Heat Wave

Summer is in full swing down here in Southern Alabama. It is H-O-T and the time Grant and I do spend outdoors is mostly in the mornings when it is almost bareable. This particular day, Grant and I just returned home from our morning walk and it was the first time little beads of sweat had lined his face, nose and forehead. When I do pick him up out the stroller the poor guy is always soaking wet, I guess this is something we'll both have to get used to!

World's Greatest Dad(s)

Happy Father's Day!

Ron and I are extremely blessed to have wonderful Father's and one very special Grandfather in our lives. We are so grateful for the countless sacrafices they have made on our behalves and for the constant love and support they send our way.

First, meet my Dad, Wayne. He's a kid a heart and gives the best back and foot rubs of anyone I know! In fact, when my sister and I both are home, we fight over who's back Dad is going to massage first! He's a self professed work-a-holic and when he's not working he loves to watch the Lifetime Movie Network (not kidding) and eat a bowl of ice cream. He loves the outdoors, swimming in the ocean in the dead of winter, floating on his back miles and miles down the coast and is not afraid to stop and ask for directions. He wears socks with his sandles and flip flops and never wears a belt with his pants. He's my Dad, he taught me to swim, ride a bike and love unconditionally. He sees the best in all people and always gives the benefit of doubt. Dad, (& Granddaddy) I love you so much!

Meet Ronald Dean Wendt. Also known as Grandpa. He's Ron's Mother's Father and Ron's namesake. He also the kindest, most generous and warm hearted man I know. He always has a huge smile on his face and he brings a smile to my face everytime we talk with, "How are you, Hun?" He's loves his Great-Grandsons dearly and is the official "Jack of all Trades." There is nothing this man cannot do or fix. He and Grandma Betty love to travel and have driven to see us from Illinois countless times. Everytime they visit, our house always benefits. He has installed a peep hole in our front door, custom cabinets in all of our closets, blinds and has made numerous improvements to preexisting gadgets. He also made us a contraption so we can change the speed on our 14 foot ceiling fan! If you think it's broken, he can fix it! Thank you Grandpa! We love you!
Meet Jim. Most of you have and no doubt, he probably made an impression! He's Ron's Father and the life of the party that is, if the party ends at 9pm. He's early to bed, early to rise and always greets me with, "Heyyyyyy, Girl!" Jim is a man of a few words but when he's got something to say it's usually note worthy. Jim is the King of the Grill, an excellent chef and makes the most delicious North Carolina style BBQ and smothered chicken sandwhiches. He's the best Grandfather to George and Grant and enjoys playing, "sneaky, sneaky, sneaky" the game where he and George sneak up on everyone in the room and scare us! He rubs his hands together when he's excited, cleans his plate faster than anyone I know and tells dirty jokes. He's a devoted son and the reason Ron chose a construction career and for that, I don't if I should thank him or kill him, haha! We love you Poppy!

And now on to my sweet husband who is celebrating his first Father's Day.

Ron, You have been the best Daddy to Grant over the last nine months. My love for you has grown deeper after witnessing the love and affection you shower our baby boy with daily. You are very hands on and don't hesitate to share your opinion on my parenting skills or tell me how you would have done something different but that's what makes you such a great parent, you care about each and every detail! "Stop using those medela bottles, Grant can't drink from those fast enough!" "Buy some pajamas that fit, these are too little!" (Which they never are?!) "Mommy doesn't know how to comb little boys hair, here, let's show her how it's done." Most importantly and most hysterical, "Be careful with his little boy parts! Mommy doesn't understand Grant, don't worry!" Grant is so lucky to have you as his Daddy and I can't wait til he's old enough to go on all those camping trips with you that you talk about, you will be the best of friends I just know it!

Grant is such a lucky little boy to have so many men to model himself after. Thank you to you all for being such an influential part of my son's life and always being there for Ron and I. We love you and Happy Father's Day!

Bananas!

Lazy days in the Yaeger household are long gone... along with any quiet time we once enjoyed like lounging on the sofa while catching up on tv shows or reading. Grant is becoming increasingly mobile and demanding of our attention. He's very quick to yank on our lamp cords ultimately resulting in them coming crashing down and he's constantly getting into mischief around the house. He is experimenting with walking (holding our hands, of course) and is enjoying experimenting with different foods as well. There are still no teeth to report on so we mostly offer him very soft foods that he can gum before swallowing. Enjoy the videos, (all taken today!) Also, listen closely in the first, Grant repeats the word "Banana." Or at least, what sounds like banana!

A Visit to the City of Brotherly Love

Ron, Grant and I traveled to Philadelphia last Saturday to visit my sister, Beverly and to attend our friends, Ronica and Patrick's wedding! This was Grant's fifth trip by plane and FINALLY he was able to travel with his Daddy, I was also grateful for the help on the plane with our little wiggle worm!

We have been looking forward to this trip for quite some time and Philadelphia is such an exciting city full of history, we were excited for all the city had in store for us!

