Photographer in the Making

Avery snapped a few pictures of Jordan and me while at Phelps Park. 

I think she did a great job! 

Decorah!

One Friday a few weeks ago Jordan decided to take a day off and head to Decorah with the kids. 

(Lauren did not want to miss Co-op so she stayed with Prices...boo on her!)

Jordan made an unexpected stop at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. 

One set of my grandparents were married here. 

Checking out the big bible. 

Jordan thought this was very European and wished it said Water Closet instead of Restrooms.

They were so bummed that the bell did not move. 

Next stop...Decorah and Mabe's Pizza! 

This was the point where I asked Jordan, 'Did we or did we not just drive 2 hours so you could eat Mabes's pizza for lunch?!?!'

The girls were so cute strolling around town with their balloons from Mabes.

More fun in the cute downtown. 

Then we started hiking. 

Seriously she was so cute all day. 

Tess did not want to be left out of anything. 

And she was pretty cute herself! 

She refused to let go of the balloon...it proved a little problematic in the cave area. 

Daredevil. 

He totally looks like he is on the side of cliff here...it wasn't quite that bad. 

Once we reached Dunning Springs they were gone! 

Preciousness. 

Double preciousness. 

Way up high...and he even took the baby up there. 

Crazy man.

I wont lie...he about dropped Tess getting back down. 

This is his face as I was yelling at him for almost dropping her. 

And I could not love him more. 

Are you kidding me with the cuteness? 

Again, they are too sweet. 

Such a great big sister!

We found a tiny cave mom! 

Our last stop was Phelps Park. 

I love that whenever we are in Decorah they are constantly smiling! 

teeter totter! 

ISU Game

The plan for Friday was for me and these sweet babies to stay home and bake...

While Jordan took these three big kids to the last ISU game. 

(They weren't excited or anything!)

Instead at 1:00 Jordan came flying into the house telling us he got 3 extra tickets and we were all going. 

Let me explain my hesitations....I had not showered...the three of us were infact still in our jammies. 

It was in the LOW 30's and WINDY! Tori needed a nap. Tori is 2. Taking a 2 year old to a college football game is not fun even in nice weather. 

But I sucked it up. Threw on some clothes and make up and we raced out the door. 

Unfortunately, Tori decided immediately upon entering the stadium that this was the last place she wanted to be. 

Seriously, this is what she did...on the cold cement. 

And would not move.

Everyone around was starring at us like we were insane...because we were. 

Thankfully for me...this was all very funny to me and I did not freak out. 

We started out on the hill...thinking maybe space to play might be better for the kids. 

Cute sisters. 

VERY excited Father and Son. 

Then Jordan spotted some seats way up high and totally win protected!

We took advantage. 

These four were so good and had so much fun. 

This one did this...or sat on my lap and bawled for the entire 1st quarter and most of the 2nd. 

NO IDEA WHY! 

She does not do this regularly. 

She would not wear her mittens.

She was FRIGID! 

Sullivan really got into the game. 

Its very fun to have a boy. 

And he loved when House of Pain's "Jump Around" came on.

 She loved that song too!

Clearly, so did Torrance. 

So grown up. 

Then suddenly she decided she was going to have fun!

She was dancing and jumping. 

Cheesing it up!

Sullivan was mad when we left early...he was the only one!

So to recap...never, ever take a 2 year old to a freezing cold football game. 

But if you do...make the best of it and laugh. 

Oh, and Go Cyclones! 

a little more birthday...

I can't close the door on Lauren's birthday without posting just a few more pictures of my lovely girl!

 

Really...I am old enough to have an 11 year old?  

Bowling with a few friends to celebrate. 

Really 5th grade girls are a lot of fun!

Decorate!!!

We decorated the tree Saturday night...its just about my favorite night. 

I dont think there is anything better for a kid. 

The fun and the anticipation are second to none. 

To steal and modify a quote from my brother Robert, 'The only thing better than Christmas itself would be to perpetually getting ready for Christmas...all. year. long.'

Tori is in awe of it all.

Its truly magical. 

My last Christmas with a 'baby'. 

ugh. 

Smiles everywhere.

Its serious work. 

Oh Sullivan. 

Oh Christmas Tree!