Top 14 of 2014

I truly feel this year has been the fastest one we have ever experienced.  Throughout the year we have had many blessings, and the following list below (in no particular order) are Nate and my top 14 favorite things that took place in 2014.

1. Seeing our extended family that lives throughout the US
2. Being apart of many amazing ministries at our church
3. Celebrating Elyse turning 6
4. Celebrating Caleb turning 4
5. Celebrating Kallen turning 2
6. Celebrating Ian turning 1
7. Family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells this summer
8. Elyse starting kindergarten
9. Watching Elyse ride the bus to and from school
10. Caleb starting preschool
11. Celebrating 9 years of marriage
12. Elyse and Caleb being apart of Awana
13. Dedicating Ian to the Lord
14. Growing our own fruit and vegetable garden, as well as watching the kiddos help and enjoy it.

May you all have a blessed 2015!

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

Nate's parents made the trip up here last week to celebrate Christmas and stay for a few days.  Most of the week involved playing with the kids.  We did however spend some of our Friday at Mall of America.  The boys, Grandma and Nate spent most of their time riding rides; while Elyse, Grandpa and I hung out at the "American Girl Store".  

Special thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for coming up.  We had a wonderful time and hope to see you again real soon!  

Merry Christmas

Advent Day 24

Attend Christmas Eve Service

Below are some pictures we took right when we got home from service since we did not capture any there.  Dressed mighty fine if I say so :)

Advent Day 23

Read the Nativity Story and Make Your Own Nativity Picture

This was a new Advent activity for us, and I will for sure be doing it again next year.  I LOVED it.  I read the story, "In the Stable", and while reading it the kids followed along and made their own Nativity picture.  It was a great way for them to understand, ask questions, be creative and make the story come alive.  

Advent Day 22

Enjoy a Yummy Treat: Hot Chocolate and Candy-canes

Advent Day 21

Make and Eat Christmas Cookies

Sorry about the horrible picture below; I could only get Ian to look, the others were too busy eating their cookie.

Advent Day 20

Package and Deliver Christmas Goodies to the Neighbors

Advent Day 19

Cuddle Under a Blanket and Watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Advent Day 18

Create a Christmas Card and Mail it Out

Advent Day 17

Go to Caleb's Preschool's Christmas Production

Today we spent our morning watching Caleb's class preform Christmas songs on stage.  He looked so handsome and did such a GREAT job!  I loved watching him do his thing, I was one proud mom.  

Oh yeah, the production ended with us singing "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and eating more cake...five days in a row now of cake :)

DSC 9409 from NSquared on Vimeo.

DSC 9412 from NSquared on Vimeo.

Advent Day 16

Celebrate Caleb's 4th Birthday

Today's advent activity was another fun favorite for the kids and super easy for me.  We celebrated Caleb turning four.  We opened family presents, sang "Happy Birthday" again, and ate more cupcakes.  Caleb's day also included going to Adventure Park, having his favorite meal (baked oatmeal) for dinner and attending Awana.  I never asked, but I'm pretty sure he had a wonderful birthday.

Below are pictures from Caleb's party this past Saturday.  He had a "How to Train a Dragon" theme.  Three of his good friends joined in on the festivities; which included, making shields, playing games and eating cupcakes.