Ensenada, Mexico

Today we arrived home from our mission trip through Homes for Hope. For the past few years, I have watched Dad, Elyse, and even Kallen head south to experience this breathtaking service opportunity. Well, thankfully, with Ian being older we had more kids able to go this year then stay home so I had the opportunity to join. We hope in time that Caleb chooses to attend with us, but until then we are grateful for being able to do this with the other children. I can’t express how amazing it was to be down there, how eye-opening it is, and how it changes me more than it probably changed the family. I know Elyse has always been a lifer; but this weekend confirmed that us five Klausers are lifers as well. We look forward to going back next year; hopefully, with the rest of the family. 

Homes for Hope: mission to love families in poverty who need a new home to better their future. We build a home in under two days to provide warmth, protection, and the love of Jesus that hopefully lasts until eternity.

Mall of America

Today the four younger kids and I adventured out to Mall of America to try some new activities and go to some of their favorite stores. We hit up at the Illusion Museum, which was a lot of fun.  Then lunch at Chick-fil-A, Lego Store, and Blackout Mini Golf. A great last day of winter break.

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.