Matthews Family

McCall, Idaho

2011-09-05T22:35:00.007-05:00

The Matthews' Family Reunion this year was in McCall, Idaho. It was heaven! Adam's parents rented a huge house by the lake. It was the most relaxing trip ever. It was great to just have time together. There are tons of pictures of all the fun we had. Andee was in heaven with all her cousins, plus she got to watch more shows than she ever dreamed possible. Since I am pretty strict with her shows. I know I'm a mean mom. This first pic is bad quality but Brock was just too cute, I had to put it on here.

We all had matching shirts too. Each family had their own color. This is a bad picture but surprisingly the only one I have that shows what the shirts looked like.

Here's Andee with her cousin Brandon getting some candy from the pinata.

Adam and Andee collecting their BINGO prize. There was awesome prizes. It was so much fun!

Family pic

We played tons of games in the water. Here they are playing some kind of sharks and minnows game, I think. All the boys posing. We also played games like catch the frisbee before you land in the water, who can jump the furthest off the deck, the list goes on and on. So fun.

Andee and her cousin Brooklyn.

Adam and Brock. Brock took a while to warm up. He was kinda whiney. I thought girls were supposed to be drama but Brock seems to be more drama than Andee. Crazy boy. :)

Andee and I

We rented a jet ski for a day. Here is Brock with Adam and Grandma Matthews'. Both kids seemed to like it just as long as we went slow.

Andee played in the sand constantly. She didn't seem to like the cold glacier water. The trip was so fun and I wish it could've lasted longer. Adam and I didn't want the week to end.

Fireworks!

2011-07-10T11:56:00.006-05:00

I know you probably expected to see pictures of fireworks on here. Sorry.....no fireworks. I just didn't want to write the fourth of July. On the 4th we went to a parade in the morning. There was about 10 Firetrucks and ambulances at the beginning. It was so loud. Brock was crying and so scared. It was the loudest and longest Emergency vehicle part of any parade I've seen.

It was Andee's first time at a parade. The whole time Adam was getting after me to help her get more candy. This little or big kid, I guess I should say, kept coming over and stealing the candy in front of the little kids. So I pushed him down and gave him a piece of my mind. He never came and stole the candy again! Just kidding. I can't say I wasn't tempted but I left the boy alone. :)

We had a BBQ then headed to fireworks. Our friends brought glow sticks and the kids loved them! We tried to find sparklers but I guess they are illegal in Illinois, who knew? The real firework was a good show. All in all it was a fun 4th. I love fireworks and I love the 4th of July.

Catch Up!

2011-07-09T13:05:00.004-05:00

The weather has been great and hot! The kids love playing outside with the hose and in the mud. Sometimes I give in and let them get as dirty as they want. This is Brock covered with mud and loving it.
My parents, Kara and Koree came out to visit for a few days. It was a lot of fun to have them here. We did all the Chicago things. They wanted to come visit before Karson moved home. Kourtney and Dustin came out for a few days too. They drove one of Karson's cars home for him. I don't know why I didn't get any pictures of them. It was fun and it ended too soon!
Then Karson and family moved home to Idaho. I cried, like always.
Adam and I had our 6-year wedding anniversary. We had a sitter so we headed downtown. There is a restaurant at the top of the Hancock building that I have been wanting to go have dessert at for a few years now. So...we headed up there. It was really fun. I can't believe how the time is flying by.
Andee started swim lessons. She hates putting her face in the water. Maybe I am rubbing off on her too much. She loves to swim around with her floaties. She could be in the pool all day if we'd let her. This is her jumping with excitement for swim class. She had the floaties on the first couple days and now they are off.

Last but definitely not least Adam is done with being on CALL for residency. Woo HOOOOO!

Easter

2011-05-07T20:46:00.006-05:00

Here is a mix of dying eggs and Easter day. We dyed eggs with Karson, Bridget and family. Andee loved it. She loves any kind of painting, coloring, drawing, artsy stuff. We tried a new way of coloring eggs where you color them with crayons right out of the boiling water. The eggs are so hot it melts it and looks neat. Maybe this has been around for years but I'd never done it before. Adam hid the eggs and then out ran the kids. Andee was running around everywhere. Brock actually found a few eggs too, it was cute. I think he was interested because he thought they were balls.

We all matched in purple, well all but Adam. He was a springy yellow though. Brock was not cooperating for picture time. Either way Easter is always fun. We hid baskets for eachother and for the kids.

Brock 1-year photos.

2011-05-07T20:39:00.003-05:00

Brockey's 1-year photos. I love them. He was grouchy and kind of had a cold when we were home so I am glad we got at least a little smile out of him. I didn't know if we were going to get that by the way he was acting. Little cutie.

2011-05-02T21:37:00.003-05:00

In April our friends from podiatry school, the Sessions, came into town for a few days for a podiatry conference. It was good to catch up with them. Andee was in heaven playing with her old friend Carter and Brock enjoyed following the two older kids around. We were all able to go swimming at the hotel where the conference was held. It was a lot of fun.

Brock is 1 and some

2011-04-12T20:54:00.003-05:00

Brock actually turned one February 18 but we were driving to Idaho all day. We celebrated his birthday a couple days later in Bear Lake. He didn't care much for his chocolate muffin covered with whipcream. He definitely didn't get my addiction to chocolate then. Yum. Anyway, I couldn't not blog about my cutie's big birthday. He is growing up too fast!

OUR LITTLE BALLERINA & BALLER

2011-03-06T17:23:00.003-06:00

Andee started ballerina class in January. She's been obsessed with dancing for a while so Krista found a class that lasted for a about a month. Andee loved it, especially dressing up in her little tutu. The last day at class the little girls were able to perform the dance they learned for the parents. Andee's shyness prevailed in the end but she did a wonderful job and we were proud of her.

Krista bought me and Brock a fancy mini basketball hoop for Valentines day and who knew that Brock loves Basketball already. None of the pictures below were staged, just Brock being Brock.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-13T16:22:00.004-06:00

Christmas was tons of fun! Andee loved opening presents. Brock didn't care so much. We couldn't get him away from the stairs. He is standing up on everything. He would've been happy with just stairs for Christmas. He wasn't into his toys much. Andee played with Brocks toys and her toys all day long. This Christmas was spent all by ourselves and it was so weird. Adam had to go into the Hospital to do rounds so he was gone for a few hours. Neither of us were in the mood to cook so we went to TGIFridays. Surprisingly tons of people go out to eat on Christmas. We didn't have to wait at all. It was nice and relaxing. This year was definitely a different christmas but fun.

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-13T16:13:00.003-06:00

We had the Zimmers over for Christmas Eve. It was tons of fun. The boys played Wii and then we all played games. We made cookies for Santa. Andee wanted to make white cookies for Santa because his hair is white so....Snickerdoodles it was. Adam wanted those too so it worked out perfect. The kids opened their Christmas Jammies. Just before we were going to leave to look at lights Santa sent Andee a little message on the computer. He is just amazing, that Santa. It was a fun day!

Snow fun

2011-01-13T16:05:00.003-06:00

Andee made her first snowman. She loved it. She wants to make one everytime it snows now. She loves snow and making snow angels.

Adam's 31

2011-01-13T16:00:00.003-06:00

I thought we had candles but all we had was the 3 from Andee's Birthday. So the second candle is a match. It worked pretty good. Just had to blow it out fast.

