Watching Your Dad Play Softball

When I was a kid I loved going to the park and watching my Dad play softball. I was pretty lucky to actually play with him in a few games when I was 17 or 18. I am not sure if Grady will want to play when he is older but it would be pretty neat to continue the circle. Right now I really just enjoy having him and Hillary come watch. Hopefully someday he can look back at all of these pictures and blog postings and reflect on how he got started. Started down the path to a career in the Major Leagues!!!

Grady gets a lift.
Grady's newest friend, Avery. Avery's Dad and I play softball together.

Bath Time

Grady has always enjoyed a good soak. We are not sure if it is the water or just being nude. Well, tonight for the first time Grady had company in his jacuzzi.

Grady loves the tub!

Brooks decided he wanted to share in the fun!

Mommy giving Grady the evening spa treatment, while Brooks assists.

Memorial Day Weekend Up North

We decided to head up Saturday in order to keep Grady on a schedule and to avoid traffic.

Grady had some company on the way up North. Brooks made himself comfortable while his buddy Rocco hangs out. We brought our neighbors dog along, they were at a wedding.

Saturday I gave John a hand as he was putting on a new roof. When I left John was looking for suggestions on good roofer. Good call!

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to do any fishing. Another good reason to hire a roofer.

Hillary got in a morning jog. Brooks was wating to greet her.

Grady and Hillary posed for a picture outside Big Bear Lodge.Uncle Trevor and Aunt Ashley at the Mercer Pancake Breakfast.

Mercer's Big Ol' Loon

Grandpa Randy and Grady before his first boat ride.

Mommy and Grady on the boat. Doesn't Grady look excited?

Daddy, Grady and Mommy on the lake.

Grandpa and Grandma Phelps watch from the dock.

Grady hanging with Uncle Trevor and Grandmpa Randy watching the Indy 500.

Grady protects Aunt Ashley from a Bear.

Let the Memorial Day Weekend Begin

Bratfest, A Memorial Day Weekend Tradition in Madison
Grady and his pal Caleb hang out while their Dads enjoy... what else? Brats

Grady told me his Mommy said he could have a brat. I had to fight him for it.

Caleb enjoys the new tradition!

Who Does Grady Look Like?

Sunday Dinner

Grady and Brooks took a trip out to Dodgeville to visit Ryan's parents for lunch on Sunday.

Grady enjoying a swing on the porch. Gary and Grady Lobenstein discuss the latest episode of Saturday Night Live. Grandma Lobe and Grady hang out before lunch.

Murphy and Bailey hang out and watching...

Brooks explores the backyard.

Brooks and his Buddy

Brooks is waiting for his ball to be thrown.

Our boys enjoying the grass in our backyard.

Baby and Puppy kisses

So happy, our little Grady! He's probably giggling at this silly song that I sing for him. "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you, good morning to you..."

Please throw my ball!

Chicago Trip on Mother's Day Weekend

This past weekend we loaded up the car for Grady's first trip outside Wisconsin. Our friends Aline and Adam got married in Chicago at the Brookfield Zoo. Hillary's friend Debbie from college and her husband Keith and their daughter Laurel let us stay with them. They have a beautiful home in the Bucktown area of Chicago.

Hillary, Grady, Laurel, Debbie and Keith hanging out before the wedding.
Laurel rocking Grady before we left for the wedding. She was very helpful having his bottle ready for him at all times. We are looking forward to our next visit. Thanks so much for lunch and breakfast and for sharing your home with us.
Grady gets his first look at Dinosaurs at the Brookfield Zoo. Dad and Mom were both very impressed and recommend this to kids and adults of all ages.
The Dinosaur Display had a Jurassic Park feel to it.
Many of the dinos moved and made noises. Grady seemed to enjoy it.
He watched each dino and even started making dino noises.
This display was very cool, you could push buttons and make the dino do different movements and sounds.
The wedding ceremony was held in the Dolphin viewing area. Before the ceremony we were able to watch as they swam and played.
Grady followed them as they swam all around.
At one point this Dolphin even stopped to look at Grady. He seemed pretty impressed. But then again Mom and Dad were probably more impressed.
Joining us at the wedding were Luanne, Duncan and Robb Vogel. Robb works with me at NBC 15. Aline use to work with us before moving on to Chicago.
Duncan enjoyed the Dolphins while eating Gold Fish crackers. I suppose that is better than Mahi Mahi.
The ceremony was very nice and it was definately neat to see the Dolphins swimming in the background.
After the ceremony drinks and hors d' oeuvres were served at Tropic World.
There were Gorillas and Monkeys and even a Pygmy Hippo.
Adam and Aline Cox arrive at the reception.
Grady and Mom get ready for dinner. Notice the party favors at each seat. Hillary was a huge fan of these plastic molds when she was a kid.
Adam and Aline were so kind to stop at our table before dinner. They knew with the kids we wouldn't be able to stay long.
Adam and Aline cutting their beautiful wedding cake.
Me and Grady it was sleepy time.
Duncan and Robb. I think the boys fell asleep at about the same time.
Grady dreams of dinosaurs and dolphins.
Thank you and congrats to Adam and Aline. Best wishes to the both of you.
We will make sure Grady learns about all the animals he saw today and when he gets older we will come visit you and zoo again.

Part of Hillary's mother's day present(s).

Grady enjoying the sunshine while we worked outside.