yes, we went to disneyland and no, it hasn't lost its shiny happy place in our lives. this trip was marked by a weekend with the Rowley's at their place that included zip lines, chickens, the superbowl, homemade brick oven pizza, and lots of time with great friends. thank you!
while our kids aren't opposed to giving hugs to each other, the number of hugs given in a given day multiply by ten at disneyland and this last trip was no different. anytime my kids are hugging each other is a good time.
amy loves it when i snap photos of her as if she were a supermodel. and while she is a supermodel to me, you can see the slight irony/exasperation in her expression here...who better to spend a family trip to disneyland with than her...
ella continues to carve out her own personality and niche in our family. it was on full display this last trip...
michael is a joy in my life. he is fun, intelligent, happy, curious and handsome (if i do say so myself...)
the rowleys!
i like to think that i contributed to mitt's recent rise in the california polls--outpacing santorum by 20 points in the most recent rasmussen poll...
some of the kids most favorite parts of disneyland can be done at the local carnival--the merrygo round and bubbles...
so serene. abby is an example of finding joy in the simple parts of life.
a character..:)
what better scenes than to have your children embracing each other. may it always be so.
this ride ranks 2nd to last in the park next to the tea cups. i gracefully waited this ride out to take photos...
i definitely prefer my girls to gain a little attitude to help weather life's waves...
my little bekah is growing up. she loves to explore her surroundings, she likes to try out her new ideas verbally with us and i love being around her...
look at the climbing profile below and ask yourself...who in their right mind would ride this course? good question. a few months back a neighbor of mine (with whom i rode the moab gran fondo) alerted me to a fundraiser organized by the fat cyclist. the idea is that he creates a t-shirt, race plate and provides some swag from sponsors. then people pay $80 to enter the event and aside from the costs of the shirts and shipping the remaining proceeds go to the livestrong foundation. the event? ride anywhere in the world for 100 miles. preferably 100 miles in a loop you do over and over that symbolizes in a small way the constant psychological and physical pain endured by cancer patients.
good idea right? fatty decided to lead a group of cyclists over suncrest and back five times (10 total climbs including the north and south side of the hill.)
the end result of a route that looks mind and leg numbing is this...
why not? in my whole medical career--diagnosing and treating cancer patients--i've never given money to cancer research beyond a few 'livestrong' bands. i have fatty to thank for this opportunity to give to those attempting to find better therapies and ultimately a cure for the many types of cancer that afflict patients...
the worldwide group of riders was well over 500 strong, and our group here in alpine utah was close to 30. a few of us are shown here...
the day before i contacted my neighbor justin thomas (a mt bike racer for mad dog cycles) and we decided to give it a go.
the event began for the alpine utah contingent at the old alpine city park with banner, name plates and a strip of paper stapled to the name plate for each lap completed... the first lap was deemed a social lap as we headed out and got to know each other. i was able to meet fatty, his wife--a nurse at UVRMC, chris--a physical therapy student studying in provo, mark--a local cat 2 racer among others. the camaraderie among riders was one of the many gratifying parts of the day.
i found myself able to hang with many of the stronger riders throughout the day (although i suspect they were taking it easy on me for the sake of camaraderie:) until the final two climbs when i fell off the pace a bit to ease up on my knees--both of whom were whispering with pangs and aches that threatened to become something more. but what's a minute or two off the pace in a 7 hour day on the bike?
two laps down..:)
another highlight of the day was my family... they were amazing. it was a lot of fun to have them out for the day. it was a convenient event to be a part of because of the proximity to the house and repetitive nature of the course--all you had to do was drive up and over suncrest and you were bound to find me. amy made posters with the kids after everyone awoke...
they then brought them out on the course for some much appreciated moral support!
one box filled in per lap...two to go!
there were a few times they came by chanting from the car...good times :)
one final lap to go! of the ten climbs, there were four where i found myself just off the pace and decided to put in the headphones for some audiobook goodness. there is just something about taking your mind to another place and forgetting the pain for those few minutes...
as the race day ended ella looked like i felt :)
success!
michael approved and that is what matters most :)
on a day in early summer with less than the ideal amount of climbing miles in my legs for this type of ride i found success. success on the bike, family success and a successful chance to donate and take part in a cause much larger than you or me.
