Sunday, May 31, 2009

There and back again....

It's about time...Jack and I have been back for a month and we are finally just getting to documenting our fabulous trip to London and Edinburgh. Let me go ahead and explain how this trip came to be. One day while at work I decided to take a look at plane tickets to Boston, Seattle, etc. Then, I decided to see how much more expensive it would be to fly to London...we discovered that if we could go before the middle of May we could find round-trip tickets for $500. After clearing it with our bosses we worked it out so we would leave the day we finished finals and get back the weekend before we started summer semester.
This wasn't Jack's first trip to England or Scotland (Karrie, his mom, was a flight attendent while he was in high school which allowed for quite a bit of international travel for Jacky), but it was our first international trip as a married couple. We arrived at 9 a.m. London time and decided to fight jetlag by acting like we had just woken up from a wonderful nights rest. After taking the tube in to Victoria station and walking the rest of the way to our bed and breakfast (by the way, it turns out it was just bed...if you wanted breakfast you had to pay more)we set out on our first adventure. We walked to Green Park...
where I frolicked...
and then continued on to Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, due to a senior flower association convention we were unable to go in.
But here are a few pictures from the outside.
Jack in front of Big Ben
We walked along the river Thames to Trafalgar Square, and on past Piccadilly Circus to The British Museum.
Pillaging and looting are to thank for the amazing treasures found in this remarkable museum. Above is the Rosetta Stone.
By this time of the day, jet lag was setting in. We took 3 separate cat naps. We would sit down for a minute and wake up about 15 minutes later feeling refreshed enough to go a little further, but still exhausted. Thus, the seemingly unhappy faces in the next few pictures.
This was the most amazing collection of artifacts and history that I have ever seen in my life. If I lived in London I know where I would spend my weekends.
cheap shot
Earliest version of the Rubber Ducky...Ceramic Ducky
Jack looking a little more lively after a cat nap
Sausha still looking sleepy
My husband still has an obsession with swords.
The section devoted to Buddhism.
This is from the African Exhibit. When we left the museum it was probably about 7:30 p.m. We went straight back to our hotel and were asleep by 9 p.m.
Let's just say Day 2 we were feeling much more refreshed.
Tower Bridge. As this was my first trip to London I wanted to make sure and see as much of the city as I could in the small amount of time that we had. Jack was a good sport when I suggested walking from our bed and breakfast to the Tower of London (it was only 9 miles...) We walked down the Thames River almost the entire way. It was a beautiful day and although my feet hurt a bit, it was totally worth it.
This is a stain glass window from inside of the tower of London.
It was an amazing thing to walk where so much recorded history has taken place. The crown jewels are also kept here at the tower of London, but I have to say, I had a rather sick feeling in my stomach as I saw the amount of wealth the kings and queens of England flaunt and knowing that many of these rulers could have stopped poverty in their kingdom by merely selling their jewels and providing food with the profit. There was also an eery feeling walking through the gift store which is located where the political prisoners of the tower were tortured and often killed. Eery...
The rest of the day was spent visiting the Winston Churchill Museum, The National Gallery (also amazing!) and watching The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre.
Day 3. After we attended church (we were very disappointed to hear an American accent from the speaker...)we caught a train to SCOTLAND! It is somewhat cheesy, but going to the area that a large portion of my ancestors come from was a great experience. The train ride was 5 hours from London to Edinburgh, but the scenery was incredible!
We spent the rest of the day just roaming around parks and looking at centuries old chapels. I would highly suggest taking a trip here at some point in your life time. I hope I will have the chance to go back and spend time in the country side.
This is me in front of my castle...nice huh.
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This was when I (Jack) had posession of the camera. Here are some action shots of some of the wildlife in Scotland. Above is a rabid squirrel. Well, possibly rabid.
A seagull, one of the rarities ever seen in the animal kingdom.
Sausha took this picture which she brags about and I reluctantly admit is better than any of the photos I took.
Day 4. Here we are in Edinburgh Castle. Unlike the Tower of London, this castle has a good feel to it; despite knowing that people were probably tortured here as well. It sits on top of a rocky hill giving it an almost mythological feel. Sausha has officially claimed it as her own and has graciously allowed me passage any time I like.
Here is a view from the castle of the city.
After Edinburgh Castle we went on a walk through one of the many parks in Edinburgh. This picture is in the middle of the city. Needless to say it is a somewhat picturesque place.
Another view from the park.
Also from the park, showing off my cameras incredible zoom capability.

