40 years – COSP

Our church celebrated its 40th anniversary this summer, culminating in a parish picnic. I helped at the outdoor photo booth. These lovey ladies came by for a few pics.

Father’s Day 2021

Celebrating this guy today.

And gathering with family to also celebrate Dave’s birthday. (Missing Aunt Bri – Uncle Jason made a solo ling weekend trip this time.)

Top Golf

While the boys were at their first two frisbee games today, Jake and I attended the 2021 DVA golf fundraiser for the kids’ school.

This year’s format was different from previous years – thanks to covid. However, it was still really fun! We teamed up with our friends Tom and Melissa and met a new couple who happened to be parents of one of Shecklet #3’s classmates.

2021 Nissedalen fun 2021 – 1

Work and play day at the lake. Super hot temps meant the water felt extra refreshing today. Aunt Kristin took the kids tubing, I brought Grandma Lois to pick out flowers and then helped plant them, there was a group effort to blow up the water trampoline, and Jake and the boys helped install a new antenna.

Shecklet #4 asked me to take a few photos of just the two of us.

Blowing up the trampoline.

The Shecklets love their great grandma!

Jake grilled pork chops for us and tenderloin for Grandma Lois & Uncle Steve. His grilling post to FB was pretty funny: “In Nissedalen I like to be even though there is no charcoal. Made a little porkpourri.”

Belated Fogo de Chao

Jake let someone else do the grilling tonight.

Double belated birthday dinner out tonight to celebrate these two guys.

First Communion – Shecklet #4

Today was a day that Shecklet #4 has been counting down to for several weeks! Her godparents came to town to witness her First Communion with us. We were also joined by Grandma Patti, Grandpa Dave, Great Grandma Lois, Aunt Kari, Aunt Larissa, and several friends. Our little girl is definitely loved!

In his homily, Fr. Jim asked the kids if any of them had thought about what they wanted to be when they grew up. (He was relating his question to the call the apostles had once Jesus ascended to Heaven.) Shecklet #4 volunteered her answer last. She said she wants to be a saint! This sweet girl has always had an extra special dose of compassion for others and deep feeling of God’s presence in her life. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow in her faith.

One of my friends was able to capture some beautiful pictures of Shecklet #4 receiving the Eucharist. And Jake recorded a video. After mass, we had an opportunity to take a photo with our pastor, Fr. Jim.

We continued our celebration with a reception at our house. Huge thanks to M&M for helping set out/prep the food for everyone after mass. And special thanks to Shecklet #1 for sharing his ice cream cake for dessert – it was a popular choice with our friends and family!

Congratulations, Shecklet #4! We are so happy for you! What a beautiful day!

Golden birthday – Shecklet #1

How can this kid be 15?!?

He is a kind, compassionate, and easy-going teenager. We have watched him grow so much over the last 15 years – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I look forward to what the coming year (and start of high school in the fall) have in store for him!

Today he shared his birthday with his younger sister, who received her First Holy Communion at 5:30 mass. As a follow-up to his practice golden birthday, we had him open his gifts mid-afternoon, before we headed to church. He also requested a cookie dough ice cream cake, which was a very popular dessert at his sister’s reception!

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Happy birthday to this guy! He now knows the “answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.”