Ryland turns 8

It is hard to believe my baby is already 8!  He is a total sweetheart and very athletic. He enjoys hunting, playing in the dirt, jiu jitsu, and everything Minecraft.  Happy Birthday, Ryland! 

Party Time

Reed, Ridley, and I celebrated our sweet neighbor's third birthday today.  It was a pretty day outside that was a little warmer than normal.  Ridley enjoyed the industrial bubble blower, which I immediately ordered. 

Reed was the oldest boy at the party, so the little guys thought he was so cool.  He threw the ball too hard and ran too fast.  It wasn't long before he had to sit out.  

My littles enjoying some birthday cake and ice cream.  These two love each other so much and play so well together.  I love to see their relationship grow, and they play so good together.  

Celebrating Friendship

We have been so blessed this year to get the most wonderful new neighbors.  The Scillians are awesome, and my entire family has fallen in love.  Tonight the girls celebrated Jill's birthday with our little ladies in tow.  They all get along so well together, and I am reminded how lucky I am to have such fantastic neighbors.

Ridley's 3rd Birthday

 Ridley celebrated her 3rd birthday on a beautiful afternoon at Bicentennial Park.  We lucked out and had gorgeous weather, so we just had to move the party.  She had lots of family and friends join the celebration.  

Ridley is a fun, silly, and active chicka.  She keeps her brothers in line and doesn't take any crap.  We love her no-nonsense way of dealing with them.  She is also very girly and loves dolls and make up.  She enjoys dancing, coloring, and being outdoors. 

Ridley could swing for hours.  

Ridley and her friend from school, Brooklyn, loved it!

Ridley Shopkin turns 3

Ridley woke up to a little Shopkin party!  She loved it, and I can't wait to see how excited she will be on Saturday.

The Shopkins donuts were amazing!  WOW!

I tucked my three year old in tonight, with a sock hat on, and I couldn't get enough snuggles.  She is silly, sweet, and full of spunk.  I love her to pieces. 

Christmas Day

Our three littles were up bright and early ready to explore the goodies that Santa dropped off.  The boys didn't make it past the entry way most of the day, because there was just way too much fun packed under the tree.

Ridley loved her new Elsa dress and wanted it on right away.  She added a little flair with her pajama under clothes.  "Let It Go"

Princess Elsa enjoyed playing with her new Beanie Boos and fairy suitcase. 

After several hours of playing with all the toys Santa left, the boys opened their suitcases to find - WADERS!  They were thrilled!  They put them on immediately and tested them in the pool. They stayed warm and dry, so the boys are ready to try them at the hunting camp.

We also celebrated Jesus' birthday with a cake and the happy birthday song.

Ridley turns 1

One year ago we welcomed our sweet Ridley into the world.  We knew from those first moments with her that she would be a delight.  She completes our family, and the boys absolutely adore her.  She loves to laugh, cuddle, dance, and play.  We can already tell that she is stubborn like her parents, and she is already showing her independence.  No rush, sweetheart.  We love you!

She loves to take pictures with my iphone, and this is one of her selfies.

It was a little late when we gave her the four wheeler, but she loved for her brothers to give it the gas while she cruised around the house. Happy Birthday, Miss Riddles!

Ryland's birthday party

Ryland has been waiting for his birthday party for months.  He was so excited to gather his friends and celebrate at Bass Pro Shop in Grapevine.  He had a big group come to have a little cake and do a little fishing.  He was thrilled to wear his camo gear, too!

After everyone finished the cake and treats, we all headed out to their stocked pond.  All the kiddos had a fishing pole, and lots of corn to bait their hooks.  Lots of people caught fish, and everyone had a great time.

This also was the first time that my dad met Ridley.  They had some sweet bonding before it was time to hit the road running.

Ryland's 4th Birthday Party

It was finally time for Ryland to celebrate at his birthday party!  I don't think he could have made it one more day.  The party was all about construction and lots of kids.

 

It was impossible to get a smile out of Ryland once the candle was blown out.  He was ready to eat his cupcake and go play again.  Even John Chris managed a small smile, and he had a stomach bug.

 

We had a huge turn out for the party, and we were nervous that we would run out of room.  The ladies at Paradise Pond were amazing, and they just kept squeezing in another plate every time someone else showed up.

 

 

Wow!  What a great group of 43 kids!

 

I was getting pretty nervous about how many kids were coming to the party, because I had lots of late RSVPs. (like the day of the party)  I was worried that I wouldn't have enough food, drink, and favors.  By the time the party was over, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of being blessed.  About four years ago, John Chris and I didn't know any of these awesome kids or families.  We were about to have Ryland, and we didn't have any close friends in the area with children.  Fast forward to today, and we are surrounded by people we adore.  What a fortunate feeling!

Turning Two is Terrific

Today, our sweet baby boy turned two!  Reed is an absolute joy to be around, and we are so lucky to be his parents.  He is a true daredevil that will try anything, so we are constantly on our toes.  He loves to play outside and likes all sports.  He doesn't cry very much, because he is pretty tough.  What is wonderful about our tough boy is that he is a total sweetie.  Reed is a cuddle bug that loves to snuggle, kiss, and hug.  He smiles and laughs all the time.  He adores his big brother and follows him around everywhere.  If Ryland jumps, Reed jumps. 

Happy Birthday, Reed!  We love you!

 

Birthday Party for Jesus

A new family tradition for Christmas is having a birthday party for Jesus. After we finished lunch, we enjoyed bright colorful cupcakes and sang Happy Birthday. It was a great way to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday and remind us why we celebrate Christmas.