A Sweet Start to 2025: Jonas’ 17th Birthday in Miami

Welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It’s been far too long since I’ve written here. Life has a way of speeding by, and I haven’t done the best job keeping up with these boys' childhood memories. But it’s a new year, and I’m ready to start once again—because these moments are too special not to capture.

This year began with a milestone: Jonas turned 17 on January 1st! We kicked off the celebrations right at midnight on New Year’s Eve, ringing in 2025 with cheers, hugs, and laughter. His cousins made sure the birthday boy felt extra special, and Jonas even FaceTimed with his new girlfriend, Mattie, just after the clock struck 12. It was such a sweet moment to start the year.

To kick off his special day, we visited Everglades National Park. The beauty of the park, with its vast wetlands and unique wildlife, set the stage for an unforgettable birthday. Jonas was especially excited about the airboat ride—skimming across the water was exhilarating!

The highlight of the day, though, was when we all got the chance to hold a baby alligator. At first, Jonas wasn’t so sure about it. He watched as all his cousins took their turns, laughing and snapping photos, before finally deciding to give it a go. With a mix of nerves and determination, he held the little gator—and ended up loving the moment. It was a proud "face your fears" kind of experience!

After a day full of adventure, the evening brought us back together for family fun. We played Minute to Win It gameswith the cousins, and the room was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the kind of moments you wish you could bottle up forever. From stacking cups to balancing challenges, everyone joined in, making it a highlight of the night.

To top it all off, we celebrated with Jonas’ favorite dessert: cherry cheesecake. Sitting around the table, swapping stories, and enjoying the cake felt like the perfect way to close out the day and mark the start of Jonas’ 17th year.

Starting the year with family, nature, and memories like these feels like a promise for more connection and joy in 2025. Thank you for joining me here as I share the little moments that make life so special. Here’s to celebrating milestones big and small—and making every moment count!

Thanksgiving break 2020

This year for Thanksgiving break, we celebrated up in Blue River just the 5 of us.  Governor Jared Polis mandated everyone to stick with their own tribe and not be with other groups. We decided to break the rules a little bit but mostly we were together, the 5 of us.  We are good at being just the 5 of us! And one thing we do best is SKIING!! Lukas is 6 years old and can ski anything the brothers can ski.  Our lives as a family started to change dramatically last year with Lukas keeping up and hiking the peaks at Breckenridge.  So this year is a no-brainer and can ski together without even thinking about splitting up...well, maybe some moments when Lukas wants to warm up and rest his tiny legs. 😂 Unfortunately, the ski lodges are closed for sitting inside. This world is very strange right now but I don’t want to start with that!

Breckenridge was hurting with snow over break but we enjoyed 7 days of skiing, 3 runs, and the mini terrain park. Lukas loves the boxes! And Jonas has started to ski the pipes. 

Keystone received 10” over night on Tuesday, so we headed over there to ski some powder...but you had to stay in the runs, lots of exposure still. Here’s Jonas jumping the little shrubs and mini trees.  

There was a few times at Keystone that the ski patrol would open a run for us to pack down, so we made laps a few times before it was all skied out.  All 3 boys would switch off skiing in line with each other and the leader would find the hip jumps or little rollers for everyone to ski.  The best feeling riding through fresh snow and landed after a jump in soft snow. 

An epic DAY!!!

We had to break the rules and see the Gills at their cabin in FairPlay. It was a much needed visit with them and the girls loved playing with the 3 boys.  They sledded for a bit before it got too cold and dark, then came inside to build couch forts and obstacle course with the cushions. 

Had a lovely dinner and finished off the night puzzling with Amanda, Polar Express 500 pieces. 

March Madness!

Fabulous February

Even though it's cold outside, we as a family continue to find adventure and fun! Plus these brothers keep me on my toes and make me laugh often.  Here's to another fabulous February!

Monkey-see-Monkey-do

Lukas wants to be just like his brothers.  He will mimic everything they do. Slurping bowls, laser tag,  use lightsabers on the tramp, nerf gun fight and makes all the necessary sounds that go with them. 

 Sledding with the big boys...and Daddy!

 The gang...Mason, Crew, Walker, Nash and J, S, & L

 We are not much of a football fan, but we will show a little spirit when the Broncos compete in the Superbowl(50 years)...and win!

 Before we were pregnant with Lukas, we tore out the only bathtub in the whole house.  After he was born, we built in a 4 foot bathtub for him to enjoy.  Silas enjoys it once in awhile too.  I think he likes to dump water on Lukas' head...lol!

 At 19 months, Lukas can now walk down the stairs forward without holding on to anything.  Impressive! Plus he loves to read anywhere he can.

Kindergarten Valentine party! So much fun!

 Silas lost his second tooth this month while he was pooping on the toilet. What a million dollar smile!

 Jonas and mommy weekend in Breckenridge! (I have a trip with Silas in May)

First, Jonas wanted to ski the bowls and then hike out of bounds since Silas is not with us. Jonas amazes me how much he loves to ski and how good he is.  There is a genuine passion in his heart.  I pray all the time that God would protect Jonas and watch over him on the ski hill.  This will be an awesome journey for him!  May Jonas have God lead him!

 Out of bound adventure! Can you see the sign that says "You can DIE"?

 Next day we went cross country skiing at the nordic center. He skied over 7 miles and Jonas loved it. 

 There was so much laughter and peeing of the pants.  Oops! 

 Jonas had a destination on the map...hallelujah hut! The farthest and highest point on the trails! We did it together!

 Jonas was so proud of himself. Someday, Jonas would like to live in a hut that's far from civilization, hunt for food, and be in the woods.  I believe this will be an adventure for him one day in his lifetime.

 Back at home, Lukas, Silas, and Snowball waiting for our arrival home after a weekend gone. 

 Rock climbing is one of their favorite pastimes. Silas rocks!

 Getting outside in the middle of winter is so important even if you have to bundle up.  Brothers playing soccer in the background while Lukas flies a kite(Matt's garfield kite when he was a kid) for the first time! He was all giggles!

 The reading level Jonas has obtained astounds me! When he finds an author or a series, he will read them all and waiting for breakfast is a perfect time too.

 Lukas has a new love for Construction tractors...just like his brother, Jonas when he was this age.  I find myself looking for any trucks while driving so we can be awstrucken together. These tractors were parked and not in use, so we climbed on them for over an hour. 

 Three brothers in a bucket!

 At the same age, I took a picture of Jonas and now Lukas! You can see their own personality come out in this photos. Lukas is daring and shows outwardly how he feels...Jonas is content and his big smile was a huge sign that he was super excited inwardly!

Another photo that I took at the same ages for both Lukas and Jonas

Snowball fight!

 Snowball makes Silas so happy when he is home from school.  

Last but not least, Lukas is learning to ride his strider bike at 19 months old.  I think he likes it!