2008 Highlights

This is a month by month highlight of our 2008 year. Excuse the picture format. For some reason that I couldn't resolve, some are big and some are teeny, tiny. You can click on the small ones to see them bigger though!


January-
Silas Joshua Kristiansen was born.



February-
I hardly remember anything from Feb & March and have very few pictures from these months. Silas had colic and reflux. He spent most of his time being held in a swaddle blanket. Luca did amazing with the transition. I still can't believe how easy that part was.


March-
We began to emerge from the house...very slowly. These friends are Sam and Libby and their moms, Becca and Kelly




April-
We visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum and the Fort Wayne zoo. The boys started 'playing together' also, which was fun. Lars and I also decided to pursue moving to Northern Ireland and discussed this with Mark and Ange. Silas' colic almost completely disappeared this month!




May-
This was a busy month. We went to Denmark & all the Kristiansens met Silas for the first time, Lars had his b-day, too. We rented a summer house right on the beach and had our first real family vacation. Silas went off the relux medicine!







My Grandpa Voke died a few weeks after we returned. Lars, the boys and I were there with him---We feel very blessed that we were able to be there for his last moments. The Ireland team has a first retreat, too.

June-
We celebrated my two favorite men: Lars and my Dad for Father's Day.


Lars pitched a FOR SALE sign in front of our house.

Silas started eating food!




July-
Silas began sitting up. We enjoyed lots of family time especially in the evenings since it was bright so late.






August-
Luca potty trained this month! We only have to use pull-ups at night. That sure helped the budget.
We went to the Indy Zoo with my Dad before school started again.




Family Photo taken by Jourdan Struck...Luca looks a little James Dean-ish:)

Luca turned 3. He had a combination party with his buddy Sam, and this is his Bob the Builder party at home.


September-
Luca started preschool at High Street in Muncie. He goes on Wednesdays and Fridays and absolutely loves it. He has the most wonderful teachers and would go every day if he could!

I started going to a Bible study on Romans, MOPS began, Mark & Ange moved to Northern Ireland. Lots of change this month.


October-
The boys became dual citizens.

I had my b-day and the fall activities began! Lars carved his first pumpkin, too!




Our house deal fell through and Lars' hours were cut back at work. We felt really loved by the outpouring of love though demonstrated by so many people during this tough time.

Dad, the kids and I visited Katie in New Hampshire (poor Lars stayed home to work)




Trick or treating




November-
Thanksgiving day with Dad and then searching for the perfect tree the next day!






December-
Kate came from New Hampshire, Mom from Florida, Luca and I made a cake for the birthday party for Jesus.






For the last several weeks before Christmas, Luca would tell people (even Santa) that he wanted a "toot" for Christmas. Well...my sister in law in Denmark sent him exactly that--A WHOOPY CUSHION. This is when he first sat on it!

Lars and I have been talking a lot about simplicity and how that can play out in our day to day lives, but also in our attitudes and thoughts. We are tired of having "Hurry Sickness." Our lives are going to be busy with two small children and both of us being extroverts. I make no resolution. I just want to explore a calmer, crazy life.
Cheers!