Mall of America & Nickelodeon Universe

We enjoyed a weekend indoors with family this February.
First stop, Mall of America.

Few pictures at the Lego store...

Nickelodeon Universe with Grandpa Bob, Grandma Chris, Auntie Laura, Uncle Chris, Alli & Lettie

This is how we know we did it right! Haha...

Enjoying the warmth of the pool and hot tub at the hotel...

While this is what it looked like outside that weekend...

Skiing at Mt La Crosse

This is one way our family (minus Lia, she'll start next Winter if she wants to) has been enjoying the Winter season so far...

First time, Jess on skis!

You loved it, Jess! Dad and I are so proud of you...

Way to show that rope tow who's boss!

Your first time out at the hill. Skiing with friends, Kennedy and Gracen.

Graduated from the bunny hill your first time out. And, onto the bigger hills...riding the chairlift with Grandpa Bob

As for you, Mr. Jackson...

Not too shabby, for this being your second year out at the hill.

Riding the chairlift with buddy, Brennan

Night out skiing with friends, Brennan, Kennedy, and Gracen

And, look who else learned how to downhill ski this year...ha! Who would have thought your Mom would be doing this!?

Hopefully our family will continue to seek out the many thrills and adventures this sport has to offer! Loving it!

Birthday Party at H & H Karate Studio & Sleepover fun!

For your 8th birthday, Jackson, you requested your party be held at H & H (Curt Hickok's and son, Donald's) Karate Studio.

Here's a picture of the whole group:

They supplied everything, including this cake...

You were able to break a board! First attempt! ...lucky for you, you were born with super-human strength. ;)

Roundhouse birthday kicks for everyone...

...even MOM!

The party continued at our house that night.
It was your first sleepover (with more than just one other friend).
And, here's a picture of the gang we had here that evening:

Happy 8th birthday, buddy.

Our Family Christmas Story. Chapter 5: Christmas at the Aeling's

Saturday, December 28th - Sunday, December 29th, 2013

Christmas celebration with Grandpa Mark and Grandma Bonnie, and the Devine Family.


Fun in the snow! ...and even a mop for the hair.? :)

Watching Grandpa fly one of his planes...

Shooting hoops in the basement.

Snuggle time with Auntie.

The bunk beds for Kit and Ruthie (gift from Grandpa Mark and Grandma Bonnie, along with the American Girl bike). Hey kids, ask your Dad how much fun he had while putting that little number together... :D

And, that concludes our fifth and final chapter of our Family's Christmas celebrations of 2013.

...until next year, goodbye Christmas!

And goodbye to our calendar...

And goodbye to our Elf on the Shelf...
Freckles Star Power, reminding you three to...

Our Family Christmas Story. Chapter 4: Christmas at the Jambois'

Thursday, December 26th - Saturday, December 28th, 2013


Christmas with Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob, and the Devine family.



Skiing at Mt. La Crosse, Thursday morning: Jackson, Mom, Dad, Grandpa Bob, and Uncle Jared...

Santa came to Grandma's and Grandpa's house!

Lots of curious little fingers, wanting to touch Santa's beard...

Ice skating at Green Island ice arena, Saturday with the three of you, Alli, Aunt Laura, Uncle Chris, Dad, and Mom...

Fun couple of days, filled with special memories!

Our Family Christmas Story. Chapter 3: Christmas at home

Wednesday, December 25th, 2013

Three words to describe our Christmas Day: pancakes, jammies, and sledding. December 25th is a pretty low-key day around our house...which is exactly the way Mom and Dad like it! The only outing we have is a trip to the sledding hill by the OAC.

Along with the books, notepads and writing utensils each of you received in your stockings, Santa also came through for us with a few practical items as well...

...new toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Yes!


Under the tree, Santa had left two gifts for each if you...

Lia: Stuffies monkey and a craft project
Jessica: Stuffies unicorn and Legos set
Jackson: Nerf vest and football cards


"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Our Family Christmas Story. Chapter 2: Christmas at Grandma Clare's

Tuesday, December 24th, 2013

We celebrated Christmas Eve at Great-Grandma Clare's place in Winona.
Grandma Clare outdid herself with the spread of food she made, including homeade beef stew and white bean chilli.

Grandpa Mark was being extra playful (as usual) --lots of tickle tortures and bouncy knee rides!

Very nice gifts were given to you kids, including: craft projects/supplies, furby dolls, dolls from the movie Frozen, BB hoop, Legos.

And, the stand-out gift for your Momma was this guitar (from Auntie Cheryl). Wowie!

Grandpa Mark, Great-Uncle Tom, Great Uncle Mike ...Great-Aunt Deb was here that night as well, but not in a picture:(

It was a night filled with lots of great food, drinks, and good company!

Right, Lia? :)