The day after Christmas, the real party began. With four of my family members already at our house (mom and dad, Todd, and Paul), we only had a few more to join us to complete the gathering. By Sunday afternoon, we had everyone here except for Chelsey, whom we missed a lot!
Although I didn't pull out my camera nearly enough, I have to document the goings on of those few days. I think I just scurry around so much when everyone is here, and I simply don't think about the camera at all. I'm so sad about it afterward! Remind me to pull it out next time. Or someone else should be designated to gather pictures!! I always enjoy having my family all together, and am so happy that they don't mind coming to our house to congregate. I love having them all here.
Matt and Angela and their family arrived the night of Christmas Day. AJ and Marc arrived Sunday afternoon, and we had a family feast with a few guests--Connie and Stirling and their family, and Amber--long lost dear friend who was a foster sister who lived with my family during some of our years in Kentucky. Mom made her lasagna... mmmmm... It was so much fun to have everyone here!
Should've gotten a picture of that.
The next day, we all woke up to a fantastic breakfast made by Todd and Marc... they redeemed their reputation from last year. :) Once we all got going, the kiddos had fun hanging out with the uncles and grandpa while the girls went out to shop the post-Christmas sales for a bit. We traded posts that evening for the boys to go to Salt Lake City for a Jazz game. Always looking for a deal, they waited to try and scalp tickets on-site, but were not successful in scoring any type of deal whatsoever. So they retreated to a restaurant, ended up watching Monday night football instead, and had a great time doing it. The kiddos who stayed home got to see the Christmas lights at Thanksgiving point. Where was my camera??
On Tuesday most of us went to BYU's art museum to see the Carl Bloch exhibit (wonderful.) and hung out around the campus for a bit. The kiddos enjoyed rolling down the snowy hill by the library, and we all enjoyed chocolate delicacies from the BYU bookstore. I happened to tote my camera for this one (but I think it was Paul who took the pictures)...
I love having our kids together with Brinlee, Max, and Will. They all get along so well. My girls look up to Brinlee, and she is so doting with them. Michael loves showing Max and Will things about basketball, books, and anything that interests them. Michael and Brinlee are great pals, and Max plays with Abby and Bekah. Will and Ella pal around, but Abby likes to play with Will, too... see what I mean?? It's great!
And I love their mama. I treasure one-on-one time with Angela whenever we are able to squeeze it in. She has a gift for seeing and bringing out the best in people around her. She helps me refocus and feel good about the little things that I do, and I am constantly amazed by her ability to focus on what is truly important. She is an endurance personality, and I am so grateful for all that she endures for her sweet family.
Bekah gave her coat to Ella because "I like the cold." Thanks Bekah!
Ella was a happy little sprite running around the campus.
And here's our collage man, Farcles. A little mixed up here... UofO shirt on BYU campus headed to BYU-Idaho just days later. What a fun time of life for him!
With mom and dad...
The lovebirds...
Yup... those are all the pictures. Shamey Amy.
That night we had a "talent" show... my favorite was seeing all the younger brothers do a push-up contest against their big brother Matt (who had been doing military training). He was somehow able to last through all of them rotating through one after the other. Amazing. Kids sang, played instruments, showed how fast they can run, and shook a booty. It was fun to have a loving, enthusiastic audience for them.
The big boys (michael included :) ) had their traditional basketball game at the church. Movies were enjoyed. Games were played. My favorite was Dalmuti with Todd at the top with Abby's toy kitty as his sidekick. Disturbing and so Risenmay.
One of the things Michael and Brinlee really enjoyed was exploring science with Michael's new microscope (from Grandma) with their science-savvy Uncle AJ. With the microscope, he taught them the ins and outs of cells, DNA, and studied hatched shrimp eggs. AJ referred to them as "Dr. Michael" and "Dr. Brinlee," and they looked forward to their "labs" with him.
