The Geraghty/Clark Wedding

Would you believe me if I said that we flew into Iowa a week ago Wednesday and were greeted with GORGEOUS weather?

Ha. Iowa residents and wedding guests will call my bluff on that one. Obviously, our beloved state didn't get the memo about requiring beautifully balmy fall weather for the wedding weekend. Instead, we got cold dreary rain and a forecast for flurries. Sheesh.

But the weather didn't seem to faze the beautiful bride one bit. Caden and I accompanied Shannon for her countless errands on Thursday. It literally poured but we dodged the raindrops and got what she needed in record time. The downpour also meant my parents couldn't harvest, which meant they COULD attend the wedding. Things were looking up!

Friday rolled around and the pace picked up. Pat hollered at Brian bright and early (he was a bit sleepy from the bachelor party the night before). We spent 6 hours at the HUGE hall. It was indeed huge. Did I mention it was HUGE?! But apparently our family includes hard workers, and artistic ones too, so we turned that around in no time. Tricia and Aunt Diana were tulle extraordinaires, Krystie tied bows like it was her job, Aunt Colleen became the bell lady, and the boys did just about anything we told them. That includes Uncle John scrubbing the keg machine. I even caught Chris delicately spreading petals on the tables. Oh my.

The bride did her best to keep up with all the questions. Yeah, it got a little stressful at times. But bottom line...we made it through and the hall looked AWESOME. On Shannon's behalf, thank you to everyone that helped, especially those that came from afar. You guys rock. I think we all slept well that night....well, except the poor mother of the bride! But who could blame her?!

God truly smiled on Shannon and Dane the day of their wedding. Remember that crappy weather I talked about earlier? I awoke Saturday morning to sunlight streaming through the window. A perfect fall day...this was a good sign. And the rest of the day echoed the weather. I have been looking forward to seeing Shannon in her dress for months, and she didn't disappoint me. Her dark hair looked beautiful framed with lace, and her bright eyes and huge smile said it all. She was an amazing bride. And Dane agreed. He looked at her with adoration and kissed her shoulder a hundred times during the photos. Ahhhhhhhhh.

So pretty


I honestly can't think of anything about the wedding that went terribly wrong. That long aisle gave me nightmares for weeks. I envisioned various scenarios with our little ring bearer, and figured the mostly likely one would be that Caden would balk like a donkey, scream NOOOO, and run for the hills. Right up till the last minute, I was still deciding if I should carry him or not. I kept the faith and gave him a shot, and believe it or not, he walked. He chewed on a truck and stared at everyone like a deer in the headlights, but I'll take it! That's my boy! And to think I was worried.

See, he was already contemplating his escape.


I had to explain to Caden numerous times, we must respect God's space. He listened well.


ATTA BOY!

Shannon and Dane had an absolutely beautiful ceremony. She cried up the aisle, and so did I. Pam sang a couple times and gave me goosebumps. I was enthralled by Brian's readings and decided for him that he needs to lector. Father gave an awesome homily too. I think my favorite part was when Shannon corrected him on the appropriate amount of time to brush your teeth. (Are you confused? Ha...I figured.)

One word: relief!


The girls


Bubbas! (As Caden would say.)

The pics at the barn are seriously going to be magazine quality.

The good times continued at the reception. (Although, they played the Hawkeye fight song too many times. Where was the Rock Chalk chant?!) I had two helpings of potatoes, so that should tell you how good the food was. My apologies to whoever I cut in line in front of. (Yes, I pulled the bridesmaid card. I'm owed that, right?!) Heather and Hailey gave beautiful speeches. I will not comment on the guys...I'll just say, they were "interesting." (Crash and burn.)

Nice shades, Danger.

I'm sorry if I didn't get a chance to talk to you. I tried to talk to as many people as I could, but alas, so many people, so little time. I spent quite a bit of time with my parents and watching Caden. He was a maniac on the dance floor. He chased, stomped, and rolled on the fluorescent lights shooting across the floor. But, he could never seem to actually catch the light. That didn't deter him though.

Ladies, I've got moves you've never seen.


Caden and Bella fought like siblings the entire weekend.

Mom and Dad babysat Caden for the evening so Brian and I had some time on our own. This included HOURS at the hotel hanging with his cousins. I learned more about his childhood than I have in the past 8 years combined. FYI, if anyone is still wondering who shot out Grandpa Dick's windows and broke his hayrack, just shoot me an email. I'll give you a clue....BRIAN and 3 other partners in crime. I laughed so much my face hurt. Krysti and Cindy were the life of the party for sure.

Now we're back home. No matter how fun the trips are, it's always a relief to return home. Brian has had a rough couple days and now he's on the shooting range, freezing his butt off. Caden and I are already back in our routine of activities. We went to the Pumpkin Patch Wednesday and story time at the library yesterday. I'm excited to put him in his costume today. What do you think he will be?! Stay tuned...and Happy Halloween!

My boys

All four grandparents at once

Grandma Teresa had a TON of visitors over the course of the weekend.

Watch Out For Squirrels

Happy Fall everyone!

Ok, I know I've been negligent with the blog. No, I have not fallen off the planet (sorry to disappoint you). Just busy.

Brian graduated from Staff Academy, after six long weeks for all of us. It was worth the sacrafices, as he finished 2nd in his class and received special recognition. Recon Marine AND a scholar...we were proud. Now he's back to the grindstone. He's still playing catch-up but I think he likes being back in the normal routine. You will be shocked to hear that he even took a week off from training. Someone, call the papers! The extra family time has been awesome.

