Catching Memories

Audley End --rewind post

Mike finally downloaded his phones massive amount of pictures onto my computer, so you might find a few rewinds on here in the next few days. This is just a church we passed on the way to Audley End, and we stopped on the way back home to get a few pictures and because Aunt Kellie loved these churches. I can't lie--they are one thing I am really going to miss about England.

Audley End House and Gardens, however, we were only able to do the gardens because the house was still closed for the season. There was a demonstration about side saddle riding that was very interesting and the kids loved. I think Grandma loved it even more!

We were able to go into the stables and meet the horses, which were HUGE! We didn't get a picture of  the outside of the stables, but let's just say those horses and any horses that have graced the presence of Audley End are very spoiled. Taylor dressed up as a little servant so she could pretend to muck out the stalls and decided that she wasn't going to like that job.

Audley End had its own fire crew and the boys were loving the old firetruck!

Walking around the massive estate and enjoying the beautiful English sun!

I just had to include the picture of Taylor screaming, I think she is still trying to find her fit into the family dynamic.

Visitor Farewell

All good things must come to an end! Thanks to Grandma and Aunt Kellie for all of your help and the fun memories we get to keep from your visit! I do love that Taylor is more worried about her toe in this picture than looking at the camera. :) She had stubbed her toe on her door running away from spiders she saw in her room and basically ripped the skin at the base of the toe WIDE open. If it wasn't for the location then stitches would have been needed, but apparently they won't put stitches in the crease of your toes--who knew? I also just realized that Mason is covered in all his lovely drool of the day as well! Well, no one can peg me for one of those people who need everything looking perfect all the time! :)

The more the merrier

In a household with five children one thing is for sure, you are never without a helper in this house! Sometimes the helpers are very eager to step up to the plate, other times they need a little bribe. It is so fun watching each of the kids and how they react to Cameron and all his little needs throughout a day. Taylor did get a little surprise when she opened that diaper and pee was coming right towards her, good thing she just laughed about it!

Brennan and his bike helmet. I love it, he wears it a lot, and I mean a lot! He did insist that for some reason he needed the straps over his eyes to take the diaper to the bin.

As much as Carter helps with Cameron, I realized that we hadn't taken a lot of pictures with him doing so. Carter loves to feel like a big kid and doing things that the others aren't allowed to do, like take Cameron up and down stairs etc.

So much love!!

Blessing Day

Cameron decided he should look and smell his best for his big day. He absolutely loved the bath, and the other kids thought it was silly we were washing him in the sink.

People look grumpy because the sun was in their eyes and they were just irritated in general, so although not the best family picture, we are one happy family of 7 people now!

Finally found a shady spot and the kids were a bit happier about pictures being taken. The Christiansen Brood of children--and what a brood it is!

March 25, 2012 Cameron Argyle Christiansen was blessed by his daddy and we are so grateful for his precious spirit in our family. We all can't wait for the years to come to get to know him and his ever growing personality.

Kirby Hall

For some reason I have A LOT of pictures of Kirby Hall. It was a fun day out and the kids were glad to be out of the house and exploring a bit. A little history of Kirby Hall, courtesy of English Heritage..."Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses earlier owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I. Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always in the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design. The Great Hall and state rooms remain intact, refitted and redecorated to authentic 17th and 18th century specifications. Take time to wander around the recently restored great gardens with their elaborate ‘cutwork’ design complete with statues and urns."

Kellie and Hollie adding some new statues to the mix in the gardens.

Being silly!!

This was the intern workings of the original clock of the Hall. Carter was very fascinated by the gadgets he could see in there.

Mason stealing Mike's beverage!

Picnic lunch afterwards, lots of energy was burned that day!

There were peacocks all over the gardens and the kids were in heaven seeing them so up close and personal.