgettably the Best!

January 2010 Teeth, Snow, Vegas!

2010-06-08T22:12:00.003-06:00

January was snowy, cold and the kids were back in school. We skied and snowboarded tons! We really enjoyed night skiing this year up at Sundance because it gave us the opportunity to ski from 9am - 9pm. We skied a lot from 4 - 9pm because of school! = Bummer that SKOOL.

So, some things we did get pictures of are..

Karsen lost another tooth... 7 3/4 yrs old.

Night Skiing at Sundance ROCKED this year!

Here are the boys on a snowy night....

Dad and Cambria on a fun night skiing adventure!

and I always loved a day or two skiing with Amy!

In the end of January, we took a weekend get-a-way to Las Vegas with Nick & Anna and stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel. We golfed a few rounds at Badlands, danced at a few nightclubs including TAO, and ate delicious food! Nick and Anna really know how to have a good time!

Nick and Brett.. friends since they were KIDS!

This was after they both shot a HOLE in 1... they wish!

Anna making us aware of the dangers on the course!

These creatures don't look that dangerous! I just love this guy!

Me & Anna.... we had the most fun of all!

We needed a great weekend together... and we got it!

Thanks Nick and Anna for making it so memorable!

(Did I mention this was suppose to be just a GUYS weekend of golfing?)

Jr. Jazz Basketball League 2010

2010-06-08T21:24:00.001-06:00

Colten and Karsen were able to play on the same Basketball Team this year with their DAD as the coach. They had a great season and fun teammates!

Here are their basketball highlights of the season...

BACK: Toby, Josh, Colten and Karsen FRONT: Jakob, Peyton and Christian

Karsen going for the BLOCK!

Colten dribbling the ball down to score..

Colten and buddies Josh and Conner!

Karsen got "MR. HUSTLE" award for his SPEED!

Colten got the "Glass-Man" award for his rebounding!

Christmas Vacation 2009

2010-06-08T20:46:00.005-06:00

We had an awesome Christmas 2009. We saw lots of Family..

Pictured here with Great Uncle Brad & Aunt Lisa (top left).. Great G'pa Bill Matts (top right) &

Great G'pa Calvin Sorensen (below)

3D AVATAR movie night.. it was so AWESOME!

Don't know what Brett was thinking.. I do remember he was SOOO COLD!

He could barely breathe when he got out.

We stopped by my High School and thought a picture with my kids would be fun!

This is the BEST DARN ICE CREAM in the WORLD...

and those are just single scoops!!

Colten enjoyed playing with his cousin Sierra..

and Sierra loves our little RIGBY and her Uncle Brett.

Hey MOM.. check us OUT!! We're all wrapped up!

We had a terrific time in California over Christmas and New Years 2009..

but the fun always has to end sometime.

Family Photo-Shoot December '09

2010-02-24T11:14:00.002-07:00

Our FAMILY PHOTOS ... December 2009

Brett Kirstin Colten Karsen Cambria

Our Kids are our greatest treasure! We love these three more than ALL the stars in the sky on a clear night, more than the brightest moon on a dark night, ALL the snowflakes on a blizzardy day, and more than ALL diamonds in the WORLD! ...(it's a family thing)

Colten is a bright kid with a tremendous future. He can do anything and everything right. He loves sports and is always a star player on the team. He is friendly and kind to others. He treats his family with love and is a big helper! He rocks on the ski slopes and can maneuver anywhere on his snowboard with ease! He even conquered a BLACK diamond run this year! (Watch out Shaun White..) We love you Colten!

Karsen is our loveable son. He is so caring, sweet and honest! He loves to play video games and jam on the basketball court. Just throw him the ball & I promise, he'll make the shot! We can always count on Karsen! He makes everyone laugh; especially his little sister. Karsen's smile is very contagious. He won't let anyone kiss him; so it's a good thing he falls asleep the fastest! He's dynamite on the ski slopes - a downhill racer for sure! He's our little boy. We love you Karsen!

Finally, it's our baby sister - Cambria! This one is a little BALL of FIRE! (even though there is nothing 'little' about her) She is a dynamic, fun, smart, energetic, and talented girl. Cambria loves to sing, play with her dogs, chase the cat, color, and do one project after another. She loves to watch Hannah Montana, Phinneas and Ferb, HOTEL for DOGS, and all the Disney Hit Movies with cute boys! Her best friend is Cooper - she's a boys girl alright. She's an outgoing, smart, quick-thinker. SO, if you think you have her beat - think again! It wouldn't be the same without our little girl! We Love you Cambria! You truly are the BEST Daughter EVER!

