A day to celebrate life, success, and family

On Saturday we took the boys to the animal shelter, out to eat for their birthday and to the Falls park in Mankato. It was a great day for the six of us (Aunt Tina was there for the boys). We are very happy to have reached this day and we are really not sure what happened to the last 365 days. All I know is inbetween all the diaper changes, feedings, sleepless nights, and sick babies we had laughter, so many snuggle sessions, and an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I look at what I have, the children I've been blessed with, and wonder how I got so lucky. I look at what we have been through to get us to this place in our lives and I would do everything all over again to be "here" right now.

Playing in the leaves

Max and Mom trying to stay out of the way

Life is Good

Run Charlie Run

Love different textures

Love to taste-test everything

Leaf Fight

Boys will be boys

Tim was so nervous about Charlie getting too close to the water

These boys aren't babies anymore. I can't believe a year ago they were in my tummy!

Another great family photo (CT didn't like the guy taking the pic)

The water resources engineer investigating the water

True Story - Charlie said to Tim "Daddy, is this a storm water basin?"

I thought Tim was going to fall to the ground - the pride was beaming off his face!

Max needed to snuggle for quite a while b/c the water was so loud

The goofball and jr

Well sister I don't think I would be breathing right now if you wouldn't have saved me so many times! These boys owe you!

Aunt Tina's love goes around and around and around

Trying out their new carseats from Papa and Gran, sporting their new coats from Aunt Mary and Uncle Chris, and testing the new shoes from Nama. Great gifts - Thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXWELL GEORGE!!

Making your donation to the Mankato Pet Shelter.

Taking your tour of the shelter with your big brother Charlie. Maxwell, your dad and I hope that you will recognize those in need and do something to help. There is ALWAYS something you can do, no matter what your situation in life is. It is one of the best feelings in the world, to do a selfless good deed.

Having your birthday dessert which you enjoyed so much more than your birthday cake.


One of your favorite things to do, EAT


Coloring with your big brother. You always want to be where Charlie is.

Opening your presents from the Jed, Jenni, and Keira. Thanks guys!


Max, there is so much that we love about you! I love your voice that you found early on, especially the way you say "NO". I love the way you drive trucks around the kitchen with your brothers and read books to those around you. I love your sense of humor, just like your Daddy's and Charlie's. Right now, my favorite thing that you do is snuggle with us. You give the biggest hugs that a one year old can give and it is the best feeling. You have a very sensitive side that warms my heart and reminds me of Charlie and myself. I know that Grandpa George and Grandma Helen were with you from the beginning and always will be!
We love you so much and thank the good Lord every day for the gift we call Maxwell!

OUR BIRTHDAY WISH TO YOU...

May God soften the pillow you rest your head on at night

May he smooth the path you walk by day

No sorrows to depress you, only shadows to surround you,

God himself to bless you.

Happy Birthday Lincoln Thomas!!

Making your first donation to the Mankato Pet Shelter for your birthday.

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the donation!

You and Dad taking the tour around the shelter.

Lincoln, our hope for you and your brothers is that you continue to give to those in need, people or animals, every year especially on your birthday. Remember that others have greater problems than yours and you can ALWAYS do something to help. If you don't learn anything else from your Dad and me, please remember this!

Opening presents from the neighbors. Thanks Jed, Jenni, and Keira!

Having your ice cream birthday dessert. You didn't like it as much as your "tina" cake.

Lincoln,

You have filled our hearts with so much happiness this past year. I love your curiousity, the way you investigate new things, and point your lil finger at everything. I love the way your face lights up at certain things and you say "ooooooo". I love it when you are getting tired and you rub your face on anything you can find. Your laugh is so genuine and 100% contagious. Your Daddy loves the way you high-5 him after a long day's work.

You will forever be our last baby and you will always hold a special spot in our hearts. We love you very much and feel very blessed that God sent you to us.

OUR BIRTHDAY WISH TO YOU...

May you have all the joy your heart can hold,

All the smiles a day can bring,

All the blessings a life can unfold,
May you have God's best in everything.

Let It Fall

After the birthday party on Saturday we took Izzy and Sophie to the pumpkin patch b/c we didn't get to last Fall during their visit. We had great fall weather for a stroll outside in the company of family. (Tim had fun with the camera. Enjoy)

Apple Orchard

Lincoln and Sophie climbing on the pumpkins

Awesome ends with ME!

Linc loved playing with the pumpkins

Max discovering something new

Our annual fall family picture at Emma Krumbee's (my favorite so far)

Grandma helping Charlie and Sophie pick out tiny pumpkins

Sweet memories, tart apples

Grandparents enjoying their grandkids (missing Kyra and Malaki)

Sophie wanted to be in the middle of the boys the whole weekend. Our lil nanny!

Baby boys getting too big too fast

Mama and Charlie searching for the perfect one

Grandma and Sophie making the big decision

Izzy and Papa on the hunt

This picture reminds me of my dad and me, the times we walked together sharing stories.

The First and The Last

Maxwell and Lincoln's first birthday party and Mom and Dad's last 1st birthday party!! The boys had tons of family join us for their party on Saturday. We couldn't have been happier with the love shared that day. We had people traveling from all over to be here, Omaha, Rapid City, Vermillion, and lots of MN cities. Of course we missed those who weren't there but the boys know they are loved by all. Thank you to everyone that made the day special for our boys. A special thanks to our parents for providing parts of the meal, my cousin Amanda for capturing this day on film, and Art for videoing parts of our day. AND of course we would like to thank everyone again for the generous gifts for the boys and donations that the pet shelter will receive next Saturday.

Grandma chatting with Aunt Teresa

Toys make any kid happy

Mama and Max

Tina entertaining our neices, Soph and Iz

Karlie and Becky checking out the presents

Daddy and Max escaping the chaos

The three Olson boys opening presents

All of the presents were a hit!

The proud big brother and social bug

His new favorite food - anything with frosting!

Max delicately ate his "wheel of fortune"

"Why is everyone looking at us bro?!"

Lincoln's cake - Aunt Tina's face

Max's cake - Wheel of Fortune

Things that excite the boys! And of course Lincoln loves you all but he and his Aunt Tina have this bond that you can't describe with words. It is what it is.

Aunt Sheena with the balloon and Linc

Some of the fam. enjoying dessert

Party hard Peps!

Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sheena drove in from Omaha to be here for the boys!

The boys' Olson cousins Karlie, Avery, and Claire

Aunt Faye on lunch duty with Sophie and Max

Max with Aunt Tina playing in the cold

And the race is on, who turns 1 first? That's right Maxwell by one minute

Cousin in law Tim with Sloane going for a cruz