European Life: Skiing in Austria

Skiing in Austria was such a great experience. The mountains and snow aren't exactly like those of Montana and Idaho. Still, it's amazing to sit on top of the Alps. The views are stunning It was sunny every day!!! That's a huge plus because in Brussels, we don't see the sun as often. I am hoping to return next winter break and take advantage of the skiing.

Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain

European Life: Barcelona, Spain

Beautiful Barcelona...

My friend, Sarah and I spent last weekend in Barcelona, Spain. What a great place! The architecture alone is impressive. We ate tons of tapas, drank sangria and walked around in the sunshine.

I love that I can get on a plane and in 2 hours be in a completely different country. Perhaps, I was Spanish in my previous life because it feels like home. I love the colors, food and friendliness of the city.


The photos above are from Park Guell. Fantastic tile work!

Family Day

Today we went out to a nature area. We loaded the dogs and the kids and went out to the woods. Sam loves to get out and insists on walking on his own. He has become adept at fending off Cocoa when she is annoying him and delights in shouting at her for anything he perceives to be an infraction.

We have been reading "The Gollywhopper Egg" a story that Brian had when he was a little boy. In the story there is a coconut that was sold to an unsuspecting farmer as a egg that produces a miracle bird. When we told Gus it was a coconut this generated alot of discussion...so next trip to the grocery store we bought one that we joyfully wacked open (note: this is very difficult, and not at all like in the movies, even when you've googled directions). I would like to say it was enjoyed by all but not to be. How does one know when a coconut is ready?

Karate, coconuts and Papa

Gus has become invloved in a Karate class not far from our home. He really enjoys the punches, kicks and bowing. About half the kids in class have a Karate uniform and the other half don't. Gus has been eyeing the uniforms and asking about them so last week he turned to Dad during practice and asked how he could get "the white ones." So after class a uniform was purchased and Gus excitedly brought it home to show Mom. Can't wait for this week to use it!

Museum Day and Gus's 4th B-day

We went to the science museum the other day. Dinosaurs are very interesting to Gus right now. He likes "Stan" the tyranasaurus. Stan was unearthed near Buffalo SD. While at the museum Gus and Sam enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones in sand using buckets brushes and small wooden dowels. Gus had his friend Jonah over (shown in picture) for his fourth birthday. He blew all the candles out by himself. Our neighbors and their kids also came over and Gus enjoyed gifts from friends and family. He likes his Dinosaur book from Nanna C and his new camo pants and shirts as well. He also got a really cool car from Uncle Eric and Aunt Marjorie that it looks like Sam is going to lay claim to. So many gifts...I am sure he doesn't even know what to do with them all. Sam has surprised us recently with his successes at potty training. He is 20 months old and we are hoping that we might have him potty trained before number 3 comes along sometime in the second week of August. Trista is feeling good but tired from chasing the boys and maybe a little worried about life with three. So long for now.

Greetings!

We are creating this blog to share our lives with the family. With all of us being so spread out it can be difficult to keep up with everyone. We hope you enjoy and ask you to contribute if you wish. Since we just started there won't be a whole lot to look at and read, as time passes we will continue to upload photos and stories for all to see. We hope that we can get pictures and stories from all of you too...we would really like some pictures of Belguim, the Alps and a picture of Britt's class (no pressure). So for the entire Christiaansen family contribute as you would and maybe through this technology stuff we can continue to learn about each others lives despite the distance.