My Daddy, My Hero - The Yates Family Story: October 2008

I can honestly say that these past 10 days have been the fastest of my life! Having Michael home has been wonderful and fun!! Xavier has loved having his Daddy home! Here is a re-cap of our time together...

Michael got home Wednesday night and Xavier and I met him at the airport. It was really cute because Xavier was holding a welcome home Daddy sign. As soon as Michael rounded the corner where we could see him, Xavier ran up to him all excited and then handed Michael the sign. Daddy could not have scooped up his little boy fast enough!! On the way home, Xavier told Michael "Put the hammer down Daddy! Let's get home." He was a little excited to get Daddy home!!

Thursday we went and met Grandma for lunch, but it was just a low-key day. There were lots of laughs, tickles for Xavier and kisses!

Friday was Xavier's actual birthday!! We started the day off with family pictures (that will be a separate post once I get them) and then it was off to Chuck-E-Cheese!! Xavier did not know what to think of Chuckie...

That night, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Sarah, Caleb and Tyler came over for a little bit and we sang Xavier Happy Birthday and he opened his presents from Mom and Dad (which were trains of course). Is is hard for me to believe Xavier is 3 already. Where has the time gone? I definitely do not have a baby anymore!

Saturday was Xavier's party!! Since Daddy was home and it was Xavier's birthday, I had the bright idea of throwing 1 large party at a park. What a wonderful day!! The weather was gorgeous and we had about 60 family members and friends show up! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful support system!!

Since Daddy was home, we had a red, white and blue USA party.

Here is Xavier with his entire picnic table full of gifts! This kid made a haul. We were opening presents for what felt like forever. It took 4 very full car/truck loads to get everything home that night. He is without a doubt one lucky kid to have so many wonderful people in his life!! He also is very spoiled! :)

Of the 60 people that were there, there were about 23 kids. The really funny part is that of the 23 kids...there were only 8 girls. It is definitely is very lopsided. Regardless, it was fun to see all of them running around playing. Here is a picture of some of the kids...

Sunday is was off to the Rams game for Mom and Dad and Xavier went to Grandma's. Michael and I saw an awesome game where the Rams beat the Cowboys!! It was a very fun game and if it could not get any better, when we got back to Janice's she had a chili dinner all ready to go so we could eat as soon as we walked in the door! Yummy, Yummy!!

The fun just kept on going Monday. After Xavier had his 3 year old check-up at the doctors we went to Brunswick for lunch and to bowl.

Daddy gave Xavier too many pointers because he ended up beating both Michael and I in the 2nd game.

I went back to work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but the fun did not stop for Michael. He played golf with his brothers and 1 of his uncles, played in a poker tournament and had some alone Xavier/Daddy time. We all needed that "down" time to get ready for another busy few days...

Friday was A Day with Thomas!! Yes, Thomas the tank engine train came to St. Louis while Daddy was home! How cool is that?!? The weather was cold and overcast, but we had a blast! Talk about a little boy's heaven.

Thomas was pulling coaches that you could ride in and you went for a 30 minute ride. Here is a picture as we were pulling out. I think this pretty much speaks for itself and shows the pure excitement....

This event was actually in East St. Louis (not the best of area's) but it did provide a pretty scenic ride. Daddy is so smart because he made sure we got seats where we would be on the downtown St. Louis side. Xavier just started out the window the entire time. I LOVE this next picture...

Also in attendance, was Sir Toppem Hat.

Daddy and Xavier on the train!

Later that night (if the day was not busy enough), Michael took me out for a nice steak dinner to Ruth Chris'. It was very yummy!!

Later tonight we are going over to Michael's aunt's house for dinner and a night of fun. Then it is off to the airport Sunday afternoon so Michael can go back. I think it goes without saying that it will be a very sad day in the Yates house. The one thing we will have is the memories of a VERY fun 10 days!!!