Top Favorites of 2025

This year flew by like all the others but we still had some family favorites. Below in no particular order are a few highlights.

• Trip out west to Washington, Oregon, and California
• Dad and Elyse traveled to Turkey and Greece to learn about the lives of the disciples 
• Mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico with Homes 4 Hope
• Celebrated 20th Wedding Anniversary 
• Kallen made the high school soccer team
• Ian started playing golf
• Maddie started volleyball
• Attended a United,, Timberwolves, and Twins’ game
• Traveled to Iowa State University and attended a Men’s basketball game
• Caleb started high school and Maddie started middle school

What a year of blessings, hope 2026 brings just as many fun memories. 

Iowa State University

Yesterday we adventured on the dangerous icy road conditions and headed south to Ames, Iowa to stop for a 24 hour visit to Iowa State University. We began by attending a men’s basketball game as they are ranked third right now. It was an extremely fun night as they won and we ate Clone cones. After the game we headed to Main Street to eat at Great Plains Pizza. Today we spent our day exploring campus. Kids saw the library, our favorite campus spots, shopped at the campus store, and shared some special memories. After leaving campus and before heading home we filled our stomachs full at Hickory Park. It was a very quick trip but the highlight of winter break 2025. 

Merry Christmas

Advent Day 24

Attend Christmas Eve Service

Advent Day 23

Decorate Christmas Cookies

Advent Day 22

Christmas Oreo Blizzards

Advent Day 21

Klauser Secret Gifts

Today’s Advent activity was a new one thanks to Ian. The object was to randomly choose a different name and were given $10 to spend on that person at Target. It was very fun to watch them think about what their person would like as well as not think about themselves. They actually all did really well with each other.

Elyse had Maddie, Caleb had Kallen, Kallen had Ian, Ian had Caleb, and Maddie had Elyse

Advent Day 20

Christmas Peeps

Advent Day 19

Christmas Clumps of Coal (Gum)

Advent Day 18

Eat a Bundle of Christmas Cookies

Advent Day 17

Christmas Fruit Snacks

Advent Day 16

Buy Christmas Gifts for Teachers

Caleb Turns 15 Years Old

Today Caleb continued to grow another year older!  It's been fun watching him develop both physically and mentally this past year.. We love him so much and are grateful for him.

Right now we would describe Caleb as still challenging, individualistic, maverick, and witty son.  Things he currently really enjoys a lot besides technology are hanging out with friends, skiing, wiffleball/baseball, watching YouTube shorts, McDonald’s cookie tote, and Rubik's Cube.

Happy 15th Birthday, Caleb!

Love you!

Caleb celebrated his birthday last week by having nine of his closest friends over to hang out all day and evening. Today was opening presents and dinner of his choice.

Ian Turns 12 Years Old

Today Ian turned twelve, even though a few family members thought it was thirteen. Anyway, Ian's day consisted of going to school, where people wished him a happy birthday all day, going out to eat at his choice of restaurant, and opening presents. He celebrated with friends last Friday at a boys' sleepover and at a Legacy basketball game.  

As for Ian right now, he is very good at math, driven, helpful, stubborn, creative, and loves the Lord.  He still has many favorites as in previous years: golf, ping-pong, video games, Legos, and soccer!  We loved celebrating him today, but not nearly as much as we love him.

Happy 12th Birthday, Ian! We love you so much.