smiles all around

This moment yesterday made me smile for so many reasons. 

1) obviously that Lauren is learning to ride a bike 

2) Curtis is helping her - It has been a long winter for Curt and his back. He is 3 weeks post surgery and doing amazing - praise the Lord! 

3) I think we can safely say winter is behind us - we only have a few trace spots of snow left - the creek in our back yard is flowing and there is green popping through my flower beds. 

I have big hopes for Spring - we get to travel to WI for Easter and to IA for Brett & Jaclyn's wedding in 2 weeks. Spring makes me happy, family makes me happy, a healthy husband makes me happy! 

Life. is. good.

-allison

I love snow.

nope it didn't work. I thought maybe if I typed 'i love snow' then I would lead myself to believe that I love snow - but I don't. I'm over it, it's pretty, but I'm definitely over it. The kids do like it though and I broke out my camera for a few minutes the other day. Enjoy! 

2 years of Elaina

This sweet little 4.5# baby came into our lives 2 years ago today - Elaina means 'bright light' and she is indeed a bright light in our lives.

Happy birthday sweet baby girl!

We love you!

a photo shoot

with this little girl pretty much went like this...

then I may have bribed her a little and she gave me a couple pretty smiles!

her little mind is ALWAYS going....

Oh how I love this sweet little 4 year old! 

It's a party

Last weekend we partied... like it was 1999... (this morning's class at the gym is still running through my head) or I guess we more partied like it was two special little girls' birthdays :) 

They loved it - after the candles were blown out Lauren gave Elaina a great big hug... of course I missed that moment - preciousness

this was the end of the heart warming hug

lots of cousin love

hugs, spoils and love from all the aunts & uncles...

grandmas & grandpas!

We are so thankful you all made it here to celebrate with us - THANK YOU the girls had such a special weekend!!!

4 years of Lauren

When we met this little girl for the first time 4 years ago we would never have been able to predict the way she would change our lives. She challenges us and teaches us every day - such a blessing Miss Lauren is!

You love to play babies, gymnastics, coloring, drawing, writing, singing, making up stories, baking, hanging out with mommy, you have many make believe friends & many made up words that only you understand. You love Jesus & if you could be any animal you would like to be a lion. You are full of personality, one liners & give the best hugs ever!

Last night when you were blowing out your candles you said, 'I just love my family so much.' You are such a sweet 4 year old with an independent, firey little spirit. I pray that you don't let anyone 'dull your sparkle' because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. I am so blessed to be your mom and thank God for you every day! 

Happy Birthday Lauren Kathryn - we love you to the moon, to the stars & back again. We love you with all of our hearts and with all of our souls. Love, mom & dad 

A Christmas Wrap Up

This year Christmas at mom and dad's wasn't quite the same - Curtis wasn't able to make the trip down to Iowa with us because of some back problems he's been dealing with. But we still had a wonderful time, I just missed my Curtis :) These kids always have so much fun together & they all have such different budding personalities I just love seeing them. 

We were all spoiled. There were happy tears shed which always mean the gifts are good! Jaclyn claims she's not a cryer... but may have teared up... That's a sign she's ready to be part of our family :) 

  

many snuggles

snowmen, snowball fights & sledding

But most of all there was lots of family time together.  

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful Christmas, we love you! 

Merry Christmas

Our Christmas celebrations began on Monday morning for our family. We put a request in this weekend with Eddie our Elf & asked Santa to come early since we'd be gone on Christmas morning. Eddie was such a great helper and said Santa would be more than happy to come. We had a nice morning just hanging out. Do you think Jackson was excited for his Iron Man Nerf gun? (not sure mom is too excited about this one!) 

Lauren and her doll house

And little Elaina had her daddy and a toothbrush to snuggle with - she was happy :) 

Then we headed to Grandma and Grandpa T's to celebrate  - we went to church

then came home and celebrated. Our kids are spoiled :) 

Aunt Tami and Uncle Steve tested out our kids... 

this little one has been mommy's girl this week - I'm not going to lie I'm loving all of the snuggles :) 

Merry Christmas! 

Love, the Tetzlaff's