When all the pictures were done, most of the crew left; but Karsen stayed behind with me. Hollie wanted to take a few couples shots, but Brett had left. Karsen figured out what was going on right away and said "I'll be your man mom!" so we took this picture. I love this guy! He honestly is my boy! His love for me is indescribably amazing!

So that finishes up the favorite photos of our family - hope you liked them!

A Family is Forever..

2010-02-24T10:29:00.002-07:00

While in California over Christmas Vacation 2009, we had our family pictures taken by our good friend, Hollie! She did a remarkable job! We love each picture! So, here's to our family - the Sorensen family 2010!

(top)Kasey, Sierra, Teresa, Kyle, Sarah (& baby boy), Papa Kirk, G'ma Sue, Kirstin & Brett

(bottom) Kaden, Blake, Cambria, Karsen and Colten

the Sorensen family grandkids with Grandma Sue and Papa Kirk

Colten 8, Kaden 8, Sierra 2, Blake 7, Cambria 5 and Karsen 7

Colten and Kaden (left) & Karsen and Blake (right)... Best of Cousins!

They were born so close together.. all boys.. and remain close! It's always a hard ending to a trip to have to separate these boys. They were together every day and night while we visited - never a dull moment between them! We love our cousins!

Cambria and Sierra.. sweethearts! These girls always get when they want! Just look at them - so beautiful! Can't wait 'til their older - they are sure to break a lot of boys hearts!

Kasey's family 2010

Kaden 8, Blake 7 and Sierra 2.. Love you guys!

Christmas Morning 2009

2010-02-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here I am still trying to catch up.. I really need to get to it! Christmas was a blast! The kids got all they wanted and we had a great morning playing with all the fun toys! The boys favorites were their air soft guns, rifle, Erector Sets, IPod and Snowboard... Cambria's favorites were her Nintendo DS, Tag books, magnetic picture sets, HUGE coloring books & GIGANTIC stuffed animals!

Mom and Dad rock!! Colten got a new full snowboard set up.. Cambria got her Nintendo DS to play with the boys.. and Karsen got his OWN IPOD!

"Just what I wanted MOM & DAD... thanks!"

Colten's face after he saw what it was.. does he look happy or what!!

And here they are... new Snowboard Boots.. He couldn't wait to hit the slopes!

More fun stuff... it was an awesome morning!

Cambria was So So excited for her very own new piano book so she could learn to play like her mommy! What a girl! She went right into the piano room and started to play- she wanted a lesson already! MY GIRL!!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas morning..

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread Time...

T'was the Night Before Christmas..

Cambria opening gifts from G'ma Ann & G'pa Steve

G'ma & G'pa Spencer came down on Christmas Eve to bring gifts... lots of FUN!

It's Christmas Eve.. one gift to open from Mom & Dad!

Karsen, Colten & Cambria's Christmas PJ'S -

...always blaming their sister!!

Wow! They are growing up so fast!

We made the yummiest soft, thick, sugar cookies ever this year!

Santa's gonna LOVE 'EM!

Just more Holiday JOY!

2010-01-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Cambria gave her teacher the Christmas book - How Murray Saved Christmas - it's so funny!

Karsen and Colten both decorated Gingerbread Houses..

Spencer Couples Christmas Dinner 2009 at the TIMBERMINE.. Mmm! We missed Nate & Angie so I guess we're going to have to do it again next year!

Christmas '09 & he's so ALL MINE! (cheesy yet silly too)

Just me SnowBoarding at Brighton with our friends Nick and Anna from DC! It was such an amazing day!

A Christmas Dream Come True

2010-01-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Most of you know how much I love music! but, what do I Love MORE? an amazing musical piano solo concert! So what did I want the most for Christmas '09? Tickets to the Jon Schmidt Christmas concert for the family. I had to cry many tears & put up a pretty good fight to get the tickets. Brett & the kids surprised me the night before the concert. I was SO SO SO HAPPY that I cried a few tears. The BEST PART of the concert - the KIDS ABSOLUTELY LOVED it & recognized the songs. They would say " Mom, you play that one at home!" I also found Brett smiling & laughing quite a bit! I hope it can become a Christmas Tradition of ours... I can only WISH! (or just purchase the tickets myself).

