New Year's Eve Fireworks

Day 365/365
We celebrated the New Year with a Harry Potter movie marathon, stromboli, and a dazzling fireworks display. We didn't hang around outside for very long - it was -14 degrees!

I'm feeling pretty happy with my year of pictures and I'm looking forward to more fantastic pictures in 2019. Happy New Year!

Afternoon Walk

Day 364/365
We got home from church and it was warm enough for a walk outside. I found these lovely snow-covered sumac berries along the side of the road and thought they'd make a nice picture for the day.

Camera Crew

Day 363/365
Tovin and Jevin filmed the latest Sannes Bricks video today. The sled didn't hold up as hoped, but the boys did a great job with the video. If you'd like to watch their video, here's a link to the finished product:LEGO Sled.

Sun Dog Sunset

Day 362/365
The sun dogs that filled with afternoon sky hung around for a spectacular sunset.

Snowy Owl

Day 361/365
We beat the snow storm and now we can enjoy watching the snow as it falls. It just keeps falling! We'll have lots to shovel when it's done.

The Apprentice

Day 360/365
Jevin is receiving a tutorial in how to follow the stock market from Grandpa Bruce.

Merry Christmas!

Day 359/365
Merry Christmas! We had a lovely day celebrating with family. Last night, my mom, dad and Carrie all joined us for church and then we headed home for dinner and an epic present opening event. Today, the kids went swimming at the hotel where Nana Sue and Grandpa Ken spent the night and then we all met at our house again for brunch and a competitive game of Polish Poker. I feel truly blessed to have been able to spend such a wonderful day with my family, celebrating the birth of our Savior and King!

A bonus picture of the family, all together on Christmas.

Circle of Light

Day 358/365
Merry Christmas Eve! The circle of light is complete.

Sunny Sunday Morning

Day 357/365
We didn't have Sunday school this morning, which meant extra time to read and soak up the sunshine.

Naked Cookies

Day 356/365
It's taken us a couple of days, but we're finally getting around to putting some icing on these naked cookies!

Unexpected Beauty

Day 355/365
It was a gray, cold, blah kind of day. I was not feeling inspired for a picture, so I decided to go for a walk. I found these dried seed pods lining one of the fields and as I looked at them more closely, I realized how intricate and lovely their construction was. The divine creation of our world never ceases to amaze and inspire me.

December Rain

Day 354/365

Glowing Bokeh

Day 353/365

Chopped

Day 352/365
Getting some dinner prepped on a sunny afternoon.

Playing "I Spy"

Day 351/365
We visited Olbrich Gardens to see their Holiday Express train display. This is one of our favorite outings of the season! This year's theme was "I Spy", named after the children's books that challenge the kids to seek and find different items on each page. The displays were so colorful and interesting to look at, the trains were well done, and the kids had fun finding all of the different objects.

The Angel's Candle

Day 350/365

Gold-Tipped Trees

Day 349/365
As the sun approached the horizon, it left the tips of the trees dressed in golden light.

Inky Ornaments

Day 348/365
We decorated glass ornaments with alcohol inks. We can't wait to hang them on the tree!

Soon-to-be Snickerdoodles

Day 347/365
These cookies are just about ready to jump into the oven to be baked. Snickerdoodles are one of our favorites!

Freezing Fog

Day 346/365
We've had freezing fog that last couple of nights, leaving everything with a beautiful frosty covering in the morning.

Making Meringue

Day 345/365
Today we made meringue kisses for our Advent activity. Yum!

The Bethlehem Candle

Day 344/365

Our Family

Day 343/365
We made an attempt at taking some pictures for our Christmas cards using my camera, a tripod and a remote. This one is the favorite!

Barn in the Sun

Day 342/365

Christmas Program

Day 341/365
Enavi's fall semester of REACH wrapped up tonight with their Christmas program and art show. The program was adorable and we even got to see Nana Sue, Grandpa Ken and Aunt Carrie. We celebrated with dinner at Sugar River Pizza after the performance.

Happy to See the Sun

Day 340/365
We've had so many cloudy days, but today the sunshine broke through!

Advent Wreath

Day 339/365
When we pulled out the Christmas decorations, I could not find our Advent wreath. I looked high and low, and it was nowhere to be found. I'm sure that I put it away in great spot, but I can't remember where that spot is! I broke down and ordered a new one, and it arrived today. It felt good to get the candles secured in their proper position as centerpiece on our kitchen table.

Hard at Work

Day 338/365
This little woodpecker was diligently working away at a tree in the gully. I was able to sneak onto the deck and take a picture while he continued his important job.

Flurry of Snowflakes

Day 337/365
Our advent activity of the day was making paper snowflakes. The kids made some beautiful creations that are adorning our windows and doors.

Meal Prep Sunday

Day 336/365
I'm making an effort to eat more healthy meals and the time of day I struggle with the most is lunch. Today, I prepped lunches for the week for Davin and me to eat. I made Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs (with brown rice and veggies) and BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls. I'm looking forward to having lunch just waiting for me to pull out of the fridge, warm up in the microwave and enjoy.

Rainy Saturday

Day 335/365
It was cold, windy and rainy outside. A perfect day to snuggle up on the couch and watch Christmas movies!

Sorting Ornaments

Day 334/365
We brought up the Christmas decorations this afternoon and the kids went to work. Before any ornaments were added to the tree, they sorted through all of the special ornaments and shared some favorite Christmas memories.

Afternoon at the Library

Day 333/365
I spent the afternoon at our library, enjoying a cup of tea and working on this week's Bible study. I also found some books and Christmas movies to check out. I'm so thankful that we have such a cozy spot to visit while I'm waiting for Jevin and Enavi.

Donald Park Bridge

Day 332/365
This bridge was swept off of its footings during the flooding we had in August, leaving behind a broken bridge and blocked stream. This new bridge went in a few week ago, with new culverts and raised platform. It looked especially picturesque with the fresh coat of snow.

Making Paper

Day 331/365
Enavi received her monthly craft kit and this month's project was making paper journals. She made the paper herself and then created three lovely, handmade journals.

November Sky

Day 330/365
We were thankful that the snow missed us, but we didn't see much sun today.

Hydrangeas in Winter

Day 329/365

Hanging Out

Day 328/365

The Cousins

Day 327/365

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 326/365
We enjoyed a lovely meal at Tali and Jason's, celebrating and giving thanks for our many blessings. We also had a chance to share some scripture and sing a few hymns. We have so much that we are thankful for, and our family tops the list.

Holiday Greetings

Day 325/365
We arrived at Rose Lake and were greeted by many festive lights.

Berries in Winter

Day 324/365

Contrast

Day 323/365

Slime Time

Day 322/365
Enavi experimented with making her own glitter slime. After a couple of attempts, she figured out a great recipe and had fun making a slimy mess.

The Arrival of Snow

Day 321/365
We awoke to our first measurable snow fall. The white blanket clung to the plants and trees. The first snow is always so pretty!

Pop of Color

Day 320/365
I went in search of some color on my afternoon walk. We had a gray, overcast day and I was having trouble finding something interesting for my photo. I was almost home when I spotted these vibrant, red rose hips. I know that I have shared several pictures of rose hips here in the past, but there's just something about them that I always find appealing. The warm, rich color made a beautiful contrast against the darkening sky.

School at Sjolind's

Day 319/365
Our new electrical panel was being installed today, which meant no power for a few hours. Since our library doesn't open until 9:30, we started off our morning at Sjolind's for school, coffee (for me) and cinnamon rolls (for the kids).

Cold and Frosty Morning

Day 318/365

Reading Break

Day 317/365