The puzzle master.

CEYC 5:16

The CEYC 5:16 gas pumping event of 2011

happened to fall on one of the coldest days of the year (again).

I'm not sure what the exact temps were but I'm pretty sure

they were somewhere in the negatives, ugh!

But the event went on and they served well.

"In the same way,

let your good deeds shine out for all to see,

so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Matthew 5:16

New Hairstylist

The other day while I was getting ready

Traeger asked if he could blow dry and "do" my hair.

Traeger working hard to style my hair.

My favorite hairstylist

The masterpiece completed...my hairdo that is.

Thanks Traeger bud for the fun memories.

When Daddy came home and I shared the story he said,

"I bet you loved it."

Indeed I did :O)

Christmas program

Due to the 20 plus inches of snow we received in December

Traeger's Christmas program at church was put off until January.

Birthday adventures

The Arndts, Zenners and Hatfields

headed to Action City in Eau Claire

to celebrate Luke and Jeremy's birthdays.

The night started with a fun game of laser tag.

This scoreboard is blog worthy

because it's a rare occasion when I can say I beat Luke.

I came out the winner of all... 51 hits to Luke's 48.

Luke bowing to the Laser Queen

************

Luke has always wanted to try an eating challenge.

So we thought why not try going for a 30" pizza on his 30th.

Jeremy and Luke had an hour to demolish this monster.

Here's the beast of a pizza.

It puts our 17" pizza for 4 of us to shame

and we were all stuffed after sharing it.

Let the challenge begin.

Almost half the pizza gone and feeling pretty sick.

Really slowing down...can you feel his pain?

Staying in the zone to prevent it all coming back up.

Time is up!

They didn't stop eating for the entire hour

and made it down to just 7 pieces.

Proud of you boys...maybe next time?!

What a memorable overnighter that was.

We count it a blessing to be on the journey with y'all!

Huge thanks to Perry and Karen

for opening up their condo for us to stay.

And without our Nonnie and Grandpa Bruce

being willing to love on the kiddos

we wouldn't have been able to sneak away.

You guys are the best!

Go Pack Go!

Growing up

After I kissed Traeger all over his face

and told him that I can't believe that he is getting so big

and isn't my baby anymore he calmly said...

"Mom, those days are over."

My pleasure

When I asked if Traeger would help me clean he said...

"My pleasure!"

I'm wondering where he heard that statement

and how much longer this will last :O)?

Teamwork

Evidence of God's grace in my kid's lives...

It was a sweet surprise to get out of the shower

and find these two washing the dishes as a team.

Traeger was the washer and Ataly rinsed the dishes.

I have to be honest...

I had to actively choose to not focus on all the water

that was spilled on the floor and splashed on the cabinets

I chose to celebrate the way they wanted to help out.

Can I hear a Yeah God!

Play time

Thankful for our patient and loving neighbor girl

who is 5-7 years older than Traeger and Ataly.

Somehow despite the big age gap, they play so well together.

Traeger is constantly asking when she will be home from school.

They make fun memories playing

camping, super spies, school and other activities.

Here they are "camping" in the laundry room

enjoying a snack.

Project time

Traeger and Ataly working hard perfecting their "school" projects.

Putting on the finishing touches.

Bohn Christmas 2010

We count it a blessing to not only have one

but two sets of parents and siblings

to spend Christmas with celebrating our Savior's birth.

This time it was with Mikaela's side of the family.

A few of the highlights were***

***A date night with the six adults

Dinner out and a scavenger hunt

at Barnes and Noble was on the agenda.

Are you having any fun?

That's more like it.

Luke leading the pack and getting the official time started.

Team Patrick gearing up...

Team Bohn double checking the list and rules.

The reveal of our findings...

It was so much fun it was a blur...

or the lady who took the picture

didn't exactly know how to remain still while taking a picture.

Oh well, we enjoyed ourselves and made great memories!

***While the boys visited the EAA Museum,

the girls hit a few stores at the outlet mall.

***the blessing of opening more presents

and more.

***celebrating Melia's first Christmas

It truly warmed my heart to know

this Christmas was the first of many

Miss Melia was going to have the opportunity

to learn about the Christmas story...

Jesus coming as a baby.

***bathtime at Grandpa and Nonnie's

Melia using the sprayer for a microphone.

I think she may be a singer folks.

***spending lots of time hanging out with cousins

Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil

There's never a dull moment

and you can guarantee a fun time is had by all!

***ringing in the New Year--2011

Traeger's first year making it to midnight to ring in the New Year!

It's a good thing we had

a late afternoon nap

to energize us for the big night of games, movies and good food!

Happy New Year!

Poor Kieran spent the latter half of the night over the throne

and on the floor with an upset tummy.

Hatfield Christmas 2010

It was a joy to have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with Luke's side of the family.

A few of the highlights were***

***waking up at Grandpa Tim and Nana's house on Christmas Day

The kids digging into their stockings to discover the goods.

Gotta love the Christmas jammies

and treasures from the stockings!

Thankful smile!

***Bathtime at Grandpa and Nana's

Checking out the new Bible story book from Nanny and Buddy

***jumping to their hearts content with their cousins

***time playing games with the big boys in the basement

***opening presents from the extended family

***time to connect with extended family

Ataly with Aunt Angie and cousin Ellie

Major concentration as we played the I Spy game.

***cuddle time with the nieces and nephew

Madison Mikaela and me

***cuddle time with Grandpa and Nana

Ataly loving the fact that she got to hang out with Grandpa

***spending time with Luke's cousins

***spending time with Great Grandpa and Grandma Hatfield

cuddle time with Great Grandpa was enjoyed

Ellie looking pretty content in Uncle Luke's arms

Cousin love

Annabelle, Traeger, Madison, Ataly, Jack

***Getting time away with John and Nicole while Grandpa and Nana babysat

sneaking in a picture before our evening of fun ended

***visiting with our dear friends the Heinen's