Sunday, November 30, 2014

A Swashbucklin' Birthday Party


Ahoy Matey! This, here pirate, had one swashbucklin' 5th birthday party. I made a special "pirate's booty" treasure chest full of all kinds of sugary delight.


As you can see, a special pirate, Captain Blackbeard, showed up to the pirate along with several other pirate friends. Kyler has his special "pirate thug" face on.


This party had a treasure hunt and plenty of pirate dancing for all.



His big sisters got into the act as well.


Happy birthday Kyler!

Kyler at 5....

He is a delight to be around. His quick mind, large vocabulary, and zest for life make each day with him a joy! He likes to play Legos and color and play swords and spy. He doesn't like playing by himself, or ever being by himself. In fact, if he has to go to a room of the house by himself he will sing at the top of his lungs so that he isn't scared! He has a great singing voice, by the way, and carries a tune well. He is a great student at preschool and keeps track of his preschool calendar better than an adult. He is independent and capable of many things around the house. He has an amazing memory. He doesn't forget anything. Needless to say, Kyler is a delight!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving Getaway


After plans to have family come to the frozen north for Thanksgiving fell through, we decided to join some of our church friends who were all without family by going north to the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN.


We piled eight families and 30+ kids into a giant cabin in Nisswa, MN.  

 
Many of these families we've known since we moved to Minnesota eight years ago, so it actually did feel like we were with family for Thanksgiving.
 

The cabin had its own "kid section" equipped with a pool table and lots of snacks.

Our kids spent plenty of time watching movies, swimming, playing games, and having kid time.  One of our favorite moments happened when every person in the cabin took time to tell something they were thankful for that happened within the past year. The spirit of gratitude was strong in the cabin that night.



The scenery outside was beautiful.


Although we hit -8 real temp, it was breaktakingly beautiful walking onto Gull Lake and taking in the winter wonderland.