Ted took George and Clark to help clean up our city.
I participated in my first ‘peace walk’ – “Moms March for Peace.”
I was invited by my friend Lourdmy – both of us are moms raising four sons. She is black, I am white. She asked if I wanted to join her for this peace march. I was happy to walk with her, to listen and to learn. It was an emotional and beautiful event.
Lots of time outside …
On the water and in the water
Fishing – I watched Luke catch a fish for the first time!
Hiking and Picnicking
Swimming, Sprinklers, and Slip in Slides
Luke
Paul
Paul, Luke and their friend
Luke and a friend
The boys fishing with neighbors
Paul and a friend canoeing
Can you spot me and Clark on the paddle boat?
Luke loves his new tank from Target
Swimming at Orchard Lake
It’s been HOT in Minnesota. You’d think that since we have such COLD winters, we should be rewarded with not so hot summers. Nope. Not this June. It’s been HOT and HUMID with endless amounts of mosquitoes.
However, everything is BLOOMING and BEAUTIFUL! There is NEW life everywhere – flowers, baby ducks, toads and turtles.
The day started as usual … oh, you know, four, I mean, FIVE boys – hungry and asking for bacon.
The boys completed their homeschool (aka distance learning) – as fast as possible because they had ‘important’ things to do.
George and Clark wanted to make a “What’s in the Box?” video for their youtube channel. The idea behind this video is that each boy has to take turns being blindfolded, then reaching their hand into a box, and “guessing” what’s in the box.
George and Clark both wanted to surprise each other with something ALiVE in the box! They commissioned Paul (the animal whisperer) to catch some live animals for them.
First, Paul caught some frogs that were attached to each other. He brought it to our backyard and taught our 6-year-old, as well as the neighbor girl, that these frogs are “mating” and this is how baby frogs are born. (Let’s call this homeschool science) I told Paul that mating frogs like to be left alone and to go put them back where he found them.
Next, Paul found a “non-mating” frog for George. George put the frog in an ENCLOSED container, and hid it in his room until he was ready for the ‘what’s in the box’ video.
Clark asked Paul to find a turtle for him and then hid it in his room – in a SHALLOW dish, with NO COVER.
When he went to get the turtle for the video…
…the TURTLE was GONE!
I was in the kitchen and overheard Clark saying:
Oh no, Oh no!!
Paul…I need your help!
I need some help in here!
– #clarkwayne
I came to check on Clark and he let me know the turtle was GONE and he couldn’t find it.
He showed me the shallow dish. No lid. No turtle.
We started looking around the room and COULD not find it.
We got Paul – Paul can catch any animal. Paul COULD NOT find it.
Ted came and looked – Ted COULD NOT find the turtle.
The door to Clark’s room was open when the turtle escaped. I started looking around the house. I could not find the turtle.
About 90 minutes later, Clark FINALLY found him…under a toy, under his bed.
Thank God it just a turtle this time.
Once the turtle was found, the boys were able to finish their video. Then, they took the animals immediately back to the pond.
Next, the boys had a water gun fight.
When it was time to come in for dinner, Luke said, “Mom, I’m not going to need a bath tonight, I had a water gun fight with my brothers.” (He DID take a bath)
This was just a regular Tuesday. A glimpse in the life of a #boymom! Never boring, always fun. Usually messy. Wouldn’t trade it.
For the record, this turtle was the 3rd creature that my boys have found, and then lost, and then found. Luke once brought a frog home, and accidentally dropped it in my kitchen. The frog jumped under the stove and it took us a LONG time to get him out. The first incident though, was when Clark lost a SNAKE in my car – to read about that adventure: Click HERE.
Without warning, we are in a BRAND NEW phase of marriage and parenting. We are stuck together all day every day, juggling a job (or the loss of a job). The kids are now home, so we are also trying to figure out how to home school, keep up with house work, cook for kids that are always hungry, and there are endless opportunities to drive each other crazy!!
This is a season where setting a couple hours apart to re-connect with your spouse is more important than ever.
Institutionalizing “date night” is not only fun, it can protect your marriage from deterioration and it can keep you and your spouse more healthy, happy and able to manage your life stressors.
Jame C Williamson, PhD
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How date night helps:
I love being a mom, and one thing that helps me love it so much, is taking little breaks from my kids. I also love being married, and date night helps Ted and I reconnect and remember why we got married.
