Your Mom Looks Like...

Greetings family, friends, fiends and fans. I'm sorry if you missed us the past few weeks, but at least it wasn't a full month this time! :)

With this being Mother's Day I thought it would be important to give some appreciation to SuperMom and all she does. Because, without her there would be no Iowagners. Besides keeping the world safe from evil, she also does a swell job at keeping HQ in order and helping the SuperKids hone their special powers. Monkey has been perfecting her keen intellect lately. Her best quote has been, "Dad, your Mom looks like my Grandma!". Very profound indeed.

One of the main reasons we have not been active in the blogging arena lately is springtime. We have been taking advantage of the superb weather and sprucing up the grounds of HQ. This has involved transplanting a countless number of plants with odd names like, 'hydrangea' and 'hosta'. Fresh air and sunshine are wonderful!

Another reason for the delay was graduation. SuperDad's students that he has been instructing for nearly two years have reached the pinnacle of learning and graduated this past Thursday. This was a great relief for the family. No more 12-14 hour workdays...at least until next semester!

Without further ado, here are some pictures to accompany our (mis) adventures. Enjoy!

First Ice Cream Cone of Spring. How Sweet it Is!

Monkey's First Pony Ride

Grabbing the Bull by the Horns

Monkey Doing Likewise

What is That Bright, Shiny Thing in the Sky?!

SuperDad in Full Garb of Academia

Parting Shot of SuperMom...Lots o' Love!

Note: The Iowagners will be 'off the air' for a few weeks as we complete a top secret mission. Details to follow...

Easter Egg-citement!

Greetings and Salutations from Iowagner HQ. We are truly thrilled to have you with us today. If you find this blog to be to your liking, please help boost SuperDad's ego by leaving a comment. Thank you!

Wow, how time flies when your having fun! Consequently, the opposite is true as well - fun flies when your doing time. :) Three weeks to catch up on, I hope I have the energy to complete this mission. Do not fear, SuperDad is up to the task!



Monkey and Bear Singing a Duet. Watch Out Branson!



Iowa's Version of New York City's Naked Cowboy

March left us like a lamb with fairly agreeable weather. Had Spring finally sprung. But alas, last Sunday changed our minds. Patience SuperDad, ...patience. We have kept ourselves busy by attending a Home & Garden Show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and got some snazzy ideas for sprucing up the secret landing pad (a.k.a. - the backyard). SuperMom has been doing an awesomely radical job in holding down HQ whilst SuperDad has been putting in extra hours trying to finish up the semester. Do you know what the three best things about teaching are? June, July, and August!



Easter Egg Hunt #1 'How Much Did You Get?!"

Last Sunday (Blah!)

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon - Aftermath of Too Many Toys

This weekend was of course Easter. One of SuperMom's favorite holidays. The SuperKids woke up to a small treat this morning. We, the Iowagners, do not believe that Easter should be another Christmas. No new bicycles, iPods, or computers. We like to keep it simple. We had a small Easter egg hunt in the backyard that was enjoyed by everyone. It being a windy day, we decided to venture to a nearby schoolyard and fly our Spongebob Squarepants kite (lovingly given to us by Mrs. Brienne many moons ago). It was a great way to end the weekend. I can already tell that this week's magic word is going to be: CANDY!

CANDY! says The Bear

Monkey's Easter Bunny Impersonation

Easter is About...Sharing

Kiteflying as a Team Sport. Iowagners, Unite!

Bear Helping the Kite Get Airborne.

Bear Taking His First Solo Flight


-Until next time SuperFans, this is SuperDad reminding you to stay out of trouble.

Spring Broken?!

Well...hello there my favorite SuperFan. I'm glad you have found time to peruse our humble little blog. We, The Iowagners, hope you enjoy our (almost) weekly report of our antics. Be sure to read until the end. There is a special surprise waiting for you!

Since SuperDad returned to educating the young minds of America on March 9th, he has little time to do much else. For those of you out there who think being an educator is easy work, think again. SuperDad has spent many a late night and early morning preparing for class. Thankfully, there are perks to the job, such as Spring Break. More on that in the next paragraph.

Spring Break was...well...a little broken weather wise. The week started out nice and then turned to cooler temps by mid-week. I guess I should'nt complain. At least it's not below O F degrees and/or snowing!

As for that 'perk' thing, SuperDad was able to have the past week off to get caught up on a few things. We were able to take care of a few things around the house, but we also took some time to enjoy a small vacation. Of course, everyone got pinched on St. Patrick's Day!

Dad, It's too Heavy!!!

