Women's Conference

I finally made it to Women's Conference this year. It was so amazing and uplifting. There is such strength in women, especially when many gather together. The whole experience was awesome and I loved it. It was a blast hanging out with my mom, sister and sister-in-law. A big thanks to my sweet husband for taking care of the kids while I was gone.

Springtime Get-A-Way

In April, we decided to take a quick trip to California since Ken had a business trip he had to attend in Ontario. We thought it would be a good opportunity to take the kids to Disneyland and have some fun. It was also great timing cause my sister Kathy and her family where heading to Disneyland the same week we where planning to be there too:) We ended up caravanning down to California together. We broke up the long drive down by staying the first night in St.George. The kids for the most part did very well traveling in the car for so long. The first night in Cali we went to the Disney outlet and Rainforest café. The kids had a blast. The next day we went to The Pacific Aquarium and explored awesome sea life. Then it was off Disneyland for three days. All I can say speaking from my point of view is that there will be no more Disneyland vacations for the Albrechtsen Family until we are out of diapers and strollers!!! Let’s just say it wasn’t the “Happiest Place on Earth” for me (and I am leaving out a lot of details here for a reason). I would have preferred just hanging out at the beach everyday. On the flip side, from the kid’s point of view they had so much fun and ask everyday if we can go back!!! Ah maybe in 5, 7, 10 years from now:)
We made it!

Waiting and ready to go meet the princesses!!!

Our beautiful princesses

The two hour wait paid off!!

All bugged out!!




Also stopped in to visit the Newport Beach Temple

Easter Weekend 2009

The Easter Egg Hunt at grandma's house with all the cousins was the highlight of Easter this year!!! The kids loved searching for their hidden eggs and filling their baskets full. Even Ethan was thrilled that he could pick up colorful eggs and place or should I say throw them into his basket. Speaking of throwing, the egg toss/throw was the highlight for the men of the family. It was amazing to see how far they could throw their easter eggs out into the hay field and not break them. The contest came down to Ken and John to see how far they could get their eggs out into the field without breaking them. If I remember right I think Ken ended up winning Uncle Johnny!!! It was a great time with the family.
This year stake conference was held on Easter Sunday. It was our newly created Pleasant View South Stake's first conference. We attended the meeting at the tabernacle by the Ogden Temple. It was a great conference and the spirit was very strong!! It was a great way to spend Easter afternoon as a family!!!

Baby Animal Days

Wow!!!What an experience. This was our third year attending Baby Animal Days at the Jensen Historical Farm and this was the year of long lines. We stood in half hour lines to hold a bunny, baby chick and duck!! Rachel didn't quite understand the concept of waiting in a line to pet an animal. Many times she would quickly slip away from the line we were standing in and sure enough I would find her at the front of the line inside the pen petting an animal. She loves animals and so waiting in a long line to pet one was just more than she could endure!!! Ella wanted to take home a bunny as her new pet and Ethan loved riding a horse but did not want to wear a helmet. Despite the long lines and Ethan picking up a cow pie the kids had a great time and are already asking to go back next year!!!

The things we do for sisters

Thanks to my sweet sister Kathy for helping me make Rachel's chicken costume. All I can say is feathers, feathers, and more feathers!!! Rachel was a good sport as well. She stood there for an hour or so as we hot glued the feathers carefully to the bodysuit she was wearing. Oh what fun, tears and memories that will not be forgotten!!! In the end all the hard work paid off because Rachel's first dance competition was a success and the trophy she received made her forget all about the tears she cried as we glued and glued feathers! I have to say she makes one cute chick!!!:)

So, So, Sleepy

The classic "too tired to eat, so I will sleep" syndrome. It all happened so fast too. Mom got up from the table to get more fruit for the girls and when she turned around Ethan was face down in his spaghetti! It made us all laugh:)

I'm a VIP

Rachel had her first VIP at preschool and was spotlighted for the afternoon. On her special day she could bring one of her favorite treats to share with her class. She wanted to make fruit smoothies. Mom brought the VitaMix and some of her favorite fruits to preschool so she could make yummy smoothies for her classmates. It was a huge success. All the kids loved it!!! You truly are very special Rachel. Thank you for filling our lives with your sweet spirit!!! We love you.