Carson Palmer in his new role: dad in Idaho

Palmer tries to feed a mud cake dessert to son Carter at a dinner in Ketchum.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer walks to the car with daughters Bries, left, and Elle, right, after a dinner out.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer drives his family home after dinner in Ketchum.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer shepherds his children out of the house on the way to school.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer plays with son Carter before tucking him into bed.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer watches TV with the family.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

The Palmer family at home after school.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer is pelted with a snowball while posing for a portrait with his children in Ketchum, Idaho, on Dec. 10.   (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer tucks his children into bed.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer negotiates bedtime with son Fletch.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Palmer talks to friend Guy Robbins about fly fishing and their love for the sport.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Then USC coach Pete Carroll congratulates Palmer after a 44-13 victory over Notre Dame in 2002.   (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times )

Palmer played 15 seasons in the NFL, including on the Arizona Cardinals.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

The Palmer family, from left: Bries, Fletch, Carson, Carter, Shaelyn and Elle.  (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)