December

Looking back at old blog posts yesterday, it was amazing to see how long and detailed our posts from many years ago were.  Not to mention how frequent... they were almost weekly!  I suppose as your family grows and gets older the time you have to sit peacefully in front of a computer and blog is replaced by an overwhelming desire to sleep or enjoy those rare moments of quiet by doing nothing.

As we usher in 2016, here are some pictures from our month of December.

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Calie's family in the Dells.  This has become a wonderful tradition each year over the break.  Unfortunately we did not take many pictures of our time swimming and sliding away but we had an awesome time.  The kids especially loved running around and having fun with their cousins.

The kids colored special Thanksgiving place mats for our turkey meal.

Everyone one of the kids loved the water slides this year.

At the Wildnerness in the Dells, they have a tree top walk.  A high-ropes course that takes you 3 stories above ground walking on ropes. balance beams, rope ladders, and more!  Isaiah had to be bribed the first time with the promise of a massive banana split sundae.  But after going once, he liked it so much they went back and brought the girls with them.  The older two kids did great with them; I think Mom was the one who had the hardest time. 

Brielle and her cousins also got to go with Grandma to paint their own pottery.  In no surprise, she picked a 'My Little Pony' to decorate!

The Advent weeks were spent getting ready for Christmas.  The kids again loved helping with cookies, buying gifts and wrapping presents, and watching plenty of Christmas movies.

Plus as you can see from the next picture, keeping Daddy away from eating all the treats!  

Here are the kids in their Christmas Eve outfits.

And in their new Christmas jammies the night before, excited for Santa to come.

The boys showing off their Christmas presents from their sister--new superhero pants that Brielle sewed and made all by herself!

Looking back it is easy to see how blessed we are to have three beautiful, happy and healthy children.  To be sure, they all have their sassy and trying moments; but we are so fortunate to be where we are here in Sun Prairie.  Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your families as we usher in a New Year.  

Three Month Blitz

Much time has passed since our last blog post when the kids headed back to school.  Life is good and busy as always.  We are beyond blessed to be in a nice home, have good jobs, be in a good community with great schools, and plenty of other things to keep us entertained.  We have much to be grateful for.  Here is a very quick pictorial rundown of our fall.

Just about ready for apple picking.

Our fall would not be complete without a trip to one of our favorite places, Schuster's Farm.  This is where we get to search for pumpkins, get lost in corn mazes, and a few other fun things.

Our annual Trunk-or-Treat at church.  We had a beautiful mermaid and a couple of superheroes this year.  Even mom got in on the action!

Halloween fun.  The younger two had some fun carving pumpkins but Isaiah wasn't quite as excited about pulling out the pumpkin guts.  

Despite telling Brielle that we were canceling her birthday so that she would stop growing, she had a couple of parties with friends from church and friends from home.  Each party was a "My Little Pony" themed day with games, crafts, and other fun.

That time of year

Can you hear the quiet?  Ahhhhh, I can.  Today is the first day of school.  

Now, I love Isaiah, but man am I glad to have some quiet!  He was neither excited nor terrified to go to school today, in fact, he approached it like it was just what he had to do.  

We had a special breakfast of bacon/egg/cheese croissants and donuts!  We all got ready and took the obligatory pictures that I am convinced he will someday enjoy looking at.  

Collin did not want to be left out, so he came outside for his picture!

This year Isaiah has a locker!  I know!  A locker!!!!  

Which Collin decided he could fit into!  And yes, Brielle did shut the door on him!

Isaiah has 3 other boys from his Kindergarten class in his class this year, which made going to school easier.  His teacher is new to the district, but she seems like a really nice lady!  I can't wait to hear all about it, but for now I will enjoy my silence until Brielle's rest time is over.....and it is over.