Quin's Photo Shoot.

Hard to believe that in 10 days, our Quin will turn the "BIG 1!". Tonight while I was at my mom's I thought it would be perfect to go ahead and shoot his 1 year pictures! I am having them done professionally also by the lady who has taken all the boys' year pictures, but haven't got that set up yet. I was pretty impressed how well he did for me (really he does good at anything, because he is so mild mannered and laid back...ask me that in a couple of months). Get your scrolling finger ready, because I just couldn't cut any....actually I had about 20 more to choose from!

I {heart} this one!

Gotta love the belly laugh grin!

Always Have a Plan B.....

It seems that whatever we have had planned the month of June, we have had to alter the plans in some way due to the massive rain we have been experiencing. This week, my mom and dad are watching my niece and nephew, Maggie and Kohler while Chris and Sheri are soaking it up on a 8day/7 night cruise the the Virgin Islands (isn't that fair! ) :) So we have taken on the role of being "activity directors" for 5 busy little kiddos! Last night I took all 5 of them while Heath stayed home with Quin, and saw the movie Kung Fu Panda, a very entertaining movie! I have to tell you my steal of a deal....I got all 5 kids in, myself, 3 sodas' (Pop-for my Iowa family), and each got candy of some sort for $34!!! A town nearby has a movie theater that only plays PG and PG13 movies and concessions are only $1! I will never go anywhere else to a movie! Anyway, so today Plan A was to take them to the local water park again...but SHOCKER...it RAINED once again! So we had Plan B ready in place to take all of them bowling. I will say it was quite successful and now I know why my major was Therapeutic Recreation!!! I have the entire week packed full of activities for the kids! So believe me...many more posts to come in the following week!

The bowling alley had some sort of "Disco Bowling" today. They had strobe lights going and the lights completely out. It was very neat!

Conner got so into watching his pins being knocked down that this was his reaction.
It's amazing how he bowls for a 3 year old!

Here is all the cousin bowlers for the day.

Then of course when we arrived back at my parents house, the sun decided to shine! The kids had fun playing a game of washers and riding the Gator.

Kohler having fun at Grandma and Grandy's.

Maggie throwing her washer.

I then had a model that was willing to take pictures! I took these in my mom's flower garden that really is beautiful!

I promised her a "Goofy" picture if she would take some pics for me!

Then Corby decided to jump in on some pictures!

They wanted to do a group "Goofy" picture.

More of Grandma's front yard and flowers.

OK...Try This Again!

Sorry for my lack of technology lately! If you have already saw my post of the Flood today, I have posted one right under it from our big Father's Day Celebration! I was once again having trouble with technology and had to be on the phone for 2 hours today to figure out my slide show software....AHHHHHH, I'm about ready to give up on the 20th century! So anyway, if you would like to see the slide show of Father's Day, just scroll below the Flood Post!

I promise I am back! My blogging with go in full speed!

The Mighty Mississippi....Flood of 08'

Yes, once again...The Mighty Mississippi has prevailed and went over the banks and levees that were thought to be stronger and better than the Flood of 93'. It's hard to believe that I would experience 2 floods in my lifetime in a matter of 15 years! Tonight, we took the boys to see history in the making to show them the devastating affects that the Mississippi has done.

This is looking down from the highest point in Hannibal, Lover's Leap. Looking down this is the park where we spend each 4th of July watching the fireworks display and take part in the National Tom Sawyer Days. Looks like this year we will be watching them somewhere else.

We wanted to make sure we showed the boys the damage that the Mississippi has done. We told them that hopefully they would only experience this once in their lifetimes.

We are hoping this levee that holds between Illinois and Missouri holds up. They are saying there is still some seepage, but hopefully it will hold strong. If not, our bridge between Illinois and Missouri will be closed and no access to Illinois this way will be allowed. We experienced this for 127 days during the Flood of 93'.

Downtown Hannibal completely engulfed in rising waters.

Corby looking at the devastating effects of the Mississippi.

Buildings and homes are completely submerged in rising water.

Over looking the Mississippi.

This is a very historical spot in Hannibal.

This is one of the main road closures.

