CHRISTMAS IN MINNESOTA

 Snuggles with grandma.

 The boys opened their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Dircks right away.  They found money in their books!

 August finding his money.

 Great Aunt Shirley.

 Playing games with cousin Vicki!

 Special time with Great Aunt Shirley.

 CHEESE!

 Thankful for a place to get good coffee;)

 Grandma making Canyon laugh.

 August opening his blanket made by Grandma.

 He had to snuggle with it right away!

 Special moments with cousins.

 

 Grandma and Grandpa with ALL of their grandkids.

 Family pics.

 Cousin Dominic.  Such a kind sweet boy.

 Grandma with all her grandkids...and Steve:)

 Eating in Grandmas bed...shhhhhhh!

 Christmas eve jammies.

 Love them.

 Christmas morning!

 Lego building.

Last moments all together before heading home.  Miss them already!

A MAGICAL MORNING WITH SANTA

 This morning we had the chance to watch our children glow as they enjoyed a fun morning with Santa in their pajamas.

 Creating this for our kids was tiring and sometimes stressful but in the end those feelings are long gone and it was worth every moment.    (Those candy cane name holders by the way...we had some not so good moments together)

 The ladies below...THEY are unbelievable.  Like in an extraordinary magical way.  We share something special that's tough to explain but I'm thankful for them.  We together made this possible.

 Jenn was our fruit artist and has some serious creative skills.  Greta is the organizer who puts all of this together and lets us bring all of our kids into her beautiful home. 

 Christmas fruit kabobs and snowmen donuts.

 Grinch cuteness!

 Table ready for Santa's arrival!

 My littlest elf:)

 Another beauty created by Jenn.

 This guy...he's mine!  He got the boys all ready this morning so I could get my tired body (and face) to set up this morning.  Thankful he could spent the morning with us before heading to work.

 All of the kids wrote letters to Santa before he got there.

 And there HE is!  We are so blessed to know this Santa.  

He takes donations for this and is the real deal...seriously!

 Enjoying breakfast and conversation with him.

 After breakfast Santa handed out gifts (books) to all of the kids.

 August was a little unsure of Santa.

 Sawyer

 My boys

 After gifts Santa read the Christmas Story to the kids.

 A great group of kids to share this experience with.

We finished the party with making reindeer food.

A magical day!

FALL LEAVES

 This year we enjoyed playing in the leaves with some good friends Owen and Pip!

 We have one of the best places EVER to do this!!

We really do get to live here...crazy blessed!