Top Favorites of 2023

Once again I'm here posting on another year done; I really hate how fast time goes.  Anyway below (in no particular order) are our 10 favorite things that took place in 2023.

1. Kids experienced their first Broadway musical live on stage, Hamilton.
2. Ian got baptized.
3. Family road trip to the East Coast (Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York).
4. Celebrated 18 years of marriage.
5. Seeing The Lion King and Wicked live in New York City.
6. Kallen got a lead role as Young Tarzan in Legacy's production of Disney's Tarzan.
7. Got a hot tub for the family.
8. Watching kiddos participate in many sports (Elyse-volleyball, Caleb-skiing and golf, Kallen-soccer, baseball and basketball, Ian- basketball and golf, Maddie-volleyball).
9. Elyse and Caleb got their own bedrooms and remodeled the basement.
10. Elyse got her driver's permit.

Some other fun things that happened this year:

• Dad and Elyse's mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico.
• .Family went to Top Golf for the first time.
• Elyse, Caleb, and Kallen spent a week at Camp Lebanon and deepened their faith.
• Mom began teaching Elyse and more classes at Legacy: English and Psychology.
• Caleb got braces.
• Elyse colored her hair from blonde to black.
• Elyse started high school.
• Watched all the kids participate in the large obstacles of the MANE event without a parent.
• Swam together as a family in our pool.
• Visiting with extended family.
• Elyse, Caleb, and Kallen went skiing for the first time.
• Loki had Groot over for the week to hang out.

Well, that's a wrap for 2023; so here's to 2024.

Winter Break

Thanks to winter break we have been home for the week and doing a couple fun things. Besides the normal video game playing, Lego building, board games, puzzles, reading, and hanging out; we have spent our time at Mall of America and going to Top Golf. Maddie asked if she could join her friends for a play date instead of Top Golf. We missed her and will make sure to bring her next time. Thankfully she had what she called, “An awesome fun day”. 

Celebrating Christmas

We had a fantastic Christmas at home doing nothing but staying in our matching pajamas all day. We opened gifts, played games, watched football and ate delicious food. The greatest gift for us all besides the gift of Jesus was Nana surprising us and hanging out with us for the day. 

Merry Christmas

Advent Day 24

Attend Christmas Eve Service

Advent Day 23

 Decorate Christmas Cookies

Advent Day 22

 Christmas Tree Rock Candy

Advent Day 21

 School Christmas Parties

Advent Day 20

Watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol in the Hot Tub

Advent Day 19

Christmas Shopping and Card Making for Teachers

Advent Day 18

 Christmas Pez

Advent Day 17

Hot Chocolate and New Family Christmas Games

Caleb Turns 13 Years Old

Today Caleb became a teenager, and it really came faster than I thought it would!  These past twelve months have been life-changing for Caleb; so much so that we're really excited to journey through his teen years with him.  We love him so much and are grateful for him.

Right now we would describe Caleb as our independent, creative, adventurous, and easy-going son.  Things he currently really enjoys a lot besides technology are hanging out with friends, swimming, skiing, golfing, biking, watching Dude Perfect, Legos, and Rubik's Cube.  He is incredibly fast at solving a Rubik's Cube, in all shapes and sizes.  It really is fun watching him continue to master his skill.

Happy 13th Birthday, Caleb!

Hope you had a great day.  We love you little man and are so proud of who you are becoming.

Today Caleb celebrated his birthday just the way a teen should! He had his five closest friends over for pizza, cake, video game playing, hot tub fun, and a sleepover.   

Advent Day 16

 New Christmas Ornament

Elyse- Taylor Swift
Caleb- Rubix cube
Kallen- Tarzan
Ian- Golfer
Maddie- Swishmallow

Ian Turns 10 Years Old

Today our Ian hit double digits!  He was beyond excited for his day; in fact, he has been counting down for days.  Well, to describe Ian today I would use adjectives of intelligent, helpful, competitive, stubborn, determined, creative, and joyful in the Lord.  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!  We really do love him to pieces and loved celebrating him today!

Happy 10th Birthday, Ian!

We love you so much.

Today was a really busy day and unfortunately celebrating him at home was fast.  He had friends over for a party from 4-7, and then basketball practice with more friends from 7:30-8:30.  His party consisted of hanging out, video game playing, hot tub fun, and eating delicious foods. 

Advent Day 15

 Christmas Fruit Snacks

Advent Day 14

Christmas Pancakes (thanks to cookie cutters)

Advent Day 13

New Christmas Socks

Advent Day 12

Christmas Tic Tacs

Advent Day 11

Christmas Ring-Pops

Advent Day 10

Make a Christmas Gnome Ornament