christiaansenfamily

2010-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

2010-08-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Aunt Britt visited for a week! We had an awesome time together. The kids and Aunt Britt shared lots of bonding time. We miss her already!

2010-08-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Camping and playing hard at Big Stone Lake.

2010-08-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our maiden camping and boating run of the year. We were so excited to get the boat out we hit the water before it was finished! Joy lays down everytime we go cruising with the boat...puts her to sleep.

2010-04-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

2010-04-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! Finally. We went fishing on evening on the Big Sioux had a great family evening out.

2010-04-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

We visited St. Paul and the Science Mueseum. We were able to meet Nanna and Papa there. The boys loved staying at the hotel, the mueseum and the Capital building.

2009-12-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

2009-12-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Back from Jamaica...can't wait to return! We had an absolute blast the weather, water and sun were just what we needed. The food, service and people there were wonderful. We were really missing the kids on the last day and were very glad to see them but it was tough to come back to cold and snow.

2009-11-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

Cold War reminents? I found these two items literally in the middle of nowwhere in northwestern South Dakota. The rock pile and center of the nation sign were not far away. Though an unsuccessfull hunting trip...for whitetail, which is what my tags were, I did find a good place for antelope someday.

2009-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Love moments like these...

2009-11-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

The sun was just comming up here...the dogs have been having a banner year getting out running and exploring.

2009-11-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Trista made all the costumes this year for our theme...give you one guess. Joy can't be seen that well but she was a flying monkey! We did a trunk or treat at our church. We won (Trista won) best costumes!

2009-09-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to bring their fire helmets to the fire station last time they visited, then Sam tried on the real thing.

2009-09-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Blue Mound State Park has a 1200' line of rocks that line up with the sunrise and sunset in the spring and fall placed there long before whites came to the area? We would have loved to see it...the kids had different plans this trip. Sam insisted that we go to Papa's house to go camping, Joy was hungry and Gus was feeling lazy...win some, loose some...

2009-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

We visited Blue Mound State Park by Luverne MN today...we sincerely hope that the boys are not playing in poison ivy...leaves of three let them be, well they had three shiny leaves growing in the crevise of some pallisades...we'll know tommorow morning!

2009-09-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sammy on a rainy day...one of the few times he requested a picture.

2009-08-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Gus had his first day of school last Thursday. He was very excited, his favorite thing about school was the school bus...we are documenting this now so that we can show him how cool the school bus is when he is 16! Sammy is in the background, Trista said that before Gus left to get on the bus he was giving long hugs all around, when he left Sammy siged and said; "Gus is my best friend." Talk about bringing a tear to your eye.

2009-08-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Sammy is 37" tall and officially tall enough to ride the go-carts...what a blast we had. The boys steered through the corners like they were born behind the wheel and neither Mom nor Dad let off the gas until it was time to stop.

2009-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Gus started soccer this month, so far its been alot of fun. I can't describe how cute it is to see 10 five year olds running around kicking the ball.

2009-08-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ice fishing sleds make great pools...and they warm up quick too!

2009-08-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a great day at the pool. Sam and Brian enjoying the lazy river while Gus rides solo.

2009-08-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Brown's visited over Joy's first birthday. We had pretty good weather and enjoyed each others company for a few days. We played in the backyard alot and at the recreation area near our home. The kids had fun practicing flips on the trampoline. Joy's birthday was small but nice...I think she has a soft spot in her heart for Uncle Scott.

2009-07-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

We visited Lewis and Clark Lake today and had a great time. The water was awesome the beach was sandy and the sun was shinning, can't wait to finally get the boat out...soon.

2009-07-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

Brian, Gus, Sam and Joy visited Arrowhead Park today. They enjoyed playing on the rocks and around the barn.

Trista and the boys on the trampoline. We were torn about getting one but the kids have definately enjoyed it.

2009-07-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Trista took the boys and Joy up to Duluth for 10 days while Brian was in Texas. They had a great time riding four-wheelers, tractors and Kevin and Peggy's pony. Joy looks like a full-blooded midwestern girl with the sweet corn!

2009-05-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Gus sang us his graduation song on the way to his preschool "graduation." Love moments like these...

2009-05-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

View from the top. Today we hiked to the top of a hill near our house. The picture on the right shows our neighborhood. We're really looking forward to the summer.

2009-05-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Trista was reading the boys a bedtime story tonight and when I put Joy in the bunk she went right over with the boys to listen too.

