Christmas Morning --happy kids!!!

Santa visit 2014!!!

Santa declared all three of our angels to be on the nice list. Today James and I sang in the Christmas Cantata and we spent the afternoon and evening baking. Now the kids are in Christmas countdown mode. Two days of school and then our Christmas break and celebrating can begin!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We took a little stroll today in the snow.  It was a beautiful day!!

Gorgeous Sunset!

What's a good way to spend your 9th birthday?

Hanging out in the combine with Grandpa Jim! Happy 9th birthday James!

My Pumpkins Carved Their Pumpkins!

Beautiful Sunrise!

Lark Toys

We took a little drive to the bluffs to enjoy the fall colors. As always, ice cream and cheese curds in Nelson, WI and a spin at Lark Toys is a must.

Tough Day!

It's been a rough day at the Ostman house. Claranna still isn't feeling well and has come down with pnuemonia. After we returned home from the clinic this afternoon, I discovered that our big, old kitty, Thorn, had passed away while we were gone. We knew his time with us was nearing an end... but it's never easy to say good-bye.

Sleepy

Rare, silent, sleepy Sunday afternoon snuggles with my little one who isn't feeling well. Daddy is off at the MN RenFest with the big kids.

Last Day Bravery!

On the last day of summer this little one finally decided to try out the waterslide. This was the first of about 25 trips down the slide. I think she liked it!

Wedding Hair!

James at Bat-- Slow Mo Style!

Perfect MN Cornfield Sunset

Fifteen Years and Counting!!!

It doesn't seem possible that 15 years could have gone by so quickly. Those two kids in that picture below had no idea what was headed their way...

Together, with the support of our family and friends, we've built a sweet life together and have created an amazing little family of our own. Though some days may be dizzying, I'm very grateful to be on this ride with you, Mark. I love you!!!

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Sent from my iPod

More Fair Smiles

James' First Place Art

Front Page News!

Ella made the front page of the newspaper today!! We are pretty proud of how hard this girl works!

Grand Champion!

Curious!

We are enjoying a backyard fire tonight. Our flowers have been loving all the rain and the TLC we gave them last weekend. It is nice to have a quiet, relaxed night at home after many busy weeks!

Farm Adventures

Ella and her friend, Ilsa, spent done time with Pickles the calf. She's a bit challenging and frisky!

Festive Cousins in the Fourth!!!

My sister-in-laws are pretty awesome! Mark is too!

Everyone Shod Take a hayride on the Fourth!

Salem Glen Fun!

So Proud of Our Actress!!

Ella was in a musical tonight. She did an amazing job! We are so proud of her. The kids in her drama camp performed the musical after only practicing for eight mornings. What they accomplished during that time was so great. It was fun to see all of the enthusiasm and heartwarming to see Ella shining on stage. In the pic below she is wearing a jacket made out of duck tape. The musical was called "i AM" and it had an App theme. What a fun night!!!

We have a swimmer!

Claranna and James have swimming lessons this week and they have both been very successful. Claranna had a big day! The following video shows off her new swimming skills.

Visitor!

A cute little fawn and her mom took a stroll through our yard today. Here's the little fawn. The doe with too fast for the camera.

Grandma Rides a Go-kart!

Grandma was brave and let Ella drive her around the go-kart track while we were on vacation. Watch to the end and listen to Grandma scream! She was such a good sport!

Happy Father's Day 2014

Perfect Wine To Enjoy Tonight!

Ella's First Bass

Here's Ella's first bass of the trip. We had to throw it back because it was bigger than 14 inches.

Three Crazy Guys!

First Fish!!

Getting Ready to go Up North with Little C

Iris Blooms!

Soccer Highlights

James just after he "head-kicked" (his words) the ball. 

 It was a soccer filled Saturday for us.  Both James and Ella played two games each and Mark coached all four games.  We were thankful for a little cloud cover and a few sprinkles of rain to keep us cool.  Here are a few picture highlights of the day. 

Coach and son

Ella running the ball down the field.

Little sister showing off her skills. 

Family Bike Ride!

Selfie at the farm

Enjoying the tulips with my favorite boy!!