Summer Lovin'

Time flies when we're having fun! This summer has gone by so quickly, and we have clearly neglected the blog. Apologies! But hopefully, this picture-packed post will make it worth the wait.

Since mid-June, I have been a full-time stay-at-home mom... and what an adventure it's been! Drew and I have really enjoyed our special time together, and it's been incredible sharing so many moments with great friends and family.

Let's hit the rewind button, and take a peek at the Langner Summer!

We took a trip to visit Grandma Zim in Bloomington... and Jeff and Drew were feeling a little lazy in the river.

Drew loved visiting his Great Grandma Zim! After she took us to her water park and playground, and bought ice cream for all of us, Drew was easily won over.

As expected, it's been a summer of "firsts." Take a look at our handsome boy and his first haircut! He got to ride in a car, giving him ample opportunity to make his famous sound effect: "Brbrbrbr... CAH!"

He has started to brush his teeth this summer, too. All FIVE of them! (And sometime in the next couple of months, his sixth tooth may actually fully sprout up!) Notice that he has not yet started brushing his hair. We're working on personal hygiene one step at a time.

One of the first several attempts at eating with a fork may have gone better, had we not given him ravioli. And we don't usually let our kid eat shirtless, but I was running low on stain remover, and this just seemed like a simpler solution.

Summer is all about BBQs, running barefoot through the grass, and singing with the windows down in the car. Well, Drew did not approve of his parents' tunes. Apparently he's up for Simon Cowell's seat on American Idol. (Just wait until we make him listen to hours of Neil Diamond during future road trips!)

Playdate with our friend Maddy! She's one cool chick - she even had trucks to share.


We spent lots of time spent at the park. In fact, I think we've checked out most of the parks in the greater Lake County area. No surprise here - Drew is spotted sitting in the "cah."



And then Nana visited! We toured Lambs Farm in Libertyville, and took a great ride on the train. CHOO CHOO!

I think Sheryl enjoyed time with her favorite boys, as well. (What she didn't know at the time this picture was taken, was that these boys - plus her daughter-in-law - would be her roommates in the near future. She looks so unsuspecting, doesn't she?)

I'm usually behind the camera, but I managed to sneak into a shot! We gathered with my gal pals Alyssa and Jodie, and their beautiful children, for an afternoon of fun. Who would have thought when we were hanging out in the 9th grade, that our kids would one day play together? We've come a long way from Turnabout dates and gym class, girls.

I estimate that approximately 60% of our time is spent outside of our townhouse (still on the market, by the way... any takers?). Drew is obsessed with his, "Mon Mor." I am becoming fluent in Toddler, so I will translate: Lawn Mower. Clearly.

All smiles! The lawn looks great and he feels such a sense of accomplishment. This is training for when we have a yard of our own. We have to keep this enthusiasm going!

And during our time outside, a good portion of it is spent watching the front door of Isabelle and Cate, as our little guy just prays for these neighbors to come outside and play! He adores these beauties - and who can blame him?

What a great day it was when Papa Bruce and Grandma Bev came to visit! Drew adores his Papas, and spent some extra time cuddling with this one.

Drew is smiling because Papa is holding him. Papa is smiling because his grandson already roots for the Indians. Poor kid. He'll learn heartache early.

Such a treat! FOUR grandparents to spoil this little boy - all at the same time. And we were on the boat! Life does not get any better than this.

We also visited with Drew's cousin (well, second cousin, or maybe first cousin once removed... some crazy family tree connection)... ELISE!! We toured the Botanic Gardens on a particularly rainy day at the end of summer. But who cares when Elise's smile lights up the whole place?

MWAH!!! Kisses for Elise.

So that's our summer in review! Please forgive the random order and scattered commentary! That's what happens when I let months go by before updating this space.

What lies ahead for this branch of the Langner family is still being worked out... but it does include a move to Ohio in just one week! I will be starting a new position at Ohio Wesleyan University and Jeff will slowly make a transition to working remotely from Columbus. Thanks for cleaning out your closets, Sheryl... here we come!

We are incredibly anxious to see what God has in store for us next. We know it will include a lot of new adjustments, but some great new friends and reconnecting with family members.

We are so sad to say goodbye to Chicago, though. This is where we were married; where we bought our first home; where we adopted three dogs and said goodbye to one of them; where we welcomed our son; and where we made incredible friends along the way. For me, Chicago will always be home. My sister and her family are here, our church family is here, and amazing memories will always be part of my life in Chicago. Sweet Home, Chicago.

A Grand Time

Wheaton, Dublin, Westerville... Drew's social calendar has been filled with grandparent playdates across the midwest! Who has time to nap when there are people around to perform for? He showed Mimi and Papa his driving skills, built a skyscraper for Nana, and lapped up the fountain of love and Grandma and Grandpa's house.

I won't clutter this post with comments. Instead, I'll let the pictures tell the story. (I slipped in one or two cute shots from home, too!) We've had a wonderful time watching Drew explore with his grandparents, and look forward to more fun with family this summer.

Remembering... and Looking Forward

As usual, it's been weeks since our last post! I would apologize, but we've had quite a bit going on. Aside from the circus that is our lives with two dogs, a toddler, and two full-time jobs, the last month has brought even more for us to juggle.

