Our Spontaneous Penn State Football Weekend

What happens when you throw caution to 20 mile per hour wind and make a last minute decision to go to Penn State?  Well, one of the best days, with some of the best friends, at one of THE best games ever!

When our plans for Knoebels were canceled due to the cold and wind we made a very last minute decision to head to Happy Valley to watch Penn State take on Ohio State.  To say it was windy and cold was an understatement.  At least twice while I was gathering our warm clothes I second guessed our spontaneous decision.  I'm so glad that Megan just kept encouraging me!  Mainly because she's Penn State crazy too!

This kid!  He didn't hesitate for one minute.  He was ready to go after playing in his own football game.  This was his very first white out and he was thrilled.

Shane secured our tickets and was maybe just a little surprised by our sudden change of heart and quick trip to State College.  He tries to entice us to come almost every home game.   We usually can't make it work but we know how much it means to him when we do!

As a bonus, we had the chance to meet up with friends for some tailgating.  I love this picture with the girls.  Our guys were all meeting some former PSU players and getting some pictures.  But we decided that the only picture we needed was one of us together.

This is one of my favorites from the actual game.  I love that they can enjoy this time and this game together just like I used to with my cousin.

I love this big guy, too!  I love that he and I share this love of football and Penn State and that we've continued to spend time together in a place where our Pap Landis started taking us when we were just kids.

The boys weren't even born when these guys were playing at Penn State (2002 and 2005) and don't know Jay Paterno.  But they sure loved meeting guys who played in the NFL and one look at Michael Robinson's big ol' Super Bowl ring!

The game was amazing - against all odds we won.  But I would have to say that making these memories with awesome friends is the biggest win of all.  So here's to being spontaneous; to taking off and having fun;  to staying up until 3am and being tired for the entire rest of the week.  Here's to Penn State football, great friends, and epic wins. 

Pumpkin Patch Take 2

It's become a bit of a family tradition to visit the pumpkin patch together each year. 

I love to be able to compare how they have grown each year.  But I cannot believe how big they look in this picture. 
I did a great job of capturing our time in the pumpkin patch but I failed to get pictures of the completed jack-o-lanterns this year.   Maybe I'll remember next year.  However, after carving 5 pumpkins I was kind of tired and there was a lot of cleaning up to do.  So, yes, I'll try harder next time!

Fall Fun on a Friday

I feel like it's crunch time.  Kinley's last year at home with me has me really committed to taking time to make some special memories with her.  

So Friday we headed out to the Barn Owl to make a pumpkin to add to our fall decorations.

We painted and talked and enjoyed visiting with Annie's miniature horse and pig between coats of paint.

Kinley enjoyed choosing all the colors for her pumpkin, as well as the face and the special flowers to finish it off. 

I'd say that it turned out quite well.

After we left the art barn we headed out to do some shopping.  I was quite pleased to find a sleeping little girl shortly after entering Target.   It's been forever since I wandered the aisles of Target with one of my baby's asleep in the stroller. 

So a day that started out making a special memory with my growing girl ended in reminiscing over other special memories reminding me how important it is to take time out and enjoy these times.

Kinley's Pumpkin Patch Adventures

Dear Kinley,
Being the baby of the family comes with a few drawbacks.  But it also comes with many advantages, including the fact that your parents don't want to miss out on anything - like your last year of pre-school.  That's why Daddy and I bundled up on the first frost filled morning and joined you and your class at the pumpkin patch.

The sun came out quickly and warmed up the air and watching you and your friends run through the pumpkin patch sure warmed up our hearts. 

Riley is your best friend this year.  Besides the fact that you could be mistaken for sisters, you have so many of the same mannerisms and attitudes that it's almost scary.  It makes me sad that you won't have one another next year but I am know that we are all blessed by your close friendship this year.

Speaking of blessed-- where do we even begin describe the blessing that Ms. Ashley has been in our lives.  You entered her classroom last year as an extremely shy and reserved.  She has loved you and encouraged you and prayed you into a confident little girl.  She has become our friend and a loving example of what selflessness means as we come alongside her and her husband in their foster care journey this year.  

Yes, Kinley, spending one more year in preschool has proven to be a most wonderful decision. 

We hope you enjoyed your field trip as much as Daddy and I enjoyed spending the morning with you.  We love you !

Mommy