Getting ready for christmas 2010

2011-01-13T15:53:00.003-06:00

We had fun waiting for christmas this year. We wrote a letter to Santa, decorated the tree and just enjoyed the christmas time. I think I was more excited than Andee. I love Christmas. I love having the tree in the house. I love smelling it and everything about it. However, this is the first year we bought a tree at a lot and I didn't know you had to cut the bottom. Adam said he knew but we don't have a saw anyway. Needless to say our tree was about to burn down by Christmas it was so dry and dead.

The handsomest boy ever! CUTE! Can't get enough of him.

Decorating the tree.

Brock playing in the lights. He loved the lights but he stayed away from the tree.

turkey day 2010

2011-01-13T15:46:00.004-06:00

We stayed here for Thanksgiving. My brother Karson and his family came over to have the feast with us. Thanksgiving just isn't as big of a feast with two families. I miss having food everywhere all day. We haven't had a thanksgiving home forever! It was a fun day. We made our first Turkey ever and I must say it was divine. Yum!

Da Bears!

2010-11-28T16:36:00.003-06:00

We went to a Bears game and it was really fun! My dad bought tickets for all the sons and son-in-laws to go but some couldn't make it. It worked out great cause I was able to use the extra ticket. Adam and I have always wanted to go to a Bears game but the tickets are ridiculously expensive. Yay! Thanks dad! So the day was pretty cold but the sunshine made it bearable.
The Bears played the Vikings. My dad LOVES Brett Favre so he had to come watch him.

Sky deck thing in the stadium had an awesome view of the city.

The beginning of the game was the best part. They had a bald eagle flying around during the national anthem and then jets flew over at the very end. It was amazing! Also when the Bears came running out there were fireworks.

Here's our bro-in-law Jared enjoying some fun of the game. We were on vacation, it's okay. :)
There was a girl just two people down from him that couldn't even sit up she was so drunk. All the people around her were afraid she was going to throw up on them. She couldn't sit or do anything but she was able to keep drinking. Jared got a good video of her.

Adam, Dad and Karson outside the stadium. The day was a lot of fun! I hope we get the chance to go to another game. I could watch tons of games in person, on t.v. is another story. By the way the Bears won and it was an exciting game!

One, Two...THREE!!

2010-11-17T16:10:00.003-06:00

Andee is 3. I can't believe it. She is getting so big. She already says she's three and loved her birthday. She wants everyday to be her birthday now. We took her to the zoo on her birthday and had cake and ice cream. That weekend we invited over some friends to have a little birthday party.

I forgot to mention that we also made her a really ugly cake!! I am not a baker!

The kids made bug hats and went on a bug scavenger hunt. They had bug whistles that they blew the whole time. It was so cute!

They finally made it to the bugs. They had to pop them to get the treats inside. The kids couldn't really pop the balloons. But it was cute seeing them bounce around and try. Jaxson was the only successful one.

Everyone who came. It was fun having the little party. Andee loved it and is still talking about all the kids who came.

Pirates and Monkeys

2010-11-16T14:42:00.003-06:00

Andee the Purple Pirate

Brock the Monkey

Family Pic

I think this is the cutest pirate and monkey I have ever seen. Halloween is by far the most fun when you are a kid or have kids. I love getting them dressed up. Andee got a little make-up on and was in heaven. Brock put up with the hood for most of the night. I was really surprised. I think he sucked on it like a binky all night because it was soaked in spit. Andee loved trick-or-treating. It was a fun Halloween!

AAAAH-CTOBER!

2010-10-31T17:18:00.010-05:00

I think everyone is going to hate me after this post. This post is about a mile long. I just dont update this enough to make normal size posts. A lot went on in October. We went home to Idaho for a week. A week is way too short. Splitting a week between families just flies by. We surprised Adam's sister. Her son, Adam's nephew, was heading out on his mission. It was a fun surprise! We spent time in Bear Lake. Andee followed Grandpa Matthews everywhere. She loved going to see and feed the animals. We then headed to Pocatello to watch my brother-in-law play football for ISU. He's a senior this year so we needed to watch at least one game before he was done. He did awesome! He scored a 100-yd touchdown by getting an interception. It was a lot of fun. After our trip to Idaho we have been doing Halloween things. We carved pumpkins and decorated sugar cookies. I love fall and Halloween. It always goes by way too fast. Surprisingly Halloween pictures are not included in here. You would think for how long it is. It is just too long to add and I haven't uploaded the pictures yet.

Brock and Me. Andee is becoming quite the photographer!

Andee's pumpkin she painted. There is no way she was getting to carve one! I can barely carve one without getting sliced. If she is anything like me there would have been blood everywhere.

Mine and Adam's pumpkins

Us making cookies.

Our pumpkins!!

Doing cookies again.

Happy and Handsome 8-months old Brock.

Here we are with the star of the football game. It was great to go to ISU game again. I really miss them. I also decided that I don't want Adam holding Andee in pictures anymore. She looks like this in everyone.

Kayt, Ezra and Andee on our last night. Andee got some vampire teeth and loved them.

We celebrated Andee's third birthday early while we were home. She loved opening all her presents.

We made Halloween themed food for dinner. Kara and Adam's face pizza's in the background.

Grampa Howard fell asleep laying next to Andee one night, how cute!

Andee and her cousins playing on the love sack.

Adam and Andee exploring the ice caves in Paris canyon.

We tried to go up to Paris springs but we were cut off by this moose, we decided to save our trip to the springs for another day.

We helped to harvest the garden and Andee loved to see where carrots actually came from.

Grandma and Grandpa Matthews were so good to play with Andee. She loved every minute.

Brock next to his new cousin Avery.

The three Matthews brothers and Brock.

Most of the family at Adam's sisters house for Austin's last Sunday.

Adam's oldest nephew Austin who we went to see off on his mission.

Andee playing with cousins on the Matthews side.

Sep-tem-ber

2010-10-31T17:07:00.004-05:00

I cannot get these pictures to move so they are not in order. My parents came to Chicago this month for a few days. It is always great to have family here. Andee is attached on their hips.

Thatcher and Andee playing at a park downtown Chicago.

We got a membership to Brookfield Zoo. Its open all year round. This is a place that the kids can pain their own face. This is her favorite spot. She talks about painting her face everytime we talk about the zoo.

Andee and Brock playing in a box. I swear kids favorite toys are the cheap weird ones. She loves this box. It's a car that she drives in and its also her bed. This is her shutting the door to her car.

Brockey turned 7-months old. He is getting so old. Andee is holding up seven fingers.

Here is Andee paying this guy downtown to dance. You had to put money in for him to move. There are some crazy people in big cities.

August

2010-08-29T21:41:00.004-05:00

Apparently life is going month to month lately. I am glad time is flying by during this residency. Although, I am surprised it is flying by because everyday seems kind of long. Adam is gone a lot making the day seem longer. But I am liking it more and more in our new place everyday. I am finally starting to learn what is around me. Here is an update on the month of August. Here are our two little cuties. Here is when Brock turned six-months. He can roll over both ways and sit up now. He is growing up really fast.

Andee would go to My Gym and she loved it! They would do all these gymnastic type activities, songs and play time. It's just more expensive than I would like.