In March, we said goodbye to "Gramps." Jeff's grandfather was an amazing man and he lived 88 wonderful years. We went to Cleveland to be with the family and to celebrate the life of a proud veteran, devoted husband, and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Drew felt it was most appropriate to honor Gramps by waving the American flag.

And then he decided to help his Grand Nana by doing some light yardwork!

As this was a time to gather with family, Drew was able to meet his cousins, Ben and Logan, for the first time! They enjoyed a good meal and sippy cup together.

When we got home from Cleveland, all of our boys were obviously anxious for their next great adventure!

So we headed back to Ohio! This time we were in Columbus, spending Easter with Grandma and Grandpa. We were especially glad to make this trip as we were able to introduce Drew to "Paw Paw." We said goodbye to Paw Paw just this week, and are grateful to have spent some time with him.

The weather was perfect for playing outside! And they had TOYS!

Grandpa gave Drew his first train track set - Thomas!

One of Drew's latest discoveries, thanks to his Grand Nana, is the wonderful world of chimes. Who knew they could provide so many hours of entertainment? Fortunately for us, Grandpa had some on his porch. So getting Drew to look away from the chimes long enough to smile at the camera was not a remote possibility.

The trip to Columbus was made even more memorable when we stopped to see the Wilsons! Jeff and Jake go way back, and Jake just returned from his time overseas with the Navy. Welcome Home, Jake! It was such a treat to get our boys together for the first time.

Drew and Jacob bonded over Jeff's Duke ball. Although this picture may make Big Jake nauseous, we'd like to attribute Duke's Championship Win (later that same night) to this very moment. Thanks, Jacob and Drew, for helping the Coach K Karma!

Now we're fighting another ear infection, so finding Drew's smile has been somewhat difficult. But we spent a fun day together, and he took great pleasure in destroying our clean house, and then placing his "crown" on his head. The joy of tupperware on one's head... it's never ending!

Finally, we are looking forward to yet another change. The house is on the market, and we're making our way toward Columbus! Drew hasn't started packing his toys just yet, but he's actively helping us recruit any buyers out there.

Sorry, folks. The kid doesn't come with the house. The dogs, however... that can be negotiated.

Walk Like a Man & Tunnel Vision

We are learning, first-hand, what "toddler" really means. Drew is now toddling, and we have the video to prove it! Here are a few of his first steps - motivated by a cell phone held just out of reach. (Who needs the colorful and expensive toys littering our family room floor, anyway?)

We admit that he looks like a drunken sailor. (I won't comment about which side of the family that comes from...) But in the few days since this video was taken, Drew has gained quite a bit of confidence and walks happily around the house. And 'round, and 'round, and 'round. Seriously, we're dizzy all the time! He just learned to pull himself up from the floor into a standing and walking position. In fact, I think I just heard him ask Jeff to borrow the keys to the car on his way toward the garage.

And we couldn't resist adding this next clip. Aunt Laura, Uncle Dennis, and cousins Riley, Cameron and Melanie brought Drew a colorful play tunnel for his first birthday. At first glance, Drew was leary. But give him a day, and he's mastered the art of tunnel crawling.

Of course, he was once again motivated by the cell phone - but I think it's hilarious that he throws it into the tunnel on his own. Then again, I think everything is hilarious. I'm a first time mom in awe of life's little joys.

Let Him Eat Cake! (Happy 1st Birthday, Drew)

Happy Birthday, to our sweet and funny little boy! We had quite the weekend full of celebration. On Saturday, we prepared for the arrival of some friends and family by dressing to impress. Here is Dapper Drew in his new (size 18 months!) shirt and sweater vest. Nothing says Birthday Boy like argyle, right?

Uh, guys, what am I wearing exactly?

Then came the arrival of a special delivery, courtesy of Mimi and Papa. Balloons! With a truck attached to the bow at the end! What could be sweeter? Possibly just the expression on Drew's face when he woke up from his nap and couldn't take his eyes off the shiny floating, magical toys.

Wow! Let me grab it!

No party is complete without a cake! Trying to get Drew to smile in any picture is hard to do as all he wants is the camera. But we had an even more difficult time getting him to look up from the cake, decorated with his favorite things... DUCKS!

Some cousins came over to play, too! Melanie loves her little cousin, and he thinks she's pretty great, too.

And tonight, on the actual birthday, we let him celebrate the old fashioned way... with cake, icing, and a messy, messy high chair.

Mushy. What is this?

Hmmm, goes down pretty smooth, I suppose.

Maybe I'll just try another small bite. But I'm watching my weight, so just a fistful.

What little boy's birthday is complete without a party at "school?" Drew was greeted at daycare this morning with a birthday sign, decorations, a special hat, and treats to share. His teachers even gave him a great present - a stuffed duck!

It's been a great year. Worth every push and every sleepless night, our little guy is now a walking, babbling, laughing, TODDLER. Our house will never look the same again, the dogs will never be denied food again (they are in cahoots with Drew), and our lives are never going to be boring. Such is life with the Langners.