Beck is 4

Four years has really flown by with this guy.  With his turning of four we leave behind the baby years, including diapers!

He's feeling pretty good about it. 

He was "super duper" excited about the festivities.

He wanted a blue cat with a kitty cat on it. (Not my best work, but he was pleased!)  Yes. He did wear this costume all day.

Trying to stifle a grin while being sung to.

This guy. He's got his eye on the future.

And he's got his eye on you. 

Spring Cometh and Teaseth

Spring is here. I'd appreciate it if she's give us more of her sunny side, but I'll take what I can get! 

Spent some time with Sisco on Sunday.

Beck enjoyed Grandma Krantz' bell. We were celebratig Grandpa Krantz' birthday.

 

There has been a LOT Of playing with these blankets. Forts, rolling up like worms or whatever, dragging each other around.  We obviously need some consistent warm weather to get these cabin fever inflicted children outside more. 

Ice

And all the Canadians, and Minnesotans, and Norwegians laughed and laughed.   But to us it's a big deal. Thankfully our trees near the power lines had recently been trimmed and we still have our power. We have seen some big branches fall around us but not yet on our roof. Grateful!

Thought of the day: The details and the big picture are equally important.

Big icy mess? Or intricate ice sculpture?

Waiting for this to drip took some patience. Worth it!

V-MAN 6

My #3 is 6. I was obviously not ready for this because I put a #5 and 5 candles on his cake. Thankfully my daughter caught it and the evidence of my desire to keep him forever 5 was removed.

Van you are a trip! You are sweet and silly, loving and serious, and I think you are a perfectionist. You are a true joy in our family and I can't imagine our clan without you. Happy Birthday Van the man!

You celebrated with your Joash and the rest of us. Superheroes are a big deal! Gifts from everyone including a duct tape wallet made with love by your big sis. 

December Part 2

There I go again with my AWESOME post titles.  Really, we don't need to dwell on this.

We lived out the remainder of our December in California with my family. It was the first time that we were able to spend time with my brother and his wife, unless you count their wedding. She's a gem and we are thankful for what she brings to our family. 

Our trip in a summary: weather was lovely, we did not starve, 2day colds, lots of family time, outdoor time, and naps. Superb.

Some of the things I miss: Mountain view, fields of green, sunsets, and other little things.

Dad built a smoker. Ribs and tri-tip. YUM.

Desert day

I had never seen tarantulas in the wild before! I also had never climbed up to a mine.

Eden was in animal heaven, my nephew is a poser(albeit a cute one) and Dennis didn't have to go through any work withdrawals.

Den turned 40! All he wanted was good food, and a nap. check and check.

Christmas day: family, walks, playing with gifts (outside!). Eden made the orange scarf for Jennifer. She worked really hard to learn how to crochet and this was what she wanted to make and who she wanted to make it for. Very proud of her.

Rows by row, left to right: playing on Grandma Linda's stairs, the dogs love Dennis, cousin bath time(buddies), grass kayaking(it's a thing), swinging from trees, badminton, Grandma!, picking fruit, the cats love Dennis/fire and wine, InN'Out, twilight bike rides, more badminton, climbing trees, breakfast with old dear ones, girls coffee date, lights, Grandma!, wheel barrow rides, family came to visit and play games and yell (the best!), drive by of the old house (lived in from age3-11)

December Part 1

Yep. I'm awesome at coming up with creative titles. Let's move on.

December greeted us so quickly that I have to remind my self that the New Year is just around the corner. We've had a lot going on, but all good things and I am thankful for what we were able to squeeze in together as a family.

Tree decorating, play nativity table, favorite ornaments, making new ornaments (kids did the glass balls), buddies and spending an evening with some of our favorites.

Christmas Party with Bible study girls, Mary Poppins with girl cousins, puppet shows, cello concert, rites of passage (first buck)

Longwood Gardens

Here is where I will say what I really think positive things about the snow: Beautiful wonderland, ultimate playground for the kids. And it ended up cancelling half of our extremely busy week. I AM thankful for that. 

Sunday morning we did our own family Christmas.

Can you guess what his favorite gift was?

Never fear. The Caped Crusader is here.

Eden and her cousin Elliot are a part of the Solfege Choir and were able to participate in the Living Christmas Tree.

Coming to an airplane seat near you.

Thanksgiving 2013

Thankful for a second year of hosting Thanksgiving dinner in our home. Thankful that everyone brings most of the food. Thankful that I am hosting people that know me and love me and therefore the pressure for a perfect house is off!  And of course I'm thankful for my family, and friends who love me in my crazy, and hold my hand in this thing of life. And for my savior, who leaves me speechless and in awe of his mercies and grace.

Steaming pots, roasting turkey, pretty table and reminders of gratitude.

A few of the faces I'm thankful for, dessert,  and mad lib reading.

“The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen and heard and loved. It's about declaring your table a safe zone, a place of warmth and nourishment.” 
― Shauna Niequist, Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table, with Recipes