A New Year

This year Kristoffer suggested that we spend New Year's day in prayer for direction for the coming year. So, we each took turns watching Eilee while the other had time to read and pray. It was so refreshing and meaningful. We'd really love to make it a tradition. Here we are in our comfy clothes at the end of the day....we realized that we never had a family picture in front of the Christmas tree so we did it ourselves. :)

These are a few of her favorite things...

This Christmas was definitely one of the most special ever since we were able to see all the wonder through the eyes of a child again. Even though Eilee was only 9 months, she entered into all the excitement in a few special ways. Each morning she would wave to the Christmas tree as we walked down the stairs for breakfast....all the lights just captured her. Then, she would stretch out her hand toward the nativity on our mantle and say her new favorite word, "Hi," to baby Jesus. So precious!

Christmas Week!

This year we had a week of family celebrations starting with dinner with Erin's grandparents, followed by a Jensen family Christmas Eve, McGuinness family Christmas morning, and a Carlson family Christmas afternoon! Then, since Erin's sister Noel and Kristoffer's brother Kirk and his family were all in town, the rest of the week was spent with lots of great meals and good laughs with family. Eilee just loved practicing her new word "Hi" on any and everyone she saw. :)

Kristoffer is 30!

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After going to the morning service at our new church (The Gathering), we had a birthday dinner at Yen Ching's with Kristoffer's parents. Anyone who's been there knows how delicious mu shu vegetables and mongolian beef are! :) And...anyone who has seen "A Christmas Story" knows why this picture cracks us up!

First Pumpkin :)

We spent Thanksgiving at Erin's parents' house with about 20 family members. It was a delicious feast since everyone brought a specialty! After one of the most amazing meals ever, a little group took a walk around the park before sunset. Granddaddy-O (a.k.a. Erin's dad) loved having a chance to stroll Eilee around. :)

Swinging into our 30's

To celebrate our 30th birthdays, we decided to have a 1930's swing dance at a historic building in Old Towne Orange. So here we are in all our finery. Our friends Jeremy and Laura (pictured above) are professional swing dancers and instructors so they led the group in a couple of awesome lessons.

The Blacksmith

Kristoffer was a Blacksmith at a donor event through his work. Above, Kristoffer is with Brother Andrew, who was himself a blacksmith in his early years just like his father was. Also, the cross you see was made by a real blacksmith. This was the first blacksmith I called, who was a Christian and said he would make the cross for this event for free!