Braces Off for Elyse

 

Elyse's Sweet 16

Today, Elyse turned sixteen!  I can't believe it; it feels so soon to celebrate her sweet sixteen.  She is growing up so fast.   She really has become a best friend of mine, and I'm in awe of how much she is growing in her faith and love for Christ.  She really is going to do big things for Him.  

Celebrating today was difficult as it was a crazy Sunday. We attended church, opened presents, and did other things already on the monthly calendar. Thankfully, we decided to skip our Sunday movie, so we went out to eat to really celebrate her a little.

We love you so much and hope you had a beautiful sweet sixteen, sweetie!

    

First Day of School

Today officially began all kiddos back at school.  Yesterday, Elyse and I started (having high school start a day earlier was a new thing, and I am not a fan).  Anyway, all the kiddos were welcomed back with the same old picture backdrops, the mascot, music, staff, and an orange carpet. The kids weren't as excited to start but happy to see all their friends and the staff again.  Even though the excitement wasn't as great, I still believe it will be another great year and fly by!  

Caleb’s Baptism

Today marked a day that Dad and I will treasure forever; Caleb chose to be baptized.  Caleb first asked us back in the spring, so knowing it was still on his heart was huge.  Plus two years ago we watched him go from there is no Jesus to I want to live daily for Him the rest of my life. So proud of him!

Caleb declared his love to trust and follow Jesus before our church family.   It was such a beautiful sight that brought so much joy and happiness to Dad and me.  Following the baptisms, Constance hosted a cupcake reception for the families and their friends. Such a blessing today was.

Klauser's 50th Anniversary Celebration

For the past few days, we celebrated Grandpa and Grandma's 50th Wedding Anniversary up north at a cabin. The cabin was beautiful and helped create a memorable experience for us all. We played games, watched the Paris Olympics, fished, ate delicious food grilled by Uncle Shawn, rode on the pontoon, and tubed. The only negative things the kids complained about were the mosquitoes and horseflies, so I'd say the trip was a success.

Camp Lebanon

This July was packed full of Camp Lebanon! Caleb decided he did not want to go this year, but the other four all signed up. Elyse and Kallen was an easy decision. Maddie was excited to join her good friend. Ian was most hesitant, but with seventeen other male classmates we encouraged him this is the year to try. He was so glad he did; he loved it and can’t wait to go back next year! Such great memories they all make at camp especially with friends and their faith. 

Kallen: July 7-12

Ian and Maddie: July 14-18

Elyse:July 21-26

Rubik Cube Competition

Today Caleb experienced his first Rubik cube competition. He asked and thankfully we were able to fit it in this weekend The competition took place at Mall of America so it was really nice to have Nana come visit too. He did fantastic! The competition there was insane; one massive group with people who’ve been competing for years that can get one or two seconds. Caleb placed somewhere between 60 to 70th out of 130 people in all five events. We were so proud of him and know this will not be his first and only competition. 

Best time for each type-

2x2: 3.9 seconds

3x3: 17 seconds

pyramix: 10.7 seconds

4x4: 1 min, 55 seconds

Skewb: 27 seconds