2009-05-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today we spent some more time biking and hiking. Mom had to stay home with Joy. Gus and Sam found a snake sunning itself on the trail. Gus immediately tapped it, the snake slithered away about 2 feet and starred back, incredulous at the audacity of that 5 year old boy. Dad had to advise Gus that it is not best practice to touch all snakes we see. Gus immediately retorted that the snake he just touched did not have a rattle!

2009-05-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

We've been spending some time riding our bikes on the bike trail near our house. Weather has been great and with winter still a recent memory we are going to take advantage of outside time.

2009-05-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Last night this hot air balloon flew over our neighborhood. The dogs were out of control and the cat, who was outside on the deck at the time was in such a hurry to get inside she tore a hole in our screen door, more to fix...

We will post some new pics soon of our new house and some of the other fun stuff were up to.

2009-05-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Gus lowered himself into one of the post holes that had been dug for a fence at our new house. He fit in perfectly. Baby Joy loves being outside. We are all really enjoying the new house and neighborhood. Lots of kids, quiet streets a 430 acre recreation area and bike trails nearby. Gus is excited about starting school this fall. His elementary school will be a 1/2 mile from home so when he is a little bigger he can ride his bike.

2009-05-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! It has been a long time since our last post. We have been so busy we just haven't had the time. Mom managed to get all the kids into nice clothes for Easter service. Sam wanted to try Joy's bonnet and he does look cute in it! He is not a regular bonnett wearer however. Joy is a very happy good baby. She is by far the most smiley of all the kids when they were her age. She is crawling very well now and inseperable from Mommy.

2008-11-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Gus went as Iron Man but since he lost his mask two days before Halloween Trista decided to improvise and paint a beard on him to make hime look like Tony Stark (the man behind the mask in the movie). Sam went as a Yoda a very good fit and the costume was hand made by Trista. Joy went in the monkey suit that Trista made when Gus was a baby, so now they have all been monkeys. We had gorgeous trick or treating weather and the kids made a haul.

2008-11-04T15:25:00.001-08:00

2008-11-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

It's a little blury...sorry. We went to a wedding and then the reception. Gus was very excited for the dance to start and he danced the night away. Towards the end of the night Gus found these two lovely ladies and proceeded to dance with them for probably an hour. He was a popular little guy out there!

2008-11-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Gus's pre-school went to the pumpking patch and Dad helped drive some of the kids out. It was really cold and damp and muddy but everyone still had fun. Kids and pumpkins go together like bread and butter.

2008-11-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

We've enjoyed a great fall here. The boys seem to be getting soo much older. They play hard with each other all day and fight. But they are truly bonded to one another and although it is exhausting it is a blessing to watch them develop with one another. Joy is a wonderfull little girl, and lucky her, the boys treat her like a princess. I suppose that will stop when she's old enough to start being demanding!

2008-09-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Our angel.

2008-09-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

The tree Gus and Dad are standing by was planted in mid May of this year. It was four feet tall, had no limbs and was about the diameter of a pinky finger.

Gus in his tree outfit that he made in preschool.

2008-09-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

2008-09-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Gus being tender with Joy.

2008-08-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Gus and Sam have really bonded this summer and are best pals. Gus has someone he can boss and Sam is just happy his cool big brother wants to spend so much time with him. Sam and Gus really enjoy spending cuddle time with Joy. They seem genuinely happy she is part of our family.

2008-08-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Gus's first day in preschool. Standing with him are his friend Johnah and little brother Sam. Gus seems to love his school and his teacher.

2008-08-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

2008-08-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well we're settling into home life with three. The boys continue to be very excited and helpful with Joy and Sammy insists on giving her many kisses throughout the day. Joy has been a very sweet, quiet baby and is eating well and doing all those baby things. She very much enjoys being held and sleeping in the bed next to Mom and Dad (for brief periods!) Trista is doing well and looks great. Nanna D. is helping out for awhile here and that has certainly been a blessing.

2008-08-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

ITS A GIRL!!! We were blessed with Joy Marie this morning at 9:38 am. Dad went in to work and about an hour later Mom called and Dad headed home. We made it to the hospital at 9:00 am (apparently just in time!) She is 20" and 7lb 14 oz. She has long dark hair and is doing very well. Mom is resting at the hospital in good spirits and reportedly feeling okay. More pics and stories soon!

2008-07-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Trista relaxing by the lake. Nanna watched the kids for the afternoon so we could have lunch and spend a couple of hours together, it was much appreciated!

