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.

Iowa Farm Boy

Caden and I arrived in Iowa last Saturday. I was nervous flying by myself with him but we took some advice from friends and stocked up on new toys, snacks, and lollipops. The second we sat down, he kicked the seat in front of as hard as he could (yep, he was the annoying kid on the plane) but I did my best to keep him corralled. He was a very good boy but it's still a lot of work keeping a toddler entertained for TWO "church services" in a row.

Wow, it's GREAT to be home. Caden had no problem going to my parents and has adjusted to the new environment seamlessly. It helps that my parents stocked up on toys, a new slide, and swings. I miss having SPACE. Caden runs to his little hearts content. It's quite apparent that he's a farm boy at heart. He found Uncle Jeff's old pedal tractor immediately and requires rides on the Honda daily. Grandpa finally had the opportunity to give him a ride in his tractor. Now every time he starts it up, Caden comes running, arms outstretched, wanting a ride.

Go fast, Mom


BIG ride


Right at home


My Dad wanted to take him to the fair so we hit up the Shelby County Fair in Harlan last night. Caden ran from one tractor to another and wanted to hitch things together. (I'm not sure what his fascination is with that? He constantly insists that we hitch wagons and trailers to his little trucks.) We didn't do any rides but he splashed in the duck pond. Then we watched a long parade with a ridiculous amount of candy. Every time I turned around, Grandma was unwrapping a piece for him. He didn't understand the concept at first and threw the candy back at the floats. He liked the noisy fire trucks best.

Oooo a hitch


Proud Grandma and Grandpa with their farm boy

We need a leash for this kid

Caden, how many suckers have you had? 2? 3?!

Brian has a very busy week at work preparing for his program's annual review, so he admitted that it was a good time for us to be out of town. He is flying to Fort Huachuca this morning and will be there for a couple weeks. He has planned two triathlons, including one on base tomorrow and a road trip to Flagstaff next weekend. I'm not terribly disappointed about missing races in the Arizona heat.

We hope you had a nice Fourth of July. Ours was low-key as Brian had to work duty at the celebration and it rained. We BBQed with our friends the Altizers. Caden wasn't enchanted with the sparklers and mostly wanted to play in the mud instead. Maybe next year.

We're off to Cedar Rapids tomorrow and will spend the week with the Hasley's and the Geraghty's. I mentioned the floods in my last blog. Pat's business is rebuilding amazingly fast. Regarding the flooded apartments, they've decided to hold off on doing anything for now, so we'll see what the future holds.

Hope to see you before we leave August 6!

Floods and More Races

I'm sure by now everyone knows about the flooding that has overtaken much of Iowa. Several out-of-state people have inquired as to how our families are doing back home. We appreciate the inquiries.

Brian's family in Cedar Rapids are battling the aftermath of the severe flooding. His parents own some apartments in the downtown Cedar Rapids area that they rent out. The flood destroyed virtually everything on the first floor. Pat's company was also submerged. He has been spending every day there cleaning up and then heading to the apartments at night. The school Pam teaches at escaped serious damage, but all the homes of the teachers and students were not so fortunate. Over 38,000 people are homeless. They have had help from volunteers, the National Guard, and local residents. With their hard work, they were able to save one city well and the hospital. Needless to say, there is a lot of work left and it will take years to recover.

Pat and Pam own that green house in the background


Pat and Pam and Heather and Matt are at a crossroads in determining what to do. Board up the apartments? Take out another loan and rebuild? It's a tough decision and financially it's a complete loss either way. They're tired and stressed, but also refreshingly hopeful and forward-thinking. Their faith has obviously played a huge part in acceptance. Please keep them in their prayers, as well as all the other residents affected by the floods throughout the Midwest.

As for us, we're doing just fine. Caden entertains us with his creative modes of play. Last night, he ran between rooms and one-by-one, stacked matchbox cars on our ottoman. Why...we have no idea. He drinks from a cup easily and far prefers that, even if it does mean pouring milk down his shirt. He has learned how to give Daddy "knuckles" and he says a new word, "outside." He points at things constantly and repeatedly asks "is that?" I think he just likes to hear us respond. He also hoards his pacifiers and switches them out.



