This past year, we have much to be thankful for - celebrating 9 years of marriage, a vacation to northern Minnesota, our first year as a family of 5, our Bible Study and Connection Group, and many visits to see family.
Anna continued her job as stay-at-home mom, house organizer, nurser, chef, and child wrangler. She spent her days feeding, entertaining, crafting, carpooling, and loving the kids. She enjoyed being involved in her local church's MOPS group as a table leader and Women's Bible study. She tackled a few home projects, read a little, joined a local mom's group, slowly got more sleep, and spent much of the year trying to keep her three little ones alive. What a doozy that first year after having a baby can be!
Edmund turned five this year. He has become quite the social butterfly and has a comment or question for everything. He has become increasingly curious, thoughtful, willful, and independent. He started his final year of preschool this fall and loves his teachers and classmates. He plays well independently, but also loves playing with his brother. He enjoys reading books, exploring the planets, playing with tractors and trains, drawing, playing board games, shooting hoops, climbing trees, going to the zoo and COSI, and creating art projects.
Nathaniel turned three this year. He wants to do everything himself and everything that brother does. He is strong and athletic for his age. He started his first year of preschool, where is teacher describes him as independent, bright, and extremely capable. He is a joyful child who loves singing, playing with tractors, reading books, playing outside, climbing trees, helping mom at the grocery store, and going to the library. Mom is his favorite and he always wants to snuggle with her and have her put him to bed. While shy at first, once comfortable, he is the life of the party and insists on never being left out of anything.
Clara was turned one and this year has been a year full of milestones for her. She learned how to smile, sit, roll, crawl, walk, got her first teeth, and slept through the night to name a few. She is easy going and loves people. She has big brown eyes and an infectious smile that she easily shares with those she knows well. She is shy at first, but warms easily. She loves standing on boxes, reading books, and taking care of her doll Stella. She is a joy and loves being part of our crazy family. She follows the boys around everywhere and always wants to be included.
Family Highlights
- Traveled to Indiana for Easter with family
- Farmed themed birthday party for the boys with extended family
- Trip to Minnesota and Duluth with Anna's extended family
- Started attending a new church
- Trips to the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and local farm
- Weekend hiking at Mohican State Park
- Celebrated Clara's first birthday with family and friends
- Two week trip around the midwest to celebrate Christmas
This such a challenging but fun year. Juggling life as a family of five has been an adjustment, but we have slowly found our groove. We are grateful for all of our friends, family, and blessings in our lives. We are also thankful for being able to celebrate the birth of Christ with those we love. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Love, The Grashorns
