Zoo

On Labor Day, we took a trip to the Blank Park Zoo.  This summer, we had won some free passes, but we never got a chance to go over the summer.  So, we decided Labor Day would be the perfect opportunity.  Well, it seems that the whole city of Des Moines felt that same way.  The place was PACKED!  We had to park in the overflow of the overflow parking!!  I have never really been a big fan of zoos, and I think Payton takes after me in that regard.  I took her once when she was just a year old.  We went with some friends, and she pretty much slept through most of it.  So, I was really excited for this trip because I thought she would have a blast now that she's older.  I was wrong.  Apparently zoos just aren't her thing.  She did get excited seeing the monkeys, and she did feed the giraffes.  (Although we pretty much forced her.)  Despite her lack of enthuisiasm at the zoo, it still was a nice family day.  On our way to Des Moines, we stopped in Newton to visit my friend Sara's newborn baby, Trey Michael.  What a cutie! 

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

I took the title of this blog post straight from the Alan Jackson song.  I remember exactly where I was that morning.  I was a sophomore at William Penn University, and my roommate and I had gone up to the cafeteria for breakfast.  Once we entered the cafeteria, I remember seeing lots of people in tears.  We weren't sure what was going on, but quickly learned that two planes had hit the Twin Towers.  We went back to our rooms to watch the coverage on tv and just sat in disbelief.  How could something like this happen?   


We take time today on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 to remember all those who lost their lives that day and all those who fight for ours today.

Tailgate fun

Last weekend Chad and I went to Ames for the UNI/Iowa State game.  We went early to tailgate at Dolly.  Dolly is the RV that my friend Kristy and her family use for the ISU games.  Jess, Keith, and the boys joined us for some tailgating as well.  The weather was pretty crappy, but we still had a good time.  The game was a close one....I really thought UNI would pull it off, but they came up short. 

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Well, our summer is officially over and school is  back in session.  We made it through our first week back.  I have a nice group of 2nd graders.  It is my biggest class yet with 25 students.  Chad is enjoying his classes and his cross country kids.  Middle school cross country practice started last Thursday.  Payton is doing great back at daycare!  I think she really missed her friends and Karla.  My goal is to keep up with this blog, but you all know how that goes.  I was doing really well posting over the summer, but now that I'm back at work, who knows.  Here's to a great school year!

To the Birthday Girl

Dear Payton,
We can't believe you are two already!  Where does the time go?  You fill our lives with so much joy and we are so lucky to be your parents!  You are constantly making us laugh.  Your new-found obsession with our keys and cell phones is quite amusing.  Keys:  You don't quite understand that we need the keys to get into the house and start the car.  When we take them from you, you get a little very angry.  Phones:  You like to pretend that almost any object is a phone and you put it up to your ear and start chatting away. 
You are definitely finding your independence and like to do lots of things on your own.  We have started doing "time-outs" when you are acting naughty, but those don't seem to be working effectively.  When you start acting up and we ask you if you want to sit in time-out, your reply is "Yeah."  So...we might need to look at a new approach to the time-out situation.  :)
Your appetite continues to be great, and I am still amazed at how one can eat as much as you do and still remain in the 5th-10th percentile for weight.  Can you share your tips with me?  :)  You eat almost anything we set on your plate, but your favorite is definitely fruit.  You love all kinds: bananas, strawberries, grapes, watermelon, canteloupe...you name it! 

You continue to have Papa wrapped around your finger.  When Papa is in the room, you want nothing to do with anyone other than him.  You are his little princess.  I love watching your bond with him. 

You have enjoyed being home with Mommy and Daddy over the summer, but I think you are ready to get back to Karla and all  your friends at daycare.  

You were doing really well with using the potty, going every morning and after nap.  We kind of got out of the habit this summer though.  When school starts back up, we hope to really work on the potty training. 

We love you so much and are so blessed.  Happy 2nd birthday, sweet pea!  We love you to the moon and back!

xoxo  Mommy and Daddy

2nd Birthday Party Fun

Yesterday was Payton's 2nd birthday. We held a zebra-themed party at our house last evening. The birthday girl sure loved seeing everyone and is enjoying all her presents. Thank you to all who made her special day so memorable!

Happy Heavenly Birthday

Sending birthday wishes to Chad's dad in heaven. Today would have been his 60th birthday. It makes me sad that Payton never got to meet her Grandpa Pietig, but we know he is watching over her. We love and miss you Gary!