Shop 'til You Drop Weekend

Nora's first Thanksgiving is a bit of a blur...
We left Des Moines on Wednesday afternoon to get to Belmond. Travel was not advised on I-35 north, but we decided to try it anyway...I mean really...how bad could it be?
The interstate didn't get "bad" until north of Highway 20. We usually take the exit just past the Boondocks to get to Belmond. However, when we tried to get off of the interstate and onto the exit ramp, we slid right by. We decided that the next ramp would work just fine. All I can say is that we did manage to take that ramp, but it was tricky. Highway 69 was in a lot better shape than the interstate, so I'm glad we got there when we did. We all made it to Belmond in one piece and Nora slept the entire way. She's such a good girl!
On Thursday morning, Momma Erin woke up early and brought in the papers. Even though she had seen the ads before (leaked online), she spent all day pouring thru them. That evening, we went to Clear Lake to prepare for the midnight deals at Walmart in Mason City. We all separated (with the exception of Karrie and Rita because they just couldn't bring themselves to fight on their own). We ended up with a few good deals and only had a few battle wounds to show for it. Momma Karrie did end up with a scratch on her forehead. After that, we headed back to Aunt Kellie's to pick up Ashlin and Nora for the next outing. There weren't really any good stories from the 2nd round, but we did get some good deals.
Over the weekend, Nora's cousins wore her out! She slept all the way home last night and didn't wake up until the van was unloaded and some new items were already assembled. She was really only awake long enough for a bottle and a bath. She did get to see some Christmas tree decorating and then she fell apart. She slept until Momma Karrie woke her up this morning at 6:30! Then, back to school for her! I know she was excited to get back into her routine, but she sure did have a fun weekend!


Without giving too much away, this is a preview to her Christmas card picture


Another preview...we just thought it was funny that she was "pointing" to her belly


Nora's new "do"


Another photo shoot...Nora was posing as "Baby Jesus"


This is Nora with all of her ornaments for her first Christmas!

Buzz...

Nora's been absent from blogging for the past couple of weeks, but that just means that she has been a busy little bee! She ran her first 5k at the fairgrounds on November 7th, and she was super tired after the race. We were just glad that it was beautiful weather for her to get out and enjoy. Over the course of last week, she enjoyed going to school everyday and then coming home to play with her toys. This past weekend was Momma Karrie's birthday, so we shopped and shopped on Saturday. Momma Erin got sick on Sunday, so everyone just stayed in that day. On Monday it was back to work for Momma Karrie and Nora while Momma Erin stayed home.
So, as the title reads, "buzzzz..."...yeah, that's Nora's new thing. She likes to buzz her lips together constantly and spit. Its actually really cute and we are fortunate that we have some cute bibs.


Nora has gotten very good at finding her thumb (despite our best efforts) and she is really enjoying it here


Nora loves her ducky pj's from Norm!


Big girl in her pretty dress


Ready for winter, Momma's?


Nora was just trying this on at the store, but she ended up buying it later.


Big girl bath time!


Nora is working hard at this huge bottle!


Fell asleep while playing after school


Is this my good side?

Basketball and Giggling

Nora went to her first Women's college basketball game this past Monday night. She didn't squawk or wiggle at all. She just watched everything as it happened...her eyes kept following the players on the court. She was so exhausted when we got home that she slept all night. I think that she'll be going to more games if that's going to be the result. :)
This past weekend was also the first time that Nora giggled when we tickeled her. She had never reacted before, but this giggle was definitely different and caused by the tickling. It was so cute. Once she does it consistently, I'll post a video...right now it's pretty sporadic.
We're looking forward for a visit from Papa Bob and Grandma Dottie tonight. They're coming to spend the day with us on Saturday! Should be a fun time!


Susan, Mindi, Momma Erin, and Nora having fun at the game


Just watchin'...


Nora's first time meeting Spike