What happened to blogging? I can't upload a video.. when I figure it out.. I will put one on.

2009...Finishing out Fun!

2010-01-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

On Dec. 13, 2009.. we got SNOW SNOW SNOW! The kids were so excited & talked dad into constructing a snowman and building a snow fort in the back yard. He was a lot of help when things got too heavy! The fort was a huge success!

Daddy Brett and his fort crew... they worked extremely hard.

It totally paid off!

Our poor snowman after a few days - I believe the dogs got to him just a little. He was their "fire hydrant" if you know what I mean...

Mom and Cambria out playing in the snow fort.. it was a fun night!

Musically Ready for Christmas!

2010-01-09T20:44:00.007-07:00

You Better Watch OUT!! 2009

Gotta listen -it's jazzy and way fun!

(make sure you pause the kids music on the right)

Skiing Videos 2009 1st Day Back!

2010-01-09T19:56:00.003-07:00

Cambria's 1st skiing interview 2009! It's pretty funny!

Kids 1st day back skiing.. Dec 11 2009

1st Ski Day at Sundance

2009-12-20T23:05:00.003-07:00

I can't explain how giddy we all were to finally be skiing!

What a cutie!

Colten and Karsen below sporting their new ski jackets!

Performances worth watching!

2009-12-20T20:02:00.006-07:00

Remember to 'pause' the Kids Music on the right side of the blog before listening to the videos below...

(above) "Zip A Dee Doo Dah" Dance

(below) Cambria's 1st debut on the piano!

She learned this song in a matter of minutes & has perfected it now; but this raw footage of her learning is great! This was the 2nd time we'd played this song together!

Colten playing "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

Remember the theme song from HAPPY DAYS?

Tis' the Season

2009-12-20T19:53:00.006-07:00

It's Christmas Time! We went to a Christmas Tree farm this year and chopped down our Christmas Trees!

Colten took this shot of the moon the day we picked out our tree!

Yep! A true Griswald's tradition.. on top of the minivan!

All lit, decorated and oh so tall!

Santa, please come down our chimney!

CLay Pigeon sHoot video

2009-12-20T18:37:00.002-07:00

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-20T18:17:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving 2009 Eden,Utah

G'ma and G'pa Spencer's

We spent lots of time riding horses with

G'pa Steve (a.k.a. COWBOY STEVE!)

Even Brett and I had a trot around the field together!

Cambria just loves animals.. you know she's HAPPY!

Colten takes lessons from his dad and g'pa

Each Thanksgiving, G'ma buys us Christmas Ornaments!

And Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the CLAY Pigeon SHOOT!

These next 3 shots of Karsen are funny.. that gun really MOVED HIM! Look at his facial expressions!

Kasey's Family visits!

2009-12-20T18:10:00.002-07:00

Cousins, Cousins, Cousins..

Colten, Cambria, Karsen, Blake, Kaden and Sierra

We enjoyed a visit from Uncle Kasey and family over Thanksgiving. The kids played, played games and played some more! They always have the best time together!

Cambria enjoyed Sierra as they are each others "sisters"!

All Geared UP!

2009-12-20T18:03:00.003-07:00

It's that time of year again.. SKi & SnowBoard SEASON!

Colten Karsen and Cambria are so pumped up and ready to go!

OPen Sundance.... OPen!

Season tickets are purchased.. Day and Night Skiing this year! We can't wait!

A New COLOR

2009-12-14T20:52:00.003-07:00

We did it! We now have beautiful brown exterior doors. It took much sanding and smoothing, but they look amazing!

And yes - it is worth blogging about!

Our newest niece: Oaklee Reese Bell

2009-12-13T21:35:00.004-07:00

While my mom visited, we were able to make this Blessing Dress for my niece, Oaklee Reese. It turned out so beautiful and I am very proud of this special dress! It was a lot of work, but well worth it!

Oaklee in the dress... so so pretty!

What an absolute doll..

Sister-in-law Stephanie and Brett & I on Oaklee's special day!

Sis-in-law Stephanie and all her GIRLS!!

the Spencer Families

Time for Halloween 2009

2009-12-13T18:51:00.006-07:00

It's Halloween and the kids are decked out and ready to TRICK-OR-TREAT!

It's a family tradition to see how many cool pumpkins we can carve. I think we did pretty darn good this year - Thanks Honey!

