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Merry Christmas from the Carlsons

 Merry Christmas friends and family!
We didn't send out a card this year, so here is our letter with our 2016 favorites:

We kicked off the year in Mexico with my family. It was the vacation of a lifetime. We had so much fun swimming in the pool, playing in the sand and enjoying time with the fam.
 
Below is a recent picture of the kids. Lucy turned 3 in September and Olle turned 1 in July. 
Lucy is full of stories and has the most amazing imagination, she loves princesses, watching shows, art projects and baking with mom. When she grows up she wants to be a princess so she can help people. 
Olle is an absolute joy. His laugh will turn any day around and he is 100% boy. Loves trucks, tractors, and throwing balls. He doesn't know many words, but he gives the tightest hugs and we just love him so, so much.
 Here we are hiking around on the North Shore this winter. We love exploring with the kids and it's fun to think of how these vacations will only get more exciting as they grow. 
I ran the Eau Claire Marathon. It was the perfect day and the race was great! Loved having some fans along the way-- this year I'm heading to Boston!
Sten was ordained in Phoenix in June! SO proud of him and the hard work it took to get there! The whole family flew down plus Sten's mom, my parents and tons of friends from our time in Chicago. It was easily one of my favorite trips, full of: heat (120 degrees!), people we love, and super early mornings due to the time change (think- 3:30 am). #worthit
 
 WE LOVE STEN!
 THE CABIN. We did not luck out with the weather this year, but that didn't stop us from having ALL the fun in the world and making tons and tons of memories. We spent an extended time with the CO Carlsons which was really special and filled that little cabin with so much love.
 Fall was SO good to us. It only started to get cold here the week of Thanksgiving, so we spent so much time outside- drawing with chalk on the driveway, pushing Olle in his little car, going on runs, walks, playing at the park, BUT our favorite pastime was biking! We purchased some new bikes this Summer and it brought us so much joy.... loading up the kids and going wherever we wanted! Here we are making our weekly trip to the Farmers Market. 
Biking is FUN!

As I look back on this year I am super thankful! Thankful for an amazing husband and 2 great kids. I am thankful for friends and the people that get me through motherhood on a daily basis. I am thankful for our families, near and far, and the way they've shaped, challenged, and cheered us on this year.
Merry Christmas!
XO, erica
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