eight years

Today Jake & I celebrated EIGHT years of marriage.

I booked a sitter for the morning.  I ran a few errands, and then I headed downtown to meet Jake for lunch.  We had a yummy lunch at The Basics. Followed by coffee.

The kids and I set up a romantic dinner for 6.  We were celebrating our family's birthday.  They loved it!  The girls picked out photos from our wedding to put at each place setting.  

We made homemade pizza.  

I had some great kitchen help that also agreed to be wait staff.

When I look back over the last 8 years, this verse comes to mind.  

"This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

God has been faithful.  He has gone before us. He has provided & protected.  He has grown us together as a couple & individually in our relationships.  He has blessed us. He has grown (okay, multiplied) our family year after year. To Him be the glory!

annual MINNESOTA vacation

We (all SIX of us) just got back, but are still a little groggy, from our annual trip to Minnesota. We had a late flight going there and a super early flight coming back so we are still catching up on sleep.  It's always great to see everyone and for the cousins to get reacquainted.  #babyB and #babyS got to meet the rest of the family that they hadn't met yet. That was special. 

As always, here are some photo highlights from our trip:

Maple Grove splash pad

Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka

LOTS of play time with the cousins

DONUTS! the girls got to do their own sprinkles

We did LOTS of art (painting, cards, cutting, etc..)

Sleepover at Aunt Bekah's with cousin Morgen

 Flaming Family (missing Aunt Anna)

Seeing Aunt Ronda, Great Grandpa & Great Grandma

We even passed out at nap time a few days!

Picking Grandpa's blackberries

Special times with Grandpa & Grandma Tuttle

Como Zoo

Meeting Grandpa & Grandma Flaming

Coffee with a sweet friend.

Going to Aunt Bekah's work & having lunch downtown.

Ice Cream...We ate lots of ice cream!

A BIG thanks to my parents for letting all SIX of us take over their house.  Thank you to the rest of the family for their hospitality in hosting us and the many meals.