Taking a little time APART from the kids and WITH your spouse strengthens both your parenting AND your marriage!
My relationship with Ted started before we had children. I want it to remain strong during this challenging phase of parenthood, and keep thriving AFTER our children are grown!
Regular date nights build resilience to carry your marriage relationship during the challenging times.
Get dressed up! (Taking a shower, putting on some makeup and doing my hair suddenly feels LUXURIOUS! When you look good, you feel good.)
Order take out. (If you are on a tight budget, cook together.)
One spouse picks up food, while the other feeds the kids.
Put the kids to bed or set the kids up in another room to watch a pre-approved movie.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and conversation. Add some candles and music to really make it special.
Date night doesn’t have to be extravagant to make a significant positive impact on your marriage. Don’t let the tyranny of the urgent crowd out nurturing your relationship. It’s well worth the investment.
To celebrate her birthday, my sister Haili rented a house in Florida and asked if we’d come to celebrate with her!
Um…YEAH!
In June, I was in Florida for my cousin’s wedding. It was the first time I’d been back there in TWELVE years – George was in my tummy! As I was sitting on the beach in June, I imagined how much fun my boys would have if they could visit this beautiful place. I could see them splashing in the waves, laughing, playing, and making forever memories. I said a little prayer that we’d somehow, sometime soon, have an opportunity to bring them back here.
And three months later….my prayer was answered!
Next stop…Florida!
We arrived at the Panama City airport Tuesday night, but my checked bag was not so lucky. American Airlines said it wouldn’t be delivered until the next night. The bag contained ALL of our swim stuff. For our FIRST EVER family beach day, my boys didn’t have their swim trunks and I didn’t have a swimsuit. We also didn’t have sunblock, our beach towels, or life jackets.
Thankfully, boys were able to swim in their regular shorts, and Haili let me borrow a swimsuit and her beach supplies. (Thank you Haili!)
Playing with the skim board
Super cute suit that Haili let me borrow!
First splash
First glimpse at the ocean
I had never been to the northwest part of Florida, and was surprised how beautiful it was – especially Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and the entire 30A area.
Cutest little coffee shop on Alys Beach
As we walked out to the beach on our first morning in Florida, my boys could not believe how BIG the ocean was. They’d never seen a body of water that went as far as the eye could see. They ran immediately to splash in the waves – and were surprised that it was SALTWATER. (I forgot to mention that).
What a JOY it was to watch my dream and prayer come true – the kids were laughing, playing, splashing and having SO MUCH fun. I got to catch up with my sister, and step-mom…the boys had so much fun playing with their cousins…it was perfect.
Clark and his cousin Elle
I love how the 11 of us could spend hours at the beach and never get bored.
Each afternoon, we’d come in for lunch. The little kids would rest, and a few of us would take a walk. We loved discovering the unique wildlife and plant life in Florida.
Elle and Henry
On a nature walk
Each evening, we’d all go back to the beach to play and watch the sunset.
We ate most meals at home, but one night we went out and had a fabulous dinner at a placed called “George’s” to celebrate Haili’s 40th birthday.
As we were going to bed on our last night, I received a text that our flight the next morning had been canceled. We called American Airlines and were on hold for TWO solid hours, then on with an agent for another hour as she figured out how to get us home – the only option was staying another 24 hours.
Screen shot of my 3 hour+ phone call
Obviously disappointed to stay another day in Florida
Luke and Paul
My sister and step-mom’s Delta flight was NOT canceled, and they flew home. So, Ted and I, and our boys, found a great price at a Hampton Inn, directly on Panama City Beach, and spent our last day there. It was a sweet way to end the trip — bonding with my boys on the beach!
Panama City Beach
I asked everyone what they loved and will remember most about this trip. Here are their answers:
George said, “Seeing the ocean for the first time. Also, cousins and big waves!”
George and mom
George and dad
Clark LOVED playing on the skimboard and pushing/pulling his brothers and cousins on it. Clark said his favorite parts of the trip were, “Cousins and water!”
Paul spent nearly the entire time looking for creatures – he found fish, lizards, crabs and jellyfish. Paul told me his favorite part of Florida was “catching stuff!”
Luke enjoyed building sand castles and playing in the waves. Luke told me his favorite part of Florida was playing with his cousins and being in the water.
