1st Snow Fall in Ames

I have been dreading the winter months here in Ames, IA. I know it is suppose to be cold and snowy but I was still praying it will be a calm winter. We received our first snowfall yesterday and Alli was so excited. She begged to go outside and build a snowman. We went to Mass and she was crying we hadn't played outside yet. We went to lunch and cried again but once we returned home she was relentless. We decided to grant her wish and go play outside. We weren't able to make a snowman but decided to make snow angels.

Halloween 2010

PBS added the cartoon series Cat in the Hat to their morning lineup and Alli fell in LOVE! Alli was a black cat last year so it made sense to add a few more accessories and create the Cat in the Hat! Amanda (Alli's daycare provider) mentioned Alli could wear her costume while at daycare. We assumed the kids would wear them to Amanda's so Matthew dressed her in the morning before leaving. Once they arrived at Amanda's they quickly noticed no one was dressed. Alli didn't care...she wore her costume proudly. Needless to say the kids wanted their costumes on right away. That evening we visited 2 houses in the neighborhood and had a great Halloween!!

Snow Bunny

It is October 24th today and there is no snow on the ground but it is inevitable. Everyone at work has been telling me...buy a snow blower, buy shovels for your car & house, stock up on salt. We are dreading the months ahead in this household. I am trying to prepare Alli for the winter weather. I purchased Alli's first snow pants, gloves and hat this week. The picture tells the story.

Some Things Never Change

Alli and I enjoyed the "usual" Sunday activities today. We went to mass and then walked across the street and enjoyed watching the Iowa State Swans. As stated in an earlier blog ISU has two swans on campus. Thankfully we go to mass across the street from the Swans or I probably wouldn't have been able to get Alli to walk into "church". Bribery has never stopped me before and now the Swans have been added to my bag of tricks!!

Alli knows that during mass she has to be quite and I give my "mean" look a lot!! She also knows that I have a variety of snacks available to her so the first words out of her mouth once seated was "animal crackers" (rather loudly). We survived another Sunday and looked forward to a relaxing afternoon together.

While Alli and I are typically relaxing, Molly is in full alert mode. Sunday means the boys are home next door and our neighborhood is typically active with walkers, runners and the pesky rabbits. Molly spends most of the day on top of the couch waiting for her next intruder to bother us. Needless to say "intruder" is a over stating it but in Molly's life everything that moves is a possible threat. Today I caught Alli monitoring the moves of the neighborhood with Molly. I took this picture and it reminded me of a similar pose. These pictures were taken almost a year apart but the concepts are the same!!

Alli's Crown

We survived our first week of work and daycare. Alli still cries every morning but Amanda assures me she is fine during the day. On Friday she showed off her creativity with a decorative crown.

Mom's Swans

I work in the Memorial Union which is located next to Lake LaVerne. I took Alli to see the two swans, Lancelot and Elaine, which reside at the lake year around. While on campus I showed Alli my office space since she thinks I drop her off at daycare and go home to play.

New Job

It's official...I love my job. It is perfect for me and Matthew will have to drag me out of Ames!! I am officially a part of the Admissions staff but am fortunate to work in the Memorial Union. In the past year the Campus Visit area moved to the Union and has become the Soults Family Visiting Center. I sit in the front area and greet visitors and help coordinate campus visits. It is a beautiful area and I am excited to be part of the fast pace in the Union. I have attached pictures of my work area as well as a link to the Memorial Union.

http://www.mu.iastate.edu/

Whitey's Ice Cream

Matthew has told me great childhood memories of visiting Aunt Maudine in Davenport, IA and eating at Whitey's Ice Cream. I found a Whitey's in Iowa City yesterday and we all enjoyed the delicious ice cream. Pictures show the success!!

Iowa Game Trip

Well we survived the University of Iowa game in Iowa City, IA. Grace made the trip with us and I know we were both nervous about navigating the city. We ate at Olive Garden and then made our way to campus. We parked in commuter parking and waiting patiently with other fans (some drunk and some sober) for our shuttle to the stadium.

Side note...Since Alli and I have arrived in Ames she has wanted to ride the Cyride or "School Bus" around town.

Yesterday we had our chance to ride a "school bus" to Kinnick Stadium. Once we rode the jam packed shuttle we had to walk to the stadium. It was exhausting but fun!! Alli survives about a quarter and then it is time to roam. We ate popcorn outside the stadium and people watched. We walked back in for the 3rd quarter and left during the 4th quarter. We then made the long trip back to our car. Thankfully we wondered around long enough to find our shuttle that took us back to our car.

