A New Experience

Steve and I are from towns of 10,000 and 4,000+ respectively, so high school football is something we know well and spent almost every Friday night growing up watching (or playing in his case - have you seen him?).

Steve and I spent last Friday night at a nearby high school football game. But it was nothing like we've experienced before.

First, the teams were ranked #1 and #2 in the state.
Steve reminded me about a game of his when his team was on the bus going home by half time.

Second, people were tailgating in nearby office parks and parked in parking garages.
Besides the fact none of the above exist in our home towns; let alone by our high schools, nobody would dare tailgate (with alcohol) of legal age or not within eyesight of school grounds!

Third, it was like we were at a smallish college game. There were around 7,000 fans at the game!
That means every single person in my home town plus probably every person who rurally lives in the entire county would be attending.

Fourth, they served both Cul*ver's hamburgers and Sheri*dan's custard.
I opted for the Pep Club's hot dog.

Fifth, a sports station was airing the game live.
And, it wasn't the high school station.

It was a fun night, a different experience and we'll definitely be going to other games. But we still vote for the small town football games. Plus, after there game, I know for a fact there's no loop for them to scoop.

A Great Man

Last week, Steve lost a good friend. Roy passed away at his home in Iowa after an extremely "courageous" 11-month battle with cancer. Thankfully, Steve was able to spend a few-hours with him on the Sunday afternoon before he passed away. Roy passed away in the early hours of that Tuesday a.m. surrounded by his family and friends.

They became friends when they joined the same fraternity. After they moved out of the house, the two of them and a couple other friends lived together - in a strip of old "aka run down" apartments with basements in the middle of the Greek area that seemed to always have a keg going. Or at least that's my recollection... Needless to say, they've had a lot of great times together.

The unbelievable number of people who paid their respect to Roy and his family during the visitation and vigil service on Thursday night and for his funeral, the procession from the town the funeral was held to his current town, to his home town 1-1/2 hour away (in torrential rain), for his burial, and then for the celebration of his life at a local hall (with a lot of Busch lite drank in his honor -- which also happens to be Steve's favorite beverage) says it all.

Roy made the choice to do one of the bravest and giving things...he was a volunteer firefighter. On both Thursday night and Friday, a great number of fire trucks from around Iowa were there and then followed the procession the entire 1-1/2 hours to his burial. The bag pipes, the tributes, the bells, the firefighter salute, the large flag held up by two neighboring city's fire truck ladders at his home fire station as they transported him from the antique fire truck to the vehicle that took his family and him to his final resting place, the fire trucks with their lights on on the overpasses as we drove through Des Moines, the Rest in Peace message on his home town Pizza Hut's sign, the fireman outfit in front of the Casey's, the large amount of people in the streets paying their respect (as I mentioned in pouring rain) in both his town and his hometown are just a few examples of the profound effect he had on so many people and the respect he had in the communities he lived in.

I write this post not only as a memorial to Steve's long-time friend and his family but also so there will be more people to pray for Rebecca and their two sweet, adorable and young (6 & 2) daughters. And, of course also for his parents, siblings and families.

I did not know him well, but I'm so glad Steve did.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/roybingham

A Celebration of 95 Years

A couple of weekends ago we got to spend three-days in northwest (Storm Lake) and northern (Algona) Iowa.

On that Sunday we got to celebrate Steve's grandpa's 95th birthday! Steve's mom, Barb, and sister, Julie, organized an extremely nice open house for Grandpa Bartlett.

Steve's grandpa has had a very rewarding life and has given much back to his community and church.

Here's our awesome family...anyone that's been around them all together know there's no other family like the Seilers. They are hilarious with each other, and we have a good time together...

Josh, Jamie and I are very lucky to have become a part of this family.

I think this was the 10th picture taken so the kids were getting a little restless.
Front Row: Grandpa Bartlett, Luke, Ty
Second Row: Josh, Julie, Barb, Jamie, Cael, Beth, Andy
Back Row: Jerry, Steve


Uncle Steve and Luke on the pogo stick.

Ty was eating ice cream at the open house ever chance he got. He sat down by multiple people he didn't know and would just make himself at home. Doesn't he have the best smile?

Cael is funny and on-the-move. As much as they try to change it, he will only call his grandma, "Barb". "Hi Barb!" "What are you doing, Barb?" So funny...

Christmas in Iowa

Like many people, our Christmas centered around the weather.

We thankfully made it everywhere (slowly and sometimes white-nuckled in white out conditions) except to Steve's grandpa's in Algona.

It was a whirlwind trip, but we got to spend some time with both of our families.

And Steve got to skin a deer with his dad and brother. Now that's Christmas...

Family Beware

And that's not all of them.

I have no idea how after these presents are loaded in our small car; our luggage and us are going to fit for our "Tour De Iowa".

It may be a close to the dash board kind of ride.

First Football Game

Last weekend we treked through a lot of traffic and construction to Iowa City for the Iowa/UNI football game with our family and friends.

Ann and baby Evan post-game!

Nate and Jack taking a rare break from playing.

Wendy and me.

Steve's amazing food...and then some.

