Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad! Yes, it's a special one today :) I am so proud to be able to call you my dad. You have taught me so much about life and faith simply by the example you have set! You walk the talk everyday of your life. I wish you nothing but health and happiness for many years to come. Your grandchildren are blessed to have you in their lives continuing the great example you set for Tim and I. I love you!

Happy Birthday Ace

Happy Birthday to my handsome hubby!

Waffle Thief

Why did this sweet little boy have such a sad face first thing this morning?



Because Oreo swooped in and stole his biggest waffle stick!



And mom was laughing and searching for the camera :)

Night of the Living Prom

Yes, I know it was just Valentine's Day, and it might look like Halloween to you, but it's PROM time! No, not high school prom sillies. I can't pass for that young anymore! It's an adult event that is a fundraiser held at Hickory Hall in Ames and attracts more and more people each and every year.

We have been attendees for the three years it has been in existence. Each year has a different theme that adds to the fun. The first year was Prom Part Deux with 70's attire and last year was Revenge of the Prom with nerds galore! It's always an experience to go and check out the creativity of people and their outfits! This year's theme was "Night of the Living Prom." Aaron was Uncle Fester from the Addam's Family, and I'm simply not sure if I was Morticia or what I was really supposed to be! Aaron was told MANY times that he was creeping people out! It makes me laugh so hard because he played up the role with every ounce of his being. He's much more comfortable in that setting than I am.

Just so you can see we aren't the only crazy people that attend this event and participate fully in the dressing up, here's another couple who were enjoying the night. At least we seem tame without having blood dripping all over us!


One of the main organizers of this event is the wife of Aaron's carpool buddy, Joe. Betsy is extremely energetic and creative and even organized a group to learn the Thriller dance that they performed during the evening. She is an amazing organizer and has loads of fun getting everything situated so that everyone else can have a terrific night! The numbers have grown over the past three years, with this year's prom topping out around 350 people in attendance! Yes, there are that many goofy adults who had an absolute blast dressed like the dead at prom! Here's Joe and Betsy "living" it up :)


The proceeds from this year were donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of one of the other organizer's mom, who is currently fighting the dreaded disease. The staff from Hickory Hall were so generous as to donate all the tips received that night to charity. You've gotta figure this is one event they host that they have to completely get a kick out of! They even asked for my ID at the door :) I guess I'll have to keep going back with a compliment like that!

Aaron has tried desperately to get some friends and relatives join us for the past few years, but they all seem to be shy birds. This year our neighbor and his friend decided to join us and had an absolute blast! We were thrilled to be able to enjoy this with them. We laughed so hard all night long. They have already staked claim on coming with us again next year! Feel free to let us know if you'd like to join us next year - we'd love to have you :)

A huge thank you to Nate and Kelly for corralling our kids for us while we were out pretending to be young again!

Happy Valentine's Day!

From our home to yours - Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Carter!

Happy Birthday sweet 8 year old!!! We love you!