Taco time

Last night we went over to Grannies house for the traditional Christensen dinner, tacos. It was great. I love tacos. There is just something about the way our family makes them that reminds me of my childhood. Of course, the green chili was great.

We all ate ourselves silly and then the boys went crazy. The adults were all in a taco coma, but they definitely had a different effect on the kiddos.

Waylon had guacamole all over his pants and then spilled a glass of water, so they were in the dryer. It was a really great time.

Denver Children's museum

Chicago: T minus 3 days. We have 3 days left of our vacation in Colorado. Sadly, Aaron went back yesterday. He had to work, that crazy guy.

Today we (Shell, cousins Kendell and Colty, mom, the boys and I) went to the Children's Museum in Denver where we met Shelley, Charlie and their cutie Alex (bout the same age as Way baby). Sorry for the red eye, will fix later. Posting now so hubby can see the boys and mom is waiting to play some cards. They had a great time.

Playing fireman...

Scarf fight, didn't know this was possible, but it is!!

Cooking up some bacon and asparagus, yum yum!

Crawling through caves....

Hanging with cousins....

and mom...

and last but definitely not least, at least for these guys, the train tables...

It was hard to tell who was more exhausted on the way back, the kids or the adults. I'm voting for the adults. It was really crazy there. The noise level alone definitely did some permanent damage. Next time I'm bringing ear plugs. It's worth it though. That pic of Byron and Kendell pretty much says it all.

Mamama

I got my Christmas gift early this year. Waylon has started saying mama! Of course, he is now saying poppa, baba, dada, etta and something that really sounds like all done. He said all of those before mama, but he finally is saying mama! I think it's really funny that he says etta (Byron's lovey's name). He even said it (mama) when he wasn't really upset today. He has been saying it only when he is really upset, waking from a nap or something similar. I'm completely satisfied with my gift though, no more presents needed for me!

Snowy CO

It snowed a fair amount in CO last night, and on throughout the day. After naps, we headed outside to enjoy it for a while, or for however long Waylon kept on his mittens....

I love the look on Byron's face. Christmas may have a hard time living up to a 3 yr olds excitement upon seeing a huge pile of snow.

We are having a great time in Fort Morgan. It's really starting to feel like Christmas now! All the shopping is done and we even got to the wrapping this afternoon. We got way too much, but it's so fun buying for the boys. Now, we just are going to have to figure out how to get it all home. Hmmmm. USPS, here we come.

I (heart) Loveland

I love Loveland! We went skiing (boarding actually) there on Saturday. It was so great. I always forget how much I love snowboarding until I'm on the mountain. It is just a fantastic sport. A little exhileration and the great outdoors is a perfect combination. It's great now because both Aaron and I are proficient enough that we don't expend all our energy picking ourselves up from fall after fall anymore.

On top of the mountain, all covered with snow....

We headed up to Loveland from Fort Morgan in mom's little red Jetta (Thanks Mom!). We left (gasp!) the boys at home with Nana Renee and Papa Ken. For those of you not in CO, Loveland is a ski resort right at the continental divide. It is gorgeous up there. Mountains all around, evergreens and everything covered in snow.

We met Pete around 9:30 and were on the slopes by 10. No one really had any crashes, except for getting off the lift. The Pederson's are lift departing challenged (excepting Pete). I don't know what it is. I do fine going down the slope, but put a lift in front of me and I just fall down. I almost just stayed on the lift the first time up, but finally got going with a little push in the rear with the seat of the lift and then a little jump. It was kind of fancy if I do say so myself.

We all had a wonderful time. It was pretty cold, but the snow was good. We were worried the conditions wouldn't be that great since CO hasn't had a ton of snow so far. One of the best parts of the trip was the Jetta's heated seats on the say home. Love the warm buns.

Look ma, no kids!

In Colorado

We are in Colorado! Sunny, great day.

The trip went well. Taxi ride to airport, 2 hr plane ride, and 1 hr drive back to Fort Morgan all accomplished. The boys did great. Waylon slept for 1 hr of the plane ride. I got to (gasp) read. Reading The Green Mile now (nice Christmasy book, ha ha). Just finished Tracks, a book about several native American families before leaving. Byron didn't fall asleep until the drive back to FM.

We already got in some good family time. We had dinner with Scott, Shelley, Kendell, Colty, Grams, Gramps and Uncle Dick. The boys were crazy excited to be here. Byron LOVES his cousins. He is in 7th heaven. Waylon is happy having a new environment to explore.

Can't wait to crash tonight. It has been a long day, but a good day. Nana Renee coming over the mountain tomorrow.

Cutest thing ever

There is nothing cuter than a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds dressed up in their holiday clothes singing Christmas songs. We went to Harper's school Holiday party this morning. Harper is up on the stage in the middle sporting a red and white striped shirt. Harper did a great job and actually sang and did all of the motions for the songs. You can tell his parents are artistically inclined. :)

Byron got to sit with all the other preschoolers after the program and get a snack.

Then it was time for some dancing.I'm not sure what that move with the hands in the mouth is called. Faye is in the plaid dress. I just love those girls dresses. They are so adorable.

Waylon enjoyed a candycane.
Harper is quite the ladies man. The girls were fighting over him.
Birth announcement! Mike and Katie called this morning and are now the proud parents of baby boy Gavin. He was born yesterday and all are doing well (in Boston).