Christensen Family Reunion

 We met up again at Tablerock with my family this year.  There was motorbiking, swimming at the lake, eating good food, and lots of laughs. We also celebrated mom's 70th birthday (a little early).  We had a lot of fun, but Dad was missed. He loved spending time out camping with everyone.  It was strange to not have him here.  I hope he was there for just a bit in spirit.  

4th of July

Another 4th of July in the books.  We spend our time in Menan again this year.  It was a great day to celebrate our freedom!  We ended the day in Menan watching the fireworks.  I didn't take very many pictures, but here are the few we took.

Brayden's Swim Meet

 Brayden swam in the Shark Swim Club at the Apple Athletic Club for the month of June.  Caleb started but couldn't finish because of his burns.  He didn't want to be in the swim meet because it made him too nervous.  But, I told him he had worked super hard and he needed to see his growth.  So, he went.  He was super nervous but did really well.  He ended up getting third in the backstroke and freestyle.  He was pretty excited.  I was really happy for him.  He's become a great swimmer.

Brayden only left with one Medal.  He gave his second one to the boy next to him because he felt bad he hadn't gotten a medal.  Way to be kind Brayden. You're such a great kid.  Never change!!!

Jackson's 14th Birthday

Bo and Jackson took a motorbike ride to Warm River for his birthday.  His friends weren't able to come but I think they had a blast spending that time together.  We had a traditional birthday party with Grandma where he opened his gifts.

He was pretty excited about his new Gabb phone!

 At 14 Jackson loves: 

Baseball
Motorbiking
Mountain Dew

Sports Cars, Corvettes

Driving RZRs

Hunting

Being Outside

We Love:

His kind heart

That he likes to go shopping with me

How helpful he is (he complains a little but does it) haha

That he tries his best in life

That he is a part of our forever family

The way you take care of your grandparents

Happy 13th Birthday Jackson!!!  We are so blessed to have you in our family.  We can't wait to see where life takes you.  Keep sticking to your standards and being an example to your friends.  You'll go far in life. 

Caleb had an Accident

 All of the kids and Bo were at Boys camp and Girls Camp around the 5th of June.  Caleb and I were home having a great time.  When I mistakenly asked him to help me pour some bone broth into a strainer.  The pan slipped and the liquid spilled all over his thighs. He ran downstairs screaming and I get him in a tub with cold water running on him.  

I called my mom.  She rushed over and drove us to the hospital.  It was a horrible moment and next 24 hours.  We spent the night at the ER and the next day Caleb had debridement surgery.  When he woke up it took about an hour and a half to get his pain under control again.  He just cried.  It was so sad. Then the next couple of weeks were hard too but not ever as bad as the first burn and the debridement surgery.  Today his legs look amazing.  We feel so blessed to see how far he's come.  He's one strong kid and showed such courage through all of this. (I wrote the detailed story with all the tender mercies in my journal.)

After surgery

Getting this bandage changed because of the gunk leaking through

This was a lego set from Kris

Bandages after a week

A week after getting bandages removed

Two weeks after surgery

Peeling off the cadaver skin

So grateful for this cadaver skin.  It made the healing and pain so much better!

 

Fun with Cousins

Barry and Sam had a little trip planned together right after Memorial Day.  Mom watched their kids and our kids had a great time with them.  I was super grateful for the help from Warren when we planted out trees. (Oh ya! We planted trees!!! I can't wait to watch them grow.)

This is the enclosure Conrad worked on for his Eagle Scout project.  It turned out so cool!