2008-07-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Gus at Goosberry Falls. Dad and Gus decided they would try to go for a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail but before we got there Gus skinned both his knees really bad and just wasen't in the hiking mood. That is why in the pictures you see him holding his pants off his knees. Despite the injury it was a nice day to be outside. Goosberry is beautiful and we enjoyed playing in the water.

2008-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Papa and Sam doing Sam's favorite thing. Trista and Gus on the "big green one." Everyday we were there consisted of riding the four wheelers pretty much as often as Mom and Dad would allow, which is to say, a lot!

2008-07-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

2008-07-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

View from the open air train-car

2008-07-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about taking the boys for a train ride for a long time. Last week we finally got to do that and jumped all aboard the Norshore Scenic Railroad. It was a great experience, and I think its likness to the Polar Express was appreciated by the boys.

2008-07-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

July 4th. Brian was at work but Mom and the boys had a good time with the neighbors. Later that night, despite Moms warnings Gus waved his arm over the smoke from the smoke bombs and shockingly enough recieved some burns, which surprised him! Some things need to be learned the hard way.

2008-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Nana visited our home shortly after our Black Hills reunion. We had a good time together even though it was short.

2008-06-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

2008-06-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

2008-06-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

2008-06-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hiking up to Harney Peak the weather held out we had a great hike...it was really worth it. Uncle Brett and Nick zoomed up and down and the other kids were troopers. Absolutely one the the highlights of our trip. Next time hopefully we can all go and make a afternoon of it.

2008-06-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

2008-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

We visited the Mammoth Site. Mom standing next to a simulated mamoth bone.

2008-06-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Upper left is the original natural entrance to Wind Cave. We took several pictures inside and only the ones we used a flash on turned out. It was a really neat experience.

2008-06-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Auntie Marjorie building stuff with Gus. Gus, like Trista loves rocks so everywhere we go we collect rocks.

2008-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Trista and Sam at Sylvan Lake. Behind Trista in the upper right corner of the picture were some climbers we were watching, looked like alot of fun.

2008-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Trista, Sam and Gus with one of the horses at the Rafter J. Gus was really excited to feed the horse. Sam was too until the horse looked at him, Sam dropped the grass, squealed and ran for Mommy. He did warm up later but it took several safe interactions with a very kind horse.

Gus and Brian at Sylvan Lake.

2008-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Pieper hugging Luke. She was really fond of Luke and hugged him at every oportunity. Luke was a gem with the kids very patient and gentle.

2008-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Uncle Eric teaching Tristan and Nick to shoot archery. He must be a good teacher because it seemed they were getting pretty accurate.

2008-06-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Gus's first fair ride. He just made the 42" height requirement. We went on several rides that day some of which made Dad pucker a little...Gus laughed through them all and then asked to go again. The fair was put on for Sanford employees and their families as an appreciation. It was top notch all the way and everything from food to rides to the concerts and circus was free. We had a great day.

2008-06-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Gus and Trista on the ferris wheel.

2008-06-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Gus taking Sam for a 4-wheeler ride.

2008-06-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed watching and listening to Sheryl Crow. We wanted to see Rascal Flats but it was getting to be too late. While Sheryl was playing Sam was dancing and swaying in his stroller, Gus thought it was okay but kept asking to go back to the rides.

2008-06-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Soundstage behind Trista, there was around 33,000 Sanford employees and their family present.

2008-06-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the football field playing on the inflatables and watching the jumbo-tron.

2008-06-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

We spent this morning at our cities namesake Falls Park. The boys really enjoyed the wide open areas and especially the pink rocks to climb on.

2008-06-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Gus and Sam had a blast climbing around on the smooth rocks at falls park. They are excellent climbers. The rocks are everywhere in the park, they are native to the area and there are several quaries in our area where the pink rock is mined.

2008-06-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Gus climbing the rocks

2008-06-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sam and Gus enjoying a after lunch ice-cream cone at Falls Park.

2008-05-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sam taking a snooze and messing around with a swim vest.

2008-05-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Our resident falcon.

2008-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of Gus's favorite things to do.

2008-05-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

2008-05-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Took the boys camping and gave Mom the night and day off. We went down to Yankton which is where our land is. We stayed at a nice camground in a cabin. The lake behind us is the last of four Missouri River reserviors in South Dakota and is the smallest at 28,000 acres known as Lewis and Clark Lake. We were at the visitor center which looks over the hydroelectric dam.

