Honoring Joe

If you're not a Penn Stater then you may not understand this, but I am, and I certainly do.

The public memorial service for Joe was held on Thursday this week. This service was intended to give all of us who have admired him the opportunity to remember him fondly as well as try to figure out how to situate the events of the last few months into our comprehensive view of the man we have loved and respected for years. Many former players and friends spoke at the memorial service, but this one was one of my favorites.

Eulogy by Phil Knight, CEO of Nike

The pictures below were taken by our friend, Chris Ligetti this past Saturday - almost a week after Joe's passing, and 3 days after the formal memorial service.

Clearly his impact on our community was large and far reaching and about much more than football.

Thank you, Joe. We are...because you were.

Playing in the Snow!

A few weekends ago we got some decent snow (I'd say 6-8 inches) so, of course, the kids wanted to go out and play in it. It was the first real snow of the season (which is CRAZY, but fine, I'm not complaining), so I got them all bundled up and sent them outside with Dan. They had a great time making snow angels and getting tossed into the huge piles of snow!

Dan and Jack making a plan of attack!

Dan showing Ellie how to make a snow angel.

Traipsing through the snow.

Clap, clap, clap!!

Dan made the kids snowballs to throw into the street.

Ellie catching some snow on her tongue.

Making a snow angel of her own.

Jack-Jack's turn.

All together now!

Helping Daddy shovel. Reminded me of this...

Getting tossed into a huge pile of snow!

Ready? Go!

Ha ha ha ha!!

Of course it was Jack's turn next.

Soft landing!

King and Queen of their own domain.

Dan got himself in a little too deep.

Relaxing.

Yum! Warming up with hot chocolate is ALMOST the best part!

Chocolate mess!

Gator Bowl

On January 2nd we got the opportunity to go to the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL. It would have been really great except that my two LEAST favorite college football teams were playing in the game. As a result I don't think I watched one complete down of football, but that didn't matter I had a great time anyway - I think we all did. It ended up being a really fun way to spend a day as a family.

Before the game we "tailgated" and ate some brunch and the adults had a few beverages. The kids mostly ran around and played catch and tag. It was good for them to burn off some steam before going into the game to sit for a few hours.

Momma and Ellie before the game.

Pops and Lily (Lils wasn't feeling her best that day, but she was a trooper).

Jack Jack before the game.

Ells spending a moment being grumpy. Ahhh...the life of a three year old. So many moments, so many moods.

Jack Jack (looking really tired - he did end up sleeping through part of the game) wearing a dinosaur hat that looks shockingly like a Gator (boo...).

Kara and Lily cheering for the Florida Gators.

Me and my love, Dan. I can't believe I wore a Broncos hat, but it was either that or extreme sunburn.

Beautiful Tia Tessa.

My little Ellie Bellie.

A good one of Momo and Pops!

Visit to the Jacksonville Zoo!

Another fun day during our trip to Jacksonville was the day we took the kids to the Jacksonville Zoo. We don't have a zoo here in State College, so my kids LOVE going to see the animals any time they have the chance.

The girls (sorta) patiently waiting for the adults so that we could go into the zoo.

Lily, Kadence and Momo see something cool up there!

Lily and Jack looking at the animals.

Lily checking out the elephants.

Jack Jack liked the water animals.

Tia Tess and Dean even came with us. He had a great time and was such a good boy the whole day!

Momo and Jack sharing some special time.

In the middle of the zoo there was this cool climbing rock that the kids spent a few minutes burning some energy running around and climbing up.

Lily running around the rock.

Ellie and Kade made it to the top! BFFs forever!

Kara and Lils - cute as can be!

Oh those lips! Such a cutie! I can't take it!

Ellie and Momo checking out some water animals.

Jack Jack liked the BIG SNAKES!

Aww...looking at something together.

The best one I could get of all four kids by the fountain.

Kadence on the carousel horse.

Ellie and Jack on the horse.

Pretty Lily on the carousel horse.


A few of the animals we saw that day: