2016 has been an amazing year of growth and discovery for the Lynns. Time and time again, we have seen God work in amazing ways. Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane along the last 12 months.
Wisconsin
In late 2015, the Lord brought a huge whirlwind of change into our world - a cross country move to Wisconsin! Having lived in Florida for 8 years, it's definitely required some adjustment, particularly in the weather department.
God was certainly gracious during this transition, and we enjoyed quite a mild winter. Nevertheless, each of us have truly fallen in love with the natural beauty of Wisconsin - and the people in particular!
West Bend
We live in the historic section of town, close to the downtown area of West Bend. This city holds a special place for Candace and I as this is where we met, enjoyed our first date and shared our first home. This town is full of charm and beauty. It seems like we discover something new to fall in love with in our new hometown every day!
Did I mention that it gets cold?
Special Experiences
Justin and Candace's Anniversary
Cruising the Bahamas
In early April, the entire family flew to Florida (and might we add escaped a large snow storm). Sophia and Alexis got to reconnect with Mimi and Grandpa (Candace's parents) as they spent a few days alone with them while Justin and Candace hit the high sees on their first cruise!
We journeyed aboard the Oasis. While this is a smaller ship in comparison to many (we weren't too sure how the "afloat at sea" aspect was going to work as Candace gets quite motion sick - but she did just fine), it still offered huge memories for us.
Mother's Day Celebration
The Creation Museum
Camping Adventures
A new yearly tradition - we joined our friends, the Kerns and the Wolgasts for a weekend filled with camping, adventure and lots of fun! This year, we explored Ledge Park near the beautiful Horicon Marsh.
Overall, we had a safe excursion - however, Candace did lose her footing in a hole in the ground. The poor thing - she sprained her ankle! That earned her an air cast and crutches for several weeks. 😔
Birthday Celebrations!
The girls turned 4 years old this year - can you believe it?! We celebrated with our closest friends from church. We also had special guests join us all the way from Florida - Mimi (Candace's Mom), Auntie Katie (Candace's Sister) and the 3 cousins (Connor, Caleb and Carson). Sadly, Candace came down with an utterly dreadful case of Bronchitis and Strep that landed her in the ER and out of commission for almost 2 weeks! Nevertheless, we still had a special celebration of the gift of life that God has blessed us with in Alexis and Sophia.
Dates with Daddy
Wedding Preparations!
Alexis is now 4 years old. She loves to learn and constantly is asking Mommy for extra school work (sounds like Justin as a kid!). She can write her name very well and has a number of other sight words she can read and write. She loves music and singing. She has fun playing the trombone, ukulele and cajon (a box-like drum). She colors almost everyday and loves Play Doh.
Sophia is also 4 years old now. She loves to play pretend and make up stories all day long. She is a Princess through and through. Depending on the day, she may go by several aliases - Elsa, Anna, or Cinderella. In school, one of her favorite activities is cutting paper. She is also developing her writing and coloring skills as well. She is absolutely in love with animals, particularly puppies.
Thank You
To our dearest friends and family who stuck it through to the end of this long production, thank you for being a part of our lives. We appreciate your love, whether from a far or near, in-person or online.
We close this Christmas letter and yearly celebration with a simple question: have you personally encountered Jesus Christ? Not just the tiny baby born in a manger, but the God who became a man who would one day die on the Cross for all of our sins (yours and ours alike), be buried and raise again victorious over death.
Unlike the little drummer boy in the classic Christmas carol, God doesn't want our finest gifts...be they pounding on a toy drum or living as good of a life as we can muster. He simply wants our faith; he wants us to trust Him as the payment for the penalty for our sins.
"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior? This is the greatest gift of all. As a family, we urge you to consider your eternal destination. We are always more than willing and excited to share more about the hope and joy that we share that all started with a little baby in a barn, 2000 years ago.
We love you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Justin, Candace, Alexis, Sophia and Cookie Lynn
Credits:
All photos were taken by Justin or Candace over the course of the past year. Enjoy!