Days 16-18

Day 16 - Paint Your Stocking

They were suppose to paint some element of their stocking. We didn't get too far this night in part because we had sick kiddos. We did finish them up later in the week.

Day 17 - Make Happy Birthday Jesus Cupcakes

Day 18 - Play a Holiday Game

We played Christmas Heads Up

Days 11-15

Day 11 - Take a Holiday Photo

Visited Ridgedale Mall.

Day 12 - Make Fudge

Everyone made it, just not pictured.

Day 13 - See a House All Decked Out

We toured the Governor's mansion.

Day 14 - Enjoy a Movie Singalong

Ridgedale Mall was showing Elf. There's not much singing in the show though, so not sure what they were thinking. We did get to watch a special break dancing performance though.

Day 15 - Take an Art Class

We headed up to Rum River Art Center again for free family day.

Not part of the countdown but a sad looking dog because mama put away all of his toys.

Advent Countdown Days 1-10

Here we are, another advent season and I'm trying to catch up.

Day 1 - See Lights Among the Trees

We visited the arboretum for the light display

Day 2 - Listen to Jazz Music

We took in a free jazz band concert at the high school with guest bands from the Twin Cities and Wisconsin. Also a saxophone player from New York.

Day 3 - Make Snowflakes

Day 4 - Make Cookies

Day 5 - Share a Cup of Tea

We all enjoyed tea while I read a Cup of Christmas Tea. Previously, we spent time at Feed My Starving Children packing meals.

Day 6 - Watch a Christmas Movie or Show

We ended up not doing this. Instead we made pizzas and cookies with Grandma Black. The kids watch Clause the next night while we were at the neighborhood progressive dinner.

Day 7 - Color Picture for Kids in the Hospital

Day 8 - Check Out Nutcracker in Wonderland at MIA

We visited the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for a very short ballet performance. We also checked out some art and did a scavenger hunt.

Day 9 - Make Feet Reindeer

Day 10 - Read Your Favorite Christmas Book

Ezra - Cars
Levi - Tiny book of songs
Ivy - Spot
Mama - Animals
Roman - Peef
Daddy - was at a meeting

Not Part of the Countdown, Just a Really Cute Puppy

Happy Braces Off Day!

I noticed sadly that I didn't get on here to wish Levi a happy 14th birthday. I guess we were a bit preoccupied with getting ready for the NY trip early the next morning. We still celebrated with Mario cake.

So, I'm making up for it with a Happy Braces Off post. After 2.5 years, he got them off. Looking good!

Happy 11th!

Another year older!

Happy Birthday Ezra.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

Here we are again, another year past and one year older. Eight years ago, these two doubled our kids and doubled our joy, laughter, and love (among other things).

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of these two. This is from the day when the contractor left the gate unlatched. Grandpa Brislin was over helping watch them while I was working. Roman pushed on the gate and fell all the way down the stairs. I ended up taking him (Roman, not Grandpa) to the doctor to be sure his head was OK. When we got back, Ivy came crawling over very excitedly. I thought she was coming to see me, but really she was coming to see Roman and make sure he was OK.

I pray they always continue to look out for each other, laugh with each other and turn to each other even though they go their separate ways more and more.