June 22nd

Saturday was Collins Days and it did not disappoint.  The weather was HOT but we enjoyed the parade, petting zoo, bounce house, lunch, and hanging out with family.  I am proud to say Zach is the 2013 Collins Days 4-5 year old Tractor Pull Champion!  He had a full pull and had a lot of fun and won $3.  He was pretty darn happy!

Check out our Collins Days adventures from 2012 & 2011 here:
2012
2011

June 21st

Friday afternoon I ditched work a little early to pick Zach up from Karen's.  I surprised him with a Monsters University t-shirt and took him to the 3D movie in Ankeny.  Mimi met us and he LOVED it.  Listening to him giggle and squeal was my favorite part.  I had also picked up a Mike Wazowski (character from the movie) figure for him that he was super excited about.  After the movie we headed to Noodle Zoo for supper.  It was the perfect Friday night with my little monster...and Mimi too!

June 20th

A good dad is like your favorite underwear.
He doesn't hold on too tight, but never leaves you hanging!
(saying in the Father's Day card we gave Chris this year)

I know it goes without saying but I absolutely LOVE these two boys.  Everyday is an adventure filled with hugs & kisses & endless love.

June 19th

Wednesday after work we went on a walk/bike ride to the park in our neighborhood.  We have been coming here for years with Zach and this summer he doesn't need any help on any of the obstacles.  That broke my heart a little.

June 18th

Tuesday night after work we stopped at Craig & Peggy's for a little family swimming before supper.  Zach loves to jump in over someone's head.  Next week he starts his first official swimming lessons.

June 16th

We had an amazing Father's Day filled with family.  We had Mimi & Papa and Kyle & Amber over for burgers & brats on the deck for lunch.  Zach worked so hard writing names on the cards and picked out special TMNT wrapping paper.

We headed to Grandma & Papa's for swimming & grilled chicken in the evening.  Zach fell in love with their pool and even asked if he could hug the gate to the pool because he was so happy.  I expect we will be spending lots of time in the water this summer.

Zach and Chris spent a few special moments laying the hammock before bed.  It truly melts me watching them together.

Happy Father's Day Chris, Dan, & Craig!  We are SO blessed to have you in our lives!

June 10th

Monday was a dramtic night at our house.  While mowing, Tony ran over a family of baby bunnies; 2 went to bunny heaven and 3 survived.   Tony & Zach "rescued" 2 of them and named them Bugs & 21.  They were convinced they were going to keep and raise them but we ended up releasing them Tuesday morning.  I guess Tony had a traumatic incident with a grasshopper as a kid and was FREAKED to touch the bunny.  Zach picked them up like it was no big deal.  We helped Tony conquer his fear (but not without making fun of him for being a scaredy cat first!).

 

 

June 9th

Sunday Grandma Palmer got to leave the nursing home for a few hours and enjoy lunch at the legion with family & friends.  Everyone clapped when she walked in and made her feel like a rock star.  I finally got the 4 generation picture I wanted.  After lunch we headed to Bass Pro for their summer camp weekend.  Zach got to fish although they weren't biting.  Maybe next time!

June 8th

With Chris still out of town, Zach & I headed to the lake with Mimi & Papa and Kyle & Amber Saturday morning.  Althought it doesn't look like it, the weather was beautiful.  Zach and Kyle came up with their own special handshake (french fries, pound, & slap).  We keep waiting for the water to warm up enough to swim but it just isn't happening.  Maybe July will be warmer!

June 7th

Friday night Chris headed to Amana for a quick 24 hour motorcycle ralley.  When he is out of town, Zach and I try to plan special dates.  Zach couldn't decide where he wanted to go, so we decided to have a picnic at the pond near our house.  I picked up a salad from Palmer's Deli and Zach got a kid's meal from Wendy's.  We brought our blanket and watched the geese and enjoyed the sunshine.  It was the best (and cheapest!) date ever!

June 6th

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong.
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

(Anyone else remember that from Sesame Street?!)

June 4th

My peonies are blooming and they are beautiful (minus the ants)!  Zach felt the need to photobomb my picture.

June 3rd

Monday Pioneer had a Core Values event which was open to employees & their families.  It included lunch, ice cream, & lots of free Pioneer stuff.  If that wasn't enticing enough, if I went I got the afternoon off!  Needless to say I went.  I picked up Zach and brought him and Chris met us on his lunch hour.  There were inflatables and games and the fire & police departments were there.  We watched a demonstration about search & rescue dogs and ate free food.  It was SUPER crowded but we still had a blast.  One of Zach's favorite friends from preschool (Topher) happened to be there with his family too so that added to the fun. 

Zach and I headed to Union Park to ride the carousel in the afternoon but it is closed on Mondays so we just played on the equipment.  My brave boy conquered his fear of the VERY high rocket slide while I hyperventilated down below watching!

June 1st

This morning we headed out early (7:15am!) to the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market.  We had a great time buying breakfast, produce, and all sorts of snacks.  Zach's highlights were his Viking hat & sword the balloon man made and riding the train.