Christmas Fun Continues

We are enjoying our family time together and playing with every new toy.  Today, we are making homemade cotton candy.  It was pretty interesting to learn how cotton candy is made and watch the hard candy turn into thin strings.  It was very easy to find a few cute taste testers.

The bickering brothers discovered a new "punishment" today.  Hug it out timeout!  Ha!

Ridley wore herself out playing with all her new dolls.  Tonight she chose to sleep with Elena.  Such a sweet cuddler.

Merry Christmas

The kids woke up excited to check out their new stuff.  They were so happy to see new toys and clothes.  Ridley's favorite item was her doll house.  Ryland's favorite item was his new bike, and Reed's favorite item was the foosball table.  

We were lazy all day and just played around the house.  We had birthday cake and sang happy birthday to Jesus, since He is the reason for the season.

Girl Time

While the boys are away at the hunting ranch, Ridley and I had our own fun.  A trip to Toys R Us for Barbies and lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  I am enjoying this vibrant little diva and her joy for life.

Sweet Little Momma

Ridley and I made a trip to Toys R Us while the boys played at the hunting ranch.  She was in major need of some girly toys.  After going up and down all the isles, she found a baby stroller and a set of baby bottles that she had to have.

I loved watching her take care of her babies all afternoon.  She pushed them around the house, fed them bottles, and rocked them to sleep.  She was so kind and gentle, which melted my heart.

Santa Letters

The boys have talked a good bit about what they wanted Santa to bring them for Christmas, and we finally made the list to send to Santa.  They both say they have been nice, but we will have to wait and see.  After the note they received from Santa yesterday, he is really watching them. 

Poor shark

Ryland and Reed were thrilled to open the inflatable shark.  They couldn't quite figure out how to ride it in the pool, so they made it a yard toy.  One of the boys would drag the shark while the other one would attempt to jump on or grab the shark.  We couldn't help but feel sorry for the shark, but it was hilarious and entertaining.

 

New toys

Don't you just love the hours after you get a new toy?  Ryland and Reed were completely mesmerized by two new toys.  They played quietly and only complained when it was time to eat lunch.  John Chris and I need to think of a way to stretch these birthday toys out.

Santa was here

Santa stopped to leave the boys lots of fun toys!

 

Ryland and Reed were beyond excited to see all the toys, and they couldn't believe all the Imaginext men!

 

Reed loves his new Elmo doll and loves to push him around in the shopping cart.

 

Ryland found some Operation band-aids in his stocking which are perfect for his hurt thumb.  He wanted one right then.

 

Santa also left some fancy twist up crayons with huge coloring books.  I showed Ryland and Reed how they worked, and we colored for all of 5 minutes before returning to the toys.

Playing kitchen

 

The boys were on a terror roll this afternoon.  In hopes of distracting them from the constant bickering, we all headed upstairs to the play room.  I was thinking there are tons of toys, so surely they will find something fun to play with.  Of course they both wanted to play kitchen!

After pushing the kitchen from one side of the room to the other and back, the kitchen found a spot in the middle of the room.  They then argued about who would sit in what chair and what side of the kitchen they would play with.  I tried to let them work it out, but I had to intervene when they started getting physical.  I asked what was going on, and Ryland had to tell me all about it.  He was so worked up, and he was moving his hands explaining how Reed wasn't playing kitchen right.  Ah, now I get it.

We love the Dollar Tree

The boys and I needed to get out of the house this afternoon, so our housekeepers could work their magic. Ryland had been saving his "super big monies" for two weeks, so he finally had enough to go buy this boat he saw in a catalog.  I wanted to stop at the Dollar Tree to pick up some Halloween treats before we headed to Toys R Us. 

Well, the Dollar Tree was stocked with all kinds of costumes and accessories.  Ryland quickly found several things he wanted.  I gave him the choice to spend his money or continue on to Toys R Us, and he decided to purchase a bunch of stuff at the Dollar Tree.

 

 

The boys dressed up a knights as soon as we got home.  We have a golden and a silver knight.  Just watch out for the axes.

 

Dad even got in on the fun.

 

The flipping ninjas didn't last long, but they were a cool treat.  The boys threw them against the door, and they would flip all the way down.  It was a super fun trip to the Dollar Tree.  It is our favorite store.

