More Birthday Celebrations

Greta and I had our annual birthday tea at The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Teahouse. We go every November in honor of our birthdays. The high tea was delicious and lovely as usual! We love our special time together. 

My sisters prepared a lovely afternoon tea this past Sunday to celebrate my birthday. The spread that they put together was so yummy. I love my sisters and I am thankful for all of the laughter we share.

Early November

 Every year Brian photoshops the kids in their costumes into a fun setting. They always look forward to it!

Last week Eli had a wonderful time at the 4-7th grade capture the flag get together after co-op. Eli has long been anticipating when we would be old enough to go! He was so proud when I dropped him off! 

Asa and his class at co-op!

Asa and Greta recited the theme Bible verse in front of the whole co-op.

Greta loves dance class! She enjoys spending time with her dear friend Sienna and they are working hard preparing for their Christmas recital.

Greta loves to match her special Beth doll.

My 40th Birthday!

I had the best birthday week celebrating with family and friends. I feel deeply loved. Brian bought me this fun T-shirt, here's to turning 40! I really loved my 30s, I believe I will love my 40s even more!

The verse that God kept bringing to my attention on my birthday was Psalm 118: 24. 

"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." 

On my birthday I woke up to Brian and the kids making me a delicious breakfast. They were so excited to give me my birthday cards! After that, I enjoyed a half day at the spa. I relaxed and had a facial, a massage, and got my hair done. It was lovely!! Brian, the kids, and I went out to eat at our favorite, The Watershed restaurant in Osceola, WI. We went hiking by Cascade falls and then at Taylor's Falls. We ended the night with pumpkin cake with my Dad and watched Anne of Green Gables. Anne of Green Gables was my Mom's favorite movie and watching it seemed like the perfect way to honor her on my 40th birthday. It was the first time that Brian and the kids saw it and they loved it. It was fun to laugh at all of the funny parts with my Dad!

I am blessed.

The beautiful flowers Brian gave to me.

Yesterday evening Brian threw me a surprise party! He showed me that this was the invite he sent out to everyone. I felt so celebrated and loved!

He had this on display at the party.

My surprised face! Ben and Eric burst open champagne and everyone yelled surprise as I walked in!

It was such a fun night! We had food, drinks, a bonfire, and many great laughs! Brian did an amazing job coordinating, he is the best!!! Everyone who was invited, was able to come. Karen, Kristi, Ben, Shane and Anna Long, Erik and Anna Vest, Erik and Angela Wellman, Jenna Sandmann, Matt and Amanda Schlenker, Shane and Tracy Swedeen, and not pictured because they came a little later, Eric and Laura Wegener, and Patrick and Jenny Crowe. I fell so blessed!!!

 

End of October Happenings

 We have had a fun and busy October! The kids dressed up as a Princess Aurora, a fireman, and a squid! They had a blast trick or treating with friends from our co-op and got way too much candy!! 

Brian was a minion!

Greta loved dressing up as a kitty for her ballet class.

We continued our family fall tradition for the last 5 years of visiting Pinehaven Farm. The kids favorite were: the pumpkin cannon, the huge corn pit, the giant slides, the grain train ride, and the jumping pillow!

 Last week we went to Seaquest with some friends from co-op. The kids loved feeding and petting the different animals in land and sea.

Brian won an epic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors at our house group through our church. We have enjoyed getting to know the people at our house group.

The boys had one last fishing trip with Hans.

Greta is always drawing. She is talented!

Dress up with good friend Julia.

We love our co-op!

Asa and Lucia got to make ice cream at co-op!