Omaha!

We spent black Friday on the road in a blizzard for a quick weekend with the girls in Omaha. They we dumped on and the city was ultra sleepy. We enjoyed a fantastic hotel, some a bit of shopping, the hotel hot tub, and some great restaurants. The roads were much smoother on the way home. The girls had lots of fun together, and per usual, so did Mag and I ;).

Snowmageddon! 

Squad

Thanksgiving

We jammed a lot of fun into two days over the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the highlights was having one of my best friends from Minneapolis and her family, her sister and her family, and my sister and her family over for an evening before gathering. We sat around the fire and shared stories and memories while the kids played in the basement. My heart was full. 

Thanksgiving day was made easy courtesy of the Sioux Falls Co-Op as I catered 90 percent of the day. We enjoyed the family that was local plus my aunt from Minneapolis. The puzzles kept people here for the long haul, we had so many great conversations and lots of fun, it was a highlight Thanksgiving for me. 

Gehlens and Munces

Kiddos 

Fave friend since the late 90s. 

Thanksgiving with Patty. 

Patty and the kids. 

Isaac, grandma, and Sully

The spread. 

The place setting. 

My love language. 

TWO epic bithday parties!

We did it. After weeks of asking for sleepover birthday parties for both of the girls, I finally scheduled it and it happened. 

Greta's was on Friday with three friends, it involved birthday baskets, a charcuterie board dinner, an escape room, a quick stop at the Falls to see the lights, brownies, and a movie with an 11:30 bedtime. The girls are fun and respectful and considerate, a great group. 

Piper's was on Saturday night with 5 friends and involved birthday baskets (the girls told me they are viral??), a charcuterie board, an escape room, pizza cheeks, brownies, a movie with an 11pm lights out with 30 minutes more to chat. These girls are silly and a little spicy, and full of energy. 

We all had lots of fun, but when the final guest went home Sunday morning, I moved to my bed and hibernated for the rest of the day. We did it!!!

The set up. 

The girls. 

They almost escaped! 

Its also Dave and my 16th dating anniversary! 

The basket. 

The set up for the second night. 

The girls. 

Pizza Cheeks

They escaped! 

Igloo fun. 

Annie, Jr.

Greta and Piper were both in Annie, Jr. and shined so brightly on stage. Greta was in the NYC ensemble and Piper was in the Orphan ensemble. Both reflected their personalities perfectly. They had been busy with rehearsals starting in September, so when it was time to finally see the show, Dave and I were so proud. Many many thanks to so many family and friends who came to support our girls. We are so thankful for the Spotlight community and what it does for our kids... stay tuned for a photo overload! 

...in no particular order: 

Pip and Khloe, opening night. 

Ruby, Piper, and Maggie- last show

Mag and Anna and crew.

Schock family support.

Mrs. Conrad and Dr. Vik.

Final bows. 

Neighbors/family. 

Love this one of my parents. 

Sully and Henry rooting on Mason in tech. 

The orphans, Piper is on the right. 

Isaac and Sabrina 

Greta and Daphne 

Greta is to the right of the lead.

Our sweet stars. 

Uncle Jeff makes it to opening night. 

Great is 12!

Greta girl is 12! I can't quite put into words how proud we are of Greta. She is thoughtful, thinks thing through, and really wants to do well at the tasks ahead of her. She has grown so much this year, navigated some tricky transitions, and is a very thoughtful and considerate girl. Keep growing, girl. :) 

We celebrated at Golden Bowl with my parents and DQ to follow, it was a great day. 

Happy 12th birthday to Greta! We love her kind and considerate heart, and are proud of her courage and bravery. She is our peace keeper and problem solver. We love her so much! 

Sweetest G. 

Family birthday gathering.