This is Nipper Park, where the boys played last year before the fireworks display.

The flood wall and levees guarded by the Army Corps of Engineers.

I was just praying the levee didn't decided to give way while we were being tourists!

Flood wall between the Mississippi and Downtown Hannibal.

{ Finally a New Post!} ..... ~A Late Father's Day~

Well....after many phone calls to my Internet subscriber, I don't know if I am back to full speed, but I can at least get a post uploaded without it booting me off!

Here is a slide show that I put together of our big Father's Day celebration that Heath and I hosted this year at our house. We have made it an "Annual Palmer Father's Day Tradition", that the men golf, the women and kids go swimming, and then someone hosts the big BBQ that night. This year was our 1st year to host. Hopefully the next time we are the hosts, our deck will be completed. I think the golf was quite successful, and the kids and women had a great day for swimming. We had loads of food that everyone took advantage of that night. The kids had fun running, playing croquet, and playing washers. The weather couldn't have been better!

Hopefully now I will be back to full posting....Until then, enjoy the slide show. Yes...Maureen, the country music I once again dedicate to you! Ha!

Father's Day 2008

New Family Bloggers.

I would like to add another blog to my favorites blog list! The Thornton Family. This is my mom's brother, Matt, and his wife Julie, and their 4 adorable kids..Devon, Mattie, Tatum, and Taige. The recently moved from Seattle to Texas within the last few months. Devon was actually our ring bearer in our wedding. I hope to see posts often from them. Just click on the Thornton Family on my favorite blogs.

Bummed!

So I'm sitting here thinking that my computer is beginning to crash, because the last few nights I have been trying to post, it keeps locking up on me and is so slow! Well I deleted unwanted files thinking this might do the trick! WRONG!!! So I finally got on with our Internet subscriber tonight to see what the problem was. I also thought that maybe the weather we have experienced this past week might have caused some of the problem. Since we are out in the country, we have the Wild Blue Service. It is not the DSL service like I have in town at the daycare, but out in the "boonies" where we live this is the fastest service that we can receive up to this point. Well the guy on the other end (of course couldn't understand a word of his English), tried to explain to me that with my "Gold Service" that we have, that I have gone over my usage this month and that it automatically drops my fast speed and won't roll over for 30 days! WHAT!????.....%%%#$# So what that means is that I have to deal with the super slow service until July 12th, until my service can go back to full speed! So let's say I'm a little frustrated! So my posting will not be on top of it as I would like! I have even made a slide show for our fabulous Father's Day! So hopefully in the near future, when my computer decides not to lock up, I will get it posted! So until then....I'm hoping to get something posted!

{11 Months Old}

I know, I'm a couple of days late getting this posted. Our "Quinner's" as we like to call him, turned the big 11 months on the 9th! So hard to believe that we are planning his 1st birthday already. I'm working on his 1st birthday invitations, lining up the cake, and tonight just purchased his birthday shirt! (I know Heath thought that was crazy that you have to have a birthday shirt!....Kim it is the same one that Carter had that I have been eyeing since last year!) He is still as content as day one! He is just the happiest thing and is pretty much into everything these days! Hopefully his laid back personality will follow into his toddler years!

Quin on the Move.

I thought I better get some video of Quin crawling before he takes off running! As you can tell from the video, Conner always has to be by his side!

The Landing.

We our very fortunate to have a water park only 20 minutes from us. It is located near Mark Twain Lake and is called the Landing. I actually worked there one summer during high school. It was in 93', not a good year as it was the year of the flood! So needless to say, I didn't put in that many hours with the park being closed every other day due to rain!

This year, we decided to purchase season passes, since the boys are getting old enough to do most of the activities by themselves. We have been 2 times, and I think they have worn out the water slides! The water park went under new ownership, and they have really made it nice!

This is one of the boys' favorites! The black tube! Corby still thinks he needs to hold his nose when going under water. Hopefully by the end of the summer, I can break him of this!

Preston is still a little leery of the deep water, so luckily he doesn't fight me on wearing a life jacket. I have signed him up for swimming lessons this week and today was his first one.

