fall-tastic

One of the reasons why Fall is my favorite season is because of all the fun traditions that are played out year after year. The pumpkin and costume shopping, carving and lighting of the jack-o-lanterns, the ever-exciting event of trick-or-treating . . . what could be better?!

This year was no exception! We started the festivities off by shopping (and playing) at the 101 Market in Rogers, MN.












Okay . . . I hope this isn't "foreshadowing" anything in Claire's future . . .

a HUGE pit of corn!!

Then the carving took place . . . we did more "traditional"-type jack-o-lanterns this year . . . but why mess with tradition? I think they turned out fantastic :)
















Then on to the best stuff . . . getting free candy from neighbors and complete strangers! The cherry on top of our Halloween night? Nanny and Denny came down for the event! :)



(Ella was Cleopatra, Claire was an ice cream cone - even though everyone thought she was a cup cake - and Jocie was Batman for the 2nd year running - - Grandma Judy made too good of a costume for just one year!)

Our next door neighbor, Gary always hands out a HUGE handful of candy to my girls . . . and this year, he thought Nanny should have some too :)


(...What? Putting our kids in the trunk when going house to house and letting our toddler drive is just fine! Or at least it's "fine" where we grew up!)

I can't believe it's already November! Hunting and Thanksgiving are just around the corner . . . I wish we could slow things down a little!!

Mr. and Mrs. (part II)

Recipe for an awesome wedding?

1 part beautiful Bride
1 part handsome Groom
2 parts super fun families
1 part attention to memorable details
1 part gorgeous October weather

Mix together and Voila! You got yourself one awesome wedding!!


Here are a just a few photos I got. I would have loved to get more, but I was a busy lady that day :) Did I mention that we were all in the wedding!?

ummmmm . . . . super cute :)

Denny swinging Joc around the dance floor








It was a fantastic day!!

On a completely random note . . . every time we drive up north, I laugh at this billboard . . . can't get enough of it. :)



Happy Monday, everyone!

Mr. & Mrs.

This morning we will be traveling 5 hours NW to attend the Wedding of the Year! My wonderful sister-in-law, Dana will be taking the plunge with the equally as wonderful, Ryan. We can't wait to be apart of their special Day!

We are so happy for you both!

family outing

As I had mentioned earlier, it was great to be able to go to the Como Zoo the other weekend just to get away from work stresses, home stresses and schedule stresses and just have some fun with the girls.



I even love just walking up to the entrance of the zoo . . . so pretty :)











Our family favorite at the Zoo? The monkeys of course.










Are we here to watch her, or is she here to watch us?



Claire always wanted a close look :)





Not only does this zoo have a bunch of fun animals to see, but it also has tons of fun rides! Score!



Loved the cars . . .


. . . then hated the cars . . .
but then she loved them again! We were laughing so hard because with every new loop around came a new emotion :)



Joc and Ella had fun on the giant swings,


even though it went super fast . . .
I kid, I kid.



Joc and I always love going on the Tilt-a-Whirl together . . . espeically because the last time Carl went on this ride, he complained of chest pains . . . wimp.


Wait . . . this zoo also has an antique Carousel?!

It was a great day had by all!!
(Family photo provided by Nicole Johnston . . . what are the chances we would see the Johnston's at the zoo?!? :)

I stumbled across this image and I just had to share it.

If you know me, and you know my husband, this will make you smile.

Ah, come on Carl! . . . I don't mean this literally, just having fun with you :)

had to do it

With all the recent stress of school, extra curricular activities, homework, lesson planning, Ella's hospital stay and medications and restrictions that followed (and continue), Claire's pink eye, Carl's football schedule, and everything else we have been doing, it was so nice to be able to drop it all and go to the Como Zoo for the day yesterday.

We have many photos of "zoo type" activities, which I will post very soon. However, I have to post this one - that continues to make me laugh.




Come on guys. She's not THAT heavy!

Happy Sunday! More to come.