We went to the Chicago Air and Water show. We have been meaning to go for four years now and finally did. It was fun and free. Free is always nice! Andee loved playing with Mya. We went with our friends the Lloyds. We lucked out and found some shade. It was roasting that day.

Doesn't Andee look happy? I guess our kids like to sport their belly buttons.
Andee and I went on a girls outing. I took her to Chuckee Cheese and let her do whatever she wanted. The only thing she asked to do more than once was a game where she shot dinosaurs that were chasing her. I thought that would be her least favorite game.
Handsome Brock showing off his strong muscles.
This is Brock's happy face. He sticks out the tip of his tongue. Isn't he adorable? He also loves his feet!

Andee lately loves pulling the cushions off everyday, really everyday. We either make forts, she pretends its her bed, she jumps on them and many other things. She is getting quite the imagination. Below is what she would call her bed.
She still loves princesses and dressing up. This is Andee as Cindewewa. So cute!
I love this picture because this is what I did when I was little. I always wanted long hair. I would put my pajamas on my head that had the elastic around the neck and pretend it was my long hair. I went into Andee's room and she had one of Brocks sheets on her head and she said it was her hair.

JULY

2010-08-17T21:25:00.003-05:00

Well this is a huge catch up and it's for the whole month of July. We have really been slacking but better late than never.
4th of July

4th of July

KIDDOS

Andee loves to dress up. She's a very girly, girl.

Cute little Brockey at 5-months. He is getting so strong and can almost sit up.

We just started feeding him some rice cereal. It took him a while to get it but now he is a little piggy!

SWIMMING

It's been ROASTING out here so we have gone swimming a lot. There is a nice 1-ft pool in our complex so I can go with just me and the kids. Andee is turning into a little fish. She will swim all by herself with her little floaties on her arms.

DADDY - DAUGHTER DATE

Adam and Andee went to see Toy Story 3. It was a little daddy-daughter date. Andee loved it. She sat on his lap for the whole thing. She loved getting the popcorn too, as you can see.

Andee keeps on saying how daddy took her to see Buzz Lightyear.

Here's cute Brock. He is the cutest boy in the world. He always is happy and smiling.

Doctor, Doctor!

2010-06-27T22:49:00.004-05:00

The Happy Graduate!

Andee was sick this day so she doesn't look too happy in pictures. She was saying "daddy doctor".

Adam and I

The doctors in the family, my brother, my dad and Adam.

Adam's Parents

It's official! Adam is Dr. Adam. He graduated from Podiatry School June 4. It was a happy day in both our lives. However, I am dreading that the worst is still to come. I hear residency is pretty bad. I might be a single mother for a couple years. I am really proud of Adam. He worked really hard. The four years went by too fast. We really loved the experience and all the people we met while in school.

Way to go, Idaho!

2010-06-15T18:28:00.005-05:00

We were able to spend some time in Idaho before I start my residency in Chicago. We moved out of our North Chicago place and dropped all our stuff off in our new apartment and literally took straight off for Idaho. We split time between Bear Lake and Pocatello. We did some fun things but most importantly we just spent time relaxing and hanging with family.

Me burning my student white lab coat. It will not be missed.

We were lucky enough to go to the Lakers/Jazz elimination game.

Andee loved to play in the hot tub. Krista and I spent our fair share of time in it also.

We tried to exercise everyday. Andee too.

Andee love to go down and see the amimals at Grandpa's house.

My parents joined us for a quick two day trip to yellowstone. It was my first visit.

We had fun at our Matthews family reunion which we were in charge of.

One of the last things we did was bless Brock at Krista's parents ward.

Thanks all for a good time.

ODE TO THE SESSIONS

2010-04-14T20:53:00.006-05:00

Our friends that we have hung out with almost everyday for the last four years just moved away. It was really sad. We don't know when we'll see them again but hopefully sooner than later. Their little boy Carter was Andee's best friend too. Sessions you will be missed!

Piggies and Brock's First Sunday

2010-03-19T17:39:00.003-05:00

I can finally do side piggies on Andee. Still can't fit the back in but her hair is really starting to come in. She happily posed for me. She is a big cheeser lately. Here are a couple pictures of her little shoot.

This is the family on Brock's first Sunday. He looked so handsome in his church clothes.

Andee loves Brock. She is always excited if he is awake. She loves to hold, kiss and touch him. She is a good big sister! She also asks to hold Brock on her belly.

Hot Tub Time!!!

2010-02-24T21:32:00.004-06:00

Garret and I felt like sitting in a hot tub, so we made a hot tub and the kids joined in.

Brock Adam Matthews

2010-02-20T14:17:00.003-06:00

At 1:45 pm Thursday the 18th of February Brock Adam Matthews was born. Krista started having cramps the day before, but they never amounted to anything until 4 am that night. Her contractions were about 10 minutes apart until 7:30 then they all of a sudden were 3 minutes apart so we rushed to the hospital in Highland Park. She was dilated to a 5 on arrival, so the nurses rushed to get an IV running and she quickly go an epidural. From then on out it was smooth sailing. Krista only had to push twice and Brock came right out. We stayed at the hospital for two days so Krista could get some good rest. Krista's mom had gotten into town the night before so she was able to watch Andee for us. Andee was able to visit in the hospital a couple of times and seems excited to have a little brother. She loves to tell everybody that Brock is "My brother." We're home now and Krista's mom is staying for another week, so it will be good to have the extra help. We are so happy to have Brock safely here.

Krista just after she got the epidural. She wasn't this calm a few minutes ago.

Brock just seconds after he was born.

The proud parents.

Brock getting all the guck washed from his hair.

Father and Son

What a cutie.

Grandma at the hospital.

The whole family. It sure changes the feel of things having a fourth member.

Andee holding Brock when we got home. She was so excited to have us all home.

Christmas in Chicago

2010-01-02T21:25:00.011-06:00

This year I didn't have a Christmas break so we had to stay in Chicago for the Holidays. This was our first Christmas away from home, luckily Krista's brother Karson and his wife Bridget couldn't go home either so we were able to spend the whole weekend with them. Karson and Bridget and Thatcher arrived at our house Christmas eve morning and they stayed until Saturday. We had a lot of fun. We were able to make some good meals, play some games and just hang out. It really was a good time.

Driving around looking at Christmas lights and drinking hot chocolate on Christmas Eve.

Putting out our stockings on Christms eve.

Andee was excited to open a present on Christmas eve (one of my childhood traditions).

We recieved a lot of great gifts from our family's.

The Howard's checking out their stockings.

Isn't she a cutie.

Andee and her new doll.

Andee received some disney princess dress up that she loved.

We attempted to go sledding, but there wasn't very much snow and it was freezing.

Decorating the Tree

2009-12-18T14:22:00.003-06:00

Here we are decorating. Andee loved to decorate the tree. She still decorates it everyday. She pulls off the ornaments and then puts them back on. She can't keep her hands off the tree. Luckily she hasn't broke any ornaments yet. It was really fun to watch her decorate. She had a lot of focus and concentration in her face. The first thing Andee does every morning is go turn on the Christmas Lights. She loves Christmas Lights. If we drive at night she points them out and wants to see "mo mismis ights" (More christmas lights).

Adam's the big 3-0!

