Meadow

Both Chris and I grew up with dogs, so we both knew we wanted our children to grow up with dogs. I believe children who grow up with dogs learn compassion and unconditional love. Our first dog, Dalton, was a yellow lab that we bought when he was 8 weeks old and CJ was 1. He was with us for 13 years. He was so great with all of our kids. My only complaint about Dalton was his massive shedding. A few months after he died we bought a boxer, Paulie. He was such a beautiful dog, but CRAZY. We had to put him down after only being with us for 2o months because he was too aggressive towards anyone other than the 7 of us. After a few weeks of being dog free, we decided to start looking for an adult rescue dog to adopt. The first time we went to a 'meet and greet' we saw Meadow. We all fell in love with her instantly. We adopted her one year ago today. Because she was rescued from a dog shelter, we don't know her birth date or even her true age. So, we celebrate her birthday on her adoption date with us...today! She has been such a joy. She is the smartest dog I have ever owned. She is cuddly yet protective. So glad she is a part of our crazy family!

We all had brownies to celebrate her big day.

Father's Day 2010

This afternoon Chris and Alan headed to the Phillies game. So Karen and I and the kids took out the slip-n-slide. We thought it would be fun for the little kids, but the big also had fun with it.

CJ, Kylie, and Ally called 'Teen Swim'---kicked off the little girls, then added dish soap to make even more slippery.

After the game, the men came back to a fabulous dinner!

MMR Carnival

Saturday night we babysat Travis. It was also the final night of our churches carnival, so we decided to take Madi, Avery, Kamryn, and Travis to the carnival. Kami was thrilled to have a ride buddy.

Kami saw our neighbor and invited him to join her and Travie on the mini rollercoaster.

Don't let the smile fool you, we had to beg Madi to go on the merry-go-round.

No worries, only Madi and Avery are on this ride.

Chelsey's Graduation

Tonight was Chelsey's graduation from N Penn High School. There were 988 grads. It was so well organized, it only lasted an hour and a half. We are all so proud of Chelsey. Another fabulous pic of Chels and CJ. After you are done looking at these two gorgeous kids, look at the ground in this pic. As soon as the ceremony ended, confetti was shot out all over the football field. It was awesome to see!!!

Chelsey's Graduation Party

On Sunday, Karen and Alan hosted Chelsey's graduation party. About an hour before the party started the sky opened up and we had one of the biggest thunderstorms we've seen in a very long time.

Alan started moving all of the tables and chairs into the garage.
While Alan was moving things into the garage, Chris and CJ headed to the caterers to pick up the food.
About 15 minutes before the party started, the rain stopped. After everyone arrived, Chelsey watched a video that K & A made for her.

Guests watching the video.

It got emotional.

mother and daughter

The Christiansen Girls.

Chels and Madi

Chris jumps in a pic.

Chels and her Buddy

All of the little kids had a blast on the moon bounce.

Only injury of the day...Someone jumped on Kami's foot in the moon bounce. Daddy made her all feel all better.

It was an awesome Party. I am so glad I was able to be a part of it!