Katie's 7th Birthday!!!

Katie had a super fun 7th birthday party! 

They had a pizza party, made easy beaded bracelets, and played in our fun backyard. 

Thank you to all who came and for the great gifts!!!  Katie is still a big TMNT fan! 

3rd Annual Don & Shirley Hallstrom Family Reunion

On Saturday,  June 27, 2015, we hosted the 3rd Annual Don & Shirley Hallstrom Family Reunion.  We had a total of 16 of us gather at our home for lunch and some catching up.  We had a baked potato bar and strawberry ice cream cake out in our backyard.  My brother, Mark brought his new puppy, Blue to meet everyone.  That puppy was the center of attention.  Grandma Hallstrom had fun showing Jeff & Ali Hallstrom her family history albums.  Ali took some photos of the family history photos with her phone.  Jeff & Ali drove up from Mission Viejo, CA with their three boys, Evan, Tyler, and Spencer.  Their boys loved playing in our backyard.  Chris Hallstrom, my brother, Mark, and Nathan Kristjanson stayed the longest.  As we were all sitting around visiting, Katie randomly hands us each a sheet of construction paper.  I ended up showing everyone how to make paper boats.  (My Aunt Janette Kristjanson taught me how to make paper boats when she came to visit us when I was 7 years old.)  Then, Nathan taught us how to make these fun little paper airplanes.  I liked having a low key reunion this year.  It still took a lot of planning, cleaning, and food prep, but it's always worth gathering the family together.

Ty, Brian, Evan, Blue (the dog) held by Mark, Tyler, Chris, Ali, Spencer, Jeff, Grandma Shirley, Calvin, Nathan, Katie, Lisa, Julia, Sam

 Brian, Ty, Blue (the dog) held by Mark, Tyler, Chris, Ali, Spencer, Jeff, Grandma Shirley, Calvin, Nathan, Katie, Julia, Lisa, Sam 

 Grandma Shirley with her adult grandkids: Mark, Chris, Nathan, Lisa, Jeff

There was a little water fight going on... ha!

 Nathan, Tyler, and Chris hanging out

Grandma Shirley Hallstrom

 Grandma Shirley Hallstrom and Laura 

Grandma Shirley Hallstrom, Lisa, Laura

My Grandma Hailstorm is such a great woman.  Her greatest loves are her family and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  She loves to visit with family and share her family history and poems.  She is 84 years old and has so much energy.  I admire her "can do" attitude amidst the trials of life.  My kids love her so much.  I am glad that my kids are getting to know their Great Grandma Hallstrom.  Living in the same town as she does has been a great blessing.  These two photos are from January 2015 when we had Laura and Brant join us for a New Year's meal.  

Fun With Great Grandma

The kids wanted to snuggle with Great Grandma on the trampoline and show her their scrapbooks.  

I didn't think Grandma would be up to the task.  When I looked out in the backyard a few minutes later, this this happened.  What a good sport, Grandma!  She doesn't let her age stop her.  

2nd Annual Don & Shirley Hallstrom Family Reunion

Grandma Hallstrom and I were in charge of the 2nd Annual Don & Shirley Hallstrom Family Reunion.  It was held on Saturday, July 12th.  I reserved my ward building so that we could eat lunch there and have a talent show.  We set up the gym the night before.

We ate pulled pork sandwiches, corn and black bean salsa, watermelon, jello, salad, etc.  The talent show turned out really nice.  Grandma was especially thrilled that some of her grandchildren sang for her.  

Aunt Janette's wonderful presentation

Dad brings back memories with classic old home movies.

Seth's awesome song about parenting

Nathan sings a song from My Servant Joseph. He played the role of Joseph Smith a couple years ago.

Julia - 11months

Family Reunion peeps - Jenny, Mom, Tyler, Mark, Katie

 Group Photo of everyone who came (except Tyler who refused to get in the shot).

 Calvin, Grandma Shirley, Janette, Sheldon

 Calvin, Grandma Shirley, Janette, Sheldon

 Karen & Jean

 Karen & Jean 

    Seth, Jenny, Karen  

We cleaned up after the talent show, took a group family photo, 
and went back to our house for visiting and dessert.  
We borrowed a giant Jenga game from Kevin and Becky Ward 
for something to do in the evening on our back porch.  It was a big hit.  
Thanks to all who came and made it such a memorable day.

Sarah and her Jenga Tower  

Auntie Em & Uncle Nate's Visit

Emily and Nate came to visit us all the way from Minnesota.  We had so much fun with them.  The last time we saw these two was their wedding day.  It was great to get to know Nate better and see the kids bond with their aunt and uncle.  So, in no particular order, here are the pictures from their time with us.

Tradition shared: Swing by Smith's for donuts and eat them at Ninja Warrior Park

Bye, Auntie Em! See you after preschool!

Grandma won this Happy Spring Easter Bunny.

Auntie Em and Uncle Nate came to the park with us #kidslovetoshowoff

Fed ducks with Uncle Nate

Trying dessert at Kneaders.

Julia had lots of bonding time with her Auntie Em.

Half of the Hallstrom kids #wishwewerealltogether