Vacation or Photo Shoot?

We recently spent a week in Oregon. A cousin of mine was getting married so we thought it would be a good time to see all the family. While we were there we took advantage of the scenery and took lots of pictures.

Mt. Hood out of the airplane window

We were really looking forward to introducing Collin to my grandparents.

After stopping to visit the grandparents we went for a hike through Silver Creek Falls. We saw a total of 7 waterfalls.
This guy is such a cutie! He fell asleep while we were hiking.

And....the best of the photo shoot!

The next day was the wedding. The bride looked stunning! Found out the groom is a major Beatles fan. He said if it weren't his reception we could talk Beatles all night. Maybe next time!

Visited again the next day.

The next day we stopped by the Portland Rose Garden before heading to the coast. Collin loved all the bright colors. And....the best of the photo shoot.

We drove to the coast and stayed in a condo just a two minute walk from the beach. It was nice just to have the door cracked so we could feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing. Aaaaaahhhhhhh...

Collin fell asleep while playing

We decided each night to be on the beach as the sun was setting. This was Collin's first time seeing the ocean and being in the sand.
And.....the best of the photo shoot.

The following day we spent in Newport. We visited the Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the Underwater Experience.

The third day we visited a lighthouse just north of Newport.

Another visit to the beach...and...another photo shoot.

Mark struggled with leaving his ocean view and heading back to the desert.

One quick stop at a beach a little further south before heading to the airport.
Our last chance for pictures.

Another Escape to Denver

We spent the evening at a Colorado Rockies game. Everyone LOVED the little outfit aunt Misty gave Collin to wear.

We had seen recently the lions and tigers from a traveling circus that were rescued from bad conditions and placed in a sanctuary outside of Denver. We decided to go out and check it out. We saw lots of different animals, had a picnic dinner there and learned a lot about where these wild animals came from and how they got there.

This lion was so funny. This hill was the tallest in the area and so it looks like he is just trying to make a statement.

While Mark and Mike went golfing, Debbie and the kids and I went to the park to ride a train and go to a petting zoo.

It was a long week and a long flight home for Collin.

It Was Time...

I made the decision to go ahead and chop it off.It wasn't for nothing though. Locks Of Love, here it comes.

Hmm, I think I look like my aunt Cheryl. Always takes a little getting used to.

Collin Tries Solids

So we decided to try giving Collin solids at 5 1/2 months. Making the baby food ourselves is super easy and inexpensive. We started with green vegetables (peas, asparagus, and green beans) then went to orange vegetables (carrots, and yams) and last had corn. His favorites so far are carrots and asparagus. Fruit is coming soon.

Before

After

Feeding time in the following weeks.

Everyone takes a turn feeding him.

The First Trip of the Year

For the holiday weekend we drove up to Spanish Fork, Utah to be with our friend. Collin loved all the attention their four kids gave him. They were great entertainment.

To celebrate the fourth we set off fireworks in the street.

The Munchkin

Looks like he is waving! Hello everyone!

Dad loves to look in the mirror with Collin.

Collin loves it too!

Desert Landscaping

Check out how tall this thing got! It's taller than the lamp post. About two days after this picture was taken it fell over :-(

Mark's Birthday

While Mark's best friend Mike and his family were visiting us, we all went out to the Dbacks game. Mark and Mike also went golfing. Happy 36th Mark!

Staying with tradition, several chocolate Whataburger shakes were purchased during their stay. Collin wants some!

All Dressed in White

May 29, 2011
The baby blessing of Collin Daniel Christensen

A sister in the ward sewed this cute little outfit for Collin. It's extra special for me because the vest is made with scrap material from my wedding dress. The blanket he is laying on is also made by a sister in our ward. We have great friends at church!

We were so appreciative of all the family and our friends that showed their support by coming to Collin's baby blessing. Thank you!

Mark's family (above) / Mary's family (below)

This was a real special day for us :-)