Christmas in Washington

 

For the first time since before the kids were born, Jordan and I (and the kids, of course) spent Christmas somewhere other than home.  We crammed our luggage, gifts, snacks, and Freya into the back of our SUV and drove 750+ miles to Jordan's folks for the week.

We still observed our Christmas traditions - including making a couple batches of yummy lefse:

We did farm chores, cooked, shopped, met up with old friends, enjoyed a beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve service and feasted.

Christmas Day dawned with all of it's magic, and it was a total blast to spend the day with Jordan's sisters and our nieces and nephews.  We played some fun games and laughed - a LOT!

At the heart of it all was Dad and Mom.  They are so generous with their time and talents, and they made each of us feel special and loved.  We are so grateful to both of them - thanks for an incredible week!

Seventeen

Annabel turned 17 shortly before Christmas.  Time sure is flying by, and it seems like just a few years ago we were rocking her to sleep as a newborn.  We celebrated her big day with Grampa & Gramma and our friends.  

Annabel continues to be a kind-hearted, studious girl with lots of ambition.  She works two jobs, in addition to taking several AP and college classes.  Her goal remains becoming a physician one day, and she is super focused on making it happen.

Annabel is especially invested in her AP U.S. Government class.  She and her peers participated in the "We the People" program, which studies the history and principles of the Constitution and how it applies today.  Her class qualified to compete -and WON!- the Wyoming state competition, and they are heading to D.C. in the spring to compete at the national level.  

Annabel doesn't get much down time, but when she does she likes to hang out with her friends and read.  She also loves thrifting clothes, shopping and working out.  

We are very proud of the young woman that she has become and very excited to see what the future holds for her!!  Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!