STONEHENGE! no not really, still the park.
We then went to the Scottish Royal Natural History Museum. We went in with low expectations having just come from the Brittish Museum, however, we were blown away by how much they had. There were seven floors of artifacts, some dating back to 6,000 B.C. They also had a science section that was designed for kids, or immature adults like us. The above is a robot that spelled out your name with blocks after you input your name. You will notice the spell-o-bot is in the process of spelling JACKATTACK.
An immature adult fascinated with the children's science section at the museum.

Another immature adult testing to see if his reflexes were as quick as a race car driver's. Turns out that nascar is not in my blood.

Day 5. After taking the train ride back to London we checked into our box called a hotel. It was called the easy hotel, which sounds a little promiscuous, but turns out is just small. This is our whole room. I am standing in the doorway taking this picture. Where Sausha's legs are is the only way to get onto the bed because it is completly enclosed by the walls. Needless to say we felt like we were going to suffocate.
This is St. Paul's Cathedral. We wanted to go inside here also but another senior citizen convention foiled our plans. I was also dissapointed at not seeing the bird woman selling here wares on the stairs. We absolutely would have spent two pence to feed the birds.

Once again Sausha showing everyone that she is much more artisically inclined then her husband.


St. Paul's from the front. You'll notice the seniors lining up at the bottom left hand side of the picture. We ended the evening by going the play Les Miserables which was fabulous. I had only read the book, but suddenly understood all the music I had heard on my mission from the play. We both decided it was our favourite of the plays we saw.
So the next morning we caught a train and went to the airport and hopped on our seemingly endless plane back to the states. It was uncomfortable, what with the crochety old man sitting behind me who successfully woke me up everytime he had to use the facilities which occured frequently, and also succeded in biting Sausha's head while sitting down. The flight was long and by this point I had had enough of seniors ruining my fun. We got back however and were happy to be home. We loved our trip, but more than anything else I think we enjoyed being together for a week without the constrictions of school and work.

Friday, April 3, 2009

2 Blobs of Exciting News!

No, I'm not pregnant if that is what you were thinking. But...

Jack and I found cheap tickets to London ($500 round trip) and decided to jump on them. So May 7th we will be flying to England for a week and making a trip up to Scotland as well.

And...

I just got a promotion at work. I will be getting my own office and a raise! I'm excited!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Hare Krishna Celebration!

Although orignially from Spanish Fork, this year was my first year participating in the Festival of Colors at the Hare Krishna temple in Spanish Fork. Will Lehmitz joined us in the fun (Tiffani was at the Young Women's broadcast and couldn't make it). If you are interested in the history of this holiday, there is a short article that gives a brief synopsis of the myth it is based on at the following website: http://www.indiamarks.com/guide/Holi-The-Hindu-Festival-of-Color-/2719Our ascension towards the temple.
Please pay close attention to Jack's shirt in this picture...it says "No Sweat I'm a dancer" on it.
The crowd was unreal. There were thousands of people there.And the fun begins!This was actually kind of a yucky kiss because our mouths were covered in dyed starch.
Jackattack and Will flexing their muscles

And the final products...
Jackattack
William
Sausha (if you zoom in on this picture you will see that my teeth are covered in purple starch)

The celebration was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to attend yet.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Finishing off the Week of JACK

Thursday: Jack goes to DISNEYLAND!
As suggested by our previous blog, Jack and I decided to spend his birthday in the magical kingdom. I think the Land of Disney is suffering from inflation because I ate a $6 hot dog...Our lunch, in fact, consisted of 2 hot dogs, a water and a coke which came to a total of $19.24. I don't know the specifics of Disneyland's government, but I think someone is making money...