Karsen chose to be a NINJA again - what a surprise! Colten was a WEREWOLF!

Cambria was Miley Cyrus/HANNAH MONTANA!

Can't you hear her singing!

Cambria & her friends!

G'ma Sue even got to go to the class parties!

Mom and Werewolf Colten

Colten & his friends!

Karsen & his friends!

Karsen, Colten and Josh Kramer ready for a BIG NITE!

Sing it Cambria.. I mean Hannah!

1st Snow and 1st Pinewood Derby..

2009-12-13T18:35:00.005-07:00

Colten earned his Wolf Badge Oct. 29th, 2009!

He also raced in his FIRST PINEWOOD DERBY! He had a sweet-looking car!

Colten's 1st Pinewood Derby Car 2009

Colten and Daddy worked really hard and had a good time with his car!

Colten's Award - well deserved!!

Colten's car and Brett's car! IF only they could have raced them together. Maybe next year?

First signs of Snow!

Cambria's Halloween Witch song

2009-12-13T17:59:00.002-07:00

Cousins..visit!

2009-12-13T17:27:00.005-07:00

Cousins... Me, Amy, Chelsea and Hollie Sorensen! We were able to get together for Kobe's Baptism on Oct 24th and see each other again - it had been quite awhile!

Hollie, Brandon and Teishi came over on Sunday to visit and eat yummy food! Thanks for coming - it was a blast!

Washington DC Day 1: Oct 16

2009-11-14T20:12:00.009-07:00

We're in ARLINGTON, VA with Nick and Anna!

Day 1: It's all about the SIGHTS!

It's raining! Little did we know...

it would last all 3 days!

Amazing friends Nick and Anna

showed us DC life!

Let's start with a tour of the Capitol!

YES, we did! They have hook-ups! It was spectacular!

the girls... Kirstin and Anna

Inside the Capitol.. the ceilings were gorgeous!

My own ABRAHAM LINCOLN...

any resemblence? SILLY, but I think so.....

Statue of Brigham Young in the Capitol

then to the LIBRARY of CONGRESS...

Artwork using tiny tiles...

Nick and Anna.. so cute!

Us and the State Capitol.. I love this picture!

the LiBRARY of CONGRESS..

the DC architecture is absolutely astonishing!

US in the Botanical Gardens...

Anna... I'm not quite sure what to think!!

Washington DC Day 2: Oct 17

2009-11-14T19:53:00.007-07:00

Day 2: We are having a BLAST! Nick and Anna are showing us the BEST of the DC area!

FALAFEL = FRIED chickpeas in a PITA!

the

MOST

BEAUTIFUL

sight

Washington DC Day 3: Oct 18

2009-11-14T19:31:00.006-07:00

Day 3 was RAINY AGAIN! Did it stop us? NO!

We saw so many more sights.. AMAZING!

the Constitution of the United States and

George Washington's signature

the HOPE Diamond

a so HANDSOME model!

the WORLD WAR II Memorial

the Vietnam Memorial

the famous ABRAHAM LINCOLN

our awesome friends.. Nick and Anna

the Korean War Memorial

the famous THOMAS JEFFERSON

& our final stop... the yummiest treat in Alexandria!

WorK, pLay, PLay?

2009-11-09T16:09:00.005-07:00

Brett's day off work and what does he do? He climbs all day!

Just ascending out of Utah Valley: Highland/Alpine.

At the top! He walked across what you see. I know he's crazy and yes! It is straight down!

Zaida curled up in Brett's legs when he got home!

the sewing side of my craft room! Brett finished buying me a table and cubbies for my birthday!

our Family: Fall 2009

2009-11-09T15:14:00.003-07:00

It began with just the two of us...

Then came these 3: one right after the other!

Our family! Adventurous.. Lovable.. FUN!

MY COUSINS came to visit...all girls! We had so much fun!

Just the 5 of us!

My cute cousins.. Brooke, Stacey, Lauren & Jenny

It was a perfect Fall day!!

Miley Cyrus Concert! Gotta LOVE HER!

2009-11-08T20:41:00.003-07:00

Video from the Miley Cyrus concert

Final Days of September 2009

2009-11-08T20:27:00.002-07:00

Oaklee Reese Bell. My niece born on Sept. 30 to Aunt Steph and Uncle Greg! We are so excited to add another girl our extended family. That makes 6 girls in the last 5 years. Boy are they going to have some fun together!