I'm not sure about this pool business...


...but give me a rain puddle any day!


Father/son moment


Brian competed in the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon on Sunday. It was a last minute decision but we're glad we went. It is one of the biggest triathlons in North America with approximately 4,000 triathletes (including pros) and thousands of spectators to cheer them on. Brian placed 4th in his age group and 26th overall out of ~1,900 male amateurs with a time of 2:06:15. His top-five placing qualified him for the USA Triathlon National Age Group Championship in Portland this September. Wow. For the most part, the race went smoothly, although he almost fell in the bike transition area and he was furious with his run performance. Every race is another learning experience and another step closer to his goals.





The race took place in the heart of Philadelphia. It was my first time there and I enjoyed seeing some new sights. We ate at a unique diner at the Reading Terminal Market and viewed the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Caden was incredibly overstimulated by the end of the long day, but he survived and so did we. Honestly, I would not exactly volunteer for those road trips every weekend but it was fun to watch Brian compete in such a big race. (I just didn't enjoy navigating by myself in an unfamiliar city, fighting thousands of bystanders with a hyper toddler!)

That darn bell is still cracked


As for me, I ride my road bike twice a week and recently purchased clipless pedals and bike shoes. It's almost like I'm a real cyclist now! I tried them out this morning and half fell only once. It was one of those moments where you right yourself and then look around sheepishly to see if anyone was watching.

I ran the 5K "Run Amuck" here on base with Angel and Brandee last Saturday. The race course included obstacles like tires, pipes, hay bales, fake barbed wire, some nasty steep hills, and a mud pit. It's a good thing the three of us grew up in the country and don't mind a little dirt. I think my favorite part was making the t-shirts beforehand. We spent two days making them and the resulting product was glorious.

Whew, that's DEEP

Chicks from the Stix Dig Mud

Angel's misspelling is not helping the "back country" stereotypes for Missouri folks

Caden is waking up from his LONG afternoon nap. I think he is still recuperating from our Philly trip this weekend. Take care and maybe I'll see some of you soon. We fly out in less than 2 weeks. Call my Mom if you need an exact countdown!

Armed Forces Triathlon

Our resident Marine athlete competed in the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship in Point Mugu, CA, this past weekend. He placed 30th/88 with a time of 2:02:38. He was the 7th male Marine to finish. The Navy won overall and the Marines came in 3rd. The female Marines did really well and won the women's competition.

The race was on base with very few spectators but great weather. They hooked him up with a ton of Marine Sports clothes and gear. Brian was satisfied with his run split of 34:59, which was the 3rd best out of all the run times in the event. He has high goals for next year and would love to qualify to compete in the International Military Triathlon in Russia in 2009. His next race is June 22 in Philadelphia.

Hey Zoot Sports...we wear your shoes...please sponsor us!


Unfortunately, he's on the road again. He came home for a whopping 12 hours and left for a 2-week trip to Hawaii to field gear to Marines at 3rd Radio Batallion. He's tired of traveling but will be home June 13 before Father's Day.

In the meantime, Caden and I have lots of plans, including MOMS Group activities, playgroups, and trips to the pool. This morning, we're going to story time at the base family library. They sing songs, listen to stories, and play musical instruments.

Caden amazes me lately with how much he understands. He brings me things if I ask him (even his beloved pacifier) and if I tell him it's bathtime, he climbs up the stairs and heads to the bathtub. He loves water. He has learned how to make his Kawasaki go, and that's also his current favorite word, "Go!"

Mmmm protein shake


Prefers to play with the crayons versus actually coloring

Brian had 4 days off for Memorial Day so we tried to make the most of that. We spent one day in DC with Angel, Alex, and Bryce and toured the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Then we got stuck in Springfield with a dead battery. Yippee. Not the best end to the day but it could have been worse. Thank goodness for USAA Roadside Assistance.

