Eli's Fishing Birthday Party!

Yesterday afternoon we celebrated Eli's birthday with family. Eli is 8 years old! Eli wanted to have a fishing themed birthday party because he loves to fish! He loved his bass cake! His actual birthday is this Wednesday, the 30th, but we celebrated early with family. Eli we are proud of you and we love you!!

Eli was blessed with many gifts from family for his birthday. For his birthday Eli got a pocket knife, a sling shot and whistle, an outdoor survival kit, a lego car, a lego boat set, a lego rocket set, a world map puzzle, a skateboard, money, a robotics set, an escape game,  a Lite Brite, a United States map puzzle, a book about the Great Ice Age, and Mexican Train Dominos. 

Thank you family for loving on our son and making him feel special!

Greta got a dress up Queen Elsa costume, she loves to wear it!

I lit a candle for Eli's party and I told him that this is to remind us that Nana is always with us and that she is wishing him a happy birthday from heaven. We love you Nana!

Asa was excited to also get a slingshot and a whistle to play with Eli!

We went out for breakfast at Keys Cafe and the whole restaurant sang happy birthday to Eli and they gave him a cupcake! So fun!

Eli's 8th Birthday Party with Friends!

Yesterday we had the most perfect day to celebrate Eli's birthday with our dear family friends. We had the Wellman family, Long family, and Vest family over to celebrate. Brian led the kids in an epic capture the flag game. The kids had to run around to find flags and if one of the dads caught them then they had to go to mom jail. If they were in mom jail, then one of us moms gave them something to do to get out. They had to do 10 push ups, jumping jacks, etc... The kids loved running through our yard to find the flags! We grilled out for dinner and then had a campfire with s'mores. We had a time of praying for Eli and then we all sang happy birthday. It was a wonderful time together. The weather was warm and sunny. I was so thankful for perfect weather because there were 22 of us! I got teary eyed after everyone left, happy tears, because I feel so blessed to call them friends and that we can do life together as families. 

I love this picture, the kids we ready to get Eli with leaves!

Our dear friends, Eric and Anna, Shane and Anna, and Angela and Erik.

Beautiful Autumn Day and Birthday Preparations

I found this picture taken of us as we were  eagerly awaiting the arrival of our firstborn Eli eight years ago. I remember mom loved this picture. We are so excited to celebrate our Eli soon! We have a birthday party with friends for him tomorrow and then we will be celebrating with family a week from Sunday. He is excited for the festivities! 

We have been enjoying many fall bonfires as a family.

Greta loves her dance class. It has been fun to see her practicing for her Christmas recital in December. 

The kids helped me decorate for Eli's friend birthday party tomorrow!

Greta and I enjoyed an early morning walk together earlier this week. The leaves are so pretty.

It is a beautiful day today to jump into a pile of leaves! I remember loving this activity as a child!

About a month ago we went for a hike with Papa and Karen and got caught in the rain! Memories!

Fall Adventures

We celebrated Karen's birthday by going to the Gammelgarden Swedish Museum in Scandia Minnesota. We enjoyed a Swedish coffee party and were able to learn about Swedish traditions and immigration. It was a delightful time together. 

Here is our Swedish tour guide, this is the Swedish church that is the oldest church in Minnesota. 

 We love our family fall campfires!

Family picture!

Brian and I stayed at a bed and breakfast to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. We have shared life for 18 years now! Through the joys and sorrows of life I am so thankful to have his faithful presence by my side. A big thank you to Kristi for babysitting our kids so we could go!

Brian drew some fun pictures for the kids to color.

 The boys did the 200 piece puzzle all by themselves.

We have enjoyed many boat rides! Our last sunset cruise for the season.

I love my sweet Greta!

Greta playing with toys that my sisters and I used to play with when we were girls.

The kids looking at special rocks with Papa.

Greta was thrilled to begin ballet again! She gets to do tap lessons too!

Asa is so sweet. He saved up his money to buy Eli a pocket knife for his birthday. I love that he thinks of his brother instead of himself. He is excited for how happy Eli will be!

Greta loves having her brothers come and watch her dance!

The kids and I had a fun time with Papa picking apples and making them into cider at his co-worker's property a few weeks ago.

The kids found a huge tree frog!

Becky came over for dinner and a boat ride a few weeks ago. We love our time with cousin Becky!

Karen and I enjoyed a cozy night of watching our favorite movie together, Pride and Prejudice!

Greta and friend Bella playing dress up together.

The boys and friend Greyson finding salamanders together.

Brian and his fish!

We love doing life with our dear friends Eric and Anna Vest!

Greta and her big leap at dance class!

Brian and I enjoyed a favorite kind of date night together; dinner out and swing dancing!

Last Sunday the boys were so happy about the Vikings win. They were out playing catch together in our front yard. 

Greta looks so pretty in the sweater Nana gave to her.

This is Greta dressed up!

I saw a huge salamander crossing the road in our neighborhood and I had to stop to give it to the kids to see.

The pretty fall leaves in our backyard!

Brian and I ready for date night!

Brian grabbed a picture of me with Autumn, she is our babysitter and the kids love her!

Well this is a cute couple! Kristi and Ben!

We had a fun double date with Kristi and Ben! We enjoyed Thai food at Sawatdee and dessert at Nadia's Cupcakes. Fun!