Celebrating Blake

This past Friday was Blake's 5th birthday. Papa Ron and Grandma Claudia came over in the evening to enjoy birthday cake and ice cream. Here is a shot of Blake wearing his crown from school and with his cake.

Camping Out

With the cold weather we have had these past few days, we really need to get creative as far as playing in the house goes. The boys and I decided it would be fun to make a campsite in the living room, complete with a 'campfire' and 'roasting marshmallows!' Who says you can't go camping when it's below zero outside? Hopefully this Wisconsin weather will warm up soon. Until then we'll just stay by the fire!

Happy 5th Birthday, Blake!

Hard to believe that 5 years ago today I was in labor with our first born, Blake Marcus! We are so proud of the creative, energetic, fun-loving boy that you have become! You've become a boy who will go up to anyone and strike up a conversation (maybe not always a good idea:) and a boy that is so in LOVE with making any kind of "project" out of paper! Thanks for an amazing 5 years! We love you!

Marlee is 2 Months Old!

Today marks another month that Marlee has been in the world. With a new month come more changes which include-- longer stretches of sleep, smiling, cooing, and a few more pounds. I also posted pictures of what Blake and Bennett looked like at 2 months. I think it is safe to say that these 3 bear a slight resemblance.

Birthday blessings

Well, another year has come and gone, and I am now that much closer to 40! Uggh! It has been a relaxing birthday thus far-- a little extra time to sleep in this morning, pancakes made by my husband, chiropractic adjustment, grocery shopping, and playing outside in the ice and fog with the kiddos. Randy surprised me with a custom made ivory necklace made from the tooth of the elk he harvested this past September-- very cool and beautiful. It will definitely be a piece that I will hand down to Marlee! All of these things make me feel VERY blessed! Here is to another year of blessings!

Happy Birthday to my twin sister, Jessi! You are so much more than a sister to me-- you're my best friend! Have a wonderful day! Love you!

Our First Minnesota Christmas

This past October my parents made the move to Alexandria, MN to begin their new phase of life-- retirement. This past Christmas would be the first in Alexandria. Everyone was there--Erik, Jen, Grady, Tom, Jessi, Sophie, Adam, and my parents. The cousins had a blast playing games, making "elf yourself" on Grandma's Ipad, and watching evening movies. Marlee was the center of attention and there was rarely a moment that someone wasn't holding her. It was great to have our first Christmas at the place we will now call "home."