Luke built this “castle” and stuck a feather in the top
Ted loved being with family, playing with the kids on the beach, and crab hunting.
I loved being with family – eating meals together, taking walks, playing in the ocean together, and the gorgeous sunsets every night made the perfect end to each day.
Our last dinner together in Panama City – Diego’s burritos
I’m fascinated at how God creates a beautifully unique sky every. single. night. The gifts He gives in nature are phenomenal. They are SO un-necessary, and often un-appreciated, but breathtaking and spectacular. I’d be sitting on the beach watching the sunset and wondering why every person in Florida wasn’t sitting with me. It’s one of the most magnificent sights I’ve ever seen.
Ted
Luke
I’m SOOOO incredibly grateful for Haili renting the house and inviting us to come. I’m grateful that Ted took time off work so that we could take this trip together. I’m grateful for answered prayer. I’m grateful for the beauty in Florida and for time with family!
Cutest little coffee shop on Alys Beach
Thanks to my sister Haili for making this trip a reality
Visit my instagram page and click “Florida 2019” to see additional pictures and videos from our vacation!
Summer is for making memories! Here’s the highlights:
A visit from Mom
Grandma came for her first summer visit in Minnesota! We got to spend a few awesome days together, which included knocking an item off the Minnesota Bucket List – a visit to Mill City Museum (click here to read about it). Then she graciously watched ALL FOUR boys so I could go to Florida for my second favorite memory of the summer…
My Cousin’s wedding in Florida
I spent four wonderful days with family in Sarasota, Florida to celebrate the wedding of my cousin (who’s like a little sister to me). My uncle rented a big house that used to belong to Flavor Flav and I spent 3 nights with family there – and one night with my sister on Long Boat Key. It’s the first time I’ve been back to Florida in SO long and forgot how much I love it there.
Me and my sister, Krista
View from Flavor Flav’s former house
There’s something soul-healing about walking on the beach, soaking in some sun, and playing in the waves.
My cousin’s wedding was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and I’m grateful I could be there!
A Unique Birthday
Dropping off diapers and wipes at a Pregnancy Center
Hiding Dollars at the Dollar Tree
Ended my birthday with burgers at B-52
I learned how not to dread turning a year older – make it about OTHERS! This year my boys and I researched ways to give back to our community. On my birthday, we spent the day making a difference!
My baby sister’s wedding in Oklahoma
Another whirlwind weekend with family in another part of the country. I loved spending time with family, celebrating Brooke and her new husband, Jeff!
She had the sweetest wedding, surrounded by big trees, on a beautiful lake.
My sister, her new husband, and new step-daughter
Fueling up for wedding prep
Presenting…the bride!
Fourth of July in Indiana
Shipshewana
Rise and Roll Donuts
An annual tradition – me and my sister with all of our kids
We spent several days with our Indiana family – boating, tubing, fishing on the Lake. We also explored Amish country in Shipshewana, Indiana.
On our way home from Indiana, we stopped for an…
Adventures in Illinois
We visited two places I love… Bien Trucha for the world’s best tacos and…
Blackberry Farm – A fun spot we’ve been visiting since the boys were babies!
We came back home to spend the rest of the summer at home. Some of the highlights for July and August are…
Exploring the Twin Cities
We went fishing, explored parks and beautiful spots around the Twin Cities.
Como Zoo and Conservatory
Egly Burger Challenge
BURGER CHALLENGE STOP #5
We are on the hunt for the best burgers in the Twin Cities. This summer we tried FIVE different burgers places. When we finish, I’ll blog about what we discovered!
Mall of America
Co-producers
Apple Camp
Lego store fun
Log Ride
We love having Mall of America just a few minutes away. George and Clark did a free video editing camp at the Apple Store and all four boys tried their first roller coaster.
Back-to-School Ice cream party
We texted our neighbors, set out ice cream and toppings and 30+ people showed up in our front yard for a back-to-school ice cream party. Super easy and fun for everybody! I wish I would have snapped a picture of the crowd gathered in our front yard – but I didn’t, and it is one of the sweetest memories of the summer.
The Minnesota State Fair
THE GIANT SLIDE
I was going to skip the fair this year, but a friend gave me four free tickets so I took Clark, his friend Sam, and Luke.
