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)