Around here we have been…

RECOVERING from the dreaded Covid. We aren’t sure which family member brought it home first – but it spread quickly and out of the seven of us, 4 were tested. All who were tested ended up being positive for Covid. We had a huge range of symptoms, ranging from headaches, tiredness, and even red eyes.

Craig definitely got hit the worst. He spent close to a week in bed, sleeping away most hours of the day. His fever would go down for a few hours, and then spike back up. He also lost quite a bit of weight. Not having smell and taste meant he didn’t have much of an appetite.

Because we were in quarantine, the kids had to switch back to distance learning. They weren’t fans of not seeing their friends every day, but were troopers about staying up to date on their assignments.

We spent Thanksgiving at home, just our little crew. Craig’s mom was kind enough to make a porch drop off of a delicious home cooked meal, including both pumpkin and apple pie! Finally, near the end of November, we were released from our home quarantine and allowed to rejoin the general public. It felt great to finally be back into a routine!

FLYING to Austin, Texas. At the beginning of December – and shortly after we were cleared from quarantine – Craig, his dad, and {D} took a trip to Texas. {D} had been invited, back in June, to the Kicking World National Showcase. It was an exciting trip, and learning experience for him, as he competed with top high school kicking specialists from around the country!

He was able to set personal records at the competition, and won a recognition award for his showing as the youngest kicker to ever be invited to the event.

If interested, feel free to watch the highlight video of his camp experience. We are truly proud of all of his hard work and dedication to this sport that he loves.

WITNESSING the change of seasons. As much as I love the Fall, I do enjoy that in Minnesota we have all four seasons. Winter might be my least favorite, but it sure is beautiful!

The kids are loving all the new activities that the colder temperatures provide – especially ice skating on our backyard pond and sledding down nearby hills with friends. We don’t yet have any ‘sticky’ snow to make snowmen or igloos, but I’m sure that will be coming in the months ahead.

ENJOYING Christmas together. This was the first year that we were able to truly decorate our home for Christmas, and I was extra excited! The cottage absolutely transformed with the festive decor, and has a super cozy atmosphere. (video)

We got all dressed up for our family Christmas at home. The kids gave me the gift of a nice family picture. It’s the thing I ask for three times every year: Christmas, my birthday, and Mother’s Day. I love all the special memories and moments that have been caught on camera through the years!

The gift giving was kept pretty simple, but enjoyed all the same. We like to take turns opening one gift at a time. This helps us to slow down and appreciate each gift.

We spent Christmas Day with the Strasser side of the family, at my younger sister’s home. It was so wonderful to see everyone, if even for a short time. Being able to visit face to face with family we haven’t seen in over a year was an absolute blessing!

This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our family YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!