Celebrating my 34th Birthday.. and what did I really want?

Tickets for the family to the MILEY CYRUS concert!

Miley Cyrus.. we had AMAZING SEATS!

Cambria is so excited... here comes Hannah Montana! She couldn't believe she was actually going to really see her!

The boys had a great time.. I caught Karsen singing to 'HOEDOWN THROWDOWN'!

Spencer's Rock Climbing Adventure

2009-11-03T15:48:00.005-07:00

September 19: A Day in the Canyon

Tyler and Colten catching whatever they can get their hands on..

Mason and Karsen waiting to watch the climbers!

Hubby hoisting me up....

And I'm going up!

Nancy cruisin' to the TOP!

Chad hooking up Hailee!

A great shot of Hailee and mommy Nancy!

"I wonder how they do it? Maybe I can show them! Doesn't look hard - just grab that rock, then that one; then throw my foot up on... GOT IT! When's it my turn?"

Like he said - "IT'S NOTHING!"

How high do you need me to go?

My man Brett.. just look at those ripped LEGS!

Even OLD MAN Spencer gave it a try = not bad!

the CLIMBING SUPPORT!

Ready to catch any miss-fall...

Chad showing everyone who's BOSS!

And he's even got the GUNS to prove it!

ZIon Narrows & Little SIlver Lake Hike

2009-11-03T15:11:00.007-07:00

September 6: Zions National Park Narrows Hike

the kids absolutely loved every minute!

this was the BEST PART - although Karsen wasn't quite sure about that

the hike just got better and better!

they didn't want to stop.. we kept going and going! They didn't realize at this point that they had to also WALK BACK!

JUST BEING SILLY after the BIG HIKE!

September 9: Little Silver Lake Hike

American Fork Canyon

It was just beautiful and lots of uphill!

View of our hike!

the DESTINATION! there was suppose to be more water than this..

St. George: Labor Day Weekend 2009

2009-10-23T21:32:00.005-06:00

Still playing catch-up! We took a family trip to St. George and spent lots of time playing around and hiking in Zions over Labor Day Weekend this year. It was a blast!

The kiddos and mom and dad. Where are we?

Cambria trying to give her big brother a kiss - if only he knew what she was doing!

I can't explain how much fun these guys have hiking and climbing. They go and go and go!

They love to hike around and find 'cool' places to hide!

And dad was very proud of his BIG CATCH!

No REALLY - this guy was a FAST one!

Colten & Cambria take turns holding the BIG lizard!

Where ever he goes - I GO!

Fantasically Flipping Videos! Summer 2009

2009-10-08T17:21:00.004-06:00

the kids favorite... "Stand PERFECTLY Still!"

All 3 FLIPPERS - really!

Mom's 1st ever BACKFLIP - 33.9 yrs old and I DID IT!!

Colten's TICK-TOCK.. the black-eye trick!

Karsen's BACKFLIP.. crazy at 7 yrs old!

Karsen & Mom DOUBLE FLIP!

and OUR FAVORITE VIDEO = Karsen's wipeout!

UTAH Biking FUN

2009-10-04T18:21:00.005-06:00

Brett loves to BIKE! On this particular day, he rode over Traverse Mountain to the Draper Temple and back home. During his ride, he came upon the Tour de UTAH race and asked us to meet him at the top of Traverse Mountain to see their big climb!

Waiting for the riders... some of whom raced in the Tour de France!

and the racers arrive... at the top!

it was an amazing sight.. made me want to ride too!

Brett on his way back home.. we rode by him and the kids shot these pictures! Brett's fastest recorded time downhill is 54 mph... a sight I don't like to watch!

What a guy.. so handsome in his biking attire!!

Looking Good!

2009-10-04T18:14:00.002-06:00

You know those times when your home is at its finest during the year? This was ours! August 21, 2009 So beautiful, flourishing and green!

The swing-set has now been repainted & the fence stained; but it's still the only backyard picture I've got!

Mom and Cambria on her first day of Kindergarten!

School's Back! Aug 13 2009

2009-09-30T21:51:00.006-06:00

School started over a month ago.. I know! I am doing my best to catch up!

Colten is a 3rd grader this year!

Karsen's a 2nd grader

Aren't they so handsome? i think so!

and CAMBRIA started KINDERGARTEN!

She just loves it and worries that I am bored when she is gone.. so sweet!

Our little girl is growing up!

the 3 muskateers are BACK in SCHOOL!