They even got their dad to go down it with them!

Coming down 1 of the 4 slides they have in the park.

There is a huge wave pool.

Summer BBQ.

On Saturday night, the Gilmore's invited us over for a BBQ to celebrate their daughter Alena's 2nd birthday. We had already gotten a baby-sitter, because Heath and I were actually going to go on a "date". We gave the option to the older boys if they wanted to go with us, or to stay at home. They decided since there would be no "boys" there, they would just stay at home and watch the 2 Indiana Jones movies I had rented. Our baby-sitter, begged us to watch Quin, so we had a nice night and just took Conner with us. The Youngblood's also came and the kids all had so much fun!

The meal was FABULOUS! Jessica and Greg out did themselves, and the table setting was something you would see in a Pottery Barn catalog! (Thanks so much for inviting us!) The kids had a great time playing on the new play set that Greg had just finished, swimming in the pool, and playing on the slip n slide. Boy...do I remember playing on a Slip N Slide when I was a kid! They make them much nicer now!

It was such a nice hot night for the kids to play in the pool.

Conner making a run on the slip n slide.

Getting a little more brave on his stomach.

We will defiantly have to purchase one of these, as many times as Conner went on it.

Lauren really needed another one attached to this one, as she would come flying in the grass.

Carly slippin' and slidin'.

Ah...the good ole' days of summer, soaking it up in the pool.

Pizza, Bumper Boats, Mini-Golf....OH MY!

That's exactly how Corby celebrated his 8th birthday with his buddies. We started off by going to Pizza Hut, and then we ventured to our nearby water park that has many activities for kids to do. Corby decided he wanted to do mini-golf and bumper boats. This age group is just a little shy of being tall enough to ride the go-carts.

He really has a good group of friends and they were very well mannered.

Corby opened his presents at Pizza Hut.

Had to get a group picture before they took off on me. (from left to right: Preston, Jess, Dane, Corby, Parker, Brice, Austin, and Blake).

We split them up into 2 groups to golf...I think I got the easier group!

Corby with his buddy Blake on the bumper boats. They were all pretty well soaked by the time the ride was over.

Oh yes...Conner took part as well and since he didn't have a partner for the bumper boats, Heath took him for a ride on the Go-Carts.

Here is the group singing Happy Birthday to Corby. I think it was another successful birthday for Corby. Now he is doing and bean to spend his money and gift cards.

Let the Games Begin.

If you call or stop by and we don't answer, you can bet you will find us at the ballpark! Starting last week until the middle of July we have 2-3 games a week. We wouldn't trade it for anything. Luckily this year we still have both boys on the same team and Heath is still able to coach them. This will all change next year when Corby will move up to the next league.

The boys were complete sluggers tonight, hitting all times at bat. Yes, I know you aren't suppose to keep score at this age, but we get way to into it. This was our first game, since the other 2 have been rained out. We did however lose this one, but we hopefully with a few more games under our belt, we will improve. It's amazing how much stronger and more mature Corby and Preston are this year compared to last.

Preston pounding the ball. This league they use the pitching machine and are only allowed a double.

Running the bases.

Full speed to 3rd base.

Stirring up the dust. (Hard to believe with all the rain we have had lately!)

Corby getting ready to scoop one up at 2nd base.

Watching from the sidelines.

Corby always picks the number that the MU Quarterback has.

Preston is clueless as to what # he even is!

