Target Practice

In the past, if we ever talked about moving close to my family, Soren’s biggest complaint was that Missouri had no mountains. What would he do for fun?? We’ll now that we have moved to Missouri, he has found a few things.

As a kid he was into archery and even made his own arrows to shoot in the backyard. He has gotten back into that hobby and bought a longbow about a year ago. He has tested out several over the last year and built quite a few targets too. The hay bales in the field behind us also have taken a few arrows. Soren really enjoys shooting to let off steam after work and has gotten really good. Here are a few shots of him in action.

Being the craftsman he is, he has handmade many items needed for archery. He made his quiver and arm guard out of leather and they turned out amazing. He would really like to get into making his own arrows and has bought some of the supplies to do it.

His latest project was this bow rack. It turned out perfect! All he needs is a man cave to hang it in. The unfinished basement will have to do for now.

Oh, Dad!

Soren is the indulger in our family. He is the one who will take the boys romping in the fields when it is 30 degrees, allows the boys to drink straight from the gallon of milk, and shares too many sweets with them. What a Dad!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. It felt very easy to celebrate all of the amazing things we have to be grateful for this year. All month I have been keeping a gratitude journal and counting my blessings often. The things I have found myself listing most often are my husband and my two wonderful little boys. I am so grateful for everything they bring to my life every day.

I was also grateful to go to my family’s house for dinner. My Mom made the turkey and I brought some sides. We had a really nice, productive day at our house. We cleaned and did projects until it was time for dinner. Easton helped me make Pumpkin pie from scratch.

Dinner was delicious. My brother Broch came and brought his dog Leah.

What a great year this year has been. We are grateful for all of our blessings and the challenges too.

Happy Birthday Soren

This year Soren turned 30!  I was a little stressed about trying to make it a big deal for him, but it all came together.

His birthday was on a Friday and we had fun celebrating it the whole weekend. After a long day of work on Friday he came home to his favorite meal- calzones and raspberry cheesecake. It was definitely the best cheesecake I’ve ever made and I think everyone would agree. The boys especially loved the raspberries- they ate them all off the top!

On Saturday we had a babysitter all day so that we could go to a marriage conference by Dr. Gary Chapman. Soren was a great sport to spend his birthday weekend there, but we both were really glad and grateful that we did. The conference was funny, uplifting and full of really good ideas. We would definitely go again.

Sunday after church we had Soren’s family party and I couldn’t wait. I had planned a hot dog bar of gourmet with all the toppings- another Soren favorite. My brother’s made some great and imaginative gifts for Soren’s bow- a “bow silencer” and “Ready-Aim-Shoot”. They were really clever and made mostly of cereal boxes. His other gifts were a hit as well.

The cake was the part I was most excited about! I made arrows out of the candles and made his cake a target. Soren was blown away when he saw it- too fun!

The last surprise was a game. I made tiny bow and arrows out of Q-tips and popsicle sticks. (Not easy!) We all had fun taking shots and I think Soren felt very loved.

Family Photos 2011

We had family photos taken last weekend. After all of the stress about outfits, location and a windy day I am very happy with how they turned out. Mandy did a great job!

The pictures above were some of the best and the ones we have edited so far, but here are some fun out takes.

I told you it was windy!!!

Kesler’s First Birthday

 

Our little guy turned one! Because he and Easton are so close in age, I feel like his short little life is kind of a blur in my mind, but we are so glad we have him and can’t imagine our family without him. His party was pumpkin themed and a lot of fun for all.

Loved his little Jack-0-Lantern cake.

Dinner was cornbread and chili which Kesler ate like a champ. This picture made the cut because Easton dished himself a bowl of cornbread before dinner. He just couldn’t wait. When I turned around this is how I found the pan.

Kelser and his uncle Logan.

Easton started walking pretty early, but we are still working on it with Kesler. He loves to walk just close enough to fall into your arms.

Opening presents with Kesler was such a joy. He had all the perfect reactions for every gift. His Grandma Nickels got him a puppy pillow pet and he went crazy.

We got him a pop-up tunnel and it has been fun for everyone.

Kelser loved his cake and milk- but this picture below makes me laugh. Poor kid looks sick!

Happy Birthday Kesler! We love you!