Christmas 2019

Once again our Christmas season was bountiful as we had time with friends, family, food, gifts, and even some time to sit and enjoy the season.  

We always try to get together with our oldest friends, the VanMeeteren's when they are visiting family in Iowa over the holidays.  It's so cute how the kids take a few minutes to warm up to each other and by the end of the afternoon they are besties again. 

 

We were also visited by Aunt Tina and Uncle Brian this year - they enjoyed Lego Day, also knows as Christmas Eve, and were very patient in helping the kids with their new sets. 

We had so much fun with all our cousins - so much fun that we didn't get many pictures!!!  

I only have these 2 pictures from our Van Beek gathering

After Mass, we enjoyed a lovely meal with family and rousing game of charades. 

Christmas morning was memorable as we announced that we would be taking the kids on a Disney Cruise!!!  The kids were so excited and we immediately began planning the final details together.

 

 Merry Christmas to all!

BROOKS IS 5!!!

 This boy keeps growing no matter how hard we try to keep him little!

He was so excited for his birthday...we planned a little surprise party for him and a few of his preschool friends he was sung to at a restaurant like he wanted, and even got his own hunting vest and dinner and Taco Johns! What a day...

 Papa took Brooks on his own little hunting adventure one afternoon. He was tired so a little rest in the snow worked perfectly.

Brooks you make everyone smile...even people who don't know you!  

You are a comic relief on days when we are crabby, you talk nonstop, you love learning and sharing facts and experiences, your knowledge of animals is astounding. Every birthday I am reminded of your miracle recovery and I thank God for another birthday!

prepping for christmas

 December is so busy and this year was no different.

We had school concerts as well as parties, cooking, baking, and of course seeing Santa.  

 One afternoon we decided to make gingerbread houses and it didn't go quite as planned...the kids were a little upset and then we laughed and laughed.  We agreed we may not continue that tradition.

 Santa was more than patient as the boys brought and read their lists item by item!  

They even received a letter back from him!

Thanksgiving and Baby Lauren

 

On November 19 we welcomed a new baby girl into the family!

Andrew & Liz welcomed Lauren Drew on November 19th. 

 We were all able to go visit her after Thanksgiving and get some play time in with Ryan & Allie. 

 

We all took our turns oohing and aahing while holding the little sweetie.  

We also took a little trip into Cedar Falls for a Santa welcoming party.  This turned into a rainy mess but we had fun, danced, and ate cupcakes. After we were soaked, we headed to the hotel for swim time!

 

 We also squeezed in a little trip to the Falls in Sioux Falls.  

The kids were cold but we loved climbing on the rocks, hearing the music, and seeing the changing lights.   

Halloween

Our Halloween was cooooollllddd...but we still had a blast.  

Every year our elementary school puts on a Halloween parade for the kids and teachers.  The grade levels really get into it and all the parents are invited to watch and enjoy the show.  It has become one of my favorite traditions. 

After a full day of Halloween fun at school and work, we headed out for some trick or treat fun!

Marie spent some time going around different neighborhoods with friends while the boys went around with their dear old parents.  

These kids are growing up and we are trying to soak in all the moments that we can.  

Halloween will always be a fun way to spend time with them for us.

Running, Kicking, Hitting, and Jumping

 These 3 had a busy fall sports season - Brooks tried soccer for the first time and he loved it - even if his mom was his coach.

We had a great team full of fun kiddos who loved to learn more and have a good time!

 Andy helped coach Bennett in flag football again this fall.  He did great, learned a lot, and had fun.  He had some cold games and in one of them he made one of the greatest catches that ever occurred in the history of flag football.

 Marie tried her hand in volleyball this fall. She learned a lot, had fun, and her team improved every game! She worked hard at getting her serves over the net especially.  

Way to go kids - we love watching you work hard and have fun!

Jumping into fall

 Our fall was full of sports, wrapping up our house project, driving kids to activities, seeing our kids literally grow before our eyes in their school pictures, and even taking some time to enjoy the small things.

   One fall day we jumped in the leaves, went for a bike ride, went fishing, and ended the perfect fall day with a bonfire and s'mores.

 These kids know how to fill a day up just like mom and dad.  

 

New backyard patio attached to our extended basement space.  

We are so happy this project is complete!

 

 Marie - 4th grade

 Bennett-1st grade

Brooks-Pre-K

The summer of Root Beer

Meet Root Beer - this cow was loved and loved and loved.  

All 3 kids worked together this summer to take care of this cow.  She was calm and easy going - easy to love. 

Chores occurred 2 times per day and they took turns filling the buckets of feed, giving Root Beer water, and leading her.

Fair week was busy but great!  Lots of scrubbing at bath time and time with all the animals we could find.

Until next year!