It’s that time of the year again when the colleges have Parent’s weekend, and Iowa State had theirs this past weekend. It’s always such a great time, and we’ve been lucky to not only go to Central College when Kyle was there, but now we’ve been going these past years to Iowa State for William.
Saturday morning started early to make sure that the cows, chickens, dogs and cats all had enough to eat and drink until we got back Sunday night. Daryl gave the cows a bunch of hay and extra corn and since the chickens were staying in the coop all weekend, they got their water trough inside. Once everyone had enough to get by for a little while, we loaded up the car and headed south. The weather was supposed to be really nice and we were excited to see William. We made it to Ames about an hour before the football game that we had tickets for, so we grabbed something to eat and went to find our seats. Even though they were pretty high up in the stands, we didn’t really feel that the wind picked up. But we were ready for the cold weather just in case.
We had enough clothes on to stay warm at the game
The game was fun, but the Cyclones didn’t play that well and lost. But it was still a good time just hanging out at the game. After the game, it was a road trip to Walmart to get William stuff, and then back to his dorm to check out his room. I helped him move in earlier this fall so I knew where it was and how it looked then, but Daryl hadn’t seen it before. It’s tons bigger than his last years room and I think they’ve got just about everything that they could possibly need in there!
William in his college dorm room
We met some of the guys that William hangs out with, and after meeting up with William’s girlfriend, off to get some supper.
Waiting to get seated for supper
It was fun because we had a table full of kids with us. And if you always thought that you could eat fast, you should meet William’s friends! One of the guys ate his whole sandwich in a matter of only a few minutes and he said that he wasn’t that hungry because he just ate a couple of bowls of chili before we left to go out. Oh man, to be a kid again right? After everyone was full, we left the kids and headed to our hotel for the night. Since we had some time the next morning to just hang out before the concert, we drove around and checked out the capital and then we ended up going to a movie and eating a nice dinner.
Driving around checking out the capital
We had it timed perfect, because we were meeting William’s girlfriend at a certain time before the concert started. To be honest it was even fun just waiting for the concert to start because we ended up finding some of our friends that came down for the weekend and stayed for the concert. Since this was the first concert of the year, everyone was really excited for it to start. 
There were four choirs performing and William was in the second one. And I laughed at myself when his choir came out because you just never get over stretching to see your kid in the crowd – no matter how old they are.
Statesmen Choir – Iowa State
But as the concert was going the one director said something that stuck with me. You know when someone just makes a comment and it hits home? Well that’s what this was. It started out as a Thank you to the parents, and all the other guests that were at the concert. Then the comment was how greatful the kids were that they had the support of their families and friends over the years, and to come to not only this concert but all the past concerts. Then I thought to myself, I wonder how many music concerts have we gone to? It would have started when Kyle was in 5th grade and it still continues with William in college. So let’s say since 1996 until 2013 – that would be 17 years. Then if you figure in the choir, band and musicals, plus college stuff… well it would be a lot! But you know what? It’s some of my most favorite times with the boys and I’m so glad that we have it as a memory. I loved every one that we went to!
