2010 can come yet!

I haven't posted Christmas or any December pictures! We have had a wonderful December, and I can't believe tomorrow is New Years Eve. Is it just me, or has anyone else wondered where 2009 went? We have done some fun things in the last couple of weeks. We started by attempting to go down to Temple Square earlier in the month on a Friday night. After driving around for an hour looking for a parking place, needless to say our "Christmas spirit" wasn't so joyful anymore, so we went home. Well, we decided to make another attempt at Temple Square, but we decided to go on a Wednesday night (not as bad as a Friday, but there were a TON of YW and YM? Brennan and I don't think things through very well). It was absolutely beautiful, but this time Ella's attitude was not so pleasant. We were lucky to get 1 picture of her!

Ella enjoying a good book!

We also had a wonderful Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. Brennan and I are very lucky because my family celebrates Christmas Eve and Brennan's family celebrates Christmas day, so we never miss out! We enjoyed great food and better company! One of my favorite things however, was to have Ella get her presents from Santa. We decided that this is the last year she will not demand for something special so, we didn't go to over board with presents.

Seeing her presents for the first time!

So excited for her Einsteins!

She is attempting to smile. She doesn't quiet get it.

Do you think she likes the princess shoes? Love those cute little legs!

I have to tell you all one more things that makes Brennan and I laugh so hard. We have been showing her pictures of Santa so, she has started to recognize what Santa looks like. Well, our neighbor looks just like Santa, and one after noon she saw him outside and said, " Whatcha doin Santa?" Then, the day after Christmas, we all went to Home Depot and and we were looking at lights and a older man with a darker mustache and beard was looking at lights also and Ella turns to him and says, "Hi Santa!" He loved it. My conclusion is, she thinks anyone with a beard and mustache is Santa Claus. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!

Tada!

Wow, I am sorry it took so long to get some of these pictures up. Life has been crazy since Oct. 22. If some of you aren't aware, in October Brennan and I bought our first home. It is in Salt Lake City and we are really enjoying it. It is fun to finally have a place of our own.

In front we have huge mature trees. Let's just say a LOT of leaves! Ella loved it though. We would rake and she would destroy!

I also have failed to show some pictures of Ella for Halloween. Since we had just bought a home, spending money didn't sound like fun so, I borrowed an adorable costume from my sister and Ella was Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. These pictures don't do justice for how cute she looked.

I feel really bad that Brennan and I were so engrossed with buying the house that we failed to do some really fun Halloween activities. Next year things should be a little more calm so there will be cuter pictures. Again, sorry about the long delay!

Next post will be superb!

Sorry everyone, since moving into the new house, my life has been so crazy! We don't have the internet yet(typing this up at my mom's), so I haven't taken pictures of the house to show all you. I also, have a couple of Halloween pictures of Ella.  I will get those up soon as well.  So, stay tuned.

What do Polish people, pizza, and the Cubs game have in common?

The answer is Chicago! This past weekend, Brennan and I were able to go back to Chicago with 2 of Brennan's mission companions and wives. We had an absolute blast with Steve and Sharalee Nabrotzky, and Keith and Natalie Morgan. We were only able to be with them for 3 days and it is amazing to think that it didn't seem like enough time.

We did so many fun things. We went and visited some of the Polish members that they taught when they were there. This is a picture of the Januszewskis, Brennan, Steve and Morgan. This is one of the Solid Polish families in Chicago.

This is the Skinders, and Jerry. Again, more solid Polish members.

This is Brennan's old apartment. The only apartment he lived in. That is what is so special about the old Chicago Polish Mission.

As you can see it was classic Chicago weather while we were there. Rain, wind and just darn right cold. I didn't pack like I should have.

We were only in Chicago for 3 days. But we did a lot of fun stuff. We had lunch on top of the Hancock building, went to the Cubs game(Steve caught a foul ball with his bear hand. He still thinks he's the man. Don't ya Steve!), ate Giradonos(sp?), went to the Polish area, shopped, and just enjoyed the company. It was so much fun to be with the Morgans and the Nabrotzkys. Thank you for the wonderful time! Next trip, Tennessee. Here we come. Oh and by the way, we bought a house.

6 Little Monkeys

The culprits... 5 little stuffed monkeys

Arranging them just right...

There we have it! 6 Little Monkeys jumping on the bed!

Can you figure out her new favorite book?

Grandma-Great

Last week, Brennan's grandma passed away after a month of being moved around to many different hospitals. She was an incredible woman. I will never forget her kindness, love for everyone, humility, and meekness. She truly was a perfect example of the way we should live our lives in order to return to our Heavenly Father. She will be truly missed in the family and by us. Grandma, we love you and will miss you!

Love, Brennan, Ella, and Cat

Edna Christensen
Edna Johnson Christensen 1920 ~ 2009 Edna Johnson Christensen passed away on July 31, 2009 three days after celebrating her 89th birthday and 70th wedding anniversary with her husband, Owen. She was born in Fountain Green on July 28, 1920 to Edwin Theodore and Caroline Nielson Johnson. She married Owen K. Christensen July 28, 1939 in Fountain Green. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. Edna's life was one of selfless service to others. She served faithfully in many church callings demonstrating a deep love for her Savior. Her last days were spent expressing love and gratitude for her many blessings. Edna is survived by her husband, Owen and children LaRee Snow and Perry (Carolyn) Christensen. Her son Eddie preceded her in death. She adored her grandchildren: Eddie (Stefanie) Christensen, Callie (Karl) Bjerregaard, Nancy Christensen, Brennan (Cathrine) Snow, Weston (Julee) Snow and great grandchildren: Savana, Sadi, Sydney, Grace, Luke, Bode, Gavin, Ella, and Owen. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the Fountain Green Chapel. A viewing will be held on Monday evening 6:00 - 8:00 at the chapel and Tuesday from 11:30-12:30 prior to the service. Interment will be in the Fountain Green City Cemetery.

The Beach '09

I can't believe the beach has already come and gone again. The funny thing is, the countdown has already begun for next years beach. 359 day... pathetic...I know. Anyways, we were able to enjoy 2 weeks of sand in hair, diaper rash from the sand, warmer than usual water, and sitting on the beach. Ella loved it this year. If you can recall, Ella was only 6 months last year and so she was somewhat limited on what she did. This year was she had full rein on what she did and where she went. Brennan and I had to keep a very watchful eye on our adventuresome child.

Ella had the most adorable curls at the beach. She must get it from my dad, because Brennan and I certainly don't have ANY curl to our hair.

Something that I enjoyed watching was her playing with all of her cousins. Kate and Lucy (two oldest) were so kind to let her chum around with them. She loves being with the bigger girls. Ella and her cousins at the "Swensen beach compound".

They were all born in a period of 14 month. Can you say, TROUBLE!

10 Grandkids! Minus Jacob

This year Brennan was in heaven. Not only was he able to surf at least twice a day, there was a big swell that came in from Tahiti. The water was warm, the waves were huge. On average, 15-20 feet high. That is big. We enjoyed awing over them as we sat and watched them tower over people and made the sound of thunder as they crashed the water below. One morning, we biked down to the Wedge, (that you Meg/Thuerers for letting us use them) it was an awesome site. There were so many people, TV crews, insane surfers/body surfers, and helicopters. Wave after wave towered over these surfers. Watching these guys take these waves was incredible and it was extremely fun to watch.

The city of Newport built this sand wall in order to stop the waves from coming up and hitting the houses. Insane

We had such a fun time being down there with family and others we love. Thanks again Jackie for another good summer at "our" beach house.