2009-12-18T14:16:00.002-06:00

Adam is 30 this year. I asked him what he wanted to have for dinner and this is what he chose: a HUGE steak and shrimp. We then had some friends over to play games and have cake and ice cream.

Opening presents, The Office season 1.

Jeff Zimmer sang the prettiest Birthday song we had ever heard!

Happy Birthday Adam!

Thanksgiving!

2009-12-18T14:10:00.002-06:00

This Thanksgiving was in Chicago with my brother Karson and his fam. I made my first apple pie. I tried to make a turkey in the crust. I also made my first rolls. It was fun to have Thanksgiving with family. This is the first time in the four years we've lived in Chicago.

Andee loving the food eating on her chair on the floor. We only had four chairs.

Eating dinner.

Thatcher and Andee played all day long! They love eachother!

Andee's 2!

2009-12-18T13:57:00.004-06:00

Andee is 2! We had two parties this year for her. We had one early while my parents were here that was combined with an early one for Adam. Her second one was later after she was actually 2. She liked being sung to. She is growing up too fast. Here are some pictures of the partay. They are out of order. I couldn't get them to move.

My cute little 2-year-old!

Kissing Grandma Howard, Thank you!

Andee cheesing it with Daddy.

Andee's Birthday Cake. Adam made a two tier cake for her. It was cute. I did the writing. We forgot to take a picture before so here it is half eaten.

Halloween Fun

2009-11-05T13:05:00.007-06:00

This is a long post of all the October happenings. First is Trick-or-Treating! Andee's first year trick-or-treating and she loved it. My parents were in town and my brother Karson lives here now so it was a big family affair.
Ladybug Andee and Giraffe Thatcher ready to go trick-or-treating.
Andee with "papa howa"

Adam and Andee trick or treating.

Andee would always stand there after she got a piece of candy expecting more. They'd have to say goodbye ladybug or she would stand there and wait for more candy all day.
Karson, Mom and I. I could barely zip this jacket up. My belly is getting big.
Thatcher slept for actual trick-or-treating so he tried to steal Andee's hard work. She got tons of candy!
Here is Thatcher stealing a piece.

----CARVING PUMPKINS-----

Final Product

------Halloween Party with Friends------

Adam dressed up as Michael Jackson for a friend party this year. He won the costume contest. Andee was a little ladybug.

The Zimmers, they always have the best costumes.
Adam, Andee and I at a friends Halloween party.
The hosts of the party, Dave and April.
Here is Garrett(The horse) giving all the kids a ride! Halloween was really fun and busy! It came and went too fast!

New Ride!!

2009-10-12T12:47:00.003-05:00

We've wanted to buy a car for quite a while now but we've never had enough guts or money to do it. I have to drive downtown everyday for the next three months and our car hasn't been the most reliable so we decided to seriously start to shop. After much resarch we decided to look for a Honda Pilot, so we started checking dealerships and test driving cars in our budget. A few test drives and a pushy salesman later we found a Pilot in Milwaukee that fit our criteria. We made the hour journey to only find that the asking price quoted to us on the phone and the sticker price was $8,000 different. The salesman told us the price quoted was a mistake. So after nearly an hour the manager agreed to give us the price quoted on the phone. So we made the purchase. We feel like we got a steal. We were even able to meet the previous owner, a little old lady who would only drive the car a few blocks every day and "babied the car", in her words. The car is a silver 2006 Honda Pilot EX with 31,000 miles and seats 8. Krista's favorite part is the keyless starter. We love it and we feel pretty lucky to have found it.

Adam Jr. is on the way!

2009-10-05T22:32:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to say that a boy is on the way! We found out this morning! I had to go to the ultrasound by myself and then Adam found out at lunch. I decided to get some little boy clothes and have him open a present to find out what we were having. I wanted to do something more than just say...We're having a boy! He got the biggest smile! It was cute!

By the way....

2009-09-17T21:26:00.002-05:00

We thought we would make the official announcement that Krista is pregnant. She is 17 weeks along and due February 23rd. She has been a little sicker this time around so I'm thinking boy. We'll find out in a couple of weeks what it is. We both are kind of hoping for a boy, but we will be completely happy to have another little girl. Andee is so cute with little babies so we think she will love having a little sister/brother.

4 Externships down! 1 to go!

2009-09-16T14:59:00.011-05:00

A lot has happened since our last entry. We spent a month in Tacoma and then a month in Portland for Adam's externships. The two months were very different, the first month Adam had tons of free time and the second he was extremely busy. We had great experiences and a lot of fun at both places. Surprisingly it only rained a few days out of the two months. Here are some pictures to catch every body up on what we've been up to.

The second day of our three day journey across the country at the badlands South Dakota. Andee was an angel the entire three days.

More Badlands.

At the Hoh Rainforest near the coast of Washington. It was extremely hot and dry for a rainforest but very beautiful.

Downtown Tacoma with Mount Rainier in the background. That mountain is so pretty and HUGE!

We headed out to the beach a couple of times. These pictures were at a beach near Forks. The entire beach was black round pebbles. I had never been to a beach that didn't have any sand before. The sound of the waves on the pebbles was really cool. The waves were huge and even though I was cold we loved that beach!

Andee was scared of the waves.

To end our month in Tacoma Andee thought it would be nice to poop on the floor and have me step in it right after she got out of the tub. Adam's flip flop suffered some poop smear as well. So I had her sit next to her little present and show how proud she was of her little log.

PORTLAND

We stayed with Adam's Uncle Roger and Aunt Judy for the month. I had never met them before we went there. It was nice that I finally met them and we had so much fun. Adam's cousin Heather and her husband Jay were staying there also and there was always family around so I had someone to hang out with everyday while Adam was working long hours. They were all soo nice! They made us feel right at home and we were sad to leave, especially because we don't know how long it will be until the next time we see them.
Andee with Adam's cousin Terri and Andee's second cousin Sawyer.

Adam's Uncle Douglas (and cousin Kenny in background), he hadn't seen his uncle in years.

Andee's cousin and friend Quinn. They played together almost everyday.

We took a day trip to the Oregon coast with Heather, Jay and baby Gwen. We saw the Tillamook cheese factory, the octopus tree, a light house, and visited the beaches Oceanside and one near Pacific city. I was in heaven because alot of these were places I used to visit when I was a kid.

Heather, Jay, baby Gwen, Andee, Adam and Me at Oceanside.

Here we are in the cave headed over to the SECOND beach.

It was cold and windy as it always is on the coast it seems.

Next we headed to Pacific city to see a sand dune that Heather said was huge. We were expecting something the size of a house but no, it's that mountain behind us.

Adam and Andee climbing up the dune.

Heading up. I had to take a lot of breaks.

Gwen and Jay
Heather, Jay and Gwen at the top of the HUGE dune. It was tiring but fun! They entertained us the whole time. We had tons of fun with them!

Heading down the dune.

Uncle Roger and Aunt Judy. Thanks so much! We cannot thank you enough! Hope to see you soon!

Andee at Multnomah falls striking a pose.

Multnomah Falls in a tree

The Family at the Falls. There are so many more pictures but I really need to end this post. It is really long. We had a lot of fun! We hope to see everyone and go to Portland again soon! Thanks for everything!

4-Year Anniversary!

2009-06-19T13:48:00.006-05:00

Our Anniversary was, June 18th. Time is flying by. Life is sooo wonderful. We couldn't be happier!

