September 30th

Sunday we went to Greenwood Park behind the Art Center for family pictures.  Zach also had a "homework assignment" of filling a large baggie with sign of Fall.  We had fun collecting pine cones, acorns, berries, and the brightest colored leaves we could find.  It was a beautiful day to be outside!

September 29th

Saturday was another beautiful Fall day for football.  The weather was perfect and we even got to see the moon rise over the stadium.  Zach had fun dancing with the Pom Squad and posing for silly pictures.  Even though the game didn't end with a victory, we had fun!  Go State!

September 27th

I feel so blessed Zach has such amazing male role models in his life.  Both of his Papas and his Daddy are such strong, loving, incredible men.  Today Papa P has surgery to remove a growth on his thyroid.  He has handled everything with such grace and strength.  Here is hoping to a fast, relatively painfree, recovery to one of the best men (and dads and Papas) we know!  We are praying for you!

September 26th

Every year Chris and Zach look forward to going out to the farm to "help" with harvest.  They are both farm boys at heart.  Wednesday night we had fun driving tractors, riding in combines, and playing outside.  The weather was perfect and there was a beautiful sunset.  I LOVE living in Iowa and am so thankful we have a family farm to enjoy.

September 24th

Zach had another baseball game tonight.  He had a blast and loved Daddy coaching 2nd base and Mommy on 3rd.  After the game, we went to Grandma & Papa's to celebrate Randy's birthday.  The boys had fun riding scooters and playing outside.  I love this weather!

September 23rd

About a month ago Chris' company got word that their corporate office in OH had decided to consolidate call centers.  This meant 5 girls in his office were given notice that as of Oct 5th, they no longer have jobs.  Most of them had worked there for 10+ years.  His company had always been like a little family so it was quite the change.  Sunday they organized a company picnic to say goodbye.  When I first met Chris, all of the company functions were at a bar, which was quite ironic since they work for a breathalyzer company.  Now all of the outings are at parks since everyone has a few kids.  The group sure has grown.  It was a beautiful Fall day and lots of memories were shared.  Deb, Amy, Alyssa, Paula, & Desi will be missed.

September 22nd

Saturday was the Central Iowa Airhead BMW Campout at Nations Bridge Park in Stuart.  Zach and I visited Chris Saturday and did some exploring of the park with Grandma.  Craig smoked pork loin and we had a great supper.  Chris and Zach roasted marshmallows and made Smores.  Zach decided he liked the marshmallows "not in the fire" better.  Fun was had by all!

September 20th

Today was Opposite Day at school for Homecoming.  Kids were to dress formal like teachers, and teachers were to dress like kids.  Meet Professor Palmer.

September 17th

Last week we got an email from Mrs.Megan that said they would really like the preschoolers to dress-up this week for Homecoming with the rest of the elementary school.  The dress-up days aren't quite the same as I remember from school.  Today was Fashion Disaster Day.  I think we nailed it.  Zach thought wearing 2 different shoes was hilarious.

September 15th

Saturday we headed to Ames for another ISU football game.  It didn't start until 7, so we had a fun few hours of tailgating with Mimi, Kyle, & Amber.  They didn't get season tickets so they just come for the pre-game fun.  Papa was home sick.

Night games are my absolute favorite.  The stadium is lit up so pretty and the air is cool and crisp.  It just feels like football to me.  The Lil' Cyclone Club got to go onto the field and make a tunnel for the team to run out of before the game.  Chris and Zach had a lot of fun and I took a ton of pictures.  I added arrows to a few pictures to help you find them.  They are the ones dressed in cardinal!  :)

Tailgating

My boys all lined up.  Chris said Zach yelled to some of the players of the other team "Have a good game!"  Such good sportmanship!

 

Zach danced on Chris' shoulders while the band played.  Adorable.

September 11th

Tuesday was Zach's first Fall Wee Ball game.  He had the biggest cheering section there!  3 year olds slapping hands after the game is the most adorable thing ever!

September 10th

Ever since Zach started Preschool, he has become more and more independent.  He doesn't want help with anything.  While this has been frustrating at times, watching him blossom and his confidence soar has been amazing.  Monday night he came home from Karen's and told us he wanted to ride a bike without training wheels.  Chris and I were surprised but decided to let him try.  He can ride the whole length of the sidewalk in front of our house by himself.  And before you say anything...yes...we know he should have a bike helmet on.  We were totally unprepared for this!

September 9th

The CAPOOT (Collins Area People On Old Tractors) Tractor Ride is one of Chris' favorite days of the year.  The ride this year didn't disappoint, but was a tad dusty.  Zach got to ride into town with Chris and partway back to Great Grandma's.  After the dinner in Collins, we headed to the farm to see lambs & ride vroom vrooms!  Both of my boys were in heaven.