Brother

Ryland has always been sweet and protective.  Today we were at Reed's baseball practice, when they wanted to go play at the park.  Ryland's buddy, Alexa, was there, and they play really well together.  I told Ryland he could go to the park with Alexa, and then Ridley chimed in that she wanted to go too.  Ryland spoke up that he would watch out for her and make sure she was OK.  I caught this picture as the three of them crossed the street heading to the park.  I love how Ryland is holding Ridley's hand.  Love seeing their sweet friendship.  

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!

Afternoon

It was a beautiful afternoon, so we had to get out and enjoy some sunshine!  We headed down to the neighborhood park to play.  I love these precious smiles!

Afternoon at the Park

It was a beautiful afternoon, so we just had to get out to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Reed and Ridley loved running and sliding at the neighborhood park.  My little ones are getting so big!

         

Outside

We wanted to enjoy the gorgeous weather, so we headed to the park.  We did a little fishing, but we didn't have much luck.  It could have been the loud birthday party that was on the pond deck.  We think the fish were hiding.  We also played on the playground and soaked up a little sun.

The boys wanted to ride their 4-wheeler around the yard, and they talked us into taking Ridley on a ride.  Ryland did a great job of driving, and Reed held on to her for dear life. 

Park

It was a beautiful day outside, so I walked the kiddos to the neighborhood park.  Of all the swings and playground equipment, the boys liked the two bushy trees around the perimeter.  They climbed up and were almost completely camouflaged.

Can you find Ryland?

Can you find Reed?

Since the boys weren't playing on the playground, Ridley didn't want to either.  She watched them climb while she practices her ballet toes by the stroller.

GCSML Easter Party

It was a beautiful day outside, so we headed to Parr Park to enjoy the GCSML's annual Easter Party.  As I was getting all our stuff together and loading the truck, I came back in the house to find the boys wearing their Easter baskets as hats. 

 

The boys were not interested in the snacks or games that were set up for the party.  They wanted to play on the playground.  Ryland has mastered the huge rope web, and he climbed all the way to the center.

 

Reed is still a little small for the big web, so he practiced on the little one.  He was very intense and determined to make it across.

 

It was time for the egg hunt.  Ryland and Reed participated in the "big boy hunt" this year, and they found lots of eggs.  Reed would find one, sit down and open the egg, eat the candy, and then go look for another.  This method lessened his overall take home, but he mastered the sugar intake limit.  Ryland ran all over the place grabbing the eggs and then chowed down on the treats.

 

Neither Ryland or Reed had much interest in taking a picture with the Easter bunny.  They both said "Hi" and gave her a high five, but the thought of waiting in line with two sugar crazed boys swayed us to skip. 

 

Before we could leave the park, Ryland and Reed had to chase this poor squirrel up the tree.  The squirrel must have been amused, because it ran around the base of the tree 10 times before inching up.  It then ran around several more times and inched up a little.  I was shocked that it stayed so low and within reach of the boys for so long.  It eventually ran up the tree to catch its breath and laugh. 

 

 

Botanical Garden

We enjoyed the afternoon with Lizie and Pops at the Botanical Garden in Grapevine.  It was a beautiful day out, and it was really nice to watch the boys run around.   They loved running, climbing, and rolling on the hills.  We learned about ancient trees, composting, and observed the huge fish.

 

Play group at Botanical Garden

Our play group met at the Botanical Garden today. All the kids had a blast playing with the pumpkins and on the playground.
Who can lift the heavy pumpkins?

Reed and Keaton check out the big fish.

The fish started swimming to us when they noticed the treats we had. They loved the Rice Crispy treats.

Reed enjoys the pumpkins, too.

Harker and Ryland smile for the camera.

Then they start climbing the statue. They ended the morning by rolling in the wet grass. It was time to head home for a dry change of clothes.

Playing at the park

It was a pretty day out, so I took the boys to the neighborhood park. Ryland has a new basketball, and he was ready to try it out. The goals were a little tall for him, but it didn't stop him from trying.
Is it obvious that Ryland loves his basketball? He refused to put it down even while swinging.

Smiling like usual! Reed loves to swing.

The boys enjoy swinging.

After playing for a little while, we started getting ready to head home. Reed was all smiles, and I caught the cutest little smirk.

Ryland wasn't ready to leave. He was having so much fun playing. We can't wait until it gets a little cooler, so we can spend more time playing here.

Fun at the splash pad

We met at the splash pad for play group this week. This location is always a big hit with the kiddos. What's not to love on a hot summer day? Friends, water, and snacks. One thing I always forget to bring is a bucket. It starts off just fine, but we always know when it is time to go. The kids start fighting over the toys and the crying starts. This situation usually turns into a nap in the truck on the way home.

I love to watch him play and explore. I am so happy he loves being outside. I am grateful that even though we live in the DFW metroplex, the suburbs feel like a small town. It is really nice to have such a wonderful park so close to our house and great friends to play with.

Halloween party at the park

The moms' group held their annual Halloween party today at a local park. Most of the kiddos wore their costumes, but Ryland decided to take a 3 hour nap, so we were running way late. Instead of dealing with the costume, we just attended the party in our normal clothes. It was so much fun for the little ones and for the moms. The treats were a huge hit, and Ryland loved the cupcakes!

What a big boy! He climbed all over the play equipment without help from me. He is growing up way too quickly.

Ryland and Harker loved the swings! I think they could have stayed all evening. It is so cute to see these two play together, because they are like old buddies.

It's a beautiful day. Let's go play!

It was absolutely beautiful outside today for the first time in weeks. We headed to the nearby elementary school to play.
Ryland loved to swing! He was very happy and content. He grinned the whole time.

Still swinging and grinning.