Fun with Grandparents

Nana and Papaw came out to visit for the weekend, and the kiddos had a great time playing and visiting.  John Chris and I had an opportunity to get some time out of the house without little ones.  It was great!

Visiting with Lizee

Lizee came to meet Ridley and visit for a few days.  The boys had a blast crafting and chatting with her.  They filled her in on everything that has been going on lately, and all about Baby Ridley.

My littles with Lizee

Ridley likes to be around everyone.  She loves to rest on the sofa, so she doesn't miss a thing.  

Fun times

The boys continued the fun trip to Texarkana.  They played with Nanna and Papaw, and they got to hang out with their favorite cousin, Baby Ally.  I heard that these three were a complete handful.

 

 

A fun project for one day was planting strawberries.  A cute project that was interrupted because the boys wanted to actually wear the boots.  They saved the boots from becoming a permanent planter with holes and dirt inside.  Their cute creations came with instructions to re-plant the strawberries very soon, so they could where the new rain boots.

 

 

The boys played outside and enjoyed their new summer tank tops.

 

 

They had a great time playing at the park.  I also heard a story about feeding the ducks.  Ryland said that they were feeding bread to a few ducks in the water, when all of a sudden a million birds came over for a snack.  He said it was really fun.  Check out all of the geese.

 

 

 

Taking a ride with Papaw.

 

They modeled their new Harley shirts, which they LOVE.

 

 

Friends

It is crawfish season, so it was time to gather some friends for a little crawfish boil.  The grown ups had a great time laughing and chatting while the little ones played late into the night. 

Reed is a total ladies man and prefers the older women.  He loved on Gracie and Anna.

 

The boys wanted to climb and play all over the sofas, but they eventually wore down to watch a movie.

 

They all ended up caving to a movie.  Gotta love when the lights go out and Cars comes on.

 

Miss Leah Claire wasn't quite ready to call it a night.  She hung out with the moms - really she hung out with Cooper.  They are big buddies.

Brown Bear

Ryland's class has a traveling visitor that came home with him.  Every weekend Brown Bear goes home with a different kid, and the parents get to document their adventures in a journal for the class to read.  Ryland was beyond excited to bring Brown Bear home!

 

 

 

As soon as we got home, Ryland got Brown Bear out of his backpack to meet Reed.  Needless to say, Reed wasn't sure of this new visitor and brother's best buddie.  I think he felt a little left out.



 

Brown Bear even slept with Ryland.

Happy to see Daddy

The boys and I had a great visit in Texarkana, but it was great to get back home. It is a little difficult to travel with the two of them alone, and I always feel like we destroy the house we visit. John Chris was happy to have us back home as well. He said the house was just too quiet while we were gone.

Family comes to visit

We had a house full of family and friends today. It was awesome to visit and catch up with them all. Reed and I smile for the camera.

Nana brought the boys Halloween treats. They each had glow in the dark swords that were the big hit of the night.
Uncle Clint, Grand Pop, and Donna

Ryland and Chanda look through the treats. I love how she is 41 weeks pregnant and holding Ryland. I think she is trying to go into labor! I can't blame her.

Reed is on the move. I can tell the fireplace is his desired location. He is now trying to pull up, and the sharp stone looks like the perfect place to learn how.

Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi hang out. Only a month left before they are parents.

Visiting with Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi

I headed to Texarkana with Ryland and Reed for the weekend. It was great to hang out with Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi. The boys enjoyed playing and wrestling with Uncle Clint.
Time for silly faces!

Ryland snaps a shot of mommy being silly.

Uncle Clint, Reed, and Aunt Kristi playing cars.

Napping

Reed and Pops caught up on a little sleep before we headed home.

Ryland waited until we hit the road before completely crashing. He had so much fun, and he was completely worn out. He didn't even make it through Dora before nodding off to sleepy land.

Time to hit the road

The boys are going to spend some time with the grandparents over the next week. We have been talking about going to visit for the past few days, and Ryland is excited! Our bags are packed, and we have crammed it all in the truck. I ran back inside for my phone charger, and I came back out to see Ryland dancing on the console.
Reed is ready to make the few hour trip. He will play with the dangling toys for a couple minutes, and he will fall fast asleep.

Cooper is ready to go. He was thrilled just to get in the truck.

We didn't make it very far after a bite to eat, before Ryland was out. Don't you love the cool sunglasses?

Whipped topping

Brad and Chanda came out for dinner and visiting tonight. We just love them to pieces! Ryland gets so excited when we tell him they are on their way over. It is really cute, because he says their names over and over and over.

Chanda brought a tasty treat for dessert, strawberry shortcake with whipped topping. Ryland wasn't interested in the strawberries or the angel food cake, but he was intrigued by the whipped topping. I can't blame him. It is the best part.

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...

Sunday

John Chris's parents left today, and as always they were a tremendous help. While visiting this time they cleaned out the gutters, repaired a downspout, repaired exterior light fixtures, caught a salamander, helped with flowers, and several other household chores. Thank you!
Proving that Ryland can throw a fit when it is time for a nap.

One thing that always cheers Ryland up is Cooper. Ryland loves him so much. They love to roll around and wrestle, and Cooper is so patient and kind to Ryland.

Hanging with Nanna and Uncle Clint

We went to visit Nana for a few days while we were homeless. Ryland will be staying for a few days, so John Chris and I will have some time to work on the new house.

Uncle Clint was making some deer feeders, and Ryland loved to help out. He is so curious when it comes to putting things together.


It was beautiful outside and nice to sit out and enjoy the fresh air. We drew pictures with sidewalk chalk and played with the dogs.

9 month check up

Ryland's 9 month check up went very well. It is almost impossible for me to believe he is already 9 months old. He weighed in at 23lbs 8.5 oz and 29.5" tall. Both are in the 75-90 percentile, so he is still a big boy. He had a urine and blood test, and they both came back normal.
The bad part of the visit, shots. OUCH! Ryland screamed, cried, and quivered like a baby. It breaks my heart to see him so upset, but I know it is for his own good.

Nanna & Grandpa David come to town - separately

Dysfunction. Every family has some level of it, and we all just learn to laugh about it!

My mom and dad (divorced for numerous years) have come out to visit on the same weekend. It is a little awkward for me, but I am fortunate that they now get along. I know we will have a fun weekend, and we plan on enjoying every dysfunctional crazy moment.