Here is their MONDAY DRESS UP DAY attire!

they look so professional and smart!

gotta love uniforms

Cascade Springs: AUG 19 2009

2009-09-30T19:08:00.006-06:00

Aug 19,2009 Hiking near Cascade Springs

Back side of American Fork Canyon

A beautiful place full of natural springs!

Like I just said = FUN!

Karsen's always finding a way to climb or hang on something - he loves it!!

A beautiful butterfly.. can you find it?

Hey dad! What does that sign mean?

Nothing kids.. it's for sissys!

Especially when you can catch one of these!

Don't worry - we put it back!

It just so amazingly pretty!

Just a bunch of silliness!

Colten wanted to take a picture of us... turned out cute!

these kids really love ADVENTURE!

What a girl.. sometimes, she just AMAZES us!

Karsen practicing his monkey-toe throw!

the KING of monkey-toe throwing

and it really did hit me.. he has a good aim!

(You can see it right below his foot)

Mom's 34th Birthday

2009-09-28T02:08:00.003-06:00

I turned 34 on September 25!

Wow.. what a #. I never dreamt I would ever be this OLD... and to think time isn't slowing down! When life is moving, days don't seem to be going too fast - but when birthdays hit, I look back and always seem to think... Where did the time go? and WHY so fast? It's amazing how things change as you get older.. but I quickly have to say I am HAPPY, I LOVE my FAMILY and I am looking forward to a GREAT 34th YEAR!

LIFE IS FUN.. LIVE IT HAPPILY!

"Hair cuts anonymous.." that's what Brett thinks I should join! Girls who are always wanting to go shorter! Well - I've hit short enough and love it!

Last year at 33! Fun to see a little change.

Teeth and Trampoline Craziness

2009-09-26T13:30:00.004-06:00

I believe the picture explains it all, but Colten's been missing a few teeth lately and it may be the only time he's this toothless - so, here's a great picture of him!

We have all been flippin' around on the trampoline lately, but Colten's doing everything crazy he can. From backflips and twists to Tick-Tocks (a front flip straight into a backflip) - WILD FUN! and realize .. he's only 8!

Cambria's first attempt at a flip.. now she ROCKS them, but these beginning videos are the BEST!

Karsen's First attempts at a backflip

Colten's firsts at backflips

and here's their GOOFY COACH in ACTION!

SPENCER FAM Summer party

2009-09-26T13:19:00.005-06:00

our Spencer family party was Aug 10, 2009 and we got almost everybody ( -Uncle Greg) in a picture.. what a shot! We had a terrific day together and will miss Angie & Nate's family as they are away at school in Virginia!

this one could have Easily been MINE!

he's gonna be a red-head.. so lucky!

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS... we have girl cousins galore from 2 to 5 years old. They're gonna break so many boys hearts in a few years!

California Vacation - Final Stop: the TAHOE RIDGE resort

2009-09-13T00:15:00.004-06:00

we LOVE going to Tahoe..

we hiked, played, swam, gambled (a little) and played some more

(funny story = Brett and I have always had a hard time gambling - but this was funny. We would take turns and only lose $2.50 at a time on the nickel & quarter machines. When we'd win big (about $3) we'd cash out and move on to another machine. Once we lost $20 - which took us a little more than an hour - we looked at each other and agreed we'd rather spend our $$ on a COLD STONE ice cream treat and souvenir stickers for the kids. So - we left, got our treats and came back feeling better about how we spent the other $20 we'd allowed ourselves at the casino! I guess the moral of our story is.. You won't be catching Brett or I winning BIG anytime SOON!)

time for some FAMILY fun!

(we missed kasey's fam)

Bring it on = miniature golf tournament!

Papa Kirk & Colten start us off!

Uncle Kyle & Aunt Sarah trying to weasel their way into 1st place...

but no worry, Cambria's on my team.. we've got them All!

Brothers ready to take the GAME to another level..

at least the big boys DID

(I think they were playing for swedish fish candies)

swim time was always FUN!

Uncle Kyle and Colten WARMING UP!

California Vacation - 4th stop: Highway Patrol Academy Graduation

2009-09-12T13:35:00.007-06:00

My brother graduated from the Academy in August. It was a very special day as we are all so very proud of his accomplishment!

My brother and I - I caught him outside the auditorium before walking the stage to become an official CHP officer!