Kourtney and Dustin's Wedding

2009-06-19T13:36:00.004-05:00

My little sister Kourtney got married last weekend at the Idaho Falls Temple. She is the last one to get married in the family. It was supposed to storm all day and it ended up being perfect weather. They had a reception in I.F. that night with a dance. Andee loved to dance and had so much fun. All the nieces had matching dresses and the nephews were in tuxes. They all looked so cute and it was so fun!

San Fran & Dr. Karson

2009-05-27T22:25:00.004-05:00

My dad put Andee inside his coat to try to keep her a little warmer. I can't believe how cold it was. We could see our breath sometimes.
Andee trying to stay warm and go to sleep.
Dustin, Kourtney and I on the trolley in San Fran
The fam with the new doctor.
Karson's family Bridget and baby Thatcher.
On the way to Graduation. My brother Karson, me, and my dad.
Me in downtown San Fran.
My little sister Kourtney being crazy.
So my family and I came to San Francisco/Oakland for my brother's graduation from Podiatry School. He is done and I am really happy and proud of him. He is headed here to Chicago for Residency. We spent the rest of the time in freeezing San Francisco. We rode the trolley, ate yummy food and tried to stay warm. It was a lot of fun and the best part was at the end of the trip, when I got to come back to Chicago and finally be with Adam again. A month is just way toooo long!

Sister Slumber Party!

2009-05-17T13:46:00.004-05:00

My sisters husband was out of town and so we all decided to have a sleepover together. We are all wannies by ourselves. It was a lot of fun! Here are some pictures!

Here is the Sophstest with the Mostest. She is such a cutie!

This is the morning after the sleepover. All the kids had waffles and eggs for breakfast.

For some activities at our slumber party we all painted our toenails. I know this is so exciting for you Adam. You know you wish you were there. I made sure to paint my toenails bright RED!!! Your favorite!

Kara with baby Sophie.

Kourtney, Me and Kara staying up late having fu-u-un!

Us girls painting our nails. These pictures are out of order and I can't fix them.

Kourtney and Dustin painting their nails. Dustin loved girls night! YES!

Here are Andee and Kourtney exercising.

Andee and I.

This is a rainbow perfectly over the gap. I just had to take a picture! This is in my parents backyard.

Julie came to visit and this is her and Jaxon outside. I couldn't get a picture of them both holding still by eachother. This is the best I got.

Here is Andee exercising again. It was so cute!I hope you enjoy these pictures Adam. I wish you were here! Only 6 more days! I love you and miss you!!!

PROVO

2009-05-12T12:32:00.003-05:00

Here is our trip to Provo. I thought I took more pictures but this is it. We watched my nephews dance for their last Ballroom performance of the year. I absolutely loved it and they did really good!

The Petting Zoo

2009-05-12T12:19:00.003-05:00

Feeding the Goats

Ascha, Luke and Andee by the baby chickens, and ducks.

These pictures are in reverse order. Here is our trip to McKee's Petting Zoo. Andee loved it.

Catch Up for You, Sweetie Pie!

2009-05-05T00:21:00.005-05:00

Hello Adam and everyone else. Here is an update. Adam is in Iowa and I am in Idaho for the month. We have one week down and three to go. Here are some pictures of what's been going on since you left Adam. I can put more on later! Love you!!

These first ones are when she climbed up on the chair next to the table with the food for Kourtney's shower. She picked out all the blackberries and was eating them. Her shirt was filthy afterward. She finally has two little piggies on top of her head. They are small but there.

Adam's sister Stephanie, her husband Rick and her two kids Cody and Brooklyn. This is after Cody's Lacrosse tournament.

Before Kourtney's shower. Kara and Kourtney.

This is Andee when she got into my make-up. She knew exactly where to put it.

Here is Andee getting read to by Grandpa Howard. She is loving the animal books that make the sounds.

This is out making s'mores in the backyard. Love you Adam.

What's going on

2009-04-20T17:54:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of Easter. We were in Bear Lake and made a little egg hunt for Andee. She got fruit snacks instead of candy though. We are staying in SLC for the month with my brother and his family. It's been lots of fun so far and here are some pictures or what we've been up to.
Andee and Adam looking for eggs
Grandma Matthews
Andee listening to music with Aunt Melissa
Liberty Park in SLC

Thatcher, Karson and Andee
Temple Square

Andee being cute in the car ride to BL. More to come lata!

The Amazing Children's Museum

2009-03-25T14:07:00.003-05:00

My friend April had an extra pass to go to the Children's Museum and Andee loved it! She loves our computer at home and here she had one just her size. It was so cute to watch her roam around to all the different things at the museum. There is this water room that she splashed around in for 15 minutes. She also got some paint on her face only because I tried to help her face paint and she hated it. So she ended up with scribbles, still so cute! Fun Day!

GREAT GREEN RIVER!

2009-03-20T15:06:00.002-05:00

We finally made it down to see the Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day. I have wanted to go down and see it and the parade for 3 years now. Here are some pictures of our little excursion. I expected the river to be pretty green but not that green! It was really bright. We also messed around with the camera to only show the green in the top pics.

Family Pictures!

2009-03-04T18:43:00.005-06:00

Here are some family pictures that my sister took while we were in Idaho for Adam's externship. We absolutely love them and they turned out really good, even though Andee wasn't cooperating. Here are a bunch to look at. We are back in Illinois now and things are going really good. We are sick of cold weather and being cooped up inside. Adam has a great schedule right now where he only has clinic two days a week. It's really great! We are here in Illinois until the end of March and then we head out again on other externs. It's amazing how fast time flies.

"Goodbye"

Carousel

2009-02-23T22:18:00.006-06:00

Today for Family Home Evening we decided to take Andee on a carousel. We kind of had a clue to how she would like it since she's not normally very adventurous. Turns out we know our little Andee pretty good. She tolerated the ride, and I don't think she was sad when it was over. Andee is so much fun right now. She is at the stage where she will talk our ears off in her own made up language. She is such a cutie.

Summary of our Month and a half home!

2009-02-04T22:26:00.004-06:00

Here are some random pics documenting our trip home to Idaho.Andee finally has some teeth to brush.
Andee playing with her cousin Luke.
Me skiing at Pebble Creek.
Andee, Adam and Brooklyn-Andee's cousin-at Adam's sister Stephanie's house.
My dad and Adam on the lift at Pebble.
Adam pushing Andee on her car around Grandma and Grandpa Matthews' house.
Here is Adam with his frosted hair. He came in from the hot tub and his hair was frozen. Here it actually melted a little. It melted really fast.
Adam's parents playing cards. We played tons and tons of games.
New Years with the Matthews' family.
Skiing at Sun Valley.
We boarded and sledded behind the 4-wheeler in the back yard a few times. The boys all built a huge jump to go off. We had tons of fun playing games, hanging out with family and just being there to see the mountains everywhere we look! Adam was there for an externship for school.

We are still alive. Here is our Christmas!

2009-01-28T15:55:00.004-06:00

Here is Christmas morning on the Howard side of the family. My little sister Kourtney and her Fiance Dustin were there with us and my parents. Here is just some pics. Andee got a little tutu from her cousin.

THANKSGIVING.......