Iowa State Fair: Friday Night

Steve and I were in Des Moines this weekend to see family and friends.

Here's our recap of Friday at the zoo!


Steve and I starting it off in front of Stockman's.

My food on a stick.

The biggest bull.

Joe and I looking for the guys in a sea of thousands and thousands of people.

Brooke and I doing the hand. Why? No idea...

The sister-in-laws at the Paul Wright concert.

BTE Fan Club

Last week I got a Facebook message from my friend, Lance, who I know from college. Actually Lance was my Cy Aide at my Iowa State orientation the summer before my summer year. So technically one could say he was one of the first people I ever met at Iowa State. Of course by 5-minutes into the bus tour, my mom knew everything about him...and still knows his name to this day.

Lance's best friend happens to be a friend from my hometown. Patrick is exactly one year older as we share March 16 as our birthday. He is so funny. They are both so funny.

Anyway, Lance said they were coming to KC for the Better Than Ezra concert and wanted to know if we wanted to meet them out. We had a great time with them. Pat and Steve knew a lot of the same people since Pat went to Buena Vista for a while in college.

These two guys are groupies of BTE and have traveled to all of these far away cities. I was excited I knew three songs.


Lance, Patrick and me.


Lance is good...I'm not sure how he pulled off this picture b/c Steve was moving quick to get out of it!

Who Needs a Favorite Stuffed Animal?

Probably two years ago, we became the owners of a western rattle snake head thanks to a neighbor.

Steve gave it to our oldest nephew, Luke, who loves this thing; probably because it came from his Uncle Steve.

Last Friday when Luke's classmates were bringing their favorite stuffed animals to show-n-tell, Luke brought his western rattle snake and wrote the following:

Birthday Wishes Four Times

Our nephew, Ty, turned four on May 9!

Some would say he was a bit excited about his birthday...or consumed with it!

We were so happy to be in Des Moines on his actual birthday this year, because it doesn't happen very often.

Our Iowa Life

We spent last weekend in our beloved Iowa celebrating the 4th birthday of our nephew, Ty (more on that later), and Mother's Day with both of our families.


Saturday night started off like most Saturday nights do by me dropping a bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade on my friend, Betsy's (who also lives next door to Andy/Jamie), driveway while sober. As all good brother-in-law's do, Andy duck taped my hand. Smart man; those Seilers.

Our buddy (everyone's buddy), Joe, and my dad.

Betsy and me! Betsy spent some time in KC while she was in medical school and we became good friends. In fact we were going to live together until Des Moines called her name for her residency. Next thing you know we reconnect and she lives right next door to Steve's brother and sister-in-law!

Damn, I wish I could grow Joe's hair.

This photo scares me.

Their wives are amazingly smiley.

I am going to get my Tan Towel out ASAP.

Nephews-o-rama

Here are some of the latest and greatest photos of our Seiler nephews in the WDM from the past month or so.


Lil Steve (aka Cael), Luke and Ty.

No wonder Cael was screaming, his cute chubby legs and rain boots were not friends.

I have mentioned it only makes sense Cael comes with us since he is his Uncle Steve. No takers yet, but we're persuasive.

ISU at the Boulevard Brewery!

Friday night was the ISU Alumni Event at Boulevard Brewery!

We met friends there and partaked in multiple glasses of Boulevard beer. Most of the night Steve and I were drinking their new "Maibock". I don't know that it's in stores/bars yet, but it is excellent. I kept asking for a Mai-tai all night since I apparently had plugged ears, but they knew what I was talking about.

Jack Stack BBQ provided the food (& Steve somehow ended up coming home with a pack of buns) so it was a KC night all around...


Angie, Kati and me with beers on a box.


Barb and me. The Maibocks are starting to have an effect on my eyes.

Who knew Boulevard now has wine?

The "first night on the job" bartender, Barb, Kate, Lesley and me behind the bar.

Afterwards the boys went home, and some of the girls hit the new rooftop of the Bice Lounge at the Power & Light District. While not the most intelligent move to drink, wow, were those Milano martinis tasty...

#1 & Where in the World is Steve Seiler?

Wednesday celebrated the first birthday of our youngest nephew, "aka lil' Steve Seiler" Cael! Happy 1st Birthday, Cael!

On Saturday in Des Moines, they are celebrating Cael's birthday and Steve's dad's birthday, Jer.

It is 4:40p.m. on Friday afternoon as I write this, and I honestly have no idea if my husband is in Kansas City, in his car on his way to DSM, or in Dez Monez.

Or maybe even none of the above.

He's been planning to go to DSM today and drive back early tomorrow afternoon. I can't go because I have a work awards banquet Saturday night Steve "gets" to go to. But he mentioned Iowa may get snow, it's a long 6-hours in the car for a short time, etc, etc, etc.

I have left him voicemails. I have emailed his sister asking if she knows where he is. I have called my brother.

Steve Seiler is no where to be found. But I'm not worried because the one thing I know is that he can run...but he can't hide.

Lovebirds

The answer to the question below is no. But I like to believe Steve would like all ISU alumni to know our story. And I know he'd like nothing more than to be an Iowa State Lovebird with me. I have noticed he does pay special attention to swans whenever we see one...

