Top Ten Things of 2024

 Once again, I'm posting about another year done; I really hate how fast time goes.  Anyway, below (in no particular order) are the top things that occurred in 2024.

1. Kids experienced more Broadway musicals.
2. Caleb got baptized.
3. Family trip in Maui, Hawaii.
4. Celebrated 19 years of marriage.
5. Elyse was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
6. Nate and his staff earned the highest honor at Edward Jones - Client Appreciation Award.
7. Ian graduated from elementary school and started middle school.
8. Watching the kiddos participate in many activities.
9. Elyse got her driver's license.
10. The trip north to celebrate Grandpa and Grandma's 50th wedding anniversary.

Some other fun things that happened this year:

• Dad, Elyse, and Kallen's mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico.
• .Mom had her first mission trip with Legacy staff and seniors to the Dominican Republic.
• Elyse, Kallen, Ian, and Maddie spent a week at Camp Lebanon and deepened their faith.
• Watching Caleb participate in Rubik's competitions.
• Kallen and Maddie become pet owners of a leopard gecko and a hamster.
• Dad, Caleb, and Kallen learn how to surf.
• Elyse got her braces off.
• Swam together as a family in our pool.
• Helped Nana move into her new home.
• All seven went skiing as a family.

Well, here's to 2025.

The Little Mermaid

Dad and I decided for a late Christmas gift we would take the kids and grandparents to “The Little Mermaid” the musical. Maddie was beyond thrilled and loved it. The rest of us were excited but weren’t as impressed with the end result. I think we had more of an expectation for Disney’s Broadway. Either way, it was fun to do it together and a nice memory.

 

Celebrating Christmas

Today our Christmas was beautiful. We spent our day doing our traditions: matching pajamas, opening presents, eating delicious food, playing games, and just relaxing. 

Merry Christmas

 

Advent Day 24

Attend Christmas Eve Service

Advent Day 23

Christmas Ringpop

Advent Day 22

Decorate Christmas Cookies

Advent Day 21

Shop for Loki’s Christmas Gifts

Kids couldn’t wait till Christmas to give Loki them. We agreed he could get one early.

Advent Day 20

 Attend Christmas Class Parties

Advent Day 19

Christmas Oreo

Advent Day 18

Play “Old Maid” Coal Edition

Advent Day 17

Candy Cane Treat

Caleb Turns 14 Years Old

Today Caleb continued to grow another year older, fourteen!  It's been fun watching him develop into a teenager both physically and mentally this past year; we look forward to what the next twelve months bring. We love him so much and are grateful for him.

Right now we would describe Caleb as our independent, adventurous, challenging, and witty son.  Things he currently really enjoys a lot besides technology are hanging out with friends, playing Solitaire, skiing, watching YouTube shorts, and Rubik's Cube.

Happy 14th Birthday, Caleb!

Love you!

Caleb spent his time celebrating with friends last Wednesday.  He was too cool for pictures.  They decided to go to McDonald's without adults. I then picked them up and brought them back home where they hung out here for a few hours.  Simple but exactly what Caleb asked for. 

Today we celebrated at home with cake and presents. 

Advent Day 16

Eat Candy Cane Gummies

Ian Turns 11 Years Old

Today Ian turned eleven years old.  I still can't figure out if he seems older than eleven or younger; eleven just doesn't seem right.  Anyway, Ian had a great relaxing day.  He went to church, went shopping, did his favorite activities at home, got to pick the movie and pizza, opened presents, and ate cake.  

As for Ian right now, he is very intelligent, helpful, competitive, stubborn, creative, and loves the Lord.  He still has many favorites as in previous years and some new ones: they include, math, Legos, games, golf, ping-pong, video games, school, and basketball!  We loved celebrating him today!

Happy 11th Birthday, Ian! We love you so much.

Ian also had a great time celebrating his birthday with his closest five buddies last Friday.  We went to Topgolf, came back here for pizza and cake, and then went to Legacy to watch the Varsity boys' basketball game.  Perfect jammed-pack birthday party to turn eleven.

Advent Day 15

 Shop and Make Christmas Cards for Teachers

Advent Day 14

Open New Ornament

Elyse- license

Caleb- ski mask

Kallen- Blue, his pet lizard

Ian- ping pong

Maddie- puzzle

Advent Day 13

Eat Christmas Donuts