Monkey Kissing the Blarney Stone

Bear Doing Likewise

One of SuperDad's bestest friends he has known since 8th grade recently returned from serving in Afghanistan. We will call him 'Soon-to-be Major B.M.' He and his SuperFamily were passing through our little spot of Heaven known as Iowa on their way to Illinois. Not only were they able to visit Iowagner HQ, but we were also able to meet up on the other side of the Mighty Mississippi in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Whilst in Nauvoo we were able to catch up on old times, current events and see some of the impressive historical sites. Those pioneers were a resourceful and tough bunch. We were even able to locate a monument to SuperDad's great, great, great (I hope that's enough!) grandfather. Monkey was able to make good friends with B.M.'s youngest son.

Monkey and Her New (Boy) Friend

The Bath Water...Straight From the Mississippi

The Whole Group

Bear and B.M.-Twins?

The Real Twins-Like Father/Like Son

Bear Trying to Look Pretty Like Big Sister

(don't worry, Monkey will get more pictures later)

SUPERHERO TIP #752

It's Better to Wear Your Underwear on the Inside.

Back in Action...

That's right SuperFans, SuperMom is back!!! I'm healing and back to the normal everyday stuff. Well, maybe that's not the greatest part. Nobody I know ever said, "What I'd really like to do today is lots of laundry!" or "I'm so excited to go scrub those toilets!" As happy as I am to be able to play with my kids again, pony rides and the like, I'm not completely thrilled about the mundane everyday chores.
Other than fighting crime and saving the world from constant perils, the Iowagners have not been up to much lately. SuperDad had SuperTraining up in Minneapolis the last week of February. That's right SuperFans, even the Iowagners need a touch up on their oh-so-impressive skills.
We'd been aching for warm weather, so we had a picnic in our family room the following Sunday for lunch. Then, later in the week the weather finally warmed up and we were able to have another picnic on our porch and go for a walk together. It was nice to be outside and visit with neighbors again.
Friday I went to the dentist. Don't worry SuperFans, SuperMom has prevailed over cavities once more!! Monkey and SuperDad have appointments later this week and next. Schedule conflicts, what are you going to do? After my appointment the SuperKids and I went and surprised SuperDad at work and took him out to lunch at Burger King. SuperDad is going to be really busy the next couple of months and so we tried to get one last outing with him before things get really crazy. The kids loved it!
The weekend brought with it lots of rain and then sleet and a little of snow on Sunday. Yuck!!! It's still raining today and the SuperKids and I are really feeling a little bit of cabin fever.
Till next time SuperFans.

-SuperMom
(One more load of laundry to go!!)




Still my favorite picture from New Zealand. This is where the kids and I were around this time last year. I'll take that rainy, overcast day anytime!

11 and Still Counting!

Well SuperFans, we are getting better. We only took two weeks for an update this time. SuperMom is still on the mend and doing much better. She is almost back to normal. She was able to recover in time to throw another supermom a baby open house (kind of like a baby shower without the cheesy games).

SuperMom's Surprise...It's NOT Her's! The Real Supermom is in the Center

On Valentine's Day, SuperMom and I were able to celebrate 11 years since the first time we met. I know it may sound cliche' to meet on V-Day, but it was not planned. We sat and reminisced about all the adventures we have experienced thus far. We also thought of the ones to come as well. All in all we are happy that we met each other. Here's to another 80!

We also had a wack weather week before V-Day. The first half of the week was in the 60's with us topping out at 63 degrees. Then on V-Day we were hit with another quick and heavy snow storm. As you can see from the pictures, the SuperKids loved it nonetheless.

How We Started Valentine's Day

A Few Hours Later

A Cool Action Shot...I Call it 'Suspended Snow...'

You've Got to Make Snow Angels!

Ascending Mt. Monkey

Due to our crazy and hectic lives and schedules, We felt Monkey was needing some one-on-one time with SuperMom. So, she decided she wanted a tea party. It was all she could talk about all week. It became a reality on Saturday. They both got to dress up like princesses and Monkey could'nt be happier.

Remember, Pinkies Up!

Well space cadets, Our time this week is through. Don't fret and pout, we will return with yet another exciting adventure of 'The Iowagners!'

Next week's episode: North to Minneapolis...Again.

Yes, We Are Still Alive...Barely!

Greetings SuperFans. We must first offer an apology. We, the Iowagners, are well aware that our month-long absence has made many of you question our commitment to the cause. Fear not, and rest assured that we will try and prevent such a dastardly thing from occuring again.

Now that we have cleared things up, let's give you all an update on your favorite SuperFamily. We will do this using a weekly summary format. Sorry, only a few pictures this time.

