Family Pictures

We finally had some family pictures taken this last fall. Mike's brother Joseph and his wife Katie took the pictures for us. We thought they did a great job.

Here's our three little sweethearts.

2008 Christmas Memories

Every year I attempt a photo on the Sunday morning before Christmas. I really don't know why I do it, trying to get these three to pose for a picture is well.... virtually impossible. This is the best I could get. At least they're happy!

On Christmas Eve we drove by the kids favorite neighborhood house. It has more lights than you could imagine and we call it the Chrsmas house. Just look who we found sitting, greeting the children outside. (Certainly the most authentic duo I've ever seen)

On Christmas Eve we usually spend the evening celebrating with my family. This year the kids had all been sick with the stomach flu and so we weren't able to go to my folks. We went out and made the rounds giving our gifts and then headed home. Polly (my sister) and Nathan supprised us by coming over and bringing special treats for the kids. It made for a wonderful night.

Carter and Olivia's long awaited scooters finally came this year courtesy of Grams

On the lookout for the man in red

Uncle Matt and Aunt Sabrina Christmas morning

The wonder of it all

Matthew's Basketball

Mike and I love to bake, cook and watch video clips on the food network. We've been wanting a kitchenaid for quite sometime. Thanks to Mom and Dad Bergsten, we'll cut our baking time in half and be whippin up alot of goooood stuff.

Olivia and cousin Amber enjoying Ariel II, a gift from GG

Final moments of Christmas Day. Grams trying to organize a photo of the grandkids.

Cuttin a tree

For the past few years we've gone up to Colorado, after thanksgiving, to the the cabin and while there cut down a Christmas tree. This year we weren't able to make it and because I was bumbed we had to miss out, I insisted that we make the trek to cut one down right here at home. We drove to the Jemes mountains despite Mikes skepticism and had a wonderful time walking through the snow to find the perfect tree. It didn't take long and the kids loved it. I think that Mike was suprised at the success of the trip and really I admit everything worked out in our favor. 1.) about a 30 min. drive to our destination 2.) Had all the right snow gear 3.) Just enough snow to make snow ball but not enough to get stuck 4.) Plenty of snacks and a remembered potty chair 5.) Three exhausted babies all the way home. I think we'll try it again next year.

Can't keep a hat on him

He smiles like his mama

Sweet Olive

Mike with our fast but perfect find

White Sands Missle Range Triathalon

Muffin and Mom

I turned thirty this year and was feeling the crunch to do something physically significant. So last Sept. I participated in my first triathalon in Rio Rancho. I had so much fun preparing for and participating in it that I hit up my family to do one with me. Mike was the hardest to convince because he never really learned to swim. So Andrew and Mike both basically taught themselves to swim in a short few weeks and they were good to go. It was a feet for dad who recently underwent major surgery and as for Muff, she trained hard but was in great shape to start with. We headed down to Las Cruces on Friday and spent the night. Saturday we woke up very early and drove about 40 min. to the missle range. It was a reverse sprint triathalon which consisted of a 5k run, 40k bike and 400meter swim.

Andrew did fantastic followed by Mike. I did ok, certainly not great but I had a blast. Muffin was probably in the best shape of us all but got a flat 9 miles into the ride which put her back and Dad sacrificed his tire for a lady who blew hers out. All in all we had a great time and are planning for another one this April.

Saturday morning we arrive 6:00am to get checked in at the missle rang gates

Mike and Lorilynn (Boo)


Muffin Dad and Lorilynn

Mike, Lorilynn, Andrew and Muffin
Let's get this party started!!

final stretches for boo and muff

Andrew first in from the run making transition to bike

Mike second in, hittin the bike

Boo fouth in making transition

Muffin third in and ready to roll

Dad lookin good on bike

Muffin coming in on the swim

Finished!

Halloween Sweeties

Halloween 2008. Matthew / Superman

Carter / Spiderman


Olivia/Storm Trooper

Sarah and Andrew's annual Halloween party was such a blast. They go all out . The decorations, food and games were so much fun for the kids and parents alile.

Celebrating 5 wonderful years of Olivia Ann

My life began when you were born

Our sweetheart has grown so fast.

Olivia 15 months

Olivia was born on October 11, 2003. She has been the greatest delight and such a strength to our family. She constantly makes us laugh with all her antics and takes such good care of her brothers. She's the best start to our family. On her birthday we took the kids to Applebees for lunch and then we celebrated with a party for her cousins and family. She requested a Star Wars party. How fun it was

First Gift from mom and dad

"For Me?" How Nice!

Someone's a the door, Olivia goes to greet her guests

Celebrating 5 years of Olivia Ann

Olivia's favorite past time is dressing up. She changes her outfit an average of 5 to 10 times a day. She'll disappear for a few minutes and then she'll come out wearing some new crazy concoction. When we go out she wears her "girl clothes" and she lets me fix her hair. As soon as we get home, out goes the barrette,slick goes the hair and off with the girly stuff. Before I can bat an eye there she is in her Prince/Aladdin/Storm Trooper/Amish Preacher get up.

"My fellow Amish, the time has come. Let us hitch our buggies and head west."

Let me guess..... A Chinese, bike riding, weightlifter?

She pretty much has an affect on all of us!!

Happy Birthday precious Olive