As soon as we arrived Christopher was waiting for Tyler to play football with him.
Christopher, Tyler, Chloe, and Scott before heading off to the game.

This morning we headed to Ames to watch the final Big 12 showdown between ISU and NE. Tyler brought his friend Scott along who was the only NE fan in the group. He was also the only one smiling at the end of a really good game. It was so fun to see everyone. Thanks to Rich for another great party and Andrea for her ticket.

Today I attended a Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa conference at the Scheman building on the campus of Iowa State. The luncheon was an opportunity to recognize a volunteer that goes above and beyond in our hospice program. We chose Denise Huskamp. She is one of the 18 reasons I absolutely love my new position! While gone, Tyler had "el dia de los murtos" to prepare for in Spanish class. Steve and him did a fabulous job of getting everything taken care of and the celebration turned out exquisite. Tyler said by far their "ofrenda" was the best in presentation.....even though I wasn't around to help this morning there wasn't a doubt in my mind it would turn out anything less than fabulous.

Chloe catching up on her snuggle time with Tyler at the end of the night.
Birthday weekend was a blast!!! We headed to Ankeny to celebrate Chloe (2nd) and Grandpa's (58) birthdays. We had a fantastic weekend spending it with our family. Food, fun, and an ISU victory over Texas. What more could you ask for?

Our cousin,Zach, came over from the Heelan side. He offered his condolences and chatted with Tyler for part of the game.
Tyler rode with Scott and Charlie to Sioux City for the last football game of the season. With the help of Tyler's GPS on his phone they made it to the field on time and safe:)

Tradition has it that after every football game we eat out with the Krier's. We've had a blast all season long going out with them. Here is Tyler with their sons Aaron and Anthony.

Tyler holding his nephew, Ah'trell.

Today we went to Omaha to visit Lauren and meet my new grandson. We had a wonderful breakfast with Lauren catching up with her before she headed to work. It's sort of weird to think. Me. A Grandma. If you would've asked me 18 years ago what I'd be doing today I wouldn't have dreamed I'd be buying my son basketball shoes for high school while holding my grandson. But,then again I can. You see I learned from the best. I have a great set of parents who have supported and loved me all my life. So as I shop with Tyler and Ah'trell I really am just doing what parents and grandparents do. Just like my parents taught me.

Today 5 of us from work went to Peterson, IA for their annual "Hiney winery festival." Different wineries from across IA gathered for a day of wine tasting. Vendors were also there with hemp brownies(they are delicious, organic and very high in omega 3s.), smoked meat, and homemade breads. I brought home for Tyler an apple from the local orchard that was dipped in homemade caramel. I also bought a bottle of wine to share with the ladies of my family;)After wards, we went to the Heritage Preservation Center. O'Brien County collects all their road kill and dumps it in a field at once. All the sudden the birds start flocking in. It is unbelievable to watch. They also held a bison burger picnic. Also in town was the A.R.T.(Artisan Road Trip) where we went to people's houses and looked at their art for sale. It was a fantastic afternoon with my friends. Thanks Steve for spending the day with Tyler.

Day 5: Spirit Day

Friday they had an 11:30 dismissal. The parade was in the afternoon. I didn't get a picture of the float they worked on Thursday night. By time I realized it was the freshman float it was already by. Student Council members then had to set up for the dance. The game was horrible. We got smoked 43-6. The dance was the highlight of the week. Tyler had a good time. Afterwards, they ate at the Pantry. All in all a busy fun homecoming week.

Day 4
Wear your class color to school. Freshman are always p**p brown.
Day 2 (mismatch) and Day 3 (costume) Tyler didn't participate.

"Did I do that?"

Day 1: Nerd Day

Chloe, Mady, Tyler, Maggie, and Macy...It was A LOT of pictures to get the one where they all are looking at the camera.
4 generations
This is the longest Chloe has sat. She wanted to be right next to great grandma.

Saturday morning we headed to Minnesota to celebrate great grandma's 87th birthday with her. It was fun to catch up with everyone and see how big the kids have gotten. The girls all adored Tyler. He would throw them up in the air and they would giggle. He definitely got his arm workout in for the weekend.

