Owen's First Birthday

Owen just had his first birthday, and here is the cake that his mommy made for him:


Here is Owen blowing out his candle (with a little bit of help from Daddy:


Here are all of Owen's birthday guests - Mommy & Daddy

Uncle Danny, Cousin Memphis, and Aunt Aleena

Aunt Lindsey, Aunt StacyAnn, and Uncle Garrett

Grandpa Christensen, Grandpa Allen, and Grandma Allen

And Stefani & Reed Archibald and Grandpa Christensen

Also present (but who somehow escaped being caught on film are Abby & Lilly Davidson, Uncle Craig, Stephen White, and Grandma Christensen.

We had all sorts of fun, eating cake and ice cream, opening presents, and talking and watching the little ones (Owen, Lilly and Memphis) play. Owen and Lilly both made a mess of their cake (Grandma got those pictures, not me) and Owen had fun playing with his new toys, wrapping paper, and balloons. It was a good, memorable evening for all of us.

Owen Swinging

In this video clip you get to see Owen enjoying the swing that Grandma & Grandpa Christensen got and hang in their walnut tree. Owen also demonstrates his animal sounds by barking and growling when he hears the neighbor dog bark.

http://bjallen316.blogspot.com/

Owen at the Park

A few blocks away from Grandma's house is a park, and this park has a slide that is little kid friendly. Owen has learned how to climb up the stairs and go down the slide, though someone (usually Mommy or Daddy) has to help him get situated correctly to go down the slide. He also likes to climb back up the slide to go back down again.

Here is a video clip that shows Owen climbing up the slide then coming back down. Mommy had to help him a little, but he still had fun. I know that the email won't show the video clip correctly, but if you can go to link below you can see the video play.

http://bjallen316.blogspot.com

Utah Festival Opera

http://www.ufoc.org/

For anyone who is interested in information about the shows that Bryce is working on this summer I've included a link to the Utah Festival Opera's Website.

8 May 2009 Inland Hurricane

Lightning crashes, thunder rumbles, rain pours down,

and then all is calm and still.

It isn't over, but fear recedes, until . . .

The wind picks up, the rain flies by,

not coming straight, but angled.

We huddle close, our little family,

praying for our safety.

Branches fall, trees crash down,

but our prayers are answered.

The aftermath is gruesome,

with trees down everywhere.

Slowly people leave their homes,

seeking peace in numbers.

Roads are blocked, the power's out,

houses and cars are smashed.

But we are safe and very blessed,

as trees do little damage to our home.

As I observe the chaos that was once our little town,

I thank the Lord for all his blessings,

and for the knowledge that

despite the danger, prayers are heard

and we are safe today.