We tried some new foods, rode the Giant Slide, enjoyed the Fair from up above on a ski-lift type ride called the Sky Glider and played some games. It was the last thing we did before school started and Clark called it his “favorite thing” all summer…well, “and cousins.”
The Difference a Year Makes
Sisterhood
One year ago, I attended a ladies night (Sisterhood) at our church alone. I sat by myself and chatted with complete strangers. This year I came with this group of phenomenal women.
I’m shocked at what a difference a year can make. Last summer we did some grieving and moving – this summer was filled with friends and happy memories.
It’s been fun to go back and reflect on the summer and see the generosity of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the Goodness of God in all of it.
Thanks for joining me on the summer road trip down memory lane.
Subscribe to follow along on our adventures through Fall!
One year ago, New Life Church was hosting an amazing children’s/family ministry conference called The Gathering. It was during this conference that my husband accepted a job with Target, which meant we’d be moving to Minnesota.
I love Colorado, and I also loved working with this team at New Life. I was struggling with the idea that this chapter would be ending soon.
On the last night of the conference (last year), each person who helped lead the conference was given a box of cereal from Dr. Michelle Anthony – my (former) boss and Family Ministry Pastor. She gave me a box of S’mores and told me that she would like S’more of me. It took everything in me not to burst into tears right then. Just a couple days later, I’d be sharing the news that we’d be moving and she’d be getting S’less, not S’more.
I went home from the conference and shared how I was feeling with Ted. He encouraged me to come back to the conference in 2019 and volunteer.
So this year, I went to Colorado for a Volunteer Vacation! I came to assist, learn, and connect with my New Life friends!
When I first arrived in Colorado Springs – tears filled my eyes. This city has such a special place in my heart, and I was so happy to be back.
The morning of the conference, I drove over to New Life Church with my friend Holly, and helped with the last minute details. All morning I was greeted with love and hugs from friendly faces. It was pure joy.
Because my kids weren’t with me, I got to focus my whole week helping wherever needed … AND catching up with SO many dear people. I loved every minute of it.
In a season of all things new, spending several days in a place that holds so much familiarity & treasured relationships, felt like a well-timed gift.
Though I didn’t sleep much, I came home from my Volunteer Vacation refreshed and full.
If you have some vacation time coming up and aren’t sure what to do – consider a “Volunteer Vacation!” Take the opportunity to go somewhere and help with something. Every non-profit organizations can use an extra set of hands. And when you make time to bless someone or something, you always get blessed in return!
Here is an (affiliate) link to a book filled with ideas on short term adventures that will benefit you and others!
It seems like Luke Washington was born 5 minutes ago…but somehow, it’s been five YEARS!
On the night before Luke turned five, he asked if his daddy would be there for his birthday. I reminded Luke that Ted was working in Colorado but couldn’t wait to give him a BIG Hug and Kiss when he got home.
“Dad probably won’t even know me because when I turn five, I’ll be SOOO big!” Luke said enthusiastically. ‘Is it bedtime now? I want to go to sleep so I can be five!’
Luke showing that he is four one final time!
When Luke woke up on the morning of his fifth birthday I asked, “How does it feel to be five?”
“Perfect,” he responded…”PROFESSIONAL.”
Luke and I ran some errands after his brothers left for school. As we passed complete strangers in the store, he asked me why people weren’t wishing him a happy birthday.
“No one knows it’s your birthday unless you tell them,” I answered.
For the rest of the day, he told everyone it was his birthday and was rewarded with endless smiles and birthday greetings.
We joined his brothers at their school for lunch. His brothers and their friends were SO happy to see Luke. Everyone asked for Luke to sit by them and the ENTIRE cafeteria sang Happy Birthday to Luke! He was so embarrassed he climbed under the table. However, he had the BIGGEST smile on his face and loved all the high fives from the ‘big kids!’
After school we invited the neighborhood kids over for cake and games. I honestly wasn’t planning a party for Luke because we had a “family” party last weekend. However, Luke was inviting nearly everyone he knew to come to his house on his birthday for his “party”…apparently he would have a party with or without me…So, I got a cake and the neighbors came!
At bedtime Luke realized that dad was almost home and it triggered his memory of “growing so much dad won’t recognize me.”
“MOM!!! Why haven’t I gotten any bigger today!?”
Luke’s 5th birthday is a little bittersweet. Luke isn’t a baby anymore. I’ll miss those baby snuggles I’ve enjoyed over the last decade! I’ll also miss the hilarious thoughts and questions that come out of the mouths of our little ones.
