This family ball has been a fun tradition in January for the past 3-4 years. Leisel and Cubby were partners for the Virginia Reel. And of course there is a crowd of boys near the refreshment table.
I'm so grateful the kids have fond memories of visiting Grandma and Grandpa Keller. This time Grandma gave the girls some personal heirloom purses, one of hers and one of her mother's. They are treasures, both leather and in really nice condition.
The note from Grandma to Leisel says, "Purse my dad, Lind Bohman, gave to my mom, Ethel Larsen on her 16th birthday, Sept. 30, 1931. The writing is the only handwriting or anything my mo had from her mother Harriet Emily Marble. Her mother died when mom was 10 years old. I would like Leisel to have this, as we share a name."
The note in Tessa's purse says, "My dad's younger brother, Proctor J. Bohman went on a mission to India. He brought this purse back for my mother, Ethel Bohman. He also brought back two ivory carved necklaces for Jeannene and I. I took mine to school in second grade, against my mother telling me not to and lost it. Always mind your mother. She knows best.
Jared was a good sport about wearing his new flannel jammies for a pajama party. They were a Christmas surprise from mom and dad.
Jonathan loves Froggy and a new cozy blanket from Grandma C.
The Wizard World at South Town with the Clarks!
These two were good spectators for church basketball.
Trying to do laundry and everything else with a baby requires creativity.
Bouncing Baby
Two babes and a dolly in beautiful blurple dresses ;)
The kids thought this was funnier than I did (wink)...Something new to do with Mom's laundry after sorting it.
Fun at the new Butterfly Biosphere with Grandma and Grandpa H. The kids were serious about trying to have the butterflies land on them.
This learn to skate event with the Hepworths was awesome!
Jonathan somehow had my phone and took this photo during his playtime. I'm so glad he captured his favorite play activity of the time to build little villages or designs with all the toys he could find. It was creative but sometimes messy. <3
Rachel visited during her winter ski trip and fed Maren her dinner. It was miraculous because Maren really struggled with solid foods even at 8 months old.
Another one of Leisel's capers to make us worry. She had swollen eyes but I didn't journal well enough to remember why. It's usually mosquitos, but maybe something else this time?
random picture of my lunch? I usually have some random tasty creations with things in the fridge.
Jordan practicing on a random day?
Tess's hairdo for ballet
a winter picnic in the front room
Tessa and Leisel had some awesome swim lessons.
Maren loves to unload my diaper bag!
Everyone was playing outside one evening. Look close to see Jordan in the tree.
Everyone playing outside again!
And Jordan's roost in the tree for reading.
This was a big project to take down the ivy from the north side of the house. It was overgrown, unpleasant, and hanging down. Also it was time to get rid of the aviary. There were several birds nests and lots of droppings and feathers everywhere with the occasional dead baby bird in the window well.
Jonathan's Ranger Rick subscription from Grandma
Tessa's cooking!
We love the Maxfields! Triple or Quadruple piggy back.
This is Jonathan.
He's a pancake/waffle boy, probably every other day!
friends at a mom's retreat
Getting this girl to sleep by herself is still a process.
Cousin Talia!
Not a great photo, but I had to put one in to remember our time rehearsing with special friends for our Stories of Jesus show.
