Eating Cheerios is FUN!!!

 What kid doesn't love Cheerios!

Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has always been on our list of things to do before we move. While my parents were in town we decided to take a trip there. It was a fantastic day...first of many more fun family adventures to come. Derek is at such a great age now and he loved exploring and looking at everything. We saw sea otters, sea horses, jelly fish, an octopus, penguins, sharks, and lots more!

All set and ready to go!

First stop was the Splash Zone, an interactive area where kids can explore the ocean! We spent a lot of time here. There was a kelp forest (which was one of my favorites), coral reef kingdom, African blackfooted penguins, a touch pool and  lots more!

 Derek loved crawling on the waterbed and feeling the water move underneath him.

 

 Playing with the water.

 Getting soaked!

 Watching the colorful fish swim by with Grammy!

 Checking out the kelp forest!

At the touch pool, touching many of the plants and animals that live in the kelp forest habitat, including sea stars, abalones, sea urchins, kelp crabs and more.

 Looking at the jelly fish!

 

 Worn out! After a VERY busy morning, Derek fell asleep for a quick 30 minute nap (the only one of the whole day) right before lunch!

 When we had seen everything at the aquarium, we ate lunch outside along the bike path. Derek enjoyed watching the bikes as they went by. Eventually he wanted to walk around to investigate.

 

Getting tickled by Dad!

 

A Visit from Pops and Grammy

Derek LOVED having Pops and Grammy visit. He loved the extra special attention and was all smiles and laughter. It was so fun to watch him interact with them. They went to the park every day (of course), the library, the Palo Alto Jr. Museum, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In addition, they spent a lot of time just being entertained by Derek. Here are some of my favorite pics from the week. He is one blessed little boy!

 

First Hair Cut
I gave Derek his first hair cut, on Easter, while my parents were in town. I wanted my mom's help, but did not realize it was going to take all 4 of us to complete the job! Derek sat on Matt's lap, while watching a hockey game. My dad kept Derek entertained and took pictures. My mom held the comb for me so I could focus on cutting. It was a lot of work to keep Derek still long enough to cut his hair. I really wanted to make sure I did not mess up! (And no we did not save any of his hair from the first hair cut.)

Wondering what is going on and why he is wearing a towel

 "Mom, why are you touching my hair? Leave it alone"

 I was concentrating really hard!! :)

 Finished product!

 Love our boy and his smile!

Easter

This year for Easter Grammy and Pops came to visit us. We went to church in the morning and then headed over to the Fabbro's house for Easter dinner. It was fun to have my parents meet the Fabbro family. Matt and I have felt a part of their family since moving to California and now both our families were together! Dinner was delicious and I made my famous carrot cake for dessert. We even let Derek have a small piece, which he LOVED.  So thankful that... "Jesus paid it all,  All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

Sue and Kristin 

 Auntie K and Derek

 Derek looking at something outside

Happy Birthday Matt!
We love you Matt and want to wish you a very happy birthday. Your determination, faithfulness, leadership, passion for life and work, positive attitude and love for us make our family so fun to be a part of. We are grateful for your life and want to celebrate you as an amazing father and husband. Happy Birthday!
Love, Christen & Derek

Derek's Dedication
Matt and I had Derek dedicated at Peninsula Covenant Church, in Redwood City, CA back on February 21st. We stood before our friends, family (my mom was in town), and church to acknowledge that we are going to do our very best to raise our son to love Jesus and others in Christ. It was a special evening. It is such a blessing to know that our friends and family are there to help keep us accountable for our decision. Poor Derek was not feeling so well that night and we ended up taking him to Urgent Care after the dedication (he was fine 2 days later). A special thank you to Janet for the pictures!

Here are the words we shared that evening.

"Derek we are so grateful that you are our son.

You bring so much joy and laughter to our family.

You are full of energy and a determined little boy.

Your smile lights up a room and your giggle is contagious.

We are blessed to be your parents.

We commit to putting our relationship with Jesus first and hold our marriage in highest priority.

We long for you to know and love Jesus and to have a heart that follows him.

Derek, your name means gifted leader.

We pray that as you grow up you will be bold leader for Jesus.

Standing up for what is right and having wisdom and understanding.

We pray that others will look up to you and see Jesus in your actions.

Derek, we know that you have what it takes to answer the call that God has put on your life.

You have immeasurable value in God’s eyes and

You are going to do great things because of who He has made you to be.

We are so proud of you.

Derek, our prayer for you is that you will be a bold leader for Christ.

Seek wisdom from the Lord, so that you live your life worthy of His calling.

Seek wisdom from the Lord, so that you lead others to know and to follow Christ.

Here is the verse that we have chosen for you: Proverbs 2:1-8

1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—

3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones."

 

 

Matt and I each read part of the prayer that we had prepared for Derek.

 

Praying over Derek