However, I’m looking forward to the adventures we will take now that he’s a little bit bigger. I also love that I have four boys who put on their own shoes, buckle themselves in the car, and SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!
Krista is a loving mom to four beautiful kids, a wife to her childhood sweetheart, and an Interior Designer in Indiana.
Krista and her husband Nate
Since arriving home after our family vacation in Hawaii, I’d been feeling a sense of longing for something I can’t put my finger on. I am sure the gray weather hasn’t helped, but it’s something more. While away, I had many awakening moments, and felt so much joy and peace. Even simple things like driving a Jeep with the rag top off, my hair blowing in the wind, the sun warming my skin and the tunes lifting my soul, felt almost supernatural; especially with the backdrop of the Hawaiian scenery unfolding before me with each twist and turn of the road! I had a few ‘once in a lifetime’ adventures like hiking 8 miles along one of the most majestic and rigorous coasts in the world, to a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall; it seriously did take my breath away for a moment. Another incredible moment was when my daughter Kate’s prayer was answered. Since the moment Kate heard we’d be visiting Hawaii, she’d been praying each night for God to let her meet one of her role models: Bethany Hamilton. God answered her prayer when we happened to be in the SAME place at the SAME time as Bethany!
Kate is SO happy to be meeting Bethany Hamilton!
Krista and the waterfall
The green church we visited on Easter Sunday
I can remember sitting in a quaint green church on Easter morning trying to hold back tears. I was feeling a sense of awakening to how I was made, how God made me, as well as what makes me feel alive and engaged with who I am and the life around me. It also was an awakening to some ways I’m conforming that aren’t really true to how I am made – conforming to my environment and people for one reason or another.
Back at home, I was cleaning up breakfast, doing laundry, and picking up toys (that were just picked up). I felt a since of sadness and frustration wash over me. I thought, “Is this all I’m ever going to do?” I turned to Nate sighing. He asked what was wrong and what was fluttering through my mind. I told him how I wanted to feel the way I did in Hawaii. In Hawaii, the mundane chores were enjoyable. I wanted to go back to the way we were in Hawaii-completely natural-with no make up and no hair brush. I loved how I could let the ocean water and air style my hair, and it was beautiful. We could walk barefoot almost everywhere, even shopping! I felt a sense of belonging and at home in a place I’d never been.
Nate reminded me of what the Hawaiian pastor taught one Sunday in a Hawaii…
Pastor Steve, in a small tent with maybe 100 people, taught from a passage in Philippians. This passage talks about praying with joy. He went on to describe how amazing it is when you think about Paul and all he went through. Paul wrote about JOY while in prison! Throughout Paul’s life, he had times where he was in need, and other times when he had plenty, he experienced the best and worst of life. Paul encourages us, as believers in Christ Jesus, to choose contentment and joy in all things, situations and places. Paul tells us to count it “all” joy. Pastor Steve paralleled this all to the deeper meaning of Aloha.
Aloha means ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye,’ but it also mean SO MUCH MORE. Aloha means joy, and more specifically, finding joy in the mundane…maybe even choosing joy in the mundane. It is being in harmony and unity with your REAL self, with God and mankind. It involves being honest, truthful, patient and humble. Aloha (joy in the mundane) isn’t just something to experience in Hawaii, it’s found…WITHIN!! Even though I experienced it in such a deep way on an island in the Pacific, it doesn’t stay there. I can experience “Aloha” wherever I am! Joy is on the inside of me and I will CHOOSE it!
There is a part of me that wants Heaven on earth and life to be easier than what it is, for me and for others. I’m beginning to see that the longing itself is beautiful. We were made to long for more. The longing actually leads us to “Aloha”. It can lead us to unity and harmony with our real self, God and humanity. I am a living example that He does satisfy, amaze, and leave us at peace like nothing else when we seek Him in what He is saying and doing in the mundane. I believe true Aloha only comes from Him and is also a journey with Him.
So I leave you with a heart full of Mahalo. Mahalo simply means “Thank you!” However, the deeper meaning involves thankfulness to God for our past, present and future. I’m hoping it touches a part of your heart and awakens you as it did me!
