Top 10 of 2016

This year has once again come and gone in a blink of an eye!  This year like many in the past has been filled with many blessings; and the following list below (in no particular order) are Nate and my top 10 favorite things that took place in 2016.

1. Seeing our extended family that lives throughout the United States
2. Being apart of many amazing ministries at our church
3. Celebrating 11 years of marriage
4. Celebrating Elyse turning 8, Caleb turning 6, Kallen turning 4 and Ian turning 3
5. Family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells 
6. Nate continued success as a financial adviser for Edward Jones
7. Elyse, Caleb, Kallen and Ian being apart of Awana
8. Getting our newest family member, "Grace"
9. Elyse and Caleb starting a new school that the entire family feels community with
10. Officially being a diaper free home :)

Happy New Years, here's to 2017!

Celebrating Christmas

I can't believe I have not posted our Christmas day post sooner.  We had a great Christmas this year; we opened presents, spent our day playing with them, ate delicious food and enjoyed time with family.  Although my favorite part of my day was wearing our matching "Bear Family" pajamas Dad (Nate) spoiled me with.

Cardboard Fun

Thanks to a very thoughtful gift of a membership to the Science Museum of MN, the kids and I adventured out to see what it was all about.  The last time I was there, Elyse was just over one.  It was CRAZY busy today so I was unable to capture pictures because I had to keep my eye on all four who wanted to be in four different spots.  That was until we walked into the "Blacklight, Cardboard Gallery".  The room was just as it sounds, lots of empty boxes and tape in a dark room where kids could be as creative as they would like.  We spent majority of our time there; I know they will be bummed next time we return because the exhibit won't be there since it changes January 3rd.   

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

We were so excited when Grandpa and Grandma told us they would be here for Christmas.  We loved having them here and look forward to seeing them again soon.

Merry Christmas

Advent Day 24

Attend Christmas Eve Service at Constance Free Church with Family and Friends

Advent Day 23

Create Your Own Nativity Story Picture with Stickers while Reading the Story, "This is the Stable"

I know this isn't the kids' favorite but this activity really is one of my favorites.  Reading a story about the birth of our Savior, discussing things that happened and then the kids making their own picture while following along.  Makes me so excited for the next two days!

Advent Day 22

Watch "Charlie Brown Christmas" in Our Pajamas

(A secret favorite!)

Advent Day 21

Eat Christmas Cookies at Nana's

So I have to be honest and say this was not an original activity.  Although, when my mom asked for my help do something for her we changed it up and it went great.  Going down to Nana's could have been an excited activity alone for the kids, but cookies made it even better.  May actually repeat this one in the years to come.

Advent Day 20

Deliver Christmas Goodies to the Neighbors

Advent Day 19

Make and Eat Marshmallow Snowmen

Kallen's Christmas Production

Today Kallen had his preschool's Christmas Production.  Unfortunately the other kids had school and missed him but we took a few pictures and videos of our handsome boy singing some great Christmas songs.  Very proud of him today. 

 His amazing teacher, Mrs. Guenther

 His other amazing teacher, Mrs. Johnson

 His best buddy, Drew

Advent Day 18

Make Christmas Cards for Your Teacher(s)