Zoo with Grace

Alli and I have enjoyed our last week of freedom! I took her to Amanda's on Wednesday for a half day of daycare while I attended a meeting. When I picked her up she ran into my arms and as I was putting her in the car she said "I missed you Mama". On our way to the Zoo we picked up Grace and showed her "Alli's Zoo". We had a great time!!

Organizing can tie a family together

We have said from the very beginning that Alli is her own person. She doesn't look exactly like me or Matthew. We have noticed that she has the "Todd" personality, which can be a good or bad attribute. Lately she has been organizing her toys by color and shape. As many of you know I love to organize and am a little obsessive compulsive about the entire process. Yesterday Alli showed her true organizational skills and I can truly admit she is my daughter.

Iowa State Football

Alli and I attended our first Iowa State Football game last night. I was nervous about the logistics of the evening...not the actual game. It is amazing how much fun it is to watch a game when you know your husband's job doesn't depend on the outcome. :) Alli and I walked to the game with Grace. Thankfully Grace had attended a few games last year when she was in town so she helped us navigate the thousands of people. We watched Matt and the entire staff and team walk off the buses and begin their "spirit walk". It was cool to watch the entire tailgate parking lot lining the path for them to walk to the stadium entrance. We tried to scream for Matt's attention but the crowd was really loud. We tailgated for 2 hours and then went to the game. Alli was a trooper!! We left the house at 4:45 pm and walked into the house with Matthew at 11:30 pm. I am just like my mom and had a headache the entire time. :) I am glad the first game is over and now we can plan better for the next home game. I mentioned Grace earlier...she is a fiance of a Defensive G.A. Nick Kaley. She is amazing and is so helpful with Alli. We are blessed to have her. She took a picture of me and Alli and I will post once I receive it. I can't wait to share this experience with family and friends!!

Kiddieland in Pittsburg, KS with Grandma Todd

I met my parents and Alli this past Friday for dinner at Mall Delicious and then Kiddieland. It has been years since I have been to Kiddieland in Pittsburg. Alli had a great time and I enjoyed spending time with my Mom. Enjoy the pics!!

Camel Ride

Alli and I went to the Des Moines Zoo last week with Erica and her two boys. Erica was a high school friend of Mandy Karleskint (Dean's Wife) and introduced us through Facebook. We met at the zoo and her boys wanted to ride the Camel. We always bypassed the Camel Ride area at the Zoo because it cost to ride and never thought Alli would be interested. Needless to say she was pumped to ride by herself and the pictures show she did great!!

New Babysitter

Alli and I visited Amanda Anderson (new babysitter) today in Ames and are excited to see her everyday this Fall!! While at Amanda's house she commented that the kids get to color, build with clay and use paint. Once Alli heard "paint" she wanted to paint right away. Needless to say we went to Target and $6 later had paint and paper. These pictures depict our afternoon!!

Iowa State Fair

Alli and I visited the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines today with our new friends on the football staff. We had a great time but it rained on us the entire time. Alli rode her first Merry-Go-Round and other rides. Pictures of her adventures are to the left.

1st Trip to the Movies

Alli and I went to see Shrek III today at the "cheap" movie theater in Ames. It was her first experience in a movie theater and she did well. She ate the entire sack of popcorn you see in the picture. The girl loves to eat!! In the first 2 pictures you will see the backpack and hand bag she felt she needed to take to the theater. Needless to say she left all items in the car except for her new "Cy" doll she received this morning from Stephanie in the Admissions Office at ISU.

Time at Home (Ames)

Alli and I have been in Ames for 5 days and are heading back to Fort Scott/Joplin today. I am trying to get laundry done, clean the house and get Alli ready before we leave. She woke up wet this morning so I gave her a bath. She screamed the entire time and when it was over I asked her what she wanted for breakfast. She said "eggs" and "melman's". The picture I have attached shows her wearing her "melman" socks in 90 degree weather. I also have attached a picture of our home. We are on the right side of this townhouse. Disclaimer: Object looks larger than appears :)

Spending time with Great Grandma and Grandpa McNeley

I know it has been hard for all involved in our current situation but at least Alli has been able to spend time with loved ones. Alli helped Grandma Karleskint pick "blacks" or blackberries to help bake a blackberry cobbler Matthew on his birthday.

Time with Cousin Gabe

Alli enjoyed her time with Gabe at the Duncan house. They are too cute together!!