Austin is 16!!!!!!!

Well this past week Austin turned 16, he hasn't got his license just yet so St. Cloud you are still safe for another couple of months. LOL Austin is a wonderful son, although he can be stubborn at times he has always done the things that we ask of him. This past Sunday he was ordained a priest and it was a very beautiful experience, that I wished more family could have been here to be a part of it. I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up another couple of years and Austin will be off to college and then a mission. I just want Austin to know that we love him very much and really are grateful he is our son.

School!!!

Well Shad and I are into our second week of the semester and things are going ok so far. I took four classes this semester which is more than I ever have so I hope that I will be able to keep up. As hard as going to school later in life has been I really feel like its what I am supposed to be doing. Sometimes Shad and I feel like we are being pulled in a million directions and really hope that we can look back on this experience and know that it was all worth it. We really want our kids to know how hard it is later in life and to not wait to go.

Christmas 2010

Every year in downtown Minneapolis they have an outdoor lighted parade, luckily they have indoor corridors that you can watch the parade without freezing to death. The younger kids really enjoyed it the older kids not so much.

Sydney, Nathan, and Adam had a front row seat to watch the parade.

Austin and Taylor can't wait for it to be over.

We had a fun Christmas this year, Shad's sister and her family came and up and spent the day with us, we did some last minute shopping and made dinner together. Christmas was very relaxing we made a big breakfast, played games and watched movies. Later in the afternoon we went over to a friends for dinner and had the missionaries over also they were able to call their families and give us a wonderful message.

Austin got a BYU Flag, headphones, and a CTR ring.

Sydney got clothes, new coat, and movies.

Ashtyn got a NOOK which she was really excited for.

Sydney loved decorating sugar cookies.