Easter party

Ryland and I headed to the park for my moms' group Easter party. I wasn't expecting such a festive party with the Easter bunny, tons of food, egg hunt, and what felt like a million kids. I wasn't sure how Ryland would react to the Easter bunny, but I was pleasantly surprised. He absolutely loved him and did not want to get off his lap. After the pictures we walked over to the pavilion to grab a bite to eat. He took off back to the bunny jabbering and laughing.
The egg hunt was totally crazy! Ryland did not really care to collect the eggs. He picked up one and started shaking it. He wanted to just sit and shake the egg while all the other kids ran around gathering eggs.

When he finally decided to get up, he grabbed an open blue egg laying on the ground. He thought it was hilarious. Oh, the simple pleasures. (Notice the bruised knot on the forehead.)

Favorite new play spot

Ryland and Cooper think playing under the high chair is a blast! I don't understand, but whatever makes them happy. Cooper even brought his bone so they would have something to play with while under the chair.

Animals at church

In celebration of Palm Sunday, the church hosted a wonderful service. The front lawn had live animals that the children could pet. Of course Ryland had a fit over them. He would scream with joy and try to grab the animals.
Watch out donkey! Ryland will grab your ears.

Playing with Miss H

These two crack us up. They are so silly together. Whatever toy one of them has, the other one wants.
Ryland is trying to figure out how to take the truck away and make a fast run with it. He knows that if he doesn't get away fast enough, Harker will take it right back.

We can't figure out if he is amazed with her crawling skills or if he is checking out her bum.

Don't even think about it Cooper! You will never get the balls.

Afternoon fun

After the egg hunt at church, we headed outside to soak up some sun. It was warmer today but extremely windy!

Eggstravaganza

Our church had the annual Easter Eggstravaganza for the little members. All walking kids to 2nd grade are invited to participate in crafts, face painting, egg hunting, and to listen to the story of Easter.

We joined in the fun this year with Ryland.
The egg hunt did not require a ton of "hunting" skills. The eggs were laid on the lawn in front of the sanctuary.

Ryland loves the Chick-fil-A cow. The minute he spotted him, he started screaming with joy.

Dad gives Ryland a ride to the truck.

Shoes are for chewing, right?

RyRy and Ella

We headed to Dallas to have dinner with Branda, Corrine, and Ella. There is an awesome sushi bar with $1 sushi that we all are totally loving right now. What is really cool about this place is they have a glass enclosed private room that we request. It is great to let the kids play and have a good time while we eat and drink. Ella brought coloring books and stickers, and Ryland had a blast.

BOUNCE

Bounce time again! Ryland branched out to a new toy today. He saw Harker and some of the other kids crawl through this tunnel, so he got a little more interested. It was so funny!

Since he won't crawl on all fours, he started army crawling or snake slithering into the tunnel. About half way through he decided to turn around. He couldn't get turned around because he was on his belly. His face was smashed in the plastic, and he started to roll. I couldn't get the camera fast enough to catch him in this funny position. He was frustrated but eventually was able to sit up.

Evening fun

After I picked Ryland up at school, we headed to Sonic to pick up a bite. We weren't in a hurry, and I didn't just want to throw a burger to him. We pulled over and had a picnic in the backseat. It was great to just sit and eat together. He is growing up so quickly.

We stayed up a little later tonight playing with the toys. We were having too much fun to go to bed.

Ryland's party at school

Ryland's teachers decorated the classroom door and had a party in celebration of his first birthday. It was very sweet of them to make a special point to celebrate his birthday since he wasn't there on the actual day. I tried and tried to get him to look at me for a quick picture, but he wasn't having it.

Trip to the zoo - across the street

It was beautiful outside this evening, so I took Ryland and Cooper for a walk. Across the street from our community, there is a large piece of land with a few exotic animals. We headed out on a trip to the zoo right across the street.

Ryland is really liking to point here lately. He started pointing at things off and on about 2 weeks ago, and now he points at everything and everyone. I do think that seeing a zebra is point worthy.

Just ask Cooper if he wants to go see the animals. He goes crazy. He will run to the door and start whining. As soon as we are out the door, he starts running. It is pretty funny to watch Cooper when we get to the fence. He makes a whimper and starts pacing the fence line. The animals hear him and come trotting to the other side of the fence to visit.

Butterflies in the garden

Does this face say happy?

We headed to the Botanical Gardens to check out the butterfly exhibit. The exhibit features over 12,000 tropical butterflies. I caught a quick shot of Ryland watching a low flying butterfly flutter around.

Both Ryland and Harker were in awe of the conservatory. They were more interested in their surrounds than the butterflies. The conservatory is a little enclosed rain forest that feels very tropical and very warm. It felt like it was 100 degrees with 100% humidity.

Checking out the fish and waterfall.

I have no idea what species this blue butterfly is, but it was one of the many brightly colored beauties.

Ryland turned into a butterfly hunter. He inched his way down the rock trying to get a closer look at the butterfly. I very quickly jumped in to make sure he didn't slap it. How would I talk our way out of that one? Your son killed a super rare species that keeps the ecosystem balanced. Um, how much should I write the check for?

One of two large moths that came out of their cocoons the day of our visit.

After admiring the butterflies and sweating off at least two pounds, we took a stroll around the gardens. It was a gorgeous day and perfect for a little outing. Ryland and Harker posed for a photo by one of the fountains.

You all know how I am about flowers, and I thought these vibrant poppies were so cheerful and bright. I immediately thought about how perfect they would be in an upcoming wedding.