2008-12-08T20:51:00.003-06:00

I figured better late than never to post these Thanksgiving pictures. We went over to a couple in the ward, the Zumstegs. They are so nice and invite us over once a month for dinner! They are so fun and just great people. They also invited over other students. I forgot to take pictures until we were leaving so these are all the photos we have.

Andee's 1st BIRTHDAY!

2008-11-10T19:36:00.007-06:00

Our little girl is one today! I still think of her as a little baby but she is becoming a toddler. She still doesn't have any teeth though, I can't believe it. But she is crawling everywhere and walking along things. She has the cutest smile and she is just the best little girl! I hope all my babies are as good as her! Here are some pictures of her happenin' partay!

Mindy, Garrett and Carter all came over for the party. Carter gave Andee an Old McDonald Book. Isn't he nice?? Carter is Andee's best friend! We ended up getting this cake for free because they messed up and couldn't give us what we ordered. So it worked out good! Andee also got some phone calls from her Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that sang beautifully!
Here she is all nice and clean:

Now she is pretty messy but I wanted her to be more covered. Her daddy helped her get a little more messy after this picture. She didn't attack the cake like we'd hoped. I don't even know if she ate much of the actual cake, just the frosting.

It's Autumn Time! It's Autumn Time! (I don't remember the rest....)

2008-11-07T16:22:00.003-06:00

My parents just came to town for the weekend and the weather was so warm so we took some pictures and went to the Botanical Gardens. We were going to head downtown but I either got the 24-hour flu or food poisoning. Still don't know which but I am glad they were here to help. Below is Adam at the Botanical Gardens.Me papa feeding me baby Andee.
mom and dad with Andee

This is the place that I think got me sick! It was good food though. My dad has to go here every time they come to town so he can get their famous Apple Pancake.

Below is us at Halloween. Andee is a GIRL giraffe, see the bow. Krista-Zoo keeper and Adam-Dwight K. Schrute

Poor Wittle Adam

2008-10-27T22:42:00.002-05:00

Adam plays in a flag football league with his school every Saturday. This past Saturday, the 25th, Adam was going up to catch a ball and this guy was going up to get the ball too and I believe the guy landed on his foot. I don't know technical terms of football and I am sure I am getting this all wrong. But none the less Adam hurt his ankle, heard a couple pops and here are some pictures documenting his injury.

Killer moves! Lightning Speed!

Lately

2008-10-19T23:20:00.004-05:00

Andee and I went to a little farm that also had a pumpkin patch. Here she is.

Here Adam and Andee are talking to Grandpa Matthews. You can tell how much she loves Grandpa Matthews.
Daddy-daughter picture.
Andee is getting so active and is as happy as can be! She smiles all the time!

When she isn't smiling she is making this funny face. She laughs after she does it and we laugh every time we see it. Niccole and Wiley, our cousins, came to Chicago so we got to hang out with them for a night. It was really fun to see family and hang out downtown.

SAY YES TO PROP 8-PRESERVE MARRIAGE

2008-10-09T22:18:00.004-05:00

SAY YES TO PROP 8

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ THIS EVEN IF YOU AREN'T A RESIDENT OF CALIFORNIA AND THEN COPY AND PUT IT ON YOUR BLOG. EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN CALIFORNIA, I'M SURE PEOPLE WHO READ YOUR BLOG DO. IF WE DON'T STOP IT FROM PASSING, THE REST OF THE U.S. WILL FOLLOW. WE NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES IF MARRIAGE DOESN'T STAY BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN.

Six Consequences if Proposition 8 Fails:

1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay. The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage (§51890). Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston have already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.

5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada--one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.

6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees. And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?

It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties at stake. Let's work together to protect them. Join with us in walking precincts and phoning voters to vote YES on Prop 8. For more info go to www.preservingmarriage.org

Tagged

2008-10-05T23:19:00.006-05:00

Well I actually never have done a tag. I think I've just never got around to it. Seeing as how the house is clean, Andee is asleep and Adam is gone studying I am trying to fill my time so I might as well fill this thing out. If you don't want to read I understand!
A. Attached or Single? Attached
B. Best Friend? ADAM
C. Cake or Pie? Pie. I love pumpkin, lemon and peach and more
D. Day of choice? Friday
E. Essential Item? contacts/Glasses. I can't see without them.
F. Favorite Color? PINK!!
G. Gummy Bears or Worms? neither. Those gummies hurt my teeth.
H. Hometown? Pocatello, ID
I. Indulgence? Chocolate
J. January or July? in Idaho Both, Illinois July
K. Kids? 1-Andee
L. Life is not complete without? Family
M. Marriage Date? June 18, 2005
N. Number of brothers & sisters? 2 brothers 3 sisters
O. Oranges or Apples? Both equally.
P. Phobias? I am terrified of spiders, worms and germs. I am not a complete germiphobe but I don't like people touching my food and I don't share drinks with people.
Q. Quotes? When someone knocks you on your knees, just remember you're in the perfect position to pray.
R. Reasons to Smile? Andee.When I get her out of her crib. No one is ever as excited to see me as she is.
S. Season of Choice? This is a tough one. I actually love every season in Idaho. Seeing at how I'm out here in Illinois I would have to say it's a tie between summer and fall. Summer you can do a lot and Fall is gorgeous.
T. Tag some Peeps! HMMM......I don't know. Julie, Leslie, Lindsy
U. Unknown Fact about Me? I had to have braces twice. It was horrible but worth it!
V. Vegetable? Cooked Carrots-YUM!!!
W. Worst Habits? I pull on my ear when I am uncomfortable or nervous or if I have earrings in I just mess with those instead of pulling on my ear. I just know when I am older one ear lobe will probably be a lot longer than the other one.
X. X-Ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound
Y. Your Favorite Food? Pasta anything, mashed potatoes and I sure do looove fresh fruit! I can't choose just one favorite.
Z. Zodiac Sign? Aquarius

And here we have Idahooo...

2008-10-01T16:28:00.008-05:00

Okay so this post is humongous. Sorry but this is covering my three week trip to Idaho. Adam had to stay home in Chicago for school. So Andee and I had some fun back with the family in Idaho. We went to: The Eastern Idaho State Fair. My family has a booth there every year and I love it! It was really cold and rainy the first day but the food was delish!

Bridge, Andee, Mom and Kourtney

Andee and Aunt Shauna

Kourtney, Andee and I heading to the fair!

Andee with her cousin Ainslyi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDFISH LAKE, ID
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My mom, dad, Andee and I went up there this year just for a couple days. We used to go up there every summer for a week, but lately living in Chicago we haven't been able to. This is the most beautiful place! I love going there.
Andee and Mom

Me and mom

Dad getting ready to surf

Mom, Andee and Dad at the far end of Redfish Lake

We stayed in a little room and Grandma wanted to snuggle with Andee for a little bit!
Dad in our rustic room.

Andee and her cousins Ellie and Brooklyn. They are about six months younger than her! They are all so cute! I wish I had more pictures from the other side of the family but my camera died after taking these pictures and I forgot my battery charger.
Andee with Great Grandpa Christensen. She loved him!

Playing shuffleboard at home. Isn't home beautiful!

Boating at Jensen's Grove-Blackfoot

Cute little Lexi(my niece)waterskiing! She got up on her first try! She is a pro!

Mom and dad at Jensen's

Lexi and Andee. Sorry so many pictures but I actually cut out tons.

