Sunday Drive

For some reason on Sunday I thought of our long neglected list of Iowa Courthouses. We got out the map to confirm there were just eight courthouses in the state of Iowa that we had not yet visited and photographed. Most are on the far western side of the state but Chickasaw and Howard County are just north and we decided that a Sunday afternoon drive would be nice. We got some vitamin D, Dale photographed two courthouses and I got a little exercise. The bonus was the Mabe's Pizza in Cresco which was a nice surprise. We have now successfully visited 94 courthouses. Neither of us seems terribly rushed or motivated to finish the list soon but I am sure that will happen some day.

Dog Treats

Mowgli benefits greatly from Lincoln's new found desire to feed him treats. It's good for Lincoln. It's good for Mowgli and it's good for their relationship. We all love treats! I had a huge treat when Lincoln came to spend Valentines night with me. It was our first overnight and there are photos coming very soon!

Mohawk Senior

Jake's "Senior Night" for Mohawk Hockey was a memorable event. I don't usual cry at hockey games but I did drop a few tears last night. How hard for Jake to end his high school hockey career with a concussion that has taken him off the ice but he impressed me with his strength and grace in handling the situation. I loved spending time with Jake, his family and their dogs! Congrats on a great career, Jake!

Sunday Squirrel

Save the Date

I love this!! Jay and Briana had a great idea for their "Save the Date" cards and I was thrilled when they asked me to help. They got the cards sent out recently but we took the photos back in September. It's great to see the finished product and remember the fun we had with the back yard photo shoot; not official engagement photos but a Sonny and Cher shot for the cards. It's official, I get to be the mother-of-the-groom and so far it's been lots of fun!

Saela

Today I got to meet the newest member of the family, my great niece, Saela Grace. She is absolutely beautiful and looks just like her mommy! Ashley was traveling to their house to photograph the newborn and I rode along so that I could meet Saela, see her family and play with the boys during the photo shoot.

Because the boys both took great naps I had time to watch all of the activity. I love watching Ashley as she does her photography, posing newborns and getting them so calm and comfortable. Saela was very cooperative and I even got some snuggle time before and after. I always enjoy seeing Ashley's photos but it's extra fun to watch her work especially with a baby that's so special to me.

Brecken is a wonderful big brother, so gentle and caring. He was sweet enough to share his table and cheese with Lincoln too. I so love watching these boys play together. What a fun day with family. Congratulations to Scott and Kaley. What a beautiful Little family!

Fruit and Vegetable

Looks like a balanced meal to me; fruits and vegetables. Those are beef short ribs behind the pot which were added after the bottle of wine, much reduction and beef broth. This is what happens when I watch Food Network! It's in the oven for two hours right now. I hope it's as good as it looked on TV.