Cambria & her cousin Sierra

Cambria (5) and Sierra (2)

the photographer Kasey and his gang!

After graduation.. Kyle's the 2nd in line

Don't mess with this guy!

Well, he's actually really nice!

(I don't know about on the highway)

the OFFICIAL pinning CEREMONY

my brother Kyle & wife Sarah..

My littlest brother Kyle and our family on his CHP graduation day!

My brother(s).. Kasey & his family with Uncle Kyle

G'pa Bill & G'ma Charlotte very proud of their grandson!

California Vacation - 3rd stop: Santa Cruz & Capitola Beach

2009-08-25T12:00:00.006-06:00

The water was cold.. so only the bravest got in!

the Boy Cousins..

Karsen, Blake, Kaden & Colten

Just working hard... way to go kids.. it looks GREAT!

Okay, so we made it look like we made this - but we borrowed it just for a great picture!

What else do you do on the beach?

Especially when it can turn into an amazing piece of art!

Almost done... the cousins hard at work! or play!

Sorensen grandkids -Colten... downtown Santa Cruz!

Sorensen Family in Santa Cruz 2009

Dad & Colten were the bravest of the bunch! the water was very COLD...

and this seemed to be a great way to keep WARM!

Cambria absolutely did all she could at the BEACH!

Cambria loved the beach... and couldn't get enough!

Her Favorite part - searching for seashells!

Cambria,

"I hope you always have a shell in your pocket and sand in your shoes"

"Living in the moment"

Sandy times + Fun times = good memories!

California Vacation -2nd stop: Casa De Fruita

2009-08-24T13:45:00.004-06:00

On our way to Santa Cruz, we stopped off at Casa de Fruita for a little fun and to visit one of the BEST candy shops - they had 'old school' ABBA ZABBAS and BIG HUNKS - YUM!

Papa Kirk and G'ma Sue Sorensen... we had lots of fun with them!

Our Family... Summer Break 2009

this Merry-Go-Round is 2-levels high.. way cool!

Kirstin's KIND of FUN!

2009-08-24T11:11:00.004-06:00

I know that may of you aren't country fans, but it's just a part of who I am.. I love music and country music is one of my favorites! This concert was so much fun! Brett - thanks for an amazing nite out with you!

California Vacation -1st stop: Home

2009-08-22T20:38:00.004-06:00

Finally time to visit family..

our SUMMER Vacation 2009

Hanford, California 93230

We swam & played with cousins...

We swam and played with more Cousins...

kaden, bailey, blake, colten, karsen

reese, cambria & sierra

Daddy came and we swam some more...

Uncle Bryan visited and we swam even more...

We ate LOTS of ICE CREAM!

I live where there absolutely is the BEST ICE CREAM in the WORLD! Made here with very SECRET INGREDIENTS! just ask Brett and the kids...

We goofed around...

We played with Aunts and Uncles...

We ate tomatoes? Well, my niece did

right off Papa Kirk's vines!

Sierra is 2 yrs old

We played silly games... we are BIG fanz!

and take it very seriously!

Our Extended Family.. great times!

Our Life in Motion!

2009-08-22T18:12:00.005-06:00

Colten's Slide Ride...

Karsen's Coaster Ride...

Colten's 1st backflip off a diving board...

Colten & Brett's Zipline Ride...

He REALLY REALLY loves ME!

2009-08-21T10:05:00.004-06:00

I really know he loves me WHEN... he sacrifices everything to take me to a concert... especially a Kenny Chesney COUNTRY CONCERT! Brett's not much of a concert guy and he knows I absolutely love them! He surprised me with tickets a few days before - rolled his eyes.. and said with a SMILE.... "You know you always get want you want!"

Little to say.. "I was so HAPPY!"

We had a TERRIFIC TIME! (I even caught him SINGING a few times.. sarcastically)

thanks babe.. I owe you a million!

LADY ANTEBELLUM.. "I Run To You!"

MIRANDA LAMBERT.. "More Like Her"

Cambria in Park City

2009-08-19T13:44:00.001-06:00

Park City Fun 2009

2009-08-19T11:24:00.008-06:00

Catching up on Summer FUN!

After our 1st trip to Park City, we decided to go back and spend an entire day playing! Dad bought us wristbands for the whole day (July 16, 2009) to do whatever we wanted! It was the BEST TIME ever! We zoomed on the coaster, sailed the alpine slide, soared the rock climbing wall, and Colten even zipped down the ZIPLINE with mom and dad! I have to say it was one of the biggest hits of the summer for the whole family!

