Ben's a REAL dad now!

We were out at a benefit auction last weekend, and Ben couldn't figure out why Ellen was lauging so hard as she took his picture. Check out his left hand, and you'll see why.

Grandma, the seamstress

Making a Halloween costume for Miles.
Check back after Halloween to see him all dressed up.

More photos from Lauren's time here

At T-Bocks for Lauren's favorite burger in the world.














Lauren, Signe, Ellen, and Rachel spent the day at the Mall of America before Lauren and Signe went to the airport. Still totally crazy there.

Fun with cameras

Playing around with Lauren and Ellen, who are both photographically obsessed.
























Trying to get Mac to press the button on the camera remote for Lauren's self- portrait.

Lauren's last day in the Twin Cities

At Macalester College.


















Getting one last shot of Miles.












Bye!

The Lyle movie

Our little friend Olivia watching the Lyle movie out the back door. Complete with popcorn in her hands.

Autumn in Decorah

It's getting to be that time of year again. Ellen has taken some gorgeous pictures around here lately. Check these out.

Hard to believe that this is comfortable

And thanks to Aunt Lauren for the thingy. Mac still doesn't react a whole lot to toys, but he does like this one. And so do we.

a comparison of knees

Ellen made this, to show the difference from day two to month two. The bottom picture doesn't even do justice to Miles' chubby thighs.

new red socks

It's getting too cold to spend any time without clothes on. But doesn't he look cute like this?

two months old

Ellen took these photos of Mac on his two month birthday. The biggest change lately is that he's turned into a smiler. So much fun to interact with him in that new way -- lauging and smiling with each other.

Senator Tom Harkin

Tom Harkin has been a senator in Iowa for as long as Rachel can remember. He's running for reelection this year, although nobody around here can quite remember his opponent's name. He came to Decorah for a dessert get-together a couple of weeks ago.
Pretty big crowd for a small town.

Aunt Lauren's visit

Lauren came to Iowa for her 20th high school reunion. Her Norwegian host sister, Signe, also came for the reunion.
Lauren and Miles meeting for the first time.

The new trick

We've learned that this position will make a baby happy when nothing else will.

It's beginning to feel like autumn

Miles all ready for his morning walk. Lots of blankets -- from our friends Jan, Pat, and G.G. (Great Grandma Phinney). Thanks for helping to keep our little guy comfy and warm.

Miles and Cassie get acquainted

Cassie still mostly ignores the baby, but she likes to be close when we sit down. She's learned to put up with a crying baby if she gets to be near us on the couch.