duets

Our little pianists

I'm gonna web you

This photo should really be entitled "The coolest step mom EVER." Begone hairy warts. I met Spidey. That's all you need to be THE COOLEST PERSON EVER to a 5-year-old.

just cause

No camera skills of mine made these photos so cool. But somehow the light turned out great. And I love that I took it myself at the crack of dawn because Norah has no respect for weekend sleeping in. But, when the first thing you hear in the morning is the sweetest little "hiiya" and see her little head peeking over the crib, it's easy to forget that you used to be able to sleep until noon without even trying.

little cindy lou

Norah's hair is FINALLY long enough for pigtails. No one is as excited about this as I am. For some inexplicable reason I've been looking forward to this day since we found out we were having a girl. First pigtails. Then braiding hair, shopping, makeup. All those girly girl things I can't wait to share with my daughter.

The fact that the pigtails are on top of her head much like two little horns would be. Not a coincidence.

The next morning. Is anyone else surprised that these stayed in all night? Maybe we won't be going through all 600 (not kidding) in the pack as quickly as I thought.

gimmee meat

Is this Norah's way of telling us that she needs more meat in her diet? Yes. That is an entire chicken breast in her hand. And yes. She did grab it off my plate and proceed to gnaw on it.

mmm. one satisfied customer.

2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade

Scott marched with the Dubuque Colts Drum and Bugle Corps for five years in his teens and early 20's. In case you don't know. Drum and Bugle Corps are like marching bands on steroids. It's been 15 years since he aged out so when the Colts announced that they had been chosen to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade and that they were taking alumni too, he jumped at the chance to march again. Especially for such a historical occassion.

After a 30 hour bus ride, they got to D.C. Sunday evening before the inauguration. Monday was a full day of rehearsal and Tuesday was the big day. Despite nearly freezing to death, he says it was a phenomenal experience.

Scott in uniform. This is serious business people.

Practicing (they also slept in this gym on the floor)

The day of the parade. You can't tell in the picture that this parade was one of the coldest in presidential history.

Sledding

So it's been really cold in Iowa. Like Alaska cold. Really. All the cold temps mom has been complaining about. They made their way down here last week. We're talking -30 degrees with some mighty cold winds to boot. So Norah hasn't been able to test out her new sled outside. We've been making do:

One of Norah's favorite pastimes lately has been sled rides around the living room and dining room. Fun for her. Workout for me.