Staff Academy Graduation (Love the Service Alphas)

Speaking of training, triathlon season is offiically over for 2008...what a year! He finished with a bang. He placed 3rd at the Patriots Duathlon in Williamsburg on September 7th. It was supposed to be a triathlon but they cancelled the swim due to debris from Tropical Storm Hannah. (Yeah, Brian has an amazing knack for only competing in questionable weather.) As a result, we didn't have an opportunity to tour Jamestown, but we definitely plan to visit again. Williamsburg is a beautiful town with quaint shops, unique restaurants, and a rural feel. Definitely our kind of place.

His last race of the year was at Naylor's Beach. You may recall that Brian competed in this race last year. This time, we decided against the camping (ok, I decided against the camping, since I'm not dumb enough to repeat last year's fiasco) and stayed with one of Brian's coworkers. Despite the improved conditions, Caden once again optioned sleeping. He was scared and insisted on sharing a full size bed with Mom and Dad. Ugh...this is becoming an annual night of zero sleep. Anyway, Brian accomplished his goal of finishing 1st overall. His time was about 20 minutes better than last year. What a fabulous way to end the season.

Our preppy toddler

That water looks delightfully warm


All business

That's enough about Brian...he's boring anyway (ha, J/K honey). Caden and I are recovering from a cold, but otherwise, we're doing well. Caden is so much fun, as always. It never fails to amaze us at how well he understands us. Unfortunately, that means he is smart enough to ignore requests he doesn't like, or better yet, run and hide. He still loves being outside and thinks he can keep up with the big kids. Some of his new words include oh yeah, cah cah (helicopter), ilk (milk), gaaaahggy (froggy), bah (pacifier), mo (more), and cookie. And boy does he like to use that last word.

Cah Cah!


Look Mom, if I dump my oatmeal breakfast, it makes a nifty mud pit for my trucks.


As for his favorite things, we have gotten in a routine of building a gigantic pile of pillows and blankets and he practices his sprinting, jumping, and diving. Sometimes he misses and hits the floor, but he just snickers and keeps going.

Click to View a Video of Caden's Mountain

Caden is a friendly kid, waving at strangers and insisting on a high 5 or a shake. He loves to read and brings us books from his shelf constantly. Unfortunately, they're often the same ones. (Can we read something other than Choo Choo Clickety Clack, PLEASE?!) He is still fascinated with anything that has an engine, especially aircraft. I bought him helicopter and fireman pajamas and he drags them out of the laundry basket and carries them around like they're special treasures.

Wee-Ooo, Wee-Ooo!

Tackling Dad

His normal stance watching SpongeBob aka "Bubbas"


On a less happy note, his tantrums leave a bit to be desired, and he recently dislikes the Webcam, which breaks Grandma's heart. We'll keep trying.

As for me, MOMS Group at St. Francis is back in full swing and I've enjoyed meeting some new friends in the area. I'm still running and I actually have a race in DC tomorrow (Boo! Run For Life 10K). It's a Halloween-themed race...any good ideas for a costume? I started scrapbooking our races. I tried scrapbooking years ago and wanted to pull my hair out. I dig it now, so I'm not sure what changed. Maybe I'm getting old. Is scrapbooking an old hobby? (Now I shall get hate mail from all the scrapbookers.)

As for the title of the blog, I nailed a squirrel on my bike a couple weeks ago...true story. I was chugging along and out of nowhere something runs right under my shoe. Don't worry because the little varment lived. But I'm pretty sure my crank shaved a little off his top...HA...good riddance. Brian took me on a ride last Sunday. He worked me hard and coached me on all sorts of things I need to work on. New challenges.

My sister Jen visited last weekend! We took a trip to the Virginia State Fair in Richmond on Friday. We consumed immense amounts of deep fried food, watched Caden enjoy the rides, and witnessed Brian's embarassing attempts at carnival games (emphasis on embarassing.) It was a blast.

The Virginia State Fair

Bye bye! (Cade's first ride on his own)

Caden sneaks a kiss by the Shetlands (We love Shetlands)

We also got in a typical shopping extravaganza in DC on Sunday. We had lots of laughs over the course of the weekend and we definitely miss having our Jen Jen around. The only downer was she was sick the entire time, and was kind enough to share it with us.

Jen and Cade...our two buttons


My parents are full swing into harvest and Brian's family is full swing into a wedding. We fly into Cedar Rapids on October 22. We're looking forward to seeing everyone. Let's all pray that Caden actually cooperates and walks down the aisle...

Caden's First Race

Ready to Rock N Roll (I mean, Run)


Caden had his first official race. Both Brian and I competed in Runstock, a 5K race on base. We decided that one of us would push Caden in the stroller. We argued about it beforehand and couldn't decide who. After I watched Brian practice racing him around the parking lot, taking corners on 1 wheel, I said, "Uh uh....HE'S MINE." I'm the one that pushes him all the time anyway...he's my running buddy.

Caden looks nervous


Brian won by 1 second, in 16:10. Tight competition, but he thrives off that. Caden and I finished in under 25 minutes and 3rd in my age group. Too bad they hadn't given trophies for 3 places. I would have sent Caden up to get ours.

Brian trying to imitate Rocky


A very fancy, heavy trophy...it might rival Olympic medals


Afterwards, they had a concert on the lawn. The kids had a ball running around and throwing glow sticks. Caden stayed up till 10:30.

Hitting on the band groupies


Brian had 3 days off this weekend so we enjoyed some family time. We did some shopping for Caden, including winter clothes, a train table, and a train set. Or, was the train set for me and Brian? Not sure. Caden prefers to disrail the train, either disassembling the track or creating barriers.

Have a relaxing holiday!

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.