Saturday

We took full advantage of the warm weather on Saturday!

Brody's Tonka truck will pick up blocks in the house and we found it will pick up walnuts and other yard debris.  I think next fall he and his Tonka will have a job.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brody's first Thanksgiving meal...those noodles were yummy Mama Merna!

Pictures By: Studio 21 Photography

Brody's new found hiding spot.  Why under the table of course!  It's a great challenge to crawl through the chairs and then once you get to the center, you can flop like seal over the center support of the table!

An afternoon of picking corn.

More Honor Flight

Although it's blurry, Aunt Helen and Grandpa are marching into the school for the welcome home ceremony. 

An American Legion group led the way carrying the flags.

Grandpa and Grandma were happy to see each other...Grandma gave Grandpa a big hug...aaahhhh!

Grandpa had to show off all his letters he received during Mail Call.  He didn't open but a couple on the flight...I'm guessing it was just a little overwhelming for him to have such a pile of mail to read. 

Uncle Pat and Aunt Kathy were there.

Aunt Vickie, Nicole and of course Courtney (without makeup, oh dear me).  Uncle Dave was drying corn and of course Emily was at the airport.

My parents and me (looking like a drowned rat).  Kurt was home with Brody and Katy can't stay up past 8:00 these days thanks to being pregnant!  Michelle, Justin and Cohen just live to far away.  They should move home!!

Uncle Bill, Aunt Kay, Brittney and Zach - Remy the dog was in the car even.  Brittney and Zach made a fast track back to Champaign so they could work the next morning. 

Of course Aunt Helen was still there and her hubby David was still hanging out with his veteran friend for the day, Earl.

Holding hands....how about another aaahhhh!

Courtney and I were just thrilled to take part in the day.  We were absolutely worn out and are 1/3 of the 52 veteran's ages so I can only imagine how they felt by the time they found their beds that night. Grandpa was still just in awe yesterday.  I think he was most awestruck by the welcoming committe at the airport in D.C.  It was one of those moments I personally will never forget in my lifetime nor probably seen duplicated! 

I still have some random pictures to share and hope to get Aunt Helen's as well maybe tonight.

Another surprise...

Emily surprised Grandpa Yakey at the airport!

Corky and I are back at Em's and are getting ready to head to Effingham for the Welcome Home ceremony. 

Sounds like their expected arrival is 11:30 pm at Sacred Heart Church in Effingham if anyone else wants to meet us there! 

Another highlight on the flight home was Mail Call...Grandpa had a huge envelope of cards and letters, as well as a handcrafted book by Ms. Rincker's 2nd grade class.

Thanks for following us today...hopefully we will get some pix yet tonight yet too.  I'm not staying up to post though...this kid's tired!

More pictures of our afternoon...

This was our last stop with the bus... Changing of the Guard.  We watched two wreath changes in the pouring rain but it truly was cool.  The veterans who were in wheelchairs got a front row seat so Grandpa should have some really good pictures of this!

Iwo Jima Memorial-  It was cold and the bus was warm.  We hopped off the bus took a few pictures and hopped back into warmth!

Sorry, it didn't flip again!  This is the Korean War Memorial. 

This statue is part of the Vietnam Memorial. 

Sorry, didn't turn again! Lincoln Memorial.  We hit the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials in one stop that lasted an hour.  Jen and I were so quick that we ate lunch (a quick hotdog and sodie while standing in the rain!) and visited all 3 memorials.

It was so amazing how gracious people were.  Not only were other veterans and adults thanking the WWII vets but also young children.  I witnessed two 14ish boys thank Garett's grandpa.  It was really cool.

The Navy Memorial.  The Honor Flight was invited to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Navy Memorial.  It lasted about 30 minutes.  It rained.

This picture is the President's car... NO JOKE!!!  We had to stop to allow the motorcade to pass.  It was pretty cool.  We also saw the President's helicopter with the white top several times throughout the day.  Jen and I think he was trying to spot me and her!

Jen and I are sitting in a corner of the airport right now getting ready to board the plane towards home.  Grandpa, Aunt Helen, and Uncle David have already boarded.  Home bound with wet legs...

so, it's wet and cold, but  the wwii memorial was a wonderful experience.  senator dole and mrs. elizabeth dole met us there.  the random fire truck picture below was one of the firetrucks that met us at the gate for the flights water greeting.  it was pretty amazing.  we are on the bus with everyone now and heading to the navy memorial.  stay tuned.

welcome to our guest blogger for the day, courtney ann!

This is the vehicle that brought us to the airport.  Emily woke up at 4:00 so she could take us to the airport.  Thanks Em!!

This is our first picture of day.. we all look so bright-eyed and bushy tailed!!  4:45 a.m

This one didn't turn like it was supposed to so turn your head!!  This is the look on Grandpa's face when he spotted Jen and I.  He had to go through the wand because of his buttons on his bibs!! Yes, Grandpa has his bibs on under the polo!  He looks so cute! Grandpa was suprised to see us. 

This is Garett's (my boyfriend) grandpa and aunt.  I found out on Thursday that they would be going on the trip. 

As we left the airport in St. Louis, the luggage loaders escorted us onto the runway with flags. 

We are now waiting on the tarmac in D.C. a fire truck greeting is planned.  It is raining. :-(

I SURVIVED MY FIRST FLIGHT w/o Grandpa as the pilot!!!!!!!!