Matthew 2:1-2 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s wonderful to be able to wrap up another year and let you all know how it went! We pray you all are staying well and living happily!
In March Isaac turned two and Abigail turned one! Isaac enjoyed his very own car cake, but Abby would have rather just been left alone!

This year has found us stretching our traveling legs a bit and celebrating many happy occasions In March, we packed our bags and toted the kids to Hawaii for Sadie and Todd Ondick’s wedding (this is Joe’s sister). Nilla was thrilled to travel to such a tropical place, but Isaac and Abby were just happy to get off of the airplane and run around. We enjoyed celebrating the Ondick’s wedding, and Kelly got her first experience scuba diving with Joe! Nilla, Isaac and Abigail got to dip their toes in the ocean for the first time, and found it a little too salty!

For the fourth of July, Kelly took Isaac and Abby out to Sidney, MT to visit her mother in the nursing home. It was good to see family, but the traveling was taxing.

In August we traveled again to Bozeman for Sadie and Todd’s wedding celebration! We had a good time seeing Joe’s old friends and distant family. Nilla especially enjoyed the pool time at the hotel!
Later that same month we all took the train from Whitefish to Williston (11 hours) and then drove down to Ekalaka, MT (another 4 hours) for the Engstrom family reunion (Kelly’s family) and also to celebrate Kelly’s grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary! Joe, Nilla and Kelly enjoyed a horse trail ride, the kids had fun playing with cousins on the trampoline and we even got Isaac and Abby up on horseback! We all had a wonderful time getting to know distant family relatives and hearing the stories of how Grandma and Grandpa met! We took the train home again, which the kids enjoyed very much!

Joe still enjoys working for NXGEN Payment Services in Whitefish. Kelly is wishing Isaac and Abby were babies again, because it was such a breeze compared to the toddler stage. In September Nilla started 2nd grade, and is doing well and making new friends! She turned eight this December! Isaac is attempting to potty train and so far he loves his colorful big boy underwear! Abby, is well, in the words of Papa Dave she’s been nicknamed “Miss No-body’s business”. :)

So, another year ends and we’re happy to say that we’ve survived, perhaps even thrived! This Christmas season we pray that you would focus on the Savior Jesus and the gift he’s given to you!

~The Swensons

Star of Wonder – Sufjan Stevens

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