Top 10 of 2022

I can't believe 2022 has come to an end, but thankfully it was packed full of fun memories.  Once again below (in no particular order) is our 10 favorite things that took place in 2022.

1. Getting another dog, Loki. 
2. Visited with extended family, Papa and Nana Speckman, CA Klausers, Speckmans, and, Grandpa and Grandma
3. Family road trip to 10 states (Zoos, Arcade, Biltmore, Sliding Rock, Nature Parks, Gatlinburg).
4. Celebrated 17 years of marriage.
5. Seeing the ARC and Creation Museum on our family vacation.
6. Kallen got baptized.
7. Dad passed his test for being a certified financial planner.
8. Watching kiddos participate in many sports and activities (Elyse- volleyball and drama, boys basketball and soccer).
9. Family trip to the Kalahari Resort.
10. Attended the MN State Fair.

Some other fun things that happened this year:

• Mom started teaching at Legacy.
• Mom began using a Cricut to make great things.
• Kallen graduated from elementary school and started middle school.
• Dad and Kallen attending Deep Portage together.
• Dad and Mom went to Junior Achievement with Kallen.
• Dad and Kallen attended the Toby Mac concert.
• Watching Caleb and Kallen perform in Legacy's 5/6th grade musical (Kallen's solo).
• Watched all the kids participate in the large obstacles of the MANE event.
• Elyse and Kallen attended Camp Lebanon, loved it, and grew in their faith.
• Elyse got braces.
• Swam together as a family in our pool.
• We babysat chicks and unfortunately one of them didn't survive.

Well, we made it through 2022, but honestly ready to see what God has in store for us as a family in 2023.

Happy New Year!

Celebrating Christmas

Our Christmas this year was wonderful.  We spent our day doing normal traditions of wearing matching pajamas, watching the Disney parade, eating delicious food, hanging out as a family, and the obvious, opening gifts.  This year, dad added the new tradition of taking turns reading the Christmas story in the bible, and it really was kind of magical, loved it!  Plus a major bonus this year was we had both sets of grandparents there.

Merry Christmas

 

Advent Day 24

Decorate Christmas Cookies

Advent Day 23

 Attend Christmas Eve Service 

Today was definitely different for us, as we attended Christmas Eve service an extra day early.  With dad having to serve at the services, the cold resulting in Grandpa and Grandma arriving later than planned, and other complications, we had to attend service tonight instead.  The kids didn't complain, yet I know the late bedtime and no gift openings tomorrow just might backfire on us and make the real Christmas Eve super long.

Advent Day 22

Decorate a Gingerbread House (with gingerbread people and trees)

Advent Day 21

Christmas M&M's

Advent Day 20

Eat Mom's Favorite Christmas Treat, a Christmas Wreath

Advent Day 19

Christmas Pez

Advent Day 18

Get New Christmas Socks

Advent Day 17

Make Christmas Cards and Buy Gifts for Teachers

We had to get super creative with today's Advent activity.  With the craziness of Elyse's volleyball tournament, Ian's games, and Caleb's birthday party we had to do our activity in between Ian's games during the hour break.  It made the hour go by fast for the kids, a major bonus!

10,000 Shot Club

Tonight the boys were recognized alongside a bunch of other classmates for being a part of the 10,000 Legacy Basketball Shot Club.  Meaning all summer they accomplished the goal of taking at least 10,000 shots.  Both Caleb and Ian accomplished this goal, Kallen was challenged to do the 25,000 shot club and made it.  The boys each received the honorary t-shirt; Kallen also received the long sleeve and backpack for accomplishing the 25,000.  Super great way to motivate boys to love the game.

Advent Day 16

Eat Christmas Peeps

Caleb Turns 12 Years Old

Today Caleb turned twelve.  Thanks to getting some clarity on things, I can honestly say watching Caleb turn twelve has been enjoyable.  He is a different child and so fun to see him grow up into the man God truly designed him to be. We are grateful for him and excited to be celebrating him today.

Caleb is definitely the child that has grown so much in one year.  Currently, he has grown to be more understanding, gentle, loving, cooperative, and focused.  He still is very inquisitive, independent, crafty, outdoorsy, and loves anything technology and Nerf.  

Happy 12th Birthday, Caleb!

We love you, little man.

Celebrating Caleb today was a challenge due to the craziness of the kiddos' schedules right now.  We were able to quickly come home after school to sing, open presents, and hang out for an hour.  Caleb also got to enjoy Willy McCoy's dinner last night (he and Ian agreed and chose together).  Thankfully tomorrow we will get to celebrate with six of his buddies over here playing Nerf and going sledding in all that new snow we just got.

Advent Day 15

Attend the Legacy's Christmas Choir Concert

Not a favorite Advent activity or one liked at all, but it was still enjoyable since we got to hang out as a family and more importantly, watch Elyse perform.

Ian Turns 9 Years Old

Today our littlest boy reached his last single digit, 9!  He was beyond excited for his day, the first one up as a matter of fact.  We almost had a snow day as it is a beautiful winter wonderland today, which kind of describes him; unique, beautiful, sometimes shocking, and yet always a joy to see..  Love him to pieces and love celebrating him today!

Ian can best be described right now as, responsible, kind, a lover of Jesus, intelligent, competitive, creative, and dependable.  He still has many same loves as the last few years and some new ones; they include, math, little squishy animals, Legos, games, puzzles, video games, school, and basketball!

Happy 9th Birthday, Ian!

We love you so much.

Today was a really busy day and unfortunately celebrating him at home was difficult.  He still got his basketball theme, got sang to, opened his gifts, and ate at the restaurant of his choice, Willy McCoy's..  We will get to celebrate him more on Sunday with ten of his best buds playing basketball and laser tag.

Advent Day 14

 Christmas Gummy Bears

Advent Day 13

Eat a Delicious Christmas Colored Cookie

Advent Day 12

 Eat a Candycane

Advent Day 11

Drink Hot Chocolate While Playing Christmas BINGO

Advent Day 10

Scatch-off Ornament