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.

Thanksgiving Break Day 2

Sundays in WI= Packer Game Day and we had tickets!

Brian's coworker has Packer season tickets and gave us his four tickets to the game.

Brian, Mel, Dad, and me went to the game. We left early that morning and stopped and had breakfast before heading up to the game. The windchill was -9 and the walk to the stadium was a chilly one. But, once inside our boxseats we were nice and cozy. No need for coats, hats, gloves, or toe warmers.

We enjoyed the game from our comfy leather chairs with our free popcorn. The Packers themselves weren't too impressive. Rodgers was out injured and the game ended in a tie.

It was so much fun hanging out with my favorite guys for the day cheering on the Pack!

Just for the record: On this trip to WI I pumped in the car more times than I can count...so awkward!

Thanksgiving Break Day 1

We spent the last week in Wisconsin with our families. 

We flew out early Saturday morning and because of crazy circumstances my friend Sam ended up on our flight frying standby. It was fun to see her (we all look so tired)!

Jackson enjoyed the free movies on the plane, and Lincoln did okay. He fussed, slept, and played some on the flight.

Once we landed in Chicago we had a 2 1/2 hour drive to our hometown. It was the coldest day of the year so far. The wind we felt walking to the car almost took my breath away. It is always such a shock at first. 

Lincoln wasn't too sure about the snow at first,

but he realized it felt good on his teeth coming in!

We're not in Houston anymore! Brrr!

I was able to stop by my friends Beth's baby shower and say hi to some friends from high school. Oh the fun times that we had together, great memories. It was nice to see them and have them meet my boys for a bit.

The rest of the evening we laid low and rested at my parents house. Traveling with 2 little boys is a bit exhausting ;)!

The Soccer Season

Soccer was fun and exciting, but also time consuming (every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning for the last 10 weeks were spent up at church for soccer)!

The season came to an end this weekend!

Jackson and his soccer team.

Jackson did a great job for his first time playing soccer. We need to get him a little more aggressive on offense, he would always run back for defense. He said he enjoyed playing and didn't want anyone to score on them!

He loves his trophy, Lincoln too! 

I'm glad we let him play Upwards. It is a great program that is centered on Christ and applying faith principles to life and soccer. Brian did a great job as coach too!