Gingerbread House

We made one big Gingerbread House together. 

Jackson always has a blast during this activity!

After a quick trip to Target for graham crackers, frosting, and some candy we were ready to build. Brian constructed the house, and Jackson and I did the decorating (and eating)! Our house turned out pretty cute and held up well.

All while we were making the house Jackson would say things like, "So awesome", "Great idea, Mom", "Look at my pattern", "This is so neat." Love when he is so into something and thinks it is fun!

Lincoln was hanging out close by, sitting up like a big boy.

Santa

We took the boys to see Santa this weekend. We always go to Bass Pro Shop because have a real looking Santa, a nice backdrop, and the main reason is they give you one picture for free!

Jackson was super shy. He just stood there and smiled in awe. I think Lincoln was pretty taken by the jolly fellow too!

And... best part of the night was when we were leaving the mall and Jackson said, "I wish we could have stay until 8 o'clock and watch him fly home." Brian and I were trying to hold in our laughter in the front. LOVE my sweet boy!

The Holiday Spirit

We have been having lots of fun with our Advent calendar. It is not pre-planned, but more spur of the moment tying Jesus to some fun Christmas activities. Jackson is LOVING it and that is all that matters!

Jesus is the LIGHT of the world!

We decorated the house and tree. Jackson said he was Daddy's Christmas helper.

He chose Turbo the snail as his ornament for this year despite my pleas for something else:)

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We also went to the Parade of Lights with some friends. 

It was a cold night in the stable the night of Jesus' birth.

We had hot cocca to warm up and read a Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph traveled a LONG way to Bethlehem.

We made a LONG chain to count down the days to Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

We read the Candy Cane Story, ate candy canes, and made a candy cane.

 Jesus gives us many gifts. What gift can we give him?

Jackson opened a gift. We had a pizza and movie night by the fire.

Christmas is so much fun with kids! I love seeing the excitement in Jackson's eyes and watching him learn more about the real reason we celebrate and giving to others. We still several more fun activities planned, I can't wait!

Thanksgiving Break: Snow

Before we left for our trip, Jackson told everyone that he was going to go sledding. We weren't sure that would happen, but it snowed several days while we were there.

Garrison taught him the correct way to shovel.

Papa Mel made sledding a reality the night before we left. The kids went sledding down the front yard several times.

And... you have to make a snowman!

Lincoln (or maybe it was me) wasn't a fan of bundling up everywhere we went.

This red cup was needed more than ever to stay warm!

Just a few things from our trip I want to remember that Jackson said:

"Mom, I saw Lily and she is big now."

"Dad, I am going to snore loud in mom's ear like Papa Gary does to Grandma."

"Mom, let's go fast (to the restroom) to beat time." (he didn't want to miss our flight)

Thanksgiving Day 6

We spent Thanksgiving Day with both my family and Brian's family.

It was nice to spend it with those we love and who love us the most.

My heart is full. These 3 boys mean the world to me!

Vande Slunt's

Jackson had fun sleeping in Garrison's room and playing with him and Ian.

Hartzler's

The Lord has blessed us so much this year; healing Brian, Lincoln's birth, good jobs, working out the details in different circumstances, and proving grace and love for us each day. I am in awe at all He has done and am very thankful for His unfailing love.

Thanksgiving Break Day 4 & 5

Papa Gary was busy in the fields while we were home. The boys took a ride with Papa Gary in the combine while he was harvesting corn one morning. Jackson loves all things farm but is also such a city boy!

We visited the Children's Museum in town. Not too bad for a small town. Jackson was easily entertained and had fun.

It started snowing quite heavily while we were there. We ran out to take a picture and video of the boys, but it is hard to tell in this picture except in Brian's hair.

That evening I spend some more time with Nicole and Melissa at her house. I got to meet Lucy and Jackson played with Eli for a little bit. I miss these girls and it was so nice to just hang out together for a few hours. Life is so different than when we were 16!

We have told Jackson about the caramel apples from Little Farmer for a long time, so we knew we had to take him since they were still open.

(My vest and scarf were the best purchase for our trip to WI. I wore them almost daily over my outfit to stay warm!)

SO yummy!

The kids bundled up and played on the playground. I sat inside and sipped on a latte:)

That evening I hung out with Lincoln, my mom, and sister. We baked pies for Thanksgiving. Brian took Jackson, Garrison, and Ian to see Frozen with his family.

So sweet!

Thanksgiving Break Day 3

Mom and I went shopping at the outlets. We found lots of good deals and had fun together.

While we were shopping the boys were hanging out with Papa Mel and Grandma Sharon.

That evening the Hartzler's hosted a fish fry for everyone.

Jackson loved playing with Leo.

Love my boys!

Sweet moments between Lincoln and Papa Gary.