Jan. 12-18

Cold and snowy. Need I say more...maybe I should. Not only did we accumulate nearly a foot (12 inches) of snow, we also experienced why Iowans and other upper Midwesterners are such hearty folk. When the wind chill is -40 F, and they tell you that death can occur in 5-10 minutes if you go outside unprotected, you know it's cold. This kind of weather makes you appreciate the warmer months. SuperMom was off once again to support another SuperFriend, Brouhaha Brienne and her wedding. She was wed in a much warmer place out west. A city north of Salt Lake City, UT known as 'Bountiful'. SuperDad enjoyed playing Mr. Mom with the SuperKids and watching movies.




Brouhaha Brienne as 'The Bride'

Jan. 19-25

Good thing SuperDad had MLK Jr. Day off, because the whole family ended up getting sick. It started with Bear and what apppeared to be pinkeye. Turns out it was strep throat. Then Monkey developed an ear infection and later bronchitis. Lots of trips to the doctor's office and pharmacy this week. SuperMom and SuperDad were not immune either. We both caught nasty colds/viruses/whatever and were equally as miserable. It appears the Iowagners have found their krypronite!


Jan. 26-Feb. 1

The sicknesses ensue for the better part of the week, thereby leaving the Iowagners quarantined to HQ. The crimefighting this week was limited to fighting off evil viruses and infections.


Feb. 2-Today

This week found the Iowagners in better health and extremely busy. We took a moment to celebrate the arrival of Monkey into our SuperFamily four years ago. She has grown in size, intellect, and attitude in the relatively short span of her life thus far. See the following photographs for proof. We also celebrated our arrival in the paradise that is Iowa two years ago on Monkey's birthday. I'll never forget her vomiting on her birthday cake because she was so car sick from riding in the moving truck. It was also a balmy -27 F the day we arrived. This week afforded SuperDad a moment to reflect on two years at his current job as a framer of young minds. I still feel like a rookie! SuperMom's health improved just before she went under the knife for some corrective surgery. I don't want to scare you with the details, so let's just say it was for birthing a baby boy with a head the size of a bowling ball! :) She is now on the road to recovery...slowly.



Then



Now

Indecision at the Madhouse (Chuck E. Cheese)


So that Bear doesn't feel left out, here are some parting shots.

Captain Underpants, In Training



Bear and His Cupcake Yarmulke

-Well SuperFans, I hope this helps fill that empty void you were experiencing in our absence.


Just remember, SuperDad loves ya...

Happy 'Pooh' Year?!

Well, hello again! I for one am shocked and amazed that 2008 is over already. I guess the Iowagners need to track down the dastardly villain who stole it away from us in the night. As you know, the Iowagners don't take kindly to thievery!

It may be cliche', but SuperDad would like to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. Many milestones were reached: Bear started walking, Monkey finally became potty-trained, and SuperDad's beloved Ford pickup, Festus, turned 30 years old.

The first quarter of the year found the Iowagner's splitting forces to conquer opposite hemispheres. SuperMom n' Kids would head nearly 8,300 southwest to the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. They would spend nearly three months (Feb.-May) visiting and helping SuperMom's sister. Whilst they were there Monkey decided she finally wanted to be potty-trained. Also Bear took his first steps. All I can say is thank goodness for webcams and YouTube! We definitely proved the adage, 'distance makes the heart grow fonder'. Thankfully SuperDad was able to regroup with his long seperated family for two weeks and tour a good portion of the island. It was an unforgettable experience. See our very first posting ever for more details.

The rest of the year was spent recovering from the 24+ hour flight home...Just kidding! It was spent doing some home remodeling, yard work, Monkey starting school, stressing over work, money, kids, etc. Yes, we are now fully domesticated.

You can see our additional milestones by looking at our past posts. Now, come with me on a pictorial journey of the last few weeks of 2008. I hope you enjoy the ride!

Spreading 'Reindeer Dust' (oatmeal and glitter) so Santa can Find Us!

Nice Shot of the Bedecked HQ (and SuperMom's backside!)

Christmas Morn. Note Monkey's Anticipation

Bear Showing Off His New 'Keen' (Lightning McQueen) Shirt

SuperMom and Bear Relaxing Together With His New SpongeBob Book



Monkey's Friend, Danny J, Trying to Braid Her Hair

Monkey's Joker Impersonation: PBJ Style

On a parting note, to clear up the mystery of this post's title SuperMom and I rang in the New Year by sipping our Welch's Sparkling White Grape Juice (a.k.a.-mock champagne) from Winnie the Pooh kids cups. Because, you know the Iowagners are always high class! :)

-Peace out!