A Day At The Zoo

2008-09-28T20:10:00.003-05:00

This is at the Lincoln Park Zoo in downtown Chicago. This zoo is great! They have all kinds of animals and it's free!!! Free being the best part! Here is some kind of deer. Adam was fascinated by it. I don't know if you can tell but it had a long, tree or log stuck on it's head in between it's antlers. It was stuck with it's head down forever.
I have never seen a Zebra in person and everytime we have come to the zoo they haven't been out. They were finally out today! YAY!
Here's our little Andee Human.

Andee and Adam at the Giraffe place. She is very, very excited. She's always happy!She loves sunglasses too. Every time I put them on her it tickles her and it's so cute to watch.

Us at the Polar Bear Exhibit.
Flamingos! We have to get a picture with flamingos now. We got one at the San Diego Zoo on our honeymoon and now it's just tradition! Isn't it romantic?
Here's our little Angel exhausted from a fun, crazy day at the zoo!

Last chance for Nauvoo

2008-08-02T23:24:00.004-05:00

For the last weekend of my short summer some friends invited us to Nauvoo, I've never been so we were excited for the short trip. We first visited Carthage jail, we were in a really big group so it made it a little hard to get the full effect of the experience. We then went on to Nauvoo and watched the pageant and visited the sites. The pageant was very good. I'm not the crying type, but the tears sure were flowing during the pageant. I'm not ashamed, if you've seen it you know what I mean. We headed back to Chicago the next afternoon after getting our fill of historical sites. It was fascinating and the experience made me want to learn more about the saints in Nauvoo. Thanks to the Wahlen family for letting us tag along.

Little Emma and Andee became fast friends.

Krista and Andee in the upstairs bedroom at Carthage jail where the prophet and Hyrum were killed. The window in the picture is the window Joseph jumped out of when he was shot.

I'll let you guess what this picture is. If you can't figure it out leave a post and I'll tell you.

Us outside just bellow where Joseph was killed.

Statue of Joseph and Hyrum with the jail in the background.

Joseph and Emma's mansion house where they lived for part of their time in Nauvoo.

The final resting place of Joseph's body along with his wife Emma and brother Hyrum.
Brigham Young's house.
A statue in some garden with lots of statues of women and children.

The Nauvoo temple was amazing. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. It amazes me they could build something like that back then.

Mountain biking, kind of.

2008-07-28T14:37:00.004-05:00

Some friends from podiatry school and I headed up to the Kettle Morain state forest in Wisconsin to do some mountain biking or the closest thing we can to mountain biking. It actually is pretty good biking. Garret is so much faster than the rest of us he would ride up ahead of us and stop and take action pictures of Dave , Jeff and I. We weren't able to rest much cause every time we stopped we were attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes. Other than that it was good times.

Poor mans boating at Independence Grove

2008-07-28T14:19:00.005-05:00

Botanical Gardens

2008-07-28T13:58:00.003-05:00

We live just a few miles from the Botanical Gardens but we have always put off going there. We decided it was time to check it out. We enjoyed seeing all the pretty plants, and rocks, and water, ect. Krista's favorite part in my opinion was seeing the brides getting their wedding pictures. My favorite part was the bonsai trees. Those crazy little trees are sweet.

ROAD TRIP!!!

2008-07-16T12:10:00.007-05:00

After I took the boards on Wednesday I didn't have clinic until the next Tuesday so we decided to take our first family road trip. We left our house on Thursday morning at 5 am so we could miss the crazy Chicago rush hour traffic. We headed off to Ann Arbor Michigan to visit my cousin Lane his wife Julie and their three girls. We visited for a couple hours then we were off to Canada. We visited with a lady I baptized on my mission. We stayed there for a few hours then we stayed in our hotel at Niagra Falls Ontario. On Friday we spent the whole day visiting the sites in Palmyra and at the end of the day we watched the Hill Cumorah pageant. On Saturday we checked out the Falls and drove around some of the areas I served in my mission. The last leg of our trip we stayed with our friends in Cleveland, Brett and Eryn Lancaster. We headed home Monday morning and made it without any troubles at all. It was a fun get away and Andee was really patient with us and the long stretches of being in her car seat.

Cheryl Bernardo, Andee, and myself. I baptized Cheryl while on my mission.

Krista in the sacred grove. If you've never been in the sacred grove I highly recommend it.
Some of the performers in the Hill Cumorah pageant.

The American Falls and Horse Shoe falls. We were limited to what we could do since Andee was tired and hungry.

Brett, Andee and I at lake Erie.

Andee wasn't too happy about getting wet, and she wasn't to happy with the lady in the next picture either.

Playing Cribbage with Eryn and Brett. The boys took care of business.

Andee really liked Eryn. She even wanted to dress like her.

Bike and Study

2008-07-02T18:44:00.002-05:00

Here we are at Independence Grove. It has a path all the way around it so you can bike, jog, walk or do whatever. It's around this lake. It's really pretty and fun to go to. Adam studies constantly so we decided that we would get out and he could study while we were out. I biked Andee around the lake while Adam studied. He managed to take her out on a little stroll while we were there too. The picture above is him in the red shirt pulling Andee, you have to look hard to see him.

Water Skills

2008-06-20T22:18:00.003-05:00

The family on Bang's Lake with the Spencer family in our ward. Our first waterskiing outing this year.
Andee and Adam. Andee tolerated that lifejacket. I think she was too relaxed to get mad.
Krista skiing. First time in two years. It was horrible and hard.
Adam skiing like a pro.
Marie Spencer holding Andee. The life jacket was a little tight.

Take me out to the ball game!

2008-06-03T22:12:00.005-05:00

Since I can remember I've been a huge Atlanta Braves fan (I was a fan before they became good back in the Dale Murphy days). Now that we live close to some Major league teams Krista let me spend a little extra cash and get really good seats to go see the Braves when they came to town (well at least to Milwaukee, cheaper tickets). I've been so excited because I've never watched the Braves in person, until now. We decided to take Andee with us since she wont take a bottle and to tell you the truth, Krista is a little attached. We left early and arrived at Miller Park about an hour early. We were able to watch a little batting practice, and the nice thing was we didn't have to worry about the weather because they have a retractable roof. I was able to see most of my favorite players Chipper, Glavine, Francour, but I didn't see Smoltz cause he was on the DL. Krista even saw a couple players she recognized (She likes the catcher Brian McCann). It was a close game with a little action but the game was mainly a pitchers duel. I didn't mind cause I was just trying to take everything in. We almost caught a foul ball and Andee was an angel the entire game. The only downside was that the Braves lost 1-0 in the last inning.

Andee loved to look around and see everything in the huge stadium.

She also wanted to eat Krista's face.

I told you we had good seats. I'm a huge Chipper Jones fan.

The traditional wiener race in the 6th inning, I think the Hot dog won.

Chipper and the rest of the Braves in action.

I was so upset that the Braves lost at the end, Krista could care less who won, and Andee was glad it was finally over.

Six Months Old!

2008-05-26T13:14:00.003-05:00

While we were home in Idaho I had my sister Kara take more pictures of Andee. I love the pictures she takes. Andee looks so cute! Her company is Kara Olsen Photography if you are ever in the Pocatello Area, she is good! Sorry there are so many pictures. There were too many cute ones to just put a few on.