Cambria & mom (who is actually in 1 photo) are ready for some 'speedy' fun!

Colten gearing up for his 1st ride down the Alpine Coaster! "This ride ROCKS!"

Karsen... taking the wheel!

The Alpine Coaster ride = amazingly fun and fast!

the climbing wall = a BIG hit!

Colten was shy of the weight limit (by 2 lbs), but we decided to try & get him on anyway! Other kids shorter than him were going & he wanted to do it so bad! Well - he conquered it and TWICE!

FAMILY RACES STARTING... NOW!

Colten showing the ALPINE SLIDE...

3... 2.... 1... take off!

Ready to race Colten.. I've got him on this one!

Cambria & her daddy.. I love their faces! It just makes me wonder WHO is really having the MOST FUN?

These two rode and rode the coaster.. we went on it 5 times while Dad & Colten were waiting in line for the ZIPLINE! They never tired of the SLIDE!

See the MARMOTS (below).. well, a funny story to remember. We were riding the lift up when we saw these creatures climb onto the slide.. YEP, you guessed it! A teenage girl rode down and got a BIG surprise! She rode right over one, flipped it up under her wheels, spinned it on the track and it luckily ran away! You'd think they'd learn - but when we rode down, one scurried on the slide just in front of Brett and Cambria. It wouldn't be a problem if they were the size of a chipmunk, but they are bigger than RIGBY- our chihuahua. Let's just say we were all nervous and didn't want one flying up under our rides!

it was a very warm day!

Married 1997 - 2009

2009-07-20T00:25:00.003-06:00

12 yr Anniversary - My oh My how time flies - with you, it's so AMAZING and FUN! What more can a girl ask for.. I hope the next 12 years are just as awesome as the first! Love you babe!

We went out to dinner and a movie; The PROPOSAL! We laughed, I cried, and we laughed some more! We've got to see that one AGAIN!

Heber City, Park City & Olympic Park

2009-07-19T23:37:00.007-06:00

If you have to find a reason to drive through Heber City - this is it! This is the absolute BEST BURGER joint across the nation! Their TRAIN burger is the BEST in the STATE!

The kids outside waiting to eat on a train... choo choo!

MOM'S MEAL = the BEST! A Fresh Strawberry milkshake, Bacon Cheeseburger w/ ham, french fries & Dr. Pepper! CAN IT GET ANY BETTER (unhealthier) THAN THIS? I think not.

Cambria having a little fun!

I can't believe how big she's getting!

After Heber City, we landed in Park City where the kids spent lots of time in the bounce house park! There were about 5 different bounce toys to play on. They were so happy that their dad splurged & let them do this - if you know Brett, this is not really his thing!

Colten shooting out of the King Kong Dragon slide.

Climbing up..

Like Brother, like brother...

Cambria & Karsen just couldn't get enough!

Olympic Park, Park City Utah. I can't believe it's taken us thing long to go see where the Olympics were held in Utah. We take too many things for granted that are right around the corner from us.

There are two ski museums in the Park. We saw only one while we were there, so we are definitely going back soon!

The kids just seeing what it's like to sit in a REAL bobsled!

Okay, we're READY!

The museum has fun hands-on activities for the kids and it's all FREE! Brett's playing a video game where he is racing down the slopes! WAIT! He's not a KID!!

Park City Adventure Videos

2009-07-19T21:30:00.008-06:00

Here's Cambria sliding down the longest and steepest slide.. it was so much fun!

The kids had a blast playing on many bounce houses for about 45 minutes.. When their time was up, they were completely sweaty and tired!

Karsen & Colten racing in a bouncy maze!

Cambria's new haircut & my purse!

2009-07-10T12:34:00.002-06:00

Cambria's first pictures of her NEW look! We love our shorter hair.. just check her out!

Cambria's always gotta be silly when taking a picture! Her hair is so adorable on her and so much fuller now!

A project my mom & I started and I finally finished a few weeks ago.. I have started another one and it's so cute! They are so much fun to make!

the NEW haircut..

2009-07-06T21:34:00.006-06:00

It's been a very long time since I have had hair this short, but I absolutely LOVE it! A few of you asked me to post some pics, so I am. Cambria helped me take these and she's very proud of her pictures!

Cambria's hair appt. is scheduled this Friday.. we'll see what she lets me do!