Brett's Graduation Party

I don't have a whole lot to blog about Brett's graduation party, except that we had a really fun time. Mostly, I really like this picture, and wanted to share it with you. See?

Awwwww......

Such a cute couple.

Why thank you, I agree with you.

But seriously, it was a really great day and it was so much fun to get together with everyone. It felt like one big family and friend reunion, and we got to see many people that we had not seen since our wedding almost four years ago.

Here's our guest of honor:


...and again with his brother:


Then I jumped in there just for fun:


Brett's mom & Melissa, the blogger behind Darby's Daily. I'm sure Darby would blog herself if only she had thumbs:


And Brett with Melissa's husband Glenn:

It was nice to catch up with my cousin Kellie, and I'm so glad my Grandma was able to make it:


And we got to see Karen! We haven't seen her in quite some time, either:

Here's Brett's cool display with all of his smarty-pants awards that he got for being such a Smarty-McSmarterson:


A big thanks to all our friends and family who came out to celebrate with us that day!

The Iowa Cafe

Just for kicks when we first got to Arizona, Brett's Aunt Judy took us out to the Iowa Cafe for breakfast. It's really neat inside because it has tons of Iowa-related memorabilia: John Deere stuff, cow & pig decor, and t-shirts and pennants from every college in the state.

Except Palmer.

*Gasp!*

I may have to get in touch with some of my Palmer buds still in Davenport and see about having some Palmer gear sent my way. Gotta represent. ;)

Graduation

Now that we have arrived in Arizona, I think it's time for me to update you on Graduation!

The night before graduation there was a graduation banquet. It was a great chance to spend time with everybody one last time.

We have so many amazing memories with these people. They were our family for the four years we spent at Palmer. Only a handful of other friendships in our lives are able to rival the kinship we feel with our Palmer friends.

The next morning began early with the awards ceremony:


Brett received the President's Award for being on the Dean's List all 10 trimesters at Palmer.


He also became a member of the Pi Tau Delta Chiropractic Honor Society for maintaining a 3.9 GPA and never receiving a grade lower than a B in any class while at Palmer.

Lastly he received a Clinic Award for his work as a Clinical Teaching Assistant in the Academic Health Center at Palmer.


After the awards ceremony it was time for the graduation ceremony. Here are all of the graduates walking in:


First he received his bachelor's degree:


and then he got to walk across the stage and receive his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree!

After receiving their diplomas they got to turn their tassels and officially become doctors!!



Finally, they all tossed their business cards, which is a Palmer tradition.


YAY! He did it!! :)


After graduation, the fam went to Biaggi's to celebrate.


More pictures of graduation can be found here.

I Introduce to You...

Brett, Doctor of Chiropractic!!

Many more pics and blog posts to follow, but I wanted to give you at least one picture for now!!

Weekend Update

Look! We have broccoli!


Of all the things in our vegetable garden, our broccoli seems to be doing the best. It has really taken off, and just last week we noticed this little broccoli flower emerging. I can't wait to enjoy some fresh broccoli from our very own garden!

I transplanted some zucchini to the garden that was started in a flat. Something tragic happened to our watermelon seedlings, so we may have to try again with those. We also planted some dandelions marigolds (don't ask me why I keep accidentally calling them dandelions) because apparently the bunnies don't like them. The last thing we want is for the bunnies to start thanking us for the glorious feast we have planted for them in our backyard. I also sprinkled some ground black pepper in the garden because evidently they don't like that either. I felt a little bit like I was sprinkling a circle of salt to keep the witches away, but whatever works. I went out and checked on my little zucchini this morning and no nibbles! Amy: 1, Bunnies: 0.

Saturday night we headed out to Durant, IA for Bryce's graduation party where I enjoyed some delicious long islands and was recruited to take pictures of the event.

This is Bryce. Bryce is my boss' son, also my former co-worker. He's also in the top 2 of his class. Way to go Bryce!


Sunday kicked off with some delicious Spinach & Artichoke dip with Pita Chips. YUM. If you haven't had the opportunity to get yourself some Stacy's Pita Chips you have no idea what you're missing. Seriously, go get some now. Your life will be forever changed.