First carousel ride (It went about Mach 10...we were both uneasy)

Stealing Daddy's ice cream

Grandpa Pat was out here on business last week so Caden had fun playing with him at the park. He even gave him a kiss when we asked. After bedtime, Pat and I played an intense game of Scrabble. I will not mention who won, for Pat's sake.

Loves underdogs


Caden's sweet ride


My KU friend Todd is at Andrews AFB for a few weeks so we spent Friday afternoon with him. Caden entertained us by bringing us every piece of trash within playground limits. I can't fault him for being environmentally conscious. Thanks for lunch, Todd.

Don't hog the equipment, Todd

We've had a lot of storms out here lately, and we know there's been some in Iowa too. Stay safe! Thanks for reading and we hope to talk to you soon.

Steph's Race

Great news...my race today was awesome! I participated in the 1st Inaugural Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg. I ran the 13.1 miles in a time of 1:52:23 (8:35 splits). I was on cloud nine. My primary goal was to get under 2 hours, and 1:52 was my optimum goal. I improved tenfold and beat my previous half marathon PR by 12 minutes. I placed 762/3822 finishers. Detailed results: http://results.active.com/pages/searchform.jsp?rsID=61900

The race was well run, the fan suppot was phenomenal, and the course was scenic, as Fredericksburg is a historic colonial town. People sat out on their front lawns and cheered. One guy yelled at the 5-mile mark, "You're almost done." Everyone chorused back, "You're a bad liar." One smart aleck bystander had a sign that said, "Runners, better you than me." Ha...true.

It was quite a patriotic event, which I expected. There were lots of random Ooorahs, and during the first/last mile, we ran through 2 fire trucks with the ladders raised and a huge American flag stretched between, while they played "Proud to be an American." What a motivating moment. There was a lot of entertainment during the race, including a band of children drummers, an Indian Pow Wow, colonial ballroom dancers, and a harpist. Strange, but hey, it helped keep my mind off my aching feet.



The course was hillier than I expected and the uphill climb in the end was brutal, but I knew I was on track to make the 1:52 goal if I just pushed it a tad harder. There were three Marines in boots and utes that I joked with and ran part of the race with. They were ahead of me the last mile and I just had to beat them, given they ran the race in military boots. I respect their ambition (but I personally won't be running any races in boots any time soon!)

Brian and Caden cheered me on during the last mile. It meant a lot to have them there. Brian has been my number one supporter and coach. He believed in me when I didn't and planted the seed in my head that I needed to set my goal faster than 2 hours. Brian, I'm glad I listened to you (can't believe I'm saying that...).

Brian is still diligently training and his next race is in 2 weeks. He has a lot of TADs coming up, including trips to Ohio, California, Hawaii, and Arizona.

Caden has been irritable as he's fighting off a summer cold. But that's understandable. He's becoming increasingly independent and has recently become "Daddy's Boy." It started around Mother's Day when he decided he wanted nothing to do with me all day. How ironic. I guess he didn't get the memo that it was MOTHER'S day. He has been clingy to Brian ever since.

We've noticed that he wants to emulate adult activities, like feeding himself entirely on his own using our forks and spoons. He throws food too...grrrrr...our carpet is a disaster. He prefers sitting by himself in our chairs. It's really quite amazing the things he picks up that we do. He tried to put a DVD in the DVD player yesterday, he likes to help set the table, and he knows that before we "Go" outside, he needs to put on his socks and shoes. When he hugs us, he pats our back like we pat his...it's so sweet. He still loves to snatch our cell phones and accidentally called Grandma Bernitta yesterday. We'll pretend it was on purpose. We recently bought him a basketball hoop so he's our little hoopster in training. But really, it's just more for Brian and I to play the game HORSE in the house. (I am currently up, 4 games to 1. YESSSSSSSS.)

Video of Caden attempting to play basketball


This kid adores corn


Having his morning coffee and newspaper on the porch


Oooo sand...something else I can throw


Always willing to share, especially after it's already been in his mouth

We hope all you Moms had nice Mother's Days. Brian treated me to breakfast in bed and Caden colored a picture for me. We bought some beautiful flowers too. Summer is here...yay!