disney

Last year we were able to join Michael's family for a day at Disneyland while they were vacationing there and Esther had a great time! We were not sure if she would be too young to enjoy the day and while she probably will have no recollection of that day she seemed to enjoy it. We saw lots of intrigue, pointing, clapping and smiling from Esther. So glad we were able to spend some time with family. Here are some snapshots from the day.

 

family memories

There are some moments in our lives that are so precious you don't want to forget them. These are the moments that you lock away in your heart to hold on to the memory.

I have been so blessed to have an amazing extended family. A family where both sides of the family like each other and don't mind vacationing together. And when one of the family units decides to move to a different country (my immediate family being that family unit:) they love us so well that when we are in town or on special occasions WE ALL come together. For example in 2004 when we came back to Denmark for visit over Christmas - both sides of our family came together and we rented a cabin and spent the Christmas holiday together and just enjoyed quality time together. Such a great memory. Pass forward to October 2015 and my parents decided to celebrate their 60th birthdays, Danish style - and their siblings, many of my cousins and their kids all made the trek from Denmark to help celebrate and make memories. What a great family! We all stayed together for a week leading up to the party - and just hung out, caught up, enjoyed each others' company, played games, went on excursions, ate together - and got to know each others' kids. I am so thankful for a family that chose to use their vacation and finances to make such a special week happen. Thank you! I miss family time in Denmark and am thankful when I get a chance to experience it once in a while. Here are a bunch of snapshots from the week.

enjoying life outside

meal time

enjoying life inside

out and about

faetter august

When we went to Texas we also got to meet our nephew August for the first time. What a cutie:) Esther's cousin (aka faetter), August, is only two months younger than Esther. It was fun seeing them interact. Esther was SUPER excited to meet him and screamed with excitement and joy into August's face the first couple of times she was near him. The raw emotion frightened August a little and he wasn't sure what he thought about his kusine Esther ... but soon enough they were friends. I am sure as they grow they will have lots of fun together ... and most likely get into trouble together as well;)

their expressions are so similar:)

what's up cuz!?

and then there was a cousin

We were blessed to also travel to Texas to visit my family last month. My brother's children (aka my nephews:) have patiently been waiting for a cousin for years ... and now they finally have a cousin, and a girl cousin (aka kusine) at that! It was so fun to see them interact with each other.

This was also Esther's first time meeting her uncle (aka morbror) and auntie on my side and the first time my parents had all of their grandchildren together. What a special time of being together!

nephew selfies:)

meeting washington family

One of Michael's sisters and family also got to meet Esther for the first time while we were in WA. So glad Esther was able to meet one of her aunties, uncles, and three of her cousins.

the cousins

Esther has a lot to say apparently:)

meeting great grandma

We only have one grandparent left between the two of us so Michael and I were excited about Esther meeting her great grandma Carlson when we were in town. One of the days Esther even had a chance to take a stroll through GG Carlson's garden. Esther loves the outdoors and especially trees - so she loved this special treat:)

daddy's old stompin' grounds

While we were in Washington for the wedding we had the chance to go to Stanwood where Michael grew up and where most of his family still lives. So Michael had the chance to show Esther a little around where he grew up. I'm sure there is much more to come and many more stories to tell - but at least he had a chance to wet her appetite;) And Esther seemed to enjoy it:)

congratulations nick and emily!

Last month we went to Washington state to celebrate the wedding of Nick and Emily. Michael was a groomsman so Esther and I flew in a couple of days later so Michael could participate in the groomsman festivities.

Esther did well (for a baby) for her first time flying. And I did ok too;) I did learn a couple of tricks that made flying back to Phoenix better ... All in all Esther and I survived our travels alone, but decided we prefer to have daddy along.

Since the wedding was in Washington we also had the chance to see family. Esther had the chance to meet her auntie, uncle and cousins and great grandma for the first time as well. But more about that later.

As you will notice we didn't manage to get a picture with the groom and bride (lame!), but I guess that is what happens when you attend a wedding with a baby and you flew in just hours before (lesson learned: too much packed into a day for a baby?! who knew. ha!)

retreat

Last month we went to New Mexico on a short pastor's retreat with Michael's co-pastor and his wife. We enjoyed a great couple of days together in cooler weather in the midst of the beautiful nature that surrounded us. Glorieta Camps where we stayed had lots of fun to offer and peaceful places to sit and reflect. 

can't go wrong with pbj sandwiches

prayer garden

team kenya 2014

Here are some team snapshots from our Kenya travels. Our team motto was everything is awesome! Yes, we all watched the Lego movie on the plane.... Thank you for being awesome teammates!

Celebrating Bailey's 12th birthday in style

lots of laughter