We were lovingly greeted upon arriving at the airport by the "Tew Crew," full of hugs and smiles. My Mom and Dad decided last week that they would also visit Beverly while we were there so we could enjoy being together as a family and of course, they were dying to see Grant once again. Beverly had not seen Grant since Christmas when he was four months, he had grown leaps and bounds from their last encounter.
Our first stop in Philadelphia was Pat's King of Steaks. The home of the first and original Philly Steak and Cheese Steak. Ron saw this business featured on either the Travel Channel or Food network a while back and ever since he's been obsessed with seeing what all the hype was about for himself. Let me tell you, Pat, did not dissapoint. Our Cheese Steaks were amazing! This place is open 24/7 and they have a never ending line wrapped around the building. It was definitely worth the wait!

If you know Ron, you know he is a huge history buff. The next day he had a historic site-seeing itinerary lined up for the "Tew Crew." We visited the Liberty Bell, The National Constitution Center, Ben Franklin's Grave and Betsy Ross' home and gravesite. It was an awesome day and the weather cooperated perfectly all weekend.

We did take some time out from our day to enjoy the local park...

Grant loves his Auntie Beverly!

That night Ron and I attended our great friend's, Ronica and Patrick's wedding in downtown Philly at the Downtown Club. The ceremony and reception were held in the same banquet room on the eleventh floor overlooking the Philladelphia skyline with a cocktail hour inbetween. Their wedding was amazing, Ronica is the former "Miss Philadelphia" and the highlight of the evening was when she serenaded Patrick with "At Last." Patrick and Ron are Marine Corps buds and their friendship has lasted past their Marine Corps careers, Patrick just graduated with his MBA from Harvard and he was actually was a reader at our wedding!

We also got to meet up with several of our old, good Marine Corps friends that we had not seen in two years. It was wonderful seeing all of these great folks!

Our last day in the city was spent doing all the last minute scenic stops and taking my Dad out for a Father's Day lunch. We were busy, busy, busy and on the go

but we did take some time out to enjoy the view.

Thank you to my wonderful sister for opening up your home to us during our stay and driving us all over the city! We had such a great time visiting your part of the world and hope to make it back up there very soon!

And for the highlight of our trip, look who I just happened to run into during our layover in the Charlotte airport?! Fate, I tell you! It had been too long, Monica was on her way home from a Nascar race in the Poconos. I love you Mons!

(*please excuse my very tired, no makeup face. Grant had been completely unmanageable on our previous flight and I was purely worn out!)

Like Mother, Like Son...

Remember the post of Ron's baby picture and the picture of Grant wearing the same outfit and posing the same way? I received a lot of feedback about how much Grant favored his Daddy at that same age. I've been dying to compare my baby photos to some of Grant ever since. Let me know who you think my baby boy resembles most!

Memorial Day Weekend

Our family of three enjoyed a mellow Memorial Day Weekend with the exception of one get together with friends Saturday night. We ventured out to the Cox Family Farm for good food, good drinks and good company and enjoyed celebrating the holiday while the babies played away. Enjoy photos of our little ones, all five months apart from eachother and some pooltime play with Grant and his Daddy.

Watch out Savannah, Grant is catching up to you!

Grant(9 months) Savannah(14 months) Brooks(19 months)

The Saga continues...

Grant and Brooks arguing over which one of them is Savannah's boyfriend all the while she watches on...

"Let me in that pool! "

Grant absolutely LOVED the water, it was very warm and was essentially like a warm bath. He was all smiles while Daddy swam around with him!

And of course, I couldn't end this post without a special Thank You to my favorite Veteran in honor of Memorial Day for his selfless time and service. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." -Joseph Conrad Ron, you are my hero!

Ron in Kuwait 2007

Yaeger Family Vacation... Volume Four

And now, for the last installment of the Yaeger Family Vacation.

Our last day in St. Louis we headed over to the St. Louis Zoo for a WILD time! The assortment of animals we were able to lay our eyes on was astounding. Of course, we enjoyed the zoo mostly through the eyes and ears of my nephew, George and his cousin Nick who is four. We visited the children's petting zoo where Grant went crazy over the guinea pigs and meerkats. It was an eventful day and Grant took a solid two hour nap in his stroller while we enjoyed the sights. Enjoy the pics from Grant's first zoo visit!

Grant excitedly reaching for the guinea pigs

George wants to share his goldfish with his new friends
Mom, "Can I take one home?"

Grant loved the llamas. I was too afraid to go near them, I thought they might spit on me!

George loved brushing this goats coat. After brushing him, he picked up rocks and threw them at the poor billy goat.

The rhinos were my favorite. I had no idea how massive this animal is!

Our little boy all tuckered out which made for a peaceful zoo visit for Mommy and Daddy

Our group heading towards the elephants

Tigers!

The penguins were adorable!

Family shot in front of the St. Louis Museum of Art's reflecting pool which just happens to be within walking distance of the zoo.

The Yaeger's had a wonderful family vacation and we were ever so thankful to fianlly be home after a LONG car ride the following Saturday. Ron and I both vowed to NEVER drive that far again with Grant. My little boy is the best but having a nine month in the car for 11 hours straight is enough to drive anyone temporarily insane and plus I just felt like a bad Mom. It was worth it though, our trip was a memorable one!