Friday Chloe and I picked up Tyler from school. We then headed to DQ for "happy hour." You maybe wondering why I didn't mention Hollie with us. That's cuz she wasn't! She was at the salon enjoying wine, relaxing, and getting her hair done! Chloe had a 10 second melt down but after that she was all smiles with ice cream.
After ice cream we went to the park to play. Chloe went up and down the slides, all by herself, 10 times! After playing we stopped and got pizza for supper. Friday nights are football nights in our house. So we loaded everyone up and headed to Spencer. It was a great night! All of us together and a SL victory!!!

Friday afternoon we headed to Ankeny. We jumped in the RV with Rich and Andrea and headed to Kansas City to watch ISU play K-State at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday morning. Unfortunately, ISU came out on the losing end of another close one. Fortunately, we were surrounded with so many great friends and family that we didn't mind too much. Sunday morning we drove back to Ankeny to be over to Smith's just in time for lunch. We are so blessed to have our family close and be able to spend time with them. Thank you so much Rich and Andrea for another fun trip. Eventually we'll see an ISU victory. Thank you Jason and Hollie for another wonderful meal as we headed home. We loved spending time playing and trying to keep up with Chloe.

Today is National Truck Driver Appreciation Day! We want to say thank you to Grandpa for all the miles he's been on the road for us. I appreciate you hard work so, as a child growing up I could go on a 13 day trip with you and spend my $750 detasseling check all on clothes. You were a good sport doing all that shopping with me. Tyler has enjoyed his many trips with you. He looks forward to getting caught up on his sleep in the bunk and also looks forward to your "Truck Trivia" every week. Grandma also should get a little praise for all her "extras" she does in keeping the wheels rollin'. Thank you both for all you've provided for us. One last thing: Grandpa...Enjoy your day off;)

Tyler playing wide receiver. After 6+ years of playing QB, Tyler has had enough! With no O line to block, teammates not knowing the plays, and getting sacked to the point he's sore,he retired;)(How's Favre do it @ 40 he joked?) He's never felt better!!! He started as wide receiver and loved it!!! He had a sweet catch and ran it for 13 yards! On defense he played Cornerback. That's where I love watching him. Since he's so smart he can read the plays perfectly. He had some great tackles that coach told him were "Perfect good 'ol fashion low tackles."

Last night at 7:34pm my grandson, Tyler's nephew, Artrell Simpson, came into the world weighing 6lb. 4oz, and 20 in. long. Everyone is healthy and doing great. He will bring many blessings into our already very blessed lives. We are looking forward to meeting him soon.

Tyler and Chase getting their instructions from the refs.
Friday night Tyler and Chase were ball boys for the Varsity football game. After a day of raining they had to keep the balls dry. The boys stood on the visitors side and took in a lot different perspective of the game than they usually get from the stands.

For those of you wondering why Tyler got to be on the kick off like I was, when he usually isn't, it was simple: He was one of the eleven players that showed up for practice yesterday so coach said that's how it'd play out. As a parent I unselfishly give up my wants so Tyler can fulfill his. He thinks that's great. I think that's just what you do as a loving supportive parent.
Tyler broke up numerous plays and had another interception on defense. As QB he had some great passes. One last thing he wanted me to mention: He had a belt on and his shirt still came out;)

Hunter, Mitchell, Darren, Chase, and Tyler after football practice.
First off, Happy 9th Anniversary to Rich and Andrea. We love you both very much.
Today I had a rough day:( I'm doing 3 jobs, I have a mountain of paperwork on my desk, and the supplies I ordered are not coming til Friday. I then receive a phone call that my 56 year old client with lung cancer that metastasized to his brain just passed away. He leaves behind a wife and son who will dearly miss him. I start to cry thinking my own parents are 57 and I can't imagine losing them anytime soon. As I read one of the many training manuals I should have read weeks ago I come across this quote. "Keep your priorities. No one ever said on their death bed: "Gee, if I'd only spent more time at the office." So as I shuffle in n out of Walmart, make a quick supper, and race to pick up Tyler from football practice I realize I've never been so happy to COME HOME:)