Krista and her 3 oldest kids – Kate, Mason, and Jack
I had just started writing for the Colorado Springs Mom Blog when I found out we were moving to Minnesota. I subscribed to the Twin Cities moms blog right away because I knew it would be a helpful resource and a good way to connect with other moms. It’s been all of that! Last weekend I gathered with other moms from around the Twin Cities to create something original at a place called Projects in Person. If you are a mom who is looking for a helpful resource and connection with other moms, click here to find out if there’s a City Moms Blog Network in your area.
Daddy Day at Preschool!
Luke woke up saying “TODAY IS DADDY DAY,” with a big smile on his face. Ted comes downstairs a few minutes later and says, “Today is Daddy Day!” Luke smiles and says, “I JUST said that!” And they both laughed.
Luke really pays attention, because when describing his dad, he was pretty accurate…
He knows his dad works on the computer (that’s what he SEES him do…though that’s only a small part of Ted’s job), he likes to eat Salad (YEP!), and he knows Ted loves him SO much!
But he must also think Ted has a really big nose….:)
Clark breaks his thumb
During our super cold spell in February, we were cooped up inside for four straight days. We were all going a little stir crazy. On the fourth day, Clark was doing a fancy jump trick off the couch and landed on his thumb. At first I just thought he’d just bruised or jammed it, but the next day it it was getting worse, so I took him to the doctor. He had a broken thumb and had to wear a cast for 3 weeks.
Draw your favorite book
It was Read Across America last week at school, and the boys had to do a drawing of their favorite book. Clark and Paul chose our book, and I think they did a great job re-creating the cover of Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! Paul also mentioned to his teacher that his dad’s book is also one of his favorites. Paul hasn’t read it, and could not remember the title, but he did a good job remembering what it looked like!
Clark’s Drawing of Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore
Paul’s drawing of my book and Ted’s book
My Goodwill find
I’d been watching for a good deal on hiking shoes the entire time we lived in Colorado. I finally found a GREAT deal. Goodwill had a pair of Merrel hiking shoes that were practically brand new and only cost $2.50! The same ones are currently selling for $99!
The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines – This book was absolutely delightful! Chip and Jo share stories about their lives growing up, how they met, and the hilarious story about how their show Fixer Upper almost didn’t happen. If you need an easy, entertaining, funny, and fun-to-read book, this is the one!
(This post was written just after the New Year and it never got posted…so here it is now!)
The weather outside is frightful, but my snowsuit is so delightful!
Oh how I love the (vintage) snow suit from my mother-in-law! It’s the ugliest, warmest, softest thing I’ve ever worn and I’m in love. This thing makes playing in the snow with my kids not only bearable…but fun! Ya’ll need to find yourselves one of these!
Pass the Popcorn
I’ve probably been to the movie theater 5 times in the last decade. However, I now have four boys that will all sit through an entire full-length movie!! We’ve celebrated by spending three cold days this fall/winter viewing THREE different movies – Small Foot, The Grinch, and Ralph Wrecks the Internet. All were cute movies but my favorite was Ralph Wrecks the Internet. Our local theater has $5 tickets on Tuesdays – and free popcorn! What should we see next?
17 years and counting
Ted and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary – 17 years on November 17th! Our tradition each year is to try a new restaurant we’ve never visited before. A friend watched our boys and made cookies with them while Ted and I went to dinner (Thank you Corey!)
Our friends Nadia and Kevin
Lake Tahoe
California Dreamin’
Ted and I spent a long weekend in California. We got to rest, relax, read, eat good food, explore new places, connect with old friends and meet new friends. Thanks to my in-laws for watching our boys so we could get away! Early Christmas with Nana and Papa
George reading to Luke
How did Christmas come and go so quickly?
When I was a child, it seemed Christmas would NEVER come. Now that I’m an adult, it comes and goes WAY too quickly. Every Christmas with our boys is magical. I LOVE experiencing the season through their eyes. I was so sad that Christmas day came and went so quickly. However, the sadness ended quickly when my mom, step-dad, sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews all came for a visit!
My family visits Minnesota for the first time!
We loved having our Indiana family stay with us for a few days after Christams. We made the most of our time together – ice skating, sledding, cooking, eating, laughing, and playing/shopping at Mall of America. We also got to go on a double date (thanks Mom and Chris) and rang in the new year together!
Happy 2019 everyone! May this be your BEST YEAR YET!