Because it was Jack's birthday, Disneyland gave him this button with his name on it. If you have ever been to Disneyland you understand how friendly the workers are there. So, just imagine for a moment my sweet husband frolicing gaily along the streets of Disneyland while every few feet a friendly voice says, "JACK! Happy Birthday!" or "Happy Birthday Jackattack". I don't know that I have ever seen him quite as giddy.

Jack wearing his special boy button

Here we are at my castle. Unfortunately, we had to take this picture ourselves which means you get a very close shot of our faces. CHEESE! We had to get a picture of Jack with Jack (also known as Linguini). It's kind of hard to tell what is behind Jackattack, but it is a scene from RatatouilleMy sister-in-law, Meredith, has been trying to teach her son to call Jack, Uncle Linguini Mary Poppins and BertIf you are wondering, yes, that is real strain on Jack's face. He is actually trying to pull the sword out of the stone...unfortunately, no luck.Me and my castleMe and Jack with our fairies: Flora, Fauna and MerryweatherD'AaRh!This is us on the train. And no, that is not a red shirt, that is my "I'm so pastey white I burn in an afternoon of 80 degree weather"This was Jack's birthday pie that we bought on our way home from Disneyland. Although it looks decent, it was way too rich. I felt like I was eating brown butter smothered in sugar and syrup...yucky.

Friday: Jack catches a 4 a.m. Super Shuttle back to the airport

Seriously, we woke up at 3:30 a.m. to catch a shuttle. Our alarm went off and I irritatingly asked, "Jack...Jack, what IS that?" He chuckled a little bit and said, "It's our alarm honey. It's time to get up." From there I think I said something to the effect of, "NOOOOO!"
This is Jack on the plane. Look carefully. He insisted on wearing his seatbelt over his blanket so that the flight attendants would know he had his seatbelt on.


Friday evening Jack's parental unit, Karrie and Bill, took us to Jack's favorite restaurant Rio Grande. We were joined by fabulous Cassie (Jack's favorite sister) and her boyfriend Daniel.

Saturday: Jack has a day with the boys

By boys, I mean nearly all of our nephews. We got to play with Royal all morning followed by an evening with Dashiel and Myles. If you noticed, I said nearly all of our nephews, that's right, Jennie had a baby. And he even came on Jack's birthday (best birthday present ever...thanks Jen!).

Chase Morgan Fife born: March 19, 2009

7lbs 7oz 19 inches. He spent a few days in the NICU, but is now at home with his parents and doing very well. Isn't he cute?!

Sunday: Jack joins a rock band...well, kind of...

I guess I should say Jack reunites with his band. When in Rome performed in Spanish Fork this last Sunday with a few guest appearances from Matt and Heather Kiisel and Jake Patton. Groupies included Tiffani Lehmitz, Sausha Christensen and Megan Norman (even though Megan should be listed as a member of the band and I was pretty freaking awesome at the bass drum). Jack and I had to chuckle on the way home that evening, we could kind of tell who the busiest out of the bunch were by their guitar hero skills. Let's just say Will, Tiffani, Jack and I weren't quite as good as the rest.

I hope you had a happy WEEK of JACK love....
I LOVE YOU!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Mid Week of Jack Update

It is the WEEK of JACK. Tomorrow is his birthday and one day of celebration isn't adequate, so, we have created the WEEK of JACK.

This weeks happenings:

Monday: Jack got a fish


Jack has been NEEDING a puppy for quite a while now, but between our schedules and our landlord's lack of approval, the time is just not right. So, this is our "make Jack forget he wants a puppy by appeasing him with a fish" gift.

Tuesday: Jack got to eat out


After attending a session at the Salt Lake temple, Jack and I ate at the Garden. For those of you who aren't familiar with this restaurant, it is in the Joseph Smith Memorial building with a beautiful view of the Salt Lake temple. Jack loves eating out, but between time constraints and a very frugal wife, he doesn't get to do so very often.

