{Grandma Rides the Zamboni}

Yesterday was a big day for my Grandmother. She checked off one of the items on her bucket list: riding the Zamboni at a hockey game. 

The whole family came along to support her and watch the Kalamazoo Wings play. We had killer front row seats, which ended up being perfect for waving to Grandma as she flew by on the Zamboni. During her ride, the crowd cheered, waved, and sang her the birthday song lead by the announcer man. She had a full five minutes of fame and a free T-shirt to go along with it. 

Happy 80th birthday to MaryEllen Burdick :)

{Ameriquest}

This is going to happen to Jordan someday. 

We watched about six of these awkward moment Ameriquest commercials on Youtube. So funny and uncomfortable at the same time. You should check out the rest of them here

{Cory and Marie}

Our friends Marie and Cory are engaged! They are two of the most beautiful, creative, and godly people I know. Marie has been my friend since High School, and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. Marie is one of those truly unforgettable people. She challenges, inspires, and loves people in ways no one else does. Marie and Cory together are a couple seeking the Lord above all else. I cherish them, I look up to them, and I am so excited for what they will do together through their marriage. 

If you want to see what I'm talking about, just watch this video. It's probably the cutest thing I have ever seen. If you want to support them or learn more about their story or hear more of their music, go HERE.  If you want to see more of cory's awesome videography, you can watch our wedding videos, or visit his website. 

{marcel the shell with shoes on, two}

Marcel is my favorite character. She's a cute little shell with cute little pink shoes. She makes me and my friends laugh out loud until we cry. We quoted her last year almost everyday after her first video. 

And now she has another one. please, you need to crank up the volume and listen closely, she has a soft voice :) 

"treats and snoozin, snoozin and treats." I love that line. 

Thank you Emilie for sharing this video, I doubt I would have found it on my own. 

{Carl Pendle's Foraging Wild Mushrooms}

Here is a bit of inspiration to start out your new week. A short film about chef Nik Westacott and his love for mushrooms, by Carl Pendle shot with his Canon 5D. I hope this makes you as happy as it made me.

beautiful right? And what a unique hobby! I want to cook in the woods. That should be added to the fall checklist.

Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes has a new album coming out! yay! Helplessness Blues will be released this Tuesday, but you can listen to this song and then go download it for free right here.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (not the video) from Sub Pop Records on Vimeo.

Save the Date

Jordan and I decided that we wanted to get creative for our save-the-dates (plus we wanted to save money).

We thought about our options and realized there are too many choices these days for wedding goodies. I was getting overwhelmed until I realized how fun and easy a video would be, especially a stop-motion, which I had done before with my girlfriends.

It took us roughly an entire day to make our video. Now just in case you aren't familiar with stop motion, I'll let you know that the entire thing is made from pictures. Yes, still images. And that is why it takes so so so long to create.

We used the chalkboard in Jordan's parents' basement, and from there the inspiration was flooding in. Jordan was such a help, in fact I think he has found a new hobby. The best part was the feeling of accomplishment after we watched the final version of all our hard work. ahhhh.

So here it is....

Jordan and Alli Save the Date from allison dowell on Vimeo.

We sure do hope our guests enjoyed receiving this little package in their inboxes.

Another adorable video

I found this on Rockstar Diaries. I was fascinated by it. I don't really know why. It's just really cute.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

My friend Tiffany is getting married today! This is my first time being a bridesmaid. I can't wait to see her ceremony up close and personal. Hopefully I don't cry too much.

(I will be posting pictures later)

Enjoy your weekend!