Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas with the Minnesota Siblings

Yesterday/this morning we celebrated Christmas and birthdays, Heather and Karlie's.  We had a blast, however, I didn't get any pictures with the whole family.  Totally bummed because they are so important to me.  This is what I did get and I apologize that Ben and Heather aren't in pics.  They had to leave last night to get home to Carlos (their furry baby).  Beautiful snow this morning that we couldn't resist playing in.  
Thank you so much for spending the evening/morning with us.  We loved every minute and appreciate the generous gifts!  Merry Christmas!!

Uncle JP tucked everyone in for the night.

Good Morning Birthday Girl!  Karlie turned 9 today.  We had delicious monkey bread JP made for us and talked about what we were doing the day she was born!  I was having surgery and Tim, Heather, and Nama were driving back and forth from Hutchinson.

Time for the snow!

Claire and Linc making angels

Time to climb some trees

We love our new backyard!

Karlie and Charlie could be brother and sister!  That nose and the squinty eye smile from Papa Jon.

Uncle Tim rounding up the kids to go home.  Claire didn't want to go.  

Cooper and Pilsener had a great time together.  They missed Carlos though.

2013 Olson Christmas/Swedish Institute visit

Christmas with the Olsons was early this year but it got the ball rollin' for us and got us in the spirit.  The boys were spoiled as usual and had a crazy good time with cousins and second cousins.  The adults enjoyed a fun white elephant game thanks to Em.  I was so excited to win Grandpa Rol's old remote, which is ENORMOUS!  Instead of turkey, we did a breakfast feast and it was delicious.  Aunt Nancy got us ready for the Swedish Institute by making Swedish pancakes with Uncle Art.  Her gift to her great nieces and nephews was tickets to the institute.  We had a great time and can't wait to go back next year.  Love to all!


The boys love huggin' on Claire Bear

Grandma Millie and Avery snuggling

Lil ones open first

Lots of goodies past around

Uncle Eric and Tim trying to get Tim's dad's reel to reel working (some days we are lucky and others we aren't)

Listening to music at the Swedish Institute 

Beautiful!

There is a different fireplace in every room - very cool

The only two that would sit with Santa was Charlie and Grandma Millie

Aunt Nancy and Max have quite the bond lately.  wonderful to watch

The kids got to meet the snow princess and learn how to dance like a Christmas Troll

Time to make Christmas cards for our teachers.

Week #44 Play


Our kids love playing games as a family.  The newest one is Scrabble Junior.  Love it!

Week #43 Give


A time to give and to receive...
I love the homemade gifts that the boys come home with from school.
"Mama it's for you, open it!  NO, don't open until Christmas.  BUT I want you to have it now!"

Week #42 Selfie


Our Christmas card Selfie!  Good ol' tripod and timer worked like a charm.

Week #41 Selfie


Aunt Becky and Me throwin' a few back!

Week #40 Empty


This is our popcorn bowl Tim painted.  And it is always emptied at the end of the night, especially after the dog has had his share.  

Week #39 Everyday


Everyday we are busy, busy, busy! 

Week #38 Sunshine


"You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine.  You make me HAPPY when skies are gray.  You'll never know dears how much I LOVE you.  So please don't take my sunshine away."

Week #37 Fear


Maxwell's biggest fear is SPIDERS!

Week # 36 Time


Time...time is slipping away.  Can't believe this was last Christmas.  Time is slipping...


And here they are this year, growing so fast.




Week #35 Fashion


This is one of my favorite dresses to wear (so comfy), pair it with any color cardigan, a long necklace or scarf, black tights and brown boots.
I stayed home for 5 years, wore yoga pants and t shirts everyday.  Now that I am back at work, I LOVE dressing up and feeling good about looking good!

Week #34 Secret


Grandma Arlene always said "Secrets don't make friends!"

Week #33 Out of Focus



I love this picture we "accidentally" captured while taking our Christmas card pic.
Linc is a blur, Max is a ninja turtle, Charlie showing his love, and WE have a moment in the chaos.
So I think it fits the criteria - Out of Focus!