4-Generations

2008-05-26T13:12:00.002-05:00

Here is my Grandma Christensen, My mom, Me and Andee on Mother's Day.

Finally Real Food!

2008-05-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

Andee is six months and finally ready to have some solids. She swallowed right away and was definitely ready for them! We fed her for the first time here in my parents house. It was so cute. It was on Mother's Day!

Hanging at Home!

2008-05-26T13:06:00.002-05:00

Adam playing with Andee.
Finally warm enough for shorts~
Playing some more.
Adam and Andee love the blanket game. Maybe Adam was liking it more than Andee. It was really funny to watch Adam impersonate Andee.

GORGEOUS!

2008-04-22T19:59:00.002-05:00

Here is Andee at 5-months-old. She weighed 18 lbs. 4 oz. at her check this month. She is very happy-she always smiles and laughs. I just love dressing her up and putting bows in her hair(what's there).

Nice RIDE!!

2008-04-22T19:49:00.002-05:00

Adam about to get into our stretch hummer limo. We went to dinner with a bunch of podiatrists and a drug rep was paying, this is the only way we would be riding in this limo. So we got to ride in a cool car-for free!
Mom and Dad inside the limo.
Here we are at our destination. We ate at Shaw's Steakhouse-lets just say we will never go back, it was way too expensive. It was really fun riding in a limo though, we felt special.

Our Little Fish!

2008-04-22T11:24:00.003-05:00

Here is Andee swimming for the first time. We stayed downtown with my parents and so we took Andee in the pool. She loved it!
So did Adam.
Andee with Grandma Howard.
We forgot Andee's swimsuit so we just had her in a onesie and a normal diaper. Diapers get ENORMOUS after being in water. We couldn't believe it.

Ed Debevicks-Fine Dining!

2008-04-08T15:58:00.004-05:00

My parents came out to visit and we spent most the time downtown. We ate at Ed Debevicks for lunch one day and it's quite the experience. I encourage anyone coming to Chicago to eat there. This picture just above are the waiters and waitresses dancing to some 70's song, the whole things is choreographed. It is really fun and they treat you with such hospitality!

Toned Abs for Summer!

2008-04-08T15:52:00.004-05:00

Andee was just begging us to put her swimsuit on her. She is so excited for summer to come! She has been working real hard to get her abs nice and toned so she can wear her navy polka-dot bikini!

Free wings!

2008-04-05T10:42:00.004-05:00

The first 100 customers at the grand opening of Buffalo Wild Wings would get free wings for a year so we did the only logical thing to do, camp out.
Me and a few friends pitched a tent in the parking lot and joined about 70 other people for a fun filled night of freezing.
We had plenty of entertainment. Garrett graced us with some harmonica.
Dustin froze in his paper thin sleeping bag. The temperature reached 21.
When morning came we were victorious and enjoyed our delicious wings.

Dancing Daddy!

2008-04-05T09:56:00.003-05:00

Adam will occasionally dance with Andee and it is so adorable. This is Adam dancing with Andee and her friend Carter. I was making dinner so Adam was on baby duty. To entertain both of them he danced with them both!

THE BIG 4 MONTHS!

2008-04-05T09:50:00.003-05:00

Here she is at 4-months-old. At her check-up she weighed 16 lbs. 13 oz. She is 26 1/4 inches long. She is in the 97% for her height and weight. I love my chubby little girl! She is so fun to cuddle and play with. She is growing up so fast!

Growing Up!!

2008-04-05T09:31:00.004-05:00

Here is Andee all bundled up for going on one of her first strolls outside. I think she is just tolerating me.
"Hello!!!"-Isn't she just adorable! I was taking pictures of Adam and Andee and I was reviewing them after I took some. After I was done reviewing and went back to the screen to take a picture this is what I saw. She was just staring at me, sooo interested in the camera! It was soo cute!
Adam is so cute to watch with Andee. He always checks on her and wants to hold and play with her right when he gets home from school or studying. He is such a good daddy!
We put Andee on her blanket to just kick around and play. When we walked past her again she had the blanket pulled over her face with a smile. She just loves pulling blankets on her face. She has a certain blanket that she always loves to cuddle with and rub on her face!
Our little girl is growing up and getting so big. She isn't eating yet, we just wanted to test her out in the high chair. She did pretty good!

What is art? Are we art? Is art art?

2008-03-15T22:03:00.003-05:00

During my break a few weeks ago, Krista, Andee and I went downtown with some friends to see the Art Institute of Chicago. I love art and I was having a blast seeing all the famous paintings I learned about in art class. Let me give you a tour.
This one is untitled by Pablo Picasso. Flashes weren't allowed but I forgot for this picture.
This is a really famous one by Picasso called The old Guitarist. What makes this one so cool is when you look at it really close you can see the shape of a woman that Picasso painted over.
This is one of my favorite pieces of art. The painting is by Georges Seurat and is called A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. The painting is huge and it is all little dots of paint, no paint strokes at all.
Every body recognizes this painting. It is by Grant Wood and it's called American Gothic. This is mine and Krista's best impression. We're the ones on the left.

How cute is this?

2008-03-11T02:22:00.002-05:00

Krista's parents came in town for the weekend to visit, and when they visit we let them sleep in our room and we camp out in the front room. I had a test early on Monday morning so Krista had to take her parents to the airport. When I got home from my test this is what I saw. Krista and Andee sleeping next to each other holding hands. If that's not cute, then I don't know what cute is.

Sledding in a land with no Mountains.

2008-03-03T22:22:00.002-06:00

One of the things Krista and I miss the most about living back west is the mountains. We were able to find a small hill to go sledding on to help us feel more at home. We went sledding with our friends Garrett and Mindy. As you can see, the girls had a lot of fun. Andee wasn't quite sure what to think of being outside though. After sledding we had some delicious hot chocolate and then went inside and did what we usually do, play Settlers of Catan. Love that game.

BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL GIRL

2008-02-27T22:54:00.004-06:00

Andee at 3 months. She smiles and laughs all the time! It is so much fun!

Here is Adam and I on Valentines Day with Andee. It was soo Romantic eating dinner with the three of us and taking diaper breaks. T

here is also my Birthday Cake that Adam made for me. He is so sweet! And of course more pictures of the beautiful baby.

Hesters the man!

2008-02-18T15:22:00.002-06:00

I had to throw this in even though it happened last fall. Krista and I were at a mall near our apartment when I thought I saw Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears. Krista talked me into going up to him and getting my picture with him. I followed him for a few seconds then I said "Hey Devin!" Yup, it was him. I asked to take a picture with him. He was really nice and actually surprised I recognized him in his street clothes. And of course my eyes were closed in the picture.

Andee likes to talk!

2008-02-18T14:08:00.003-06:00

Recently Andee has decided that she loves the sound of her own voice. She talks to us all the time, telling us all kinds of stories. She is so cute. She is such a good baby. I look stoned in the video, I was really tired and I didn't realize Krista was videoing us.

First Blog

2008-02-18T03:56:00.000-06:00

I've been feeling left out since it seems like everybody and their dog has a blog. For those of you who haven't met my family, this is Me, my wife Krista and Andee. We live in North Chicago while I go to school to be a foot doctor. We are enjoying our lives especially now that Andee is here to entertain us.