A few weeks later, I did happen to take a picture of the very official package that came to our house addressed to Dr. Michael Frandsen from "Professor AJazz."
As we explored the contents of the package, my eyes welled up with appreciation for my brother and how thoughtful he is with my Michael.
He felt pretty special, indeed.
Check out the official transcript... all A's!
And such a sweet personalized note.
AJ... you'll never know how much this means until you have a child of your own.
And thank you to all my brothers and my parents for how you dote on our kids. Thank you for encouraging the best in my children. The sure eat it up. No one loves your kids like family, and I love having them around you.
I think the best moments were just horsing around with the kids, or the conversations we sat around to have. I love talking to my dad. My mom was fun to shop with (don't worry... I took all the green pillows back!). I enjoyed each of you at different times during those days.
Maybe that's why I forget to bring out the camera... I'm just enjoying the moments with each of you. Thanks again for coming. Until next time... :)
What a great Christmas! But I always say that... every year. So let me show you what was great about this year...
The greatness started when my mom and dad and brothers--Paul and Todd--arrived a few days before the big day. We loved having them here to share this special time with us. The kids thought it was pretty special to have them here, too. They were probably the only ones who truly appreciated Christmas Eve dinner, helped with Christmas preparations into the wee hours of Christmas Eve (including a trip to the neighbors house for a "Christmas miracle" to replace a missing part), and doted with us over the kids' excitement over all things Christmas.
The gift giving started early, with the biggest surprise coming the afternoon of Christmas Eve. A PIANO!!! I was drying my hair in my bathroom when I came out to remind Paul to take out the recycling can to the curb for the garbage man. I'm glad I didn't use my super naggy voice, because as I came around the corner, Abby ran up to me and exclaimed, "Mom! We got a new piano!!!" "What??"
The first playing of the piano...
It didn't take me long to realize the door was open and there were strange male voices coming from our (empty) music room, and as I came to the doorway, Paul told me I needed to tell them where I wanted my Christmas present. !!! What a surprise... still glowing over it. Thank you, thank you Paul. :)
The anticipation of the day was so fun with the kids. Here, Bekah and Michael are re-reading all the tags, wondering what is in their packages, and excitedly pointing out the ones they wrapped.
(Notice the pre-piano emptiness of the room??)
During the day, the kids played with uncles and grandparents, watched Christmas movies while last-minute shopping trips were made, read a ton of Christmas books, and finished their own preparations for gift-giving.
That evening we had a red-and-green Christmas dinner. They helped me make the menu... they are good brainstormers. Ravioli with red sauce, green beans and tomatoes, strawberries and kiwi, green and red veggie tray, and a tomato-mozzarella-basil appetizer they saw somewhere and wanted to make. We made dinner to Christmas tunes... fun times.
Michael was proud of his creations.
Abby sampled the raspberry drink before preparations were finished... the red around the mouth was positive proof.
We ate by candlelight (battery operated... I learned my lesson at our candlelight Halloween dinner when Ella singed her hair...) and the light of the family room Christmas tree...
Once dinner was over, we did our nativity reenactment. We split off to find costumes.
This year was a little unique... and I've never heard anyone having this special addition... but this year we had a twin baby Jesus duo.
That's right... we couldn't agree on who got to be baby Jesus... couldn't agree to take turns... so we just had two. Both swaddled. Both laying in the pretend manger. Aren't I a lucky Mary??
Ella was a donkey who said moo while jumping and dancing...
Paul was Joseph. Michael was a Wise Man carrying myrrh. Mom was a sheep/shepherd with an incredible baaa, Todd the Wise Man carrying gold, and my dad (who chose to take the picture instead of showing off his costume) was the Wise Man carrying frankincense.
Lovely.
