THE BENCH

(I just reread my St. Olaf post from last year at this time while searching for a photo of Baby J on The Bench in 2014.  This little guy's birthday will always be a meaningful date for me.  Other than the kids being one year older, and this now being our second time visiting Ms. Sara's bench with the kids, my comments are exactly the same:)

We started a new tradition today: A fall visit to St. Olaf College with the whole family.  I've wanted to make the short trek to Northfield for awhile now for the following reasons:

1) To take in the beauty of the campus this time of year

2) To visit Miss Sara's bench- a bittersweet place to reflect on the circle of life

3) To give the kids an idea of what a college is

4) To satisfy my craving for Hogan Brothers

Our visit was a success (though trying to capture one decent photo of all three was challenging!).  Miss Sara's bench seemed to be glowing with Heaven beams.  She was with us, for sure.  

I really do not care which college the kids choose later on (at least that's our thought now!), but after tonight's visit to St. Olaf (I'll need to teach them it's called St. O-Luff instead of St. O-Laugh, thanks to the lead role on Frozen), I think they are brain washed.  JP and AA thought the campus was just the coolest ever.  

And maybe they are right.

2014:

2015: