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.

September 8th

Saturday we headed to Mimi & Papa's to watch the ISU/Iowa football game.  It wasn't pretty to watch, but a win is a win!  We had a great time cheering for the Cyclones and enjoying the most impressive game day food spread to date.  Although the football teams didn't bring their A games, the Palmers/Huntrods did!

...this is what a 3 year old who didn't nap all day because he was worried he would miss the excitement looks like by 6pm...

September 7th

Friday night we went to Claxton's in Altoona to celebrate Papa H's birthday.  Zach had my little camera and took lots of interesting pictures.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  I hope you had a special day!

September 4th

Zach is playing Fall Wee Ball in Altoona and Tuesday night was his first practice.  There are only 6 or 7 kids on his team and no coach.  The parents take turn helping, so it will be quite interesting!  His games are at Lions Park in Altoona at 5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in September...no Saturdays because of football season.

Tuesday, Sept 11th at 5:30pm
Thursday, Sept 13th at 5:30pm
Tuesday, Sept 18th at 5:30pm
Thursday, Sept 20th at 5:30pm
Tuesday, Sept 25th at 5:30pm
Thursday, Sept 27th at 5:30pm

September 3rd

Happy Labor Day!  We spent a beautiful morning at Lake Red Rock just hanging out and playing in the sand.  I love laid back family days!

September 2nd

Sunday Chris worked at the Hy-Vee Triathlon.  Zach and I had a quiet morning at home making this big fort, which we later decided was a castle.  It's amazing the games you can come up with if you are tired and just want to lay around!

September 1st

This year we got season tickets to the ISU football games.  We had a great time Saturday cheering the Cyclones on to victory over Tulsa!  Zach loved tailgating (eating his brownies!) with Mimi & Papa and the bounce house and face painting with the Lil' Cyclone Club.  Go State!