Party

I almost forgot to post pics of Tori's party. 

We held the party the day before her actual birthday.

She was just plain adorable in her excitement for this day. 

She loved helping me make her cupcakes. 

And watching in anticipation as they baked. 

Hurry up friends!

She got to invite 4 friends. 

And we kept it very low key. 

Charlee, Piper, Tori, Owen, Riggs. 

I love watching my kids' faces while we sing 'Happy Birthday' to them. 

And Riggs, awesome!

Took her a number of tries to get those candles out!

Too cute. 

Cupcake cutie. 

Decorah

We ended our day in Decorah. 

Arguably, our family's most favorite spot in Iowa. 

Venturing into the Ice Cave. 

Just climbing and posing. 

She had the best day. 

She smiled the entire time. 

I love making her feel special. 

She is pretty amazing. 

This would be the highlight for the kids. 

Dunning Springs. 

Oh my heart. 

My heart off and running. 

(I love Torrance bringing up the rear and not wanting to be left out even though she 

was dead tired by this point!)

Climbing too high. 

Jordan made me climb up there too. 

The view is worth it. 

(I think...?)

Aw. 

Before supper we stopped off at Phelps Park. 

The older kids played football with Jordan while the little girls played at the playground with me. 

My love.

We covered a lot of ground this day and kept 5 kids from falling off any ledges. 

And ended the day with smiles. 

I love adventuring with him. 

Pikes Peak

Our next stop was Pikes Peak. 

Neither Jordan or the kids had ever been here and I hadn't been since I was in Jr. High or younger. 

The leaves were just perfect. 

All yellow, like the forest was on fire for us. 

The kids started out with some football. 

Look how excited Tori is to be running at her Bo-bo!

Some pretty fantastic views of the Mississippi.

I love Fall in Iowa. 

Leaf fighting. 

She took it better than I would have!

This child was born to be photographed in fall leaves. 

Like, for real. 

Climbing.

and walking...

Truly, just so blessed. 

I wish all days were like this. 

Forest beauty. 

Our four year old. 

Running. 

Getting a lift. 

She ran. All. Day. 

No way to describe how pretty and how quiet this was. 

Leaves were falling all around us and we decided it was good luck if you could catch them. 

She's getting so big and not 'little' anymore.

sad 

But she still holds my hand. 

Jordan got 'Dad of the Year' points for throwing in a rake to enjoy the leaves even more!

 

Tori got to be thrown in first. 

And then just pure joy. 

What did I tell you about this child and photographs in the leaves?