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.