The Gustafsons: August 2011

Another Birthday Boy!

While enjoying our time at Leech Lake, we had another birthday to celebrate. Hayden Marcus Gustafson turned 4 years old! Looking back, I recall a wonderful day! The night before Hayden was born Ted and I were walking around at the Steele County Free Fair while I was breathing my way through contractions. We woke up early on August 16, 2007 and drove from Faribault to Mankato, MN to have my water broken at 6:00 am. And at 4:17 pm Hayden made his debut! This year we celebrated with a Transformer cake, presents, turtle races, and a fun time at the beach.

Hayden at birth (August 2007).

Hayden's 1st Birthday (August 2008).

Hayden's 2nd Birthday (August 2009).

Hayden's 3rd Birthday (August 2010).

Hayden's 4th Birthday (August 2011).

It's a party!

Hayden with his transformer cake toppers.

Presents...

Bumblebee!

Hayden and his presents :)

Playing with his new play-doh with his cousin Reuben.

Hayden is now our big boy and he will correct you if you say otherwise. He enjoys pretend play and having books read to him. We recently started reading "Charlotte's Web," or as Hayden says, "The spider book." He listens attentively and continues to enjoy playing with his cars. Hayden is also a very social little boy talking to anyone in sight. He is always excited to play with his friends. He enjoys going to church and frequently asks during the day when we are going again. In a few weeks, Hayden will begin Awana at our church. This is something I am excited for as I completed the program as a child too. I have such fond memories and I know he will too!

Hayden goes to bed around 8 at night and wakes up around 8 in the morning. He takes a "rest" during the day where he rarely sleeps. He eats almost anything, that he wants that is. There is the occasional battle between Hayden and Mommy/Daddy when it comes to something he doesn't want to try. He has formed an opinion on clothing. Hayden's preference is anything Nike, just like Uncle Kevin! He also wants his "fast" shoes, which are his new tennis shoes.

Hayden is truly a blessing to our life. We thank God for entrusting us to raise Hayden in His truth. Even though some of the days are tiring, as parents we try to embrace the simple moments such as comforting yet another boo-boo or tucking him in at night for one day we won't need us to do these things any more. We love you more than words can express, Hayden!

Leech Lake

The annual Kyte family vacation to Leech Lake took place last week. It was a week filled with fun of swimming, fishing, games, memories, reading, and relaxation.

I have way too many pictures to share so here are a few of the highlights.

Caleb learning how to ski.

Ted skiing.

"Big Boys" on the boat. (Hayden & Reuben)

Micah, Ted, Hayden tubing.

Potluck with Chippewa Lodge Resort.

Mommy and Eli on the boat.

Loon

Mommy and Hayden at Turtle Race.

Schlaaks: Kyle, Lisa, Caleb (9), Gracie (7), Micah (5), Reuben (4), Lincoln (9m)

Gustafsons: Ted, Camille, Hayden (4), Eli (1)

Mom and Dad

Thornbergs: Erick, Sarah, Trinity (4), Teagan (1)

Hayden and Eli with metal moose.

Some of the cousins.

Matching buds with hats and animals.

Camille, Dad, and Hayden on the dock.

Eli having fun in the water.

Hayden all ready to go.

Fishermen! Kyle, George, Ted, Dad. It tasted amazing :)

Sisters: Lisa and Camille.

Ted, Hayden, and Reuben fishing.

Caleb's big catch!

Ted and Camille outside the cabin.

Ted, Camille, Dad, Mom

See you next year!

Hayden on the blob. FYI: This was done without mother approval.

Birthday Boy!

Eli turned one. We celebrated when we were camping AND when we got home. He is one special boy!

ELI July 2010

ELI July 2011

Birthday supper on the Special plate.

Presents....

Birthday Cupcakes....

which he LOVED.

Eli is our little pre-toddler with a sensitive, yet adventurous spirit. He loves to play with his big brother and cries when he is left out. He walks everywhere now and has even moved fast enough to call it a fun. Eli loves to climb and has been found hanging onto chairs, standing on top of the coffee table and ottoman, and hanging onto the window sill with his feet on the radiator. We believe that he is attempting to climb out of his crib but frequently gets his limbs stuck.

Eli is a great sleeper going to bed at 8:00 pm and waking up at 7:30 am. He takes 2 naps a day each lasting 2 hours each. He loves to eat pasta and almost anything else you put in front of him. This includes sand, rocks, and dirt chunks!

Our little boy has officially entered himself into the discipline stage of life. He does not enjoy being scolded and will cry when an adult speaks in a firm voice. Eli waves good bye when someone is leaving or if he is going to bed.

We thank God for giving us the opportunity to raise little Eli. We pray that He will give us the wisdom we need as parents to teach him what Eli what he needs to some day be a Godly man. We love our little Eli. Happy 1st Birthday!

Camping

This past week this Gustafson family experienced something new: Camping! We visited Pleasant Creek Iowa State Park with the Gustafsons for a few days. While they stayed in tents we enjoyed the air conditioning of our little rustic cabin. The days were warm so we were frequently in the lake swimming. We also enjoyed meals cooked on the fire and of course smores at night. We also had a birthday party honoring Eli, Kyle and Camille. Yep, we ALL share a birthday. Enjoy the pictures.