All this junk in here

I caught Ryland in the pool/ toy box on the back patio taking everything out.  I asked him what he was doing, and he replied "all this junk in here".  Not really an answer to my question, but it definately was a comment that I would agree with.  I asked if he was looking for something, and he said yes.  He never told me what he was looking for, but he completely emptied the box.  Maybe he just wanted to take inventory.

Under the sofa

I noticed the boys playing in the living room, and they had taken off one of the sofa's cushion. When I asked what was going on, Ryland told me that Reed was looking for his toy. I walked over to find Reed halfway under the sofa. I grabbed the camera as fast as I could, only to catch him coming out.

When he stood up, I asked him what he was doing, and he just started chatting. He was very matter of fact, but I couldn't understand a word of it. I am guessing he was trying to tell me he found his toy.

Moss

I have asked numerous times for the boys NOT to play in the moss.  They seem to be drawn to it, and they always get it everywhere.  Today I caught their snake digging a hole, so he could hide from the monster truck.  That is the story, at least.  Needless to say moss was all over the floor and stuck to the boys clothes.  I decided to clean up the mess and eliminate the temptation.  No more moss!

Mr. Organization

The signs are obvious that Ryland is really into his cars and especially lining up his cars. In fact he will line up just about anything with wheels. I noticed the majority of the toys on the floor, so I glanced in the toy basket to see if it was empty. I found Ryland's cars lined up in the bottom of the basket. Notice how they are even in order of size. He is Mr. Organization.
On the other hand, Reed was loving the total mess outside the toy basket. He was right in the middle of the toy pile.

Fun in Ruston

Our travels continued to Ruston to see more family. The boys had fun playing with the trucks. I am not sure why Doodle's dog bed was the ideal spot to play, but they loved it. Ryland is still hesitant to share toys with Reed, but every once and a while we will catch a kind moment.
Aunt Barbara brought Ryland some gingerbread men cookies to decorate. These were a huge hit! He loaded each one with icing, Santa cap, and jelly buttons.

A favorite Ruston pastime of Ryland's is wrestling with the dogs. Ryland gets right in the middle of them and goes crazy. He loves it, and Cooper is always worn out when we go home.

Boys and their toys

I was happy to see Ryland and Reed playing together today. Ryland was sweet enough to share his toys and show Reed how to play monster trucks. This made Reed very happy and warmed my heart.

Toys on the floor

Now that Reed is crawling, every toy on the floor is within reach. He is constantly going for Ryland's toys, and it is creating constant fighting. Ryland has started picking his toys up, so now Reed is after Cooper's toys. He reached the motorcycle before Cooper snatched it away. Reed laughed as Cooper squeaked the motorcycle.

Driving Jackson's Jeep

We headed over to the Owens' house to catch up and visit. Since we have been over last, Jackson has become the owner of a huge battery operated Jeep. Ryland thought it was the coolest thing. He jumped right in and took it for a spin. Jackson was kind enough to let him drive while he soaked up the fun. Us parents started talking about the future when it is a real Jeep, and how we will look back on the pictures and laugh. Oh the fun and trouble these boys will get into...

Christmas morning

Santa came to see Ryland, and he left an awesome wooden kitchen. It is complete with a sink, oven, fridge, and washer. Ryland was so excited when he came downstairs. We played kitchen all morning. It was wonderful. Ryland was all about getting ice and water cups for us.

I had the video camera set up to capture Ryland's expression this morning, but I noticed the battery was dead when I tried to replay the reaction. Very upsetting, but very typical for these crazy few disorganized months.

After we played with the toys, we had homemade banana nut bread and chocolate chip cookies. Yummy! The boys snuggled under a blanket and relaxed on the sofa.

Safari Park

Ryland and I checked out a new place to play. We met the moms' group at Safari Park, and it was awesome. The indoor play place has a train, miniature golf, motorized animals, and lots of toys!
We climbed to the top of the ball pit to take in the view. This place is so much fun!

Head first sliding. A great idea until you bump your head. Ryland is still a dare devil, and he thought it was much more fun sliding this way. The tears didn't last long after he bumped his head. He cried a bit and then right back at it.