She's here!



The newest little Erickson has arrived! Chloe's parents Mark and Gina are so proud and very happy to finally meet her. Congrats mommy and daddy! You docs rock! 

Happy Birthday Kids!

 I'm really behind with posting, please forgive. On New Year's weekend, we helped to celebrate two birthdays in our family which actually occur only 2 days apart: Bec and Jamie. K decided that she needed to make a cake for the party, but had difficulty getting it out of the pan, so mommy helped her put the chunks of cake on a plate and then she decorated it with frosting! After all, it's the thought that counts!

 This little princess was all set for the special celebration.

 The birthday "kids"

Just some cute pics of the cousins playing together... 

 B has quite a fascination with this picture--his great grandparents back in MN!



J was enjoying daddy's new Viking slippers.

 Soon it was time to eat the delicious supper that Krista had prepared.

 Little boy needed a few extra calories...

 Then it was time to put the candles on the cake.

 Lots of candles! The birthday kids recruited some helpers to blow them all out!

Happy Birthday to Jamie and Becky! (Seems strange to think that only four years ago it was just the two adults, and now both of them have two children of their own!) God's blessings to both of you in the coming year!

Happy Christmas Memories!

 We celebrated our family Christmas on Monday, the 26th. Both of our boys (that live here) and their families were here, so lots of fun and games!

 We found this little bike on a garage sale, and Jayden was thrilled to ride it!

 He was also very intrigued by his new video game.

 Soccer games are always interesting with toddlers...

 "Photo-op mom"

 Getting all dressed up and pretty...

 Cousins

more cousins... 

 Grandpa reading the Christmas story

 And then it's time for presents!

 The older two decided they needed some "quiet time" so watched a bit of Curious George.

But this little boy was so tired, he just laid down and fell asleep in the chair!

 So the family pic moved over to the rocking chair and sleeping boy!

 Later that evening, we were so excited to have a visit from some very dear friends. Jim has known this lady and her family since he was a boy in Africa. Alice and her husband were such gracious hosts to our sons while they attended high school in Minnesota, while we were still living in Africa. What a thrill for her to now meet the boys' families.

 We were happy to share this delectable french Christmas gateau with our guests.

She ate up every crumb! 

 Thanks Joel and Alice for your Christmas visit!

And thanks to your son and family for sharing their time with us also!

God's blessings to all in the coming year!

Christmas Eve and Day

 Since the holiday was on a weekend this year, we were pretty much confined to our home because of Jim's work. But we were delighted when B showed up with the little girls (M was working until Sunday evening).

 This year was even more fun than last year because we could see the excietment in those little eyes...

 We just enjoyed a nice quiet evening together, playing and visiting...

and reading stories. The next day we went to church for the morning service, came back home and enjoyed a delicious beef roast meal, then took some time for naps and siesta.

 With the temp around 75, we decided to take a walk to a nearby park and play!

 Plenty of fun to keep us all happy!

 Mom not only had her hands full, but also her lap!

 This happy face summed up all of our feelings about our time at the park.

 After supper, we dressed the girls in their PJ's and then drove around town to look at the beautiful Christmas lights.

 One neighborhood in our city really decorates... 

They even make these awesome "Christmas globes" and hang them from all the trees. There are literally blocks of these colorful balls hanging over the streets. It is quite enchanting!

 We were curious about the construction of the globes, so went for a close-up...

 ...and an even closer look. Alot of work...

 ...alot of beauty.

Daddy came later that evening, so the next morning this little girl was happy to snuggle close to dad as soon as she woke up. And that was the beginning of our family Christmas celebration on the 26th.