I'm So Glad when DADDY gets home

Jeff has been away from home, traveling A LOT lately interviewing for fellowships. The kids are always so excited when he gets home- they ALL want him to hold THEM. So he got home yesterday and the 3 kids where pulling on his leg saying "Up-E" - Ellie , "MEEEEE meee"- Caden, "Hold me too daddy"- Jocelyn
Luckily Jeff is so strong and can hold them all at the same time!!!!!!!
And Everyone is happy! ( for a few minutes)
WE Love our Daddy

THE COLD WINTER DAYS

For those of you who don't know - it has been crazy cold here in Minnesota. It has been so cold they have canceled the schools and activity the last two days. It has reached temperatures of about -50 with the windchill. And has not risen above 0 degrees since Tuesday! It been the coldest it has ever been in the last 5-10 years.
Anyway we have been having fun indoors- playing puzzles, jumping on the tramp, playing with our fun Christmas toys and making big messes. We braved the weather to go to the YMCA (for mom to teach her classes) and to go swimming! The cold has not stopped us from having fun. But it does take a lot longer and a lot of work to bundle up the kids and - run FAST ... inside where it is warm!
Here is a picture Jocelyn took of her finished puzzle
the Girls

Caden making messes and doing his own puzzle- so he will not wreck his sisters puzzle.

A Little Boys Love of Balls!

I did not realize how much little boys love to play with Balls.

After having two girls, who did not care much for balls. It is so funny for me to watch Caden's obsession with balls. He walks around all day saying "Ball, Ball" . He seems to always have some type of ball in his hands most of the day, in the bath , on the changing table, in bed with him. He LOVES them. He also loves making baskets. Here is few video's for the family to see him in action.

Hoppy New Year!

We Hope you have a "HOPPY" New Year!!

The Best Time of the Year

Here are the kids on Christmas Eve after putting out cookies for Santa and carrots and apples for the reindeer. (? Jocelyn's idea- so thoughtful) They are soooooooo Excited!

CHRISTMAS MORNING

THE Big MAN DELIVERS! Hooray!

Ellie being a little dramatic about the whole thing! They loved it - and the parents had so much fun too.

Caden opening gifts

playing on our new keyboard

Santa brought us a little tramp! Fun indoors or outdoors. (great for MN, which is indoor weather almost 9 months out of the year)

This is what my kids really wanted from Santa for Christmas: their own Umbrellas!

Ellie singing on the mini karaoke machine

Even Caden loves the tramp

We had such a wonderful and fun Christmas. Thanks family and friends for all your great Christmas cards and Gifts. We love you and hope you have a Happy New Year!

More Fun Times on our Pre-Christmas Trip

The kids loved bowling, especially Caden he wanted to hold the balls the whole time. He wanted to bowl so bad i let him bowl with me. Next time i will have to remember to bring him a little ball he can carry.

Jocelyn's turn Ellie cheering on her ball as it goes down the cool child ramp!

Nani Wendy and Ellie cheering. Ellie can't believe she got so many down!

Bo Baden-playing with the balls and looking a little tired

Mommy and her bowling helper Caden

Playing with cousins Ashlyn and Joshua and Maga Karen's

Karen, Caden and baby Lucas

WE also got to go to the Nutcracker . It was Awesome! We took Jocelyn and left the other kiddos with uncle Blake. (thanks Beezer) We got to see my cute cousin Jane tumbling and dancing. Great Job Jane!

Jocie really loved it especially the Mice!

It was great to get together with some of my old friends and catch up. Thanks to all of you who made it- It was so fun. We missed those of you who didn't get to be there. May be next time

Some of my Cute Friends...

Playing in Utah

We had so much fun visiting family and friends this past week. It was great to see a lot of you sorry we didn't have time to see everyone. But we love you and wish you a Merry Christmas!

At my parents home with my brothers and sisters and their families.
Ellie on their favorite thing- the table slide. My kids ask my mom if they can set this up every time we come in town. They Love it. I tried to catch Ellie's crazy static hair, but i didn't do a good job.

little pre-Christmas gift exchange. And Taisja and Brady's dog Lily




Jocelyn and Ellie having fun Sledding with my sisters.

Ellie the little snow angel

with cousin Owen

At Jungle Jims

Owen and Caden were little buddies