This past November I was asked to join a committee at church to help plan a women's retreat after many meetings and awesome ideas the weekend finally arrived. This past weekend we drove up to Imago Dei Village (A beautiful camp) for a fun weekend "Straight From The Heart". The weekend was spent studying the Ephesians text and it was an uplifting weekend of faith, fun, and fellowship(even a few camp songs). I'm sharing just a few pictures from the weekend. We had the opportunity to stay in the Johnson building. We were only the forth group to use the brand new facility. There were four rooms for sleeping, a central meeting location with a wonderful fireplace (which we had burning the whole time), and a kitchen. Friday night was spent getting to know one another and a night of pampering the "Princess'" of the weekend. We had fondue and watched the movie the Princess Bride in which we discussed how some of the story lines could be related to our lives and the Bible. Saturday we had two bible study groups and fun activities throughout the day and ending he day with a great service that everyone helped plan. It was a wonderful weekend!

Here are some pictures of Kade in his music class. We took it with a friend and he loved it! He loved the teacher and watching her play the guitar. We learned a bunch of new songs and he had the chance to play with many different instruments.

Kade full of energy

Kade is almost ten months and full of energy. At his nine month appointment he was 22 pounds and 30 inches long. Off the charts for height and 75% for weight. He is now walking along all of the furniture, standing up by himself and tonight he took his first steps. I think he will be walking soon!

Our big guy is starting to stand on his own. Well he will stand if he has something in his hands. Here it was a pen that he thought was helping him stay up!

Our little man loves to eat! Kade is now trying big boy foods! Collin thinks it is so fun that Kade can eat cheerios with him in the morning. Kade is up to four teeth and he may get two more soon!

Guess who made it until midnight! Collin partied it up at the Brokaw's and got a quick kiss from Mom at midnight. This is the latest little Collin has ever been allowed to stay up. He was pretty tired but he slept in until 9:30.

Little Party Animals! The kids enjoyed dressing up except for Kade who didn't looked to thrilled to put on a tiara and join the rest of the kids on the floor.

On New Years Eve we met up with some friends and took the kids bowling. Collin loves to go and Kade took his first try with some help from Dad. Collin took a break and enjoyed a slushy (he didn't try for the beer yet!)

Kade's first Christmas. He really didn't get the idea of opening the gifts but he sure liked to play with them! Collin had the best time opening them all!

Our tree Christmas Eve and the boys on Christmas morning. Collin woke up at 4:30 because he was so excited to see what Santa left him. Yes, the boys have matching pajamas and I think it is cute!

Merry Christmas from The Olsons!

Collin opening presents

This is Collin opening presents from us on Christmas Eve. Just a little excited!

Collin was a little angel for the Christmas pageant at church. This was the only good shot I got of him because I was involved with the program. James took some video so we can share when we see you.

While we were at the zoo Collin and Mom had the chance to hand feed the giraffes.

In December the Zoo turns into a Christmas wonderland. Since the temperature has been so mild we took the boys to see all the lights and took a horse drawn carriage ride through the woods.

I've decided to make a new punk rock band. Collin singing lead, Alex on guitar, and Kade on drums!! Rock on!(as Collin would say)

Pictures with Santa. Both boys did great with taking a picture with Santa this year. Collin went right up and asked for his gift. Kade tried to pull his beard but we got him to turn his attention to the camera.

Collin started out all nice and neat and by the end of the decorating he had every possible sprinkle type in a pile in front of him. He also took a bite into six different cookies along the way.

Collin making Christmas cookies.

It has become tradition that we all make Christmas cookies each year. It is a ton of fun and a big mess but we wouldn't have it any other way. Next year Kade should be able to join the mess (I mean fun!).

Kade's first Christmas!! Here are some of Kade's first pictures around the Christmas tree.