Roses are red, And Cy is, too! Do you and your sweetie Love ISU?

If while on campus You found your amore We invite you to join up And tell us your story Like the beautiful swans Are you birds of a feather? Do you share Cyclone love and pride together?

Sign up to join the ISUAA And become OFFICIAL Lovebirds today!

The ISU Alumni Association is excited to introduce "Lovebirds," a new benefit for members that allows couples who met on campus to tell their ISU love stories and enjoy special benefits. Join the ISU Alumni Association & sign up to be a part of Lovebirds today, and as our way of saying "thank you," you will receive a free "Lovebirds" logo chocolate from Ames-based chocolatier Temptations on Main Street.
FREE GIFT!
As a member of Lovebirds, you will continue to receive special surprise benefits throughout the year. This goes along with the other great benefits of ISU Alumni Association membership, which include VISIONS magazine; local and national discounts on events, programs, and services; our colorful ISU wall calendar, and more. Happy Valentine's Day from the ISU Alumni Association!
P.S. Celebrate Valentine's Day with our miniature ISU-themed Virtual Valentines. They're a fun way to show your ISU friends and family you're thinking of them.

Those Seilers Love Tazzles

Last Thursday night, Steve and I went to his company's holiday party (stock brokers must like to extend the holiday season).

It was in a beautiful oak-laden room on the top floor of the Intercontinental Hotel on the plaza with an unbelievable view of the plaza lights (and including both of our office buildings - we seriously can never get away).

The ladies that work in Steve's office love to get their hands on me and talk about Steve. Oh, how they love everything Steve Seiler!

For obvious reasons, I have never been shy about answering any Steve Seiler questions they may have.

I got a call from Steve a couple days later informing me that when he walked into his office after a meeting, hanging from his door was a banner with streamers that said, "Razzle Tazzles"!

They apparently latched on and ran with me telling them about Steve being a bouncer at Tazzles in college. Getting that call from Steve and hearing his voice when he was telling me about it was like pure joy to my ears. These are the moments I truly love.

Note: When you click on the Tazzles link it takes you to a Sports Illustrated story about an Iowa State football player in 1992 named Man Seiler who liked to go to Tazzles. Besides the fact I didn't know anything ISU ever made it into Sports Illustrated, it's by chance this "man's" last name is Seiler and that he liked going to Tazzles after a game. I hope we're related to him because Man is a stellar first name.

Iowa/Iowa State Gamewatch

On Friday night Steve and I walked down to our trusty neighborhood bar for the Iowa/Iowa State basketball gamewatch.

We brought some board games for Toys for Tots, and as a result I won matching Iowa State t-shirts for both Steve and me (I am wearing it below)!

It was all so exhilarating that Steve just could not take the excitement of putting on his twinkie t-shirt or getting his picture taken.

Kati, Rooster and me.

Joe, what is your wife doing? Maybe it's a KU symbol since Angie's team is used to winning.

Apples & Cider

On Sunday, Steve and I drove up to Shenandoah, Iowa to visit my Grandma & Grandpa Book.

This wasn't a regular visit. This was an apple picking, cider making visit.

And apple picking and cider making is what Steve and I did, for more than six hours.

We picked thousands of apples (a variety of types I should add). And then using an apple cider maker that has to be close to 100-years old, we crushed the apples, pressed the juice into a container and then filled over 25-gallons of jugs with apple cider.

And then we picked even more apples and took home two large garbage sacks full back to KC.

It was OOC to say the least.

But at least many of Steve/Ann's neighbors and our neighbors are now set with both apples and cider for a lifetime. Or at least until it all goes bad in a couple of weeks.

To serve as a friendly reminder of our age, my back and legs are now extremely sore and stiff from this six-hours of goodness. And I don't think Steve is much better. But good times were had by all, so like many great things in life, it was well worth it.

Here is a photo of Nate with the apple cider maker a couple of weeks ago.

Iowa/Maine Game

This weekend I rode up to Iowa City with Steve (brother), Ann and Nate for the Iowa/Maine football game.

It was a fabulous day to be outside!

Finn, Wendy & Brandon's youngest, and me chugging at the tailgate (okay, his was water with the cap on).


Nate counting the bean bags.


Nate and Jack, Wendy & Brandon's oldest, playing WWF in the Jamboree.

House Help

My parents have lived in this beautiful house the past eight years. It's the house they deserved while raising my brother and I while we sucked them dry. But the fact that they have it now makes up for that, right?

Over the past eight years, it's been learned how stunning cedar houses can be, and how much work it takes to power wash and restain it.

My dad has been working on restaining the house every night after work and every weekend all summer. He's been working non-stop. So we headed to "the set" this weekend. On Saturday Steve, my brother Steve, and Steve's brother Andy worked extremely hard. They made so much progress in a short amount of time.

That Seiler/Book combination just always seems to click... I'm a very considerate daughter to marry into such a handy family that likes to work extremely hard for my family in return for a meal and Busch Light (even when my dad buys Busch heavy).

Steve S. and Andy tackling the garage.

Steve B. staining the west side of the house.