After reading the nativity from the Bible (thank you Todd) we moved into the music room and had our first gather-round-the-piano experience singing Christmas hymns and carols. To me, it was picturesque and fulfilling. This was probably my favorite part of Christmas Eve. Thanks family. And thanks again, Paul... you made my wildest Christmas dreams come true...
I have always loved singing harmonies with my family. Thanks for joining in. It was a special time.
The music room with Christmas lights....
After singing, we gave the kids their first Christmas presents... new jammies and a new book. We set out treats for Santa and his reindeer, wrote a thank you letter, then hurried upstairs. I read one of the Christmas books before settling them to bed. A fun bedtime.
I love the Christmas nighttime routine. No fussing about going to bed FAST. It is a rush, and obedience is never a problem. Soon they were all fast asleep.
That night, Santa was busy. He left quite the stash for the good boy and girls in our house.
They all got what they had asked for...
Michael's electronic football game. And quite the addition to his collection of NCAA football helmets.
Abby's pretend kitty (which looks more real than pretend... complete with meowing, purring, and licking of paw). Bekah's pretend violin. And he threw in a great dollhouse to share because they have been so very good this year.
Ella's little red wagon and a dollhouse of her own (not asked for... Santa just knew...).
And stockings stuffed full of favorite trinkets, toys, and tasty treats.
And "sound asleep" lasted most of the night for most of the kids. Michael, however, came down the stairs at 4:30 saying, "Mom, I just can't sleep anymore. I'm just too excited and it feels like morning should already be here."
We talked about his excitement for a while then I said, "Michael, should we see if Santa came? Do you want to take a quick peek with me?"
We poked our head around the corner for a few seconds, then rushed back to my bed. I asked him "What did you see?" With wide eyes he said, "My football game... and a bunch of new helmets!" Just with that small peek, he was able to name some of the team names on the helmets...
We agreed that he could sleep in our bed for the rest of the night. I told him he needed to sleep until about 7am. I think the sneak peek did more harm than good... he told me "I just can't stop thinking about those helmets and wondering about the ones I didn't see!" He tossed and turned for a while, explaining in wonder that "every minute that goes by feels like 10 minutes." I think we both got a bit more rest before it was 7:30 and Michael was anxious to go upstairs to get the girls.
The kids were so excited to come down the stairs. I think those moments right before seeing what Santa brought are one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Then the audible gasps and shrieks of delight. Love it...
When they first came into the room, Abby went right to her pretend kitty, exclaiming "KITTY!!!"
Bekah went right to her stocking to see what was stuffing it.
Ella played with her toys in her new red wagon.
And Michael and Paul spent quality time together reading the directions and figuring out the football game.
I guess I didn't take many more pictures of the day... after Santa presents, we ate a breakfast of sticky buns, eggs, little sausages, and OJ. Then we gathered in the family room with the rest of the presents to/from each other and took turns opening those. I really enjoyed seeing the kids' excitement in giving their gifts this year... they were so completely confident that they had the perfect present to give. Especially Michael with the pillow pets he picked out for each of his sisters. And he was right... they love them!
I loved having my parents and brothers here to share it all with us. They were so fun, took the craziness in stride, and joined in the memories of our family. I especially loved that we got to feel of the love of my parents. It added so much to that great feeling of Christmas.
Later that day we joined with more family members for a movie: Disney's "Tangled." It was our second time, and the kids (especially Abby) loved it even more than the first time. We were joined by Paul's parents and grandparents, Stephen and Hillary, Hannah, and Lafe. It was a great time.
We mingled at the house for a while with food and talking. Matt and Angela and their family joined us later that night... AJ and Marc joined us the next day. And thus began the Risenmay Christmas celebration that lasted another 3 days. So fun...
Another great Christmas on the books. It was a year of new traditions for our little family... being the first real Christmas we have had together in our own home. (I only half count the year during residency when Paul had to work at 6am so we woke the kids up at 4:30 to open presents while daddy was there, then play with presents while he was gone all day...). I loved focusing on my children and enjoying their experience.
Christmas gets better and better every year... but I always say that.
