Water Boy

We loved our trip to Iowa but it's always good to return home and revert to a normal routine...oh, and I suppose it's okay to see Brian too! He won't be on travel for a while (YAY) but is still busy as usual. Currently, he's enrolled in Staff Academy, which is a 6-week course designed to help Staff Sergeants learn how to be good NCO's. It's a step back in time for him since they have group formations, rooms in the barracks, and regular inspections. He's studying for a big test tomorrow in his barracks room right now. Barracks...how funny. Two weeks down, four to go.

One of Cade's favorite books (About trucks, of course)


Caden had his 18-month appointment today and his development is on track. He has said a few more words, including "bapa" for Grandpa. That made Grandpa Bob feel on top of the world. His nap schedule is completely out of whack so I hope that remedies itself soon. I'm not ready for my 19-month-old to forgo naps.

As for the title of this blog, we've been spending a lot of time at the pool and he's becoming a fish. He learned how to blow bubbles and charges in waist deep, no fear. When he jumps into the "big" water, he prefers that I get out of his way. Um, you're not quite THAT good yet, buddy. He plays a game where he lines up, says "Ee, ee, go," and then races into the water. Michael Phelps, here we come.



Catching some rays and maybe some hot babes

Grandma Bernitta gives Caden a run for his money

Good thing we have a Dyson.

He insisted on wearing his JD hat to bed...?!

Abby and Jason Carlin flew out here last week for a DC vacation, Geraghty style. It was a jam-packed week and I tagged along and played tourist too, hitting all the monuments, the Holocaust Museum, and Mount Vernon. We watched the Olympics every night and ate our weight in ice cream. I think the funniest part of the week was when the MP at the gate mistook Jason for a Marine and said "Ooorah Staff Sergeant." Jason was confused, to the say the least.

Perfect tourist picture of Staff Sergeant and Abby

Cademonster enjoys the World War II Memorial

What a gorgeous day

Me, Ab, and Abe

Summer Vacation

We're still in Iowa but the trip is quickly coming to a close. What a nice vacation. The only downer happened the night I wrote the last blog...I caught the flu. The nasty bug delayed our departure to Cedar Rapids but at least Caden didn't catch it. On a positive note, we got to see my dear friend Emily from England as we passed through Des Moines, which is a rare opportunity. Yay!

I could describe our week in Cedar Rapids best with one word: WEDDING. Shannon and Dane's wedding is fast approaching and we spent the week making her invitations, organizing her address list, and selecting decorations. I never thought I'd see the day that Pat would sit and assemble wedding invites. Tedious work and late nights, but we had a lot of laughs.

Don't crush the kitty, LOVE the kitty...


Uncle Dane says nothing runs like a Deere


Happy Hour at the Hasleys complete with drinks and bar stools


Heather and I hosted Shannon's bridal shower on the 19th (Pat & Pam's 39th wedding anniversary). Pam watched all five kids (God bless her) while Heather and I went shopping Wednesday to gather the remaining supplies. Cooking for 30+ people with five kids running around...EXHAUSTING. But Heather is a delight to work with and Allie and Gabrielle are willing helpers.

The hard work paid off as the shower went beautifully. City Hall proved to be an ideal location as nobody saw the disaster we left at Heather's, ha! My face ached by the end of the day from smiling. I think the best part was quizzing Shannon about Dane. We'll say she passed, even though she didn't know how many points are on his buck on the wall. Whoops.

Shannon got a few gifts


Yay sisters! (Heather, Shannon, Me)

Aunt Sheila, Shannon, and Grandma Geraghty

We asked Caden to give Aunt Cindy and Bella hugs...so he hugged the cement instead.


After the shower, Caden and I zipped back to Avoca and have been on the go ever since, including Klindt family pictures, a few days with my sister, tons of dinners and visits with friends and family, and a trip to the zoo.

Grandma and Grandpa Klindt with all the greats

Be my friend, goat? Not on your life, kid.


Found the ONLY puddle at the entire zoo

Kicking back in his sweet ride

Waiting for the zoo train

Caden handled the traveling well, with just a few sleepless nights. He talks a lot now and his favorite words are currently baby and please ("peees!"). He has a truck book that he makes us read about 10 times a day, which is not an exaggeration. He would ride the tractor, the Honda, and the lawnmower all day if he could and he voices his opinion when we stop. He likes to play in the water hose and is already a runner in training. He makes up his own starting line, says ready-set-go ("eee...eee...go!"), and then races to an arbitrary location, generally diving into a down comforter.

Homeless?


Teasing Great Grandma Klindt

Grandma Goettsch's standard flower tour via golf cart


Survived Aunt Cindy's haircut, and Kenna approves

Shucking 15 dozen ears of sweet corn makes Grandpa Bob crazy

That's mine, Grandma Pam! (Brian does this too)

Brian is anxious to see Caden's new tricks. His 2 weeks in Fort Huachuca were stressful, but he did enjoy one weekend in Flagstaff and was pleasantly surprised at how much he liked it there. He competed in the Mountain Man Triathlon and placed 10th overall and 2nd in his age group, which ranks as his best placing yet in a big race.

Thank to everyone that hosted us for meals or overnight stays. I regret that even with all the running around we've done, there are still people we've missed. We'll be in Iowa again soon so perhaps we'll catch some of those people then.