Tyler was the starting QB for their first game in Estherville. He had many good passes, runs and executed plays. Since he wasn't getting much time on offense coach put him in on defense. As Grandma, Steve and I are sitting there watching grandma says, "Tyler needs to intercept this pass." Next play, ELC throws a pass and Tyler intercepts it. We all laughed. Steve told this to Tyler on the way home from the game. When we got home Tyler told me next time grandma needs to say, " Tyler's taking this one in for a touchdown." LOL

The SL Varsity football team bringing home the Battle Ax trophy after a 46-16 win over Cherokee Friday night.

Tyler had a great and busy first week of school. Thursday night was the Beach Party hosted by the music dept. Tyler enjoyed a delicious 12 oz steak meal and helped clean up after wards. All proceeds made help go towards the cost of the Music depts. Florida trip they will take when Tyler's a Senior. Friday night after the football game the Student Council hosted a back to school dance. He said it was fun even though the music wasn't that great. Classes are going well. Tyler is taking Geometry this year and had to help a Senior girl understand the homework.

new shoes $105
"tight" Affliction shirt $50
Getting a ride to the first day of school as a freshman with a sophomore.....Priceless!

Yesterday Justin hosted a last blast boat party. The kids went tubing and had a ball! After wards, Scott asked Tyler if he wanted a ride to school and he of course said "yes." So this a.m. Scott drove Tyler to his first day. I did manage to get a picture before he left. His first day went pretty good. He realized just how many people he didn't know. Both of us realized that he only has 4 more short years at home before he goes off to college. I'm sure the time will go by just as fast as the last 10 years have. We're both looking forward to new adventures and fun times as he enters high school. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful young man as a son.

Friday Tyler had freshman orientation at school. It's a half day of school that only freshman attend. They find their locker, classrooms, and meet their teachers all without the other 500 kids in the building. Tyler knew most of his teachers and the new ones he did meet he seemed to enjoy. After school, we drove to Ankeny and had supper with the Smith's before heading to the Iowa State Fair. We walked through some vendor buildings and took in the "people watching" before we attended the concert. We enjoyed our time together as a last blast for summer fun. I'm so happy to be a "cool" mom that he enjoys doing things with. Bribing him with concert tickets doesn't hurt;)
We The Kings performing "Check yes Juliet."
Boys Like Girls performing "The Great Escape." The concert was a great time and an excellent way to end the summer.
After breakfast we hit up Jordan Creek for some last minute school shopping for Tyler and some early fall shopping for Chloe. Tyler and I were the Smith's first overnight guests. They've only been in their house 5 days. It was strange to be in Ankeny and not stay with and see Rich and Andrea. They were out of town. It's nice to have more family to chose from though.
After 2 plus hours of shopping we went back to the Smith's and had lunch. Hollie made smoothies. After Tyler would take a sip he would make noises, then Chloe would mimic. It was quite funny.

To celebrate my promotion Pam, Cindy, Kathy, and I decided to go out and celebrate. Since I'm a veteran peddleboater I thought we'd try our luck again. Not so lucky this time. We literally, got maybe, 20 feet off shore. That was only because a nice gentlemen pushed us 15 of those feet. We laughed the whole time we were out there going around in circles! It will be a memory we share forever!
After that, we headed inside for "wing night." We had a great time visiting and continuing to laugh.

Tyler receiving his certificate, stats and academic award from Coach Craig Lyon.

Last night,in the middle of a severe thunderstorm, the baseball team held their end of season banquet. The kids and coaches ate free thanks to the owners of the Lakeshore. We had a wonderful meal and a great awards presentation. Tyler received his '14 numbers for his letterman's jacket. Hard to believe he'll be graduating in 4 short years! The team also received an Excellence in Academic Achievement award for maintaining a team gpa of 3.0- 3.24. Tyler's stats were very good and coach encouraged the kids to work hard in and out of the baseball season and on and off the field.