2008-04-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Gus with Cocoa at the lake.
Gus running at the campground.
Gus, Sam and Trista at the lake. We spent the day at a campground. Gus waded in the lake and the dogs swam. When we took off Sam's shoes to wade he refused to step in the "yucky" sand. A child after Mom's heart! So he went in with his shoes on.

2008-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

The pictures a little grainy because of digital magnification but this is one of a pair of Perigrine falcons nesting two doors down from us. No song bird droppings on vehicles this year!

2008-04-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

One day Sam came around the refrigerator looking like this...had to take a picture.

2008-04-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

We've been doing some spring cleaning and having campfires on our patio. Gus always asks if he can get a marshmellow and "fire it!" or a stick and "fire it!"
The other day we went to the zoo we had fun feeding the goats and horse and running around. Gus actually climbed into a habitat. It was not a dangerous animal thankfully. Dad is going to have a rough go of it until Gus is grown...I can read the headlines...man fatally mauled by tiger while trying to save son.

Sam riding his friend

European Life: Skiing in Austria

2008-03-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Skiing in Austria was such a great experience. The mountains and snow aren't exactly like those of Montana and Idaho. Still, it's amazing to sit on top of the Alps. The views are stunning It was sunny every day!!! That's a huge plus because in Brussels, we don't see the sun as often. I am hoping to return next winter break and take advantage of the skiing.

2008-03-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain

European Life: Barcelona, Spain

2008-03-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Barcelona...

My friend, Sarah and I spent last weekend in Barcelona, Spain. What a great place! The architecture alone is impressive. We ate tons of tapas, drank sangria and walked around in the sunshine.

I love that I can get on a plane and in 2 hours be in a completely different country. Perhaps, I was Spanish in my previous life because it feels like home. I love the colors, food and friendliness of the city.

The photos above are from Park Guell. Fantastic tile work!

2008-03-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

Family Day

2008-03-09T19:14:00.001-07:00

Today we went out to a nature area. We loaded the dogs and the kids and went out to the woods. Sam loves to get out and insists on walking on his own. He has become adept at fending off Cocoa when she is annoying him and delights in shouting at her for anything he perceives to be an infraction.

2008-03-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

2008-03-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

2008-03-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

We have been reading "The Gollywhopper Egg" a story that Brian had when he was a little boy. In the story there is a coconut that was sold to an unsuspecting farmer as a egg that produces a miracle bird. When we told Gus it was a coconut this generated alot of discussion...so next trip to the grocery store we bought one that we joyfully wacked open (note: this is very difficult, and not at all like in the movies, even when you've googled directions). I would like to say it was enjoyed by all but not to be. How does one know when a coconut is ready?

Karate, coconuts and Papa

2008-03-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Gus has become invloved in a Karate class not far from our home. He really enjoys the punches, kicks and bowing. About half the kids in class have a Karate uniform and the other half don't. Gus has been eyeing the uniforms and asking about them so last week he turned to Dad during practice and asked how he could get "the white ones." So after class a uniform was purchased and Gus excitedly brought it home to show Mom. Can't wait for this week to use it!

Museum Day and Gus's 4th B-day

2008-03-02T14:25:00.001-08:00

We went to the science museum the other day. Dinosaurs are very interesting to Gus right now. He likes "Stan" the tyranasaurus. Stan was unearthed near Buffalo SD. While at the museum Gus and Sam enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones in sand using buckets brushes and small wooden dowels. Gus had his friend Jonah over (shown in picture) for his fourth birthday. He blew all the candles out by himself. Our neighbors and their kids also came over and Gus enjoyed gifts from friends and family. He likes his Dinosaur book from Nanna C and his new camo pants and shirts as well. He also got a really cool car from Uncle Eric and Aunt Marjorie that it looks like Sam is going to lay claim to. So many gifts...I am sure he doesn't even know what to do with them all. Sam has surprised us recently with his successes at potty training. He is 20 months old and we are hoping that we might have him potty trained before number 3 comes along sometime in the second week of August. Trista is feeling good but tired from chasing the boys and maybe a little worried about life with three. So long for now.

Greetings!

2008-03-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

We are creating this blog to share our lives with the family. With all of us being so spread out it can be difficult to keep up with everyone. We hope you enjoy and ask you to contribute if you wish. Since we just started there won't be a whole lot to look at and read, as time passes we will continue to upload photos and stories for all to see. We hope that we can get pictures and stories from all of you too...we would really like some pictures of Belguim, the Alps and a picture of Britt's class (no pressure). So for the entire Christiaansen family contribute as you would and maybe through this technology stuff we can continue to learn about each others lives despite the distance.