Welcome Baby Asher!

My step-sister Nicole and her husband John recently adopted a precious little baby boy, Asher. Neither of them were considering adoption when they both had the strong impression that they should adopt a baby. They faithfully submitted their profile to LDS Family Services and spread the word to everyone they knew that they planned to adopt. Meanwhile, over 500 miles away, a young woman (who Nicole used to babysit as a child) decided it would be best to place her unborn baby for adoption. Her prayers were answered when she met with them and realized they were the ones!

Congratulations Nicole and John for the new addition to your cute family!!! He is a very blessed little boy and lucky to have you both as his parents! We're all so happy for you and excited to have him in the family!

Clark & Lila

Rowland's nephew and niece were both blessed on the same day.

Here is the beautiful Lila Elizabeth, daughter of Rowland's sister Laura and her husband Derek.

(Laura sewed this amazing dress for her).

Lila with her cute family and Great Grandma Lila Christiansen who she was named after.

Here is the adorable Clark Roger, son of Rowland's brother John and his wife Mandy with their cute family. Clark was named after his Grandpa Roger who is currently serving a mission in Chile.

And their proud Grandparents, Clay & Diane Christiansen.

I want Mama!!!

How sweet, Madison put together her first sentence today and proudly shouted it out. I had an upset stomach so when Rowland got home from work, he watched her for a little bit so I could lie down.

After about 20 minutes I heard her loudly protest from the other room "I want Mama!!!" I thought certainly I misheard her or it was a fluke, then she said it again very clearly. Rowland also wondering if it was an accident asked her, "Do you want Mama Madison?" She answered, "Yeah!" He brought her in to me and she got so excited to see me, she threw her little arms out toward me with a huge smile. He confirmed that I heard correctly; she said her first sentence. What a doll!

The 4th

We had a little 4th of July Bbq at our house (with everyone who didn't go to the Stadium of Fire). We watched the fireworks at the local park, then pulled out the projector at our house for some Guitar Hero while the kids watched Disney movies in our room.

Yes we're wearing matching T-shirts! (It was a Walmart $3 special), woo.

Which of these things does not belong in this picture? That would be Madison in the bottom right hand corner up WAY past her bedtime.

Weekend at the Cabin

Our good friends, the Pacini's invited us to a no kids-couple's weekend in their wonderful cabin. When someone says they have a "cabin" I never know what to expect as that word can describe such a variety of accomadations. I went expecting zero electricity and lots of mice but was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to large comfy beds for everyone, a big screen tv and a Nintendo Wii; now that's my kind of cabin!

I was also happy to discover our friend Jamie is a night owl like myself as we were the last ones up talking until about 3 a.m.

It was also my first night I've spent away from my daughter and I have to admit I had to fight back tears leaving her at my sister's but I knew she was safe and we had a great time; it was actually really relaxing. (Thank you Cherie for watching her and Sammy!)

Madison's 1 year Birthday Party!

We had Madison's birthday party at Hogle Zoo. She was still a little too young to really appreciate it yet but she still had fun and we figured it was a good excuse to take her for her first time with everyone.

I'm so sad, my baby is already 1! It went by way too fast!

Madison and her step-cousin Simon attempting to do a pacifier exchange.

Her 1st time on the carousel. Rowland insisted on taking her.

Here she is looking enthralled on her 1st train ride as you can see!

Her 1st gift of the day. We bought her a "band in a box" my sister, Jennifer suggested

(since she loves hitting things). She opened it that morning and has loved it ever since!

Now we just need to figure out how to teach her that our dog, Sammy is not also a drum! :)

Father's Day

This was Rowland's 1st official Father's Day (with a baby). Last year Madison just missed it and was born a few days after. It was fun, he woke up to breakfast in bed and a big hug from his beautiful daughter!

Camping in the Uintahs

We went camping in the Uintahs with some family & friends.

It was a great time as always!

Rowland in his element. He caught several fish.

I even fished for a little bit and caught one.

Our happy camper!

This baby back pack my Dad bought for Madison was a lifesaver camping

and she loved riding around in it!

It also doubled as a high chair; what a cutie!

Madison with her cousin Austin by the fire.

And giggling on the camp radio with her cousin Kimberly.

Playing with her friend, Samarra who's just a few months older than her.

It was freezing at night so we had Madison in 3 layers of clothes

and several blankets.

Rowland's brother Clay and his wife Katharina--or as I like to call them,
the expert campers who make camping tons of fun!

Our friends, Micah, Sharonna and their cute kids.

Trying to stay warm by the campfire.

Madison SO happy to be going home (just like her mom), after a long but very fun weekend. I really enjoy camping but I have a 2 night max; by the 3rd day, I am VERY ready to go home and take a nice, hot shower!

Sammy's Oasis!

We went camping in the Uintahs and Sammy (our German Shepherd) had the time of her life! It was too funny watching her away from civilization leaping and bounding through the woods having a blast; I had to dedicate a post to her!

She "helped" everyone fish, swam across the river, chased deer and gaurded the perimeter of our campsite every night to make sure we were safe (which was nice because there are bears in the area). She ate like a King having steak, bratwurst, eggs & bacon scraps (she hardly touched her dog food) and she had about 10 kids to play with; she was in heaven!

It's nice having a really smart dog for once! At one point, she went down a hiking trail with another family in our group, then found her way back up the trail by herself to come back to us. It was pretty impressive! If it had been any other dog I've ever had, they would have gotten lost and we would have spent the rest of the day looking for them!

She had so much fun, I felt bad for her when it was time to go home and back to her boring life of following me around the house while I do laundrey! Maybe I'll hang this picture (below) next to her bed. :)

Good Times in Vegas!

We went to Vegas with Rowland's sister, Michelle and her husband Terry who live Canada. It was a great chance to spend some time with them since we rarely get to see them. It was a blast!
I'm embarrassed to say Madison has now been to Vegas 3 times and she isn't even 1 yet!



Madison's 1st time in the pool; she loved it! She was a little nervous at first but I'm sure it helped to see her cute cousin Ella splashing around having a ball.



The proud Dads! Terry with Ella and Rowland with Madison.



We stayed at the Cancun Resort, that Michelle found online (I highly recommend it). It's a nice smoke free, family oriented time share that rents out rooms. They had the nicest pool!



Madison & I went a month later with my sisters and Dad to help Lydia move. (Lydia, Jennifer, Dad, Me & Nootz).



Madison watching one of my favorite parts of Vegas, the water show at the Bellagio.
I'm glad I pulled her out of her stroller to see it, she was mesmorized! :)



She was so into the lights and excitement that she couldn't sleep all weekend. It's like she knew we were in Vegas, she wanted to party all night!



Madison with her Aunt Jenny



her Aunt Cherie...



And her Grandpa Roger