This dip recipe is so glorious that I feel it needs to be shared with the world, so I am posting it here. We got it from Brett's brother Travis. Travis, I hope you don't mind that I am sharing your fabulous dip recipe.

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip:

• 1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 can jalapenos, drained
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 block cream cheese
• 2 cups cheese (any blend)
• Garlic Salt to taste

Mix all but 1/2 cup cheese with hand mixer. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. When bubbling, pour rest of cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy!

Sunday afternoon we headed to Keven & Tiff's place for BBQ and some s'more makin'. Keven & Tiff are moving soon, so it was nice to get to spend some time with them. This is Keven:


Tiff very politely requested that I not take her picture. I ignored her, but out of respect for her wishes I will not post the picture here (even though she looks adorable!). Instead, here's a picture of Amber. Amber's our friend, too:


And you all know this guy:


Today consisted of a brief run to Target, followed by a whole lot of nothing. I like those kind of days. :)

My Drinking Team Has a Bowling Problem

...At least that's what my shirt says. The ironic thing about this is that I pretty much don't drink, but that doesn't mean I can't be the drinking team's designated driver. ;-)

Palmer League Bowling has officially begun again. Thursday nights from now until March we can be found at the bowling alley, sucking most of the time, but having fun nonetheless. Our Bowling Team:

Our neighbors Clay & Jess, our friend Amber, and us.

It's Like the First Day of School, Only Cooler

I took the opportunity to snap this picture of Brett as he headed out the door on Friday. Friday was Brett's first official day seeing patients in Palmer's clinics. He got to give one adjustment and do one physical exam that day, with more to come this week!

Bix Video

Here is the video of the Palmer Spine I promised you. This one isn't the footage from our local news station. It's Palmer's own video that they shot, which is actually probably better. We are towards the second half if you want to fast forward a little bit. Enjoy!

Palmer Spine

Once again this year we participated in the Palmer Spine for the Bix 7 race. We walk the "Quick Bix" which is a 2 mile walking race dressed up as a spine to raise public awareness about chiropractic and the Palmer Clinics. This picture is compliments of our local news station, Brett & I are the 3rd and 4th segments:

Here is the spine posing with the Elvi. They do the race every year too:
Here we are with some of our friends before the race:

The whole group after the race. We came in dead last for the Quick Bix, but we won 1st place in the costume competition!!

C3 & C4 at the finish line!

Our local news station has footage on their website of the race, including a portion with the Palmer Spine doing a little dance that we put together. I am working on getting just that portion of the 2 hour broadcast uploaded to my blog. When I do I will let you know. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can check out the footage yourself at KWQC's website.

Palmer Spine Preview

Last night I decided that we can go ahead and add arena football to the list of sports that I don't care about. Friday night we went to the I-Wireless center in Moline to watch the Quad City Steamwheelers (our local arena football team) play. We were there to support Palmer by dressing up as the Palmer spine and running around on the field while Dr. Johnson talked about Palmer and Chiropractic during the halftime show. It was actually a lot of fun, and a preview of what is to come in a few weeks when all 25 of us run the Bix as the Palmer spine just like we did last year. A special thanks to Michelle for taking these pictures for us, and a BIG thanks to both Dean & Michelle for showing up last night when we really needed you guys. You rock. ;-)

Brett's Half-Way Party

Last weekend was Brett's halfway party and we had a BLAST! The food was good, the hypnotist was HILARIOUS and it was great to spend the evening with so many great friends!

At our house before the party. I did April's hair and I think it turned out cute!

Brett & I at the party ♥


All the girls!


Us with The Sheldons


Us, Dean & Michelle and Keven & Tiff. Keven is being a goofball.


Amy & the lovely Miss April!


Brett & Jamie. Drunkards!

Good Times Bowling, Part 1

As previously blogged about, Brett & I played on a Palmer bowling league Thursday nights this winter. Here are some pictures (shamelessly swiped off of Amber's Facebook-Thanks Amber!).

Me and my favorite bowling ball (I tracked that baby down every week!)


Waiting on Nate to bowl... I look so patient don't I? :-P


C'mon Nate


Me & Red (Amber)


Me & the Huz:


The Pin Pals:


We're trying to get a shot of the back of our shirts here, but it looks more like we are just showing you our butts... Nate in particular.