{First Day of Preschool}

Another one has left my wings to go to preschool. This had to be the hardest one yet. We had talked it up about Conner going to Mrs. Walker's, and all the fun things he was going to do and learn. We went to tour the facility and let him know exactly where he was going to go and that I would come pick him up when it was over. He was all smiles and actually said that he was going to learn to cut, and play play dough, and play outside. (All the things that Mrs. Walker had told him in our meeting). Well I was sure it was going to go off with a bang this morning. Not the case! I was worried last night when we were at my parents, and he told us that he was not going to be good at Mrs. Walker's. AI YI YI!!!! OK, we live in a town of 2600, where everybody knows your name (you know like CHEERS!), and I am a daycare provider for many families in this town, and all I could think was...OMG, my kid is going to get kicked out of preschool for behavior problems! He immediately clung to my leg, sobbing and telling me he wanted me to stay. Mrs. Walker proceeded to get him play dough and he launched it across the room! OMG...this is not happening to me! Well I left my child screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire town and maybe surrounding towns to hear. I then was reassured when I called her and she said that he was doing fine and that he said he didn't want to sing (stubborn you know what!) and that when it was time for the water table, that's all it took to get him to finally come around! My friend Mary picked him up since her son Hunter also attends, and she took him to Pizza Hut. When he arrived back at the daycare, he told me he wasn't going back because he didn't play balls or cut (like Mrs. Walker had originally told him at our first meeting). Hopefully the shock is over and both him and I have a more successful preschool experience next week. I just sent him one day a week in the summer as a trial run, but he will attend 2 days in the fall. Please all of you...say a prayer for me that I make it through this child! He is my strong willed, determined, and most stubborn kid of all. May God Bless You!

The look of fear!

Conner with Mrs. Walker picking out his play dough.

Right before the play dough was launched and fit began.

Full Speed Ahead.

No you have not missed this post! Our slow son has finally decided at almost 11 months to start crawling! We thought for sure he would take off over vacation, but decided that yesterday, June 2nd would be his official day of getting into everything....I mean everything! He is now starting to pull up all at the same time! So here are some pictures of him on the move!

Water Fight!

Corby was suppose to be watering the bushes that Heath had just planted, but this is what he decided to do instead! Torment his little brother. Don't think that Conner didn't thoroughly enjoy it! He was just as much in on the action as Corby was!

Conner's turn to take it out on Corby!

Getting him while he was already down! Nice move by the older brother!

The look of the little "Devil" himself!

OK, he's had enough!

{Happy 8th Birthday Corby}

This is a day late...our computer was locked up last night with all the strong storms! AHHH...is this weather ever going to end! Take me back to FLORIDA!!!

Oh to be 8 years old again! Yesterday, June 2nd our baby (sniff), turned the BIG 8! Corby has pretty much since day one been my mild mannered child. Easy going, slow moving (we tell him he has 2 speeds...slow and reverse!), and just has a love for life! He loves all sports, Lego's, FOOD!, any hand held game (I think this is pretty much this age group) and whatever is on TV!! (A major habit that must be broken!) His nickname is Zoner, because we ask him literally a 100 times to do something and he is "zoned" to the tube! Other than that he has been a pretty good kid so far! He has excelled very well in school so far, and I'm going to brag a bit....but he was the 1st kid in his class to pass his typing levels and the teacher paid him $2! Can you believe a teacher paid him money! That is his biggest incentive! He takes after his mother's piano playing fingers!

He is also privileged to be born on Grandma Michaele's birthday! I'm not suppose to mention her age...but it was a "BIG MILESTONE" birthday! The boys were all dressed and ready for their 1st ballgame, but as soon as they took the field...You guessed it, DOWNPOUR! They have missed their 1st 2 games to rain...like Heath says, at least they are still undefeated! Ha!

He stayed at home yesterday with my mom, while I had to work, and he helped my mom bake his birthday cake. Corby like I said loves food, and especially cake!

Making that big birthday wish!

I think their might have been a little extra glaze on the cake once everyone got a chance to blow out the cake.

Corby waited until I got home and opened all his cards. He was excited because he got to get the mail yesterday!

As you can tell, he got the latest Indiana Jones Legos.

Waiting patiently while everyone sang to him.

On Sunday we took Corby out to eat at his choice, since we were to have a ballgame on his actual birthday. He chose Steak and Shake. His 8th birthday meal consisted of a Steakburger-Ketchup only, order of cheese fries, and his very own chocolate shake.

He loves Steak and Shake!

We thought Quin looked pretty good in his chef's hat!

OH NO!

Heath took all 3 boys to Wal-mart over the weekend and let Corby pick out his new bike! Preston was most excited because he got Corby's old bike!

Of course, his birthday celebration will not be over until Thursday night. We are taking 6 boys to a local mini-golf place! So more pictures to come of birthday week!