June 28th - Afternoon

After we left Collins Days, we headed to Ankeny for Zach's tee ball game.  He got to be the catcher and looked pretty grown up in the equipment.  Later that night we went to Bass Pro Shops who happened to be having a bunch of outdoor activities the boys had fun trying.

June 28th

Saturday, June 28th was Collins Days.  We had a great time at the breakfast, parade, petting zoo, lunch, and other activities.  We had to leave before the kids pedal tractor pull for Zach's baseball game so he couldn't defend his title.

Check out previous years here:
2013
2012
2011

June 21st

Today only 3 kids initially showed up for Zach's tee ball game...and no coaches.  Another kiddo showed up in the first inning so we ended up with 4.  My dad graciously offered to help coach with a couple other dads.  This pic is after Zach's hit.  He finds it hilarious to throw his bat down after he hits the ball.  I think it is about time for the season to be over.  The 4 & 5 year olds are losing interest quickly!  It was fun to watch my dad relive his old coaching days though!

June 20th

All week from 1-3:30 Zach has attended Safety Town at one of the Ankeny elementary schools.  It is a program for kids going into kindergarten to learn about safety.  They rode bikes, visited the fire station, met the crash test dummies, rode a school bus, and learned about stranger danger, gun safety, poison, emergencies, boat safety, car safety and everything else under the sun.  Today they had a little graduation ceremony for the class.  Zach had a great time and learned a ton!

June 18th

Zach & Chris headed to the dentist at 7:30am this morning.  They were back home by 8.  I couldn't believe how brave Zach was.  He never even shed a tear and swears it didn't hurt a bit.  The baby teeth still had their roots attached, so no wonder we couldn't wiggle those suckers out!  Zach was really excited to put his teeth in his little doggy pillow and wait for the tooth fairy to come tonight.

June 17th

A couple of months ago Zach's bottom front permanent teeth started coming in.  The problem was they were behind his baby teeth.  We took him to the dentist for x-rays and they gave us until tomorrow to try and wiggle them out or they would have to pull the baby teeth.  I had to take a picture of all his baby teeth before the big appointment.  My baby is no longer a baby!

June 15th

We had a great Father's Day.  We met my family at Jethro's for lunch and grilled out at the Palmer's for dinner.  The boys enjoyed some special Dad & Lad swimming at Craig & Peggy's before we ate.  Watching these two together is a highlight of any day for me.

Chris,
Thanks for being such an awesome daddy.  I can't wait for next year's Father's Day to watch you with our little girl & our big boy.  We are so lucky to have you!

June 8th

This weekend we slowly started working on the nursery.  Zach moved to the room that was a playroom and "Jazzy" (Zach's current name for the new baby girl) will be in Zach's old room.  This weekend we painted the walls a soft gray.  I added white stripes to the wall with the windows.  I couldn't find any bedding that I loved so my mom made some curtains and will make a bed skirt.  I thought girl shopping would be so much more fun than boys...but it turns out I don't like too much pink, most pastels, sparkles/glitter, rhinestones, or too much fluff.  Who would have thought?!?

June 7th

Saturday Zach's tee ball game was rained out so we met my parents at Bass Pro Shop for some adventure (Chris was at a motorcycle rally in Amana).  Zach tried his hand at fishing again, this time with Papa, and caught another bluegill!  I wish fishing was always this easy!

June 6th

Friday kicked off the Free Fishing Weekend in Iowa.  We met my mom at the DMACC pond at 7am to try our luck.  Van & Bonnie were broadcasting from the gazebo & workers from Scheel's were there with fishing poles & bait for the kids.  Zach caught his first fish...a little bluegill.  He was so proud of himself!  It was adorable to watch.

June 2nd

Karen was off on Monday for her birthday.  Craig was going to watch Zach but he ended up with the flu so Zach got to spend the morning at Chris' work with him, and the afternoon with me.  I decided not to let this "bonus time" go to waste so we headed to one of the Ankeny aquatic centers.  It was a BEAUTIFUL summer day.  We floated in the lazy river for hours, practiced jumping in the big pool, and Z played in the kids area while I chatted with other moms.  He instructed me to stand at the bottom of the slide and take picture after picture.  He is definitely my water baby!  Here's to more summer bonus adventures!