We're having a fun and busy Christmas break! My parents just sold their house in Rochester and are moving to Apple Valley within the next month.....so we spent a nostalgic last Christmas in my childhood home. So many memories over the past 24 years. The kids had a sleepover in Grandma & Grandpa's basement, and they slid down the hill by the side of the house. Tons of snow this year! Christmas Eve service at Rochester Covenant Church, then home for the traditional Swedish meal and presents. The boys were thrilled to get light sabers! (see video below)

Ellen & Scott drove up from IL on Sunday, so we're having fun with them now.....more cousin time! Sledding, ice skating, Scrabble, yummy food, video games.....the boys are not missing school at all. :-)

Christmas 2010

Fun Day With My Boys

Even though we've been battling frigid weather this week, the boys insisted on playing in the snow after school. We've been spending a lot of time indoors so the fresh air did them good. Then my little chefs helped me make our favorite dinner!

Wooddale Preschool Christmas Program

Jordan was excited to get his new glasses today. When I asked him how things looked he said, "It's less wobbly."

From the Mouths of Babes

My boys have been saying the funniest and sweetest things lately. My oldest has been spelling out all of his sentences. Although it's tiring at times (and requires patience!), at the same time I am savoring this phase, because I know it will soon pass. This morning he spelled "I a-m i-n l-o-v-e w-i-t-h y-o-u M-o-m."

Thanksgiving Week End

Thanksgiving celebrated with both sides of the family this year. Lawrence tried his hand at deep-frying a turkey....amazing!

Our annual tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.

Officially in the Christmas spirit....decorating and cookie making. What a fun, busy week end!

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast

Jordan & Micah love going to preschool together, and it was so fun sharing in the school's annual Thanksgiving feast! Turkey sandwiches, stuffing, trail mix, fruit salad, and pumpkin pudding. Yum!

Good Friends

We were blessed to have our good friends from southern Indiana visit us last week! Michele has been my friend for 17 years, and we are blessed to have 7 amazing children between the two of us. Our time in MN was filled with lots of adventure.....hiking in the woods, eating out, eating in (homemade pizza), ice skating, MOA, Como Zoo, and just hanging out together. I am grateful for friendships that span time and distance. Thank you, Michele, for making the trek up here. Can't wait to see the C-Gang again! Love ya.

Happy Halloween!

Jordan is 5!

Last year Jordan was sick over his birthday and we had to cancel his party.....twice! So this year he celebrated in style. :-)

Jordan, we are so proud of you. Thank you for bringing so much life and joy to our family. And guess what....no more shots till you're 11! Love you, buddy.

"Mario and Luigi"

October Birthday Celebrations

My birthday lunch with Mom & Dad

Jordan is 5! Caramel apple birthday treat at the cabin. He inhaled it in 5 minutes. :-)

Tried pop for the first time.....wasn't a big fan. "Too spicy on my throat!"

We love our friends!

Celebrating with family.