On to the next sport...football 2 a days started this morning at 8:00am.

On mom's way home from Ankeny she stopped in Storm Lake this afternoon to go peddleboating with me. We had a lot of laughs trying to figure out the steering. Once we did we made a big circle and made it back to shore safely.
For one hour we pedaled the boat. Let's just say we're rethinking that RAGBRAI idea. Our legs were exhausted!!! And we thought we were gonna be out there for 2 hours. Silly idea...

Before the race we all picked who we were rooting for. Tyler and I didn't care who won just as long as it wasn't Kyle Bush. So much for that, he ended up winning. Tyler decided to cheer on Danika Patrick. Why you ask?? She's hot!!
Tyler with his Aunt Hollie and Uncle Jason during the Nationwide race. We are so fortunate to have them close and be able to partake in all the family palooza events. Uncle Rich and Aunt Andrea were once again great hosts for the weekend festivities. We feel right at home in the RV. So much so we slept in it both nights!

The team consisted of 3 freshman and 6 sophomores. They've been attending open gym together but with an eighteen hour notice of competing had no formal practices or plays. During the time outs coach kept them relaxed, focused, and made sure they were enjoying themselves.
Tyler was asked by the high school varsity coach to play in a JV shootout on Friday in Alta. The team played 4 games. They were the champions of the tournament going undefeated with a 4-0 record. They played Laurens 42-20, Alta #2 59-8, Moville 35-28, and Alta 36-20. Tyler had a great time playing and fit in with the older kids quite nicely. Thanks to grandma for all your help that day. Tyler can always count on you;)

Last night Carol and Rudy rode into town with Ragbrai. We had a fun evening visiting with them. Tyler especially loved the Droid and Texas football talk with Rudy. My favorite was Carol's bedtime story "The cream can catastrophe." You should have her tell it to you sometime. Grandpa also knows the story;)
Before leaving Tyler gets a pic with team "Los Vagos."

Last night while Tyler started his first day of detasseling mom and I went to a dinner and speaker in Alta. Her name is Staci Besch and she brought alot of humor to what it's like being a woman. When Tyler got home he was hungry and tired. He's counting the dollar signs that will add up in the next few weeks and that will make it all worth it.
This past weekend the Smith's came to Storm Lake for a wedding. Its so fun to see them all on a regular basis. Chloe is really starting to say "Brigett" and "Tyler" clear now.

After Tyler had a fun day with friends at KP and Mom and I had a fun day together, we all met at the Regatta Grille for "wing night." They are bone in and really messy but really good! We may just make it a weekly date;)

Today Tyler caught all innings of both games. The first game, SL 17 Emmetsburg 7 after 4 innings. Tyler got a walk and the E'Hawks weren't paying attention so Tyler stole second. He is such a smart base runner. Since Tyler was catching and needed to rest and hydrate he had a courteousy runner for the rest of the game. The second game, SL 1 E'burg 11 after 2 innings, was played in the rain. This was the teams last game of the season.

Relaxing after a night of fun.
Tyler rode on a float in the parade for Wind and Solar Specialists, Steve's work.
Chloe enjoying being carried by Rich.

We had a great weekend with our family and friends enjoying our independence from Great Britian;)

Last night Tyler attended Tanner's overnight birthday party extravaganza. He's a friend that won the 9th grade president campaign. Tanner is a HUGE Notre Dame fan. Tyler got him a Notre Dame t shirt but wrapped it in the box our tv came in. Tanner thought it was cool he did that and loved the shirt. He wore it around all night. Tyler had a great time roasting hot dogs, tubing, and playing flashlight tag. This morning when Tonya was taking the boys home she asked if anyone wanted to drive. They have a 2008 red GT convertible Mustang. While all the other boys were too scared, Tyler, being a veteran driver of nice cars said, "Sure, I'll drive." Tyler got to drive all the kids home with the top down. He was pretty excited. And, no Tyler that's not going to be your school car either;)