August 15th

Today we took Zach to the fair.  We had a GREAT time.  Highlights include: Little Hands on the Farm, BMX show, motorcycle carnival ride, goats, sitting on every tractor available, milking a cow, riding a horse, and butterflies.  Zach dressed & accessorized himself this morning.  The boy is creative, haha.

August 14th

Tonight Chris and I had date night at the Iowa State Fair!  We had to visit our brick in front of the Ye Old Mill we received as a wedding present.  It's still looking good after almost 7 years (kind of like us!).

August 13th

Monday was "Meet the teacher night" in Ankeny.  Zach's teacher is Mrs. Megan (pronounced Meee-gan which is hard for 3 year olds!).  Zach was so excited when he saw his preschool room.  He walked in and started playing like he owned the place.  In the library he saw a Spiderman book, an Ironman book, and a Scooby Doo book.  He got so excited he almost exploded.  If you notice in all of the pictures I took, he is looking around checking the place out.  I think he is going to LOVE this new adventure.

August 12th

This weekend Tony's girlfriend Danica is in town.  Zach is quite enamored with her and gets so shy and nervous when she is around.  I must admit, I am sort of happy he is awkward around girls.  One less thing to worry about for awhile!

August 11th

Saturday night we headed to Ashton Park to take some pictures of Zach to celebrate him starting Preschool.  I will share them next week.  He picked up sticks for "camping" and tried to climb some trees.  We then headed to the farm to drive 4-wheelers.  Zach gave Uncle David's corn 2 thumbs up!

August 8th

Sometimes it is hard to tell which is the child and which is the adult!

August 7th

Tonight we headed out to Target with Zach's school supply list in hand.  In a few weeks he will start Preschool at an Ankeny elementary school.  He will go Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:15-10:45.  His supply list was LONG!  Along with a bunch of other things, they need 8 glue sticks and 2 bottles of glue!  That is a lot of glue for a 3 year old.  I can't wait to see what masterpieces he brings home!  The fridge is cleared and ready.

 

August 6th

You are never too old (or young) to play Super Heroes!

August 4th

My little Hipster-in-training

August 3rd

It amazes me how kids go through phases with toys.  Zach will play with something everyday for 2 weeks, and then not again for 3 months.  He recently began re-playing with a dirt bike toy you can launch across the room.  Seeing my boys work together to create a jump while watching the Olympics made for a perfect Friday night!

August 2nd

Wednesday night after we went to Night Glow, Zach said he wanted to see the balloons go up.  Since it wasn't an option that night, we came back Thursday to watch the flight.  We stopped at McDonald's and got food and snacks and had a picnic in the middle of the flight field.  The weather was beautiful and the balloons didn't disappoint!

August 1st

Wednesday night we headed out to Indianola for the Balloon Fest Night Glow.  Zach loved the bright colors and the fair-like atmosphere.  I could watch hot air balloons all day!

July 31st

If you are lucky enough to be loved by this Little Man, then you are lucky enough!

July 29th

Chris worked really hard to make sure I had a great birthday with lots of distractions.  The day started with presents and a pre-breakfast snack in bed.  We met my parents at Mullets for brunch and walked around Principal Park & the river.  Chris, Zach, & I went shopping and had a family nap, and finished the night off with dinner at Outback.  I am beyond blessed to have Chris as my life partner.  I can't wait to see what my 32nd year will have in store for us!

July 28th

Saturday was packet pickup day for the Lil Cyclone Club.  It was at Perfect Games in Ames, and Zach had a great time playing the games and seeing Cy.

July 28th

Saturday was a hard day for our family.  Chris & I spent 4 hours in the ER.  After 6 vials of blood, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound we were told I was having a miscarriage.

We found out I was 5 weeks pregnant on July 17th.  We were thrilled and shocked.  It was our first medicated cycle with fertility drugs.  With Zach it took over 2 years and 12 medicated cycles so we assumed it would take awhile again.  We had shared our happy news with my parents and Chris' parents but were waiting to tell everyone else until after August 14th when we would first see the heartbeat.  We started dreaming about our new baby due in March and planning our life as a family of 4.

We are choosing to think of the miscarriage as a blessing.  God was protecting us from more pain later.  At least it was early in the pregnancy (I was almost 7 weeks) and my body seems to be taking care of it instead of requiring surgery.

We really debated about sharing this on the blog, but the truth is we need all of the love and support we can get.  We are heartbroken and fragile at the moment, but feel so blessed to have each other.  This pregnancy ended in a tragic way, but there will be another pregnancy with a miraculous outcome in our future.  Please send prayers and happy thoughts our way.  We love and need you all!

July 27th

How lucky am I that I get to spend my birthday weekend with this handsome devil and his gorgeous daddy!  Happy Friday!

July 21st

Saturday we celebrated Memphis' 1st birthday.  Wow how time flies!  He is such a cute happy little man!

July 19th

Who needs clothes (or a smile) when you are this cute?

July 17th

The love I have for this little guy still takes my breath away.  I can't even remember life before him.  I loved Chris before, but when Zach made us a true family life changed forever in an instant.  I love deeper, I appreciate more, and I fear less.  There is something about looking into the eyes of an innocent 3 year old to be reminded it's all going to be ok because no matter what, there will always be plenty of love.  Thank you Zach Palmer for constantly showing me how great life is when you are surrounded by love.

July 15th

We went to the Luthi Family Reunion on Sunday in Melbourne.  Zach had a great time swimming and flirting with Kate & Jenna.  The boy cannot resist a pretty girl in a bikini!

July 14th

Saturday we celebrated Noah's 7th birthday at Randy & Jenny's house.  I still can't believe he is that old!  We had a good time grilling out while the kids played in the baby pool, sprinkler, and had a water balloon fight.  Happy birthday early Noah Matthew!

July 13th

What is it with little boys that they think underwear on their head is so hilarious?

July 12th

Zach has been obsessed with swimming lately.  When we saw this Spiderman with flippers & oxygen tank on clearance at TJ Maxx it was a perfect fit!  Zach was so anxious to see him swim, we made our own swimming pool out of a bowl for Spiderman!

July 11th

Zach "accessorized" himself this morning.  He is something else! 

• Eye-Hawk (Zach's name for the Avenger Hawkeye) arm tattoo
• Spiderman watch
• Superman/Clark Kent glasses from Halloween
• Captain America Anklet

July 9th

When Craig was in Chicago the weekend before the 4th, he went to a Cubs game.  He brought back Cubbie wristbands for Zach.  He hasn't taken them off since he got them, even sleeping in them!  Thanks Papa, he LOVES those wristbands!