Wednesday: Jack is leaving on a jet plane...

Off to California! I decided that the best way to celebrate Jack's birthday was with his best friend DONALD DUCK! That is right, we are going to Disneyland. Last night as we were falling asleep Jack keep asking me question after question about our trip...it was like talking to a 5 year old about Disneyland
"Are we going to see Captain Jack Sparrow?"
"Are you going to go on Splash Mtn with me?"
"Are we going to see Mickey?"
Granted, he was trying to act like a 5 year old, and I was definitely contributing to the childishness of the conversation, but I thought it should be shared.

Still to come: Jennie Fife goes into labor Wednesday afternoon. Will she be able to hold off for Jack's best birthday present ever? (As Jack just texted to Morgan, "Tell her to hold on for 8 more hours!")

Adventures in Disneyland

Christensen Birthday Get Together & More







Monday, March 16, 2009

Marriage, marriage is what brings us together today...

Hot Rod & Vicki Fife married February 21, 2009 in the Mt. Timpanogos LDS temple

Vicki is a fabulous women and we couldn't be happier for Dad. Those of you who know my father, rest assured, she can handle herself. She is spunky and knows how to bring out the best in the Dadman.
Their sealing was very nice, despite a few giggles as they were told to multiply and replenish the earth. Let's hope they leave that up to their children.


Here is a picture of Megs, Me & Jack, and Matt & Angie. Matt is Vicki's son, and Angie is not only Vicki's daughter-in-law, but she is also responsible for Vicki's amazing wedding dress. All of Vicki's kids were great. We didn't spend a lot of time with them, but from what we could see, Vicki has been a wonderful mother. All of her kids seem level-headed, incredibly smart and healthily goofy.


Jack & I had quite a few friends come to support Dad at his open house in Alpine. I had to include this picture because, although not gay, Ryan & John look like a couple in this picture.



Pictures from the temple.


Here is a picture of my entire family, with Debi & Gary Jensen in the left corner. Debi is my mother's sister and has always been incredibly supportive. Not only does she include my family whenever possible, but she saved my life with her help planning my wedding last year. We all adore her and Gary and are very grateful they could attend Dad's sealing.

The Boys. *Disclaimer: Dustin is not as tall as he appears, as usual we have him standing on a step (it helps his height complex when he is around his brothers).

The Girls & Vicki.

The Girls & the Dadman.

And now, a moment to brag about my adorable nephews. Above is Dynamite Dashiel...

Sweet Myles...

And Royal, just Royal. (Royal's middle name is Jack. In spite of what my husband Jack will emphatically tell you about the origin of Royal's middle name, he was not named after him. In fact, I was still on my mission and had never met Jackattack Christensen when he was born)

I love this picture.

Jackattack & Me


The Dadman & The Vickilady

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Moving woes....

I have some good news and some bad news.

Good news: My Dad, also known as Hot Rod, is getting married. He has found a wonderful woman to spend the rest of his life with and they are getting married February 21st in the Mt. Timpanogos temple. Her name is Vicki Muir. She is the mother of 5 kids and a teacher at Lone Peak High School.

Bad news: Dad is moving. He has been entertaining the idea since he and Vicki have been talking marriage. They plan on living in her house for about 6 months and then buying a house of their own. I realize that I am 24 years old, married and I don't live at home, but it is my home. It is where my friends and I would congregate on the weekends, eating snacks and talking while sitting on the kitchen floor. It is where I spent half of my childhood. It is in the ward that I have grown to love and respect so much over the years. I think the thing that is the hardest is it was my mom's home. It is where she lived day after day and where she died.

Just for the record, I'm fine. Just a little sentimental. I really am so happy for both my Dadman and Vicki. I've just never been very good at saying good-bye to things...even houses. This isn't a new thing either. I remember being eight years old when my parents told me we were moving to Utah and running all the way to my best friend's house crying. I get attached to things and people and I don't like permanent change (except for marriage...that was a really good permanent change). Oh well, I guess it's life.