Mohr's wedding

A couple of snapshots from friends Jason and Heather Mohr's wedding. That group shot is the entire Simpson crew from our senior year, plus honorary member Garret Hulse. Sorry guys, didn't mean to ruin the 'no jackets' pic. That's Hank photo bombing the happy couple.

Snack time

Some pics of Avery enjoying 'nummies' this summer. It can get messy.

Jasper's first trip to Kinnick Stadium

Last year Jasper asked if we could go to an Iowa Hawkeyes football game, but I thought he was a little too young to enjoy himself. I bought us a pair of tickets this year for the Sept. 7 game against Missouri State. We had a blast, especially since friends Garrett and Luca Hulse joined us. We tailgated near Carver Hawkeye Arena, so he made his way down to the court.

Snapshots

Just a couple of quick iphone snapshots of the kids - Avery, Sydney and Jasper - at a family wedding a few weeks ago in Norwalk.

Starting AWANA at Bondurant Federated Church

Jasper joined AWANA at Bondurant Federated Church and is really enjoying himself. He's learning a lot and has already earned a couple of badges for his sharp-looking red vest. I spent last week with him during 'Dad's night,' during which we learned, sang a couple of songs and performed activities including 'roll the egg with your nose.'

Weekend in Minneapolis

Went to Minneapolis with a big crew for Matt Hemphill's bachelor party. The weekend included an Indians-Twins game at Target Field and a chilly/wet tailgate before the Iowa-Minnesota football game. Also a few stops at some restaurants/bars. That's all. I swear. That's Jared Gillespie with his attention squarely on some football game on TV.

Ring 'bear'

Jasper was lucky enough to be asked to be a ring bearer (or 'ring bear' as he says) for our friends Matt Hemphill and Amy Latham's wedding on Oct. 12 in West Des Moines. He got gussied up in a tux - complete with a bow tie and cumberbun - and did a great job walking down the aisle.

We saved him a seat but he ended up sitting up front, next to Matt's parents Ray and Donna. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony, with beautiful, and a fun reception. Jasper was pretty smitten with the flower girls, and made sure to find them on the dance floor, where he spent all night.