high school football

Ahh, life in a small town. When Fall rolls around, all schedules seem to revolve around the town's high school football team and all the boys that are proud to be a member. I can proudly say (okay, I have a little shame in saying) that I have been to less than 1 hour of a high school game since I have moved here 3.5 years ago. There is no escaping the games, though, as our house is less than 200 feet from the field. Our street turns into a parking lot on game days and you dare leave the house less you want to risk your life.

However, we did venture out last Friday - the season opener - but not to the game. Just over a few blocks to hang out with some good friends, drink some beer and eat loads of pizza.

Feeding the baby (aka Elyse) beer. I am going to be such a good mom!

She likes it, she likes it! I hope I have a cool baby like this someday...drinking beer at 9 months, we are going to be BFFs. lol

Nick - he did venture over to the game...but just to get some information for a news story. You'll be happy to know it was not about the game - rather reactions to an upcoming vote regarding building a new school. Ahh, the drama...

Emma

Me and Laurie - please don't mind my mouth full of food.

er...okay, got my baby fix - what do I do with this thing now??

baby shower for ben and debbie

You all know Ben and Debbie, right? So you know that they decided to be too cool for school and ditched Iowa for Alaska a few months ago. Well, they are expecting their first kid in less than a month...July 17th! Today, their moms decided to throw an online baby shower for them since most of us just can't pack up and head to Alaska for the day. Well, we decided to have a baby shower in their honor last night with a few friends...complete with games! lol Weird, right? A baby shower without the mom-to-be in attendance?

So, Ben and Debbie - this one's for you! We all hope that you have a wonderful baby shower today, complete with lots of emails and phone calls from all those who love you. We all miss you and wish you the best of luck for these last few weeks as a family of 2, and even more luck when you welcome little Kiera (am I right...?!) into the wonderful tundra of Alaska. :) Hope you received the gift from the 6 of us (gmail) and are able to get a few necessities before your little one arrives.

lots of love - Nic, Kier, Joe, Laurie, Emma & Elyse

Guess how round Debbie's belly is!

I think I might have won...unless your tummy is really this round,

But I am pretty sure that Elyse had the most fun playing this game.

Next up - the "guess what kind of candy bar is melted into this diaper to look like poop..." game. (Nic wanted me to ensure you all know that this truly is just a melted Hershey's bar, and not a real poopy diaper, although it was suggested by Joe that we just use the 'real thing'.)

I think this was the first (and probably only) baby shower Nic has attended. Lucky him.

Looking at all the stars.

Elyse - still a happy baby...for about the next five minutes.

No bonfire/baby shower is complete without some guitar.

Laurie's friends came down to visit for the night! Lucky them..."what? you guys are having a fake baby shower? You guys are weird..."

Look - Elyse is not crying!

Too many baby shower games for Elyse and Joe...time to go.