Fountain admiration

After leaving my MOPS meeting, we headed to the truck to go on about our day. When we walked past the fountain in front of the sanctuary, Ryland stopped. He stood there in complete silence and admired the beautiful fountain. It was a moment for me to stop as well. We stood for a bit taking in the amazing weather and the relaxing noise of the flowing water.

I couldn't help but think of the family who donated this masterpiece after the loss of their young daughter. Here my precious toddler stood looking at it, probably thinking about the logistics of getting in the water, but all I could think about is how very blessed I am. The pure joy and smile it put on my face was a reminder to me to slow down and enjoy every moment.

Yummy sucker

Nana sent a treat for Ryland, and boy did he love it. He was a bit puzzled at first and wanted to talk about all the shapes, but he soon decided to go for it.

I know I will pay for this sugar high in a few minutes, but I captured the pure joy before the craziness started.

Cowboys game

John Chris and I were excited to have a date night for the Cowboys' first home game of the season. We lined up a babysitter and headed to Arlington for an evening of fun. After a delicious Pappadeaux meal, we went to the stadium for a little pre-game fun.

Fortunately we had a parking pass, great seats, and an awesome couple to hang out with. We enjoyed a mini Los Lonely Boys concert while waiting in the beverage line. It was fun to people watch and see all the crazy fans!
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Pre-game festivities

We had great seats pretty close to the field, but I still found myself watching those massive screens hanging overhead.

Once again, I hate taking pictures. I am not photogenic, so I always hate photos of myself. I decided to go ahead and add this one to prove I am still alive when I look back at this years from now. :)

John Chris taking it all in - on the mega screen! The Cowboys pulled it off, but it was a game of field goals! Thank goodness for the kicker.

Aquarium round 2

Our play group headed to the aquarium in Grapevine again today. It was only a few weeks ago when we made our first trip. The kids loved it, so we made another trip. Ryland knew what to expect this time around, and he didn't seem as impressed. He refused to stop and really look at anything, and I eventually realized a picture just wasn't going to happen.
Ryland's mission was to look at the sharks and get to the end of the tour where there was a playground. I attempted to explain that he could play anytime, but he was having fun. He did touch the starfish and check out the crabs on this visit. They are set up in tanks at the end with an instructor that explains what they are and what they do. Pretty cool!

Very particular

Ryland is very specific. I definately see OCD traits emerging from my little angel. He loves to play with all his cars. Every single one, and he knows when he is missing one. I noticed that he enjoys lining up the cars from largest to smallest. He carefully places one behind another with such precision. Don't even think about moving or taking one out of line. He will notice and gets upset.

Happy Meal

The many happy things you get with a Happy Meal. Who knew a hat was included?

Reed the organizer

I pulled the tub of 12/18 month fall and winter clothes from the attic. It was like a trip down memory lane, because I started remembering Ryland in them not long ago. I am blown away that it has been two years already, and Reed will be modeling the clothes soon. It was quite a job to separate them by size and then by type. The boys helped me make more of a mess than necessary, but it was fun. Reed stayed right there interested in my project long after Ryland wondered back into his race car fun. Maybe Reed will be an organizer like his mommy.

Reed's 6 month photos

Once again Reed smiled and giggled for the camera at his monthly photo session.
He has been sitting unsupported for the past month, but I thought this photo showed how big is he getting.

I like the white background for something different, but I love this precious profile on the black. He is so sweet and a delight to watch grow and learn.

Finger foods

Reed tried his first finger foods tonight after dinner. We put a few puffs on his tray.
He didn't understand at first, but with a little guidance he was able to grasp them. He attempted to put them in his mouth, but they would stick to his hands. John Chris and I put a couple in his mouth, and he quickly figured out how to chew.

Our happy boy has experienced another first. He is getting so big.

Fire station with Uncle Clint

Uncle Clint had to work one of the days we were in town, so we visited at the fire station. Reed was happy to sit in the firetruck, but Ryland wasn't. He started crying immediately. I love the expressions on all three of their faces.
Uncle Clint and I finally calmed Ryland down, and I yanked Reed's paci for a better picture.

We hung out for a while talking and playing. Ryland found an exercise ball and completely forgot about the awesome firetrucks. It was great to visit with my brother and watch him interact with my boys. I can't wait to see him with his little girl in a few weeks.

While visiting the alarm went off, and Clint had to go. Ryland freaked out a little because it was pretty rushed to say goodbye, gather our things, and watch all the firemen load up. As we stood by our truck buckling Reed in his car seat, we saw the firetruck pull out. Ryland told me in the sweetest little voice "Mommy, when there is an accident the firetruck and ambulance go so Uncle Clint can help." So sweet.

Baby shower for Aunt Kristi

While in Texarkana, we had a baby shower for Aunt Kristi. It was so fun to see all the pink girl things. Nana, Grandmother Sue, Grandmother Bobby, me, and Reed posed for a 4 generation picture.
Aunt Kristi's diaper cake

Aunt Kristi opened her gifts while I jotted down notes for her thank yous. See looks cute with her little belly.

Grandmother Sue, Grandmother Bobby, and Kristi's mom, Jeanette, watched the spoiling continue. My little niece will be decked out with tone of cute things.

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.

Waiting on mommy

I had a fun night with the girls at the local bowling alley. We had a blast visiting and bowling. When I got home, I noticed I could hear a TV. All the lights were off, and I found John Chris and Ryland in the master. The Backyardigans obviously put two of my boys to sleep tonight. I thought it was so cute that they were having a boys night.

Magazines

We discovered a little oddity. Reed loves paper, specifically magazines. After we checked the mail, we started going through it and separating it. Reed grabbed one of the magazines, and he immediately started tearing it up.
He loves the crumpling noise and wanted to chew on it. At this point, I had to take it away. Sweet little Reed threw a fit!

Of course Ryland the photographer had to snap a shot of mommy reading a magazine.

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.

Hanging out on Sunday

Reed tried out the walker today, and he isn't sure of what to do. He plays with the buttons and laughs, but he isn't able to actually "drive" it around yet. His feet touch the floor, so he is able to push a little. He seemed to end up in a corner or against the wall, but he was happy.
Reed and Daddy played on the floor and read books.

Ryland had a special request while shopping for groceries. He probably noticed my hesitation and admiration for this package of white powdered sugar doughnuts. He asked if we could get them, and I quickly obliged. When we got home, we sampled a few just to make sure they were delicious. Ryland crammed a few in his mouth, and quickly understood why I kept telling him one at a time! He is so my child!

Playing together

One of my favorite sites to date. I was in the kitchen cleaning up breakfast, and I glanced over to see the boys playing. Ryland was showing Reed how to play with some toys, and Reed was watching and listening intently. They giggled and played, and it completely melted my heart. This little moment made me so happy they are close in age.

Just a swinging

I walked with the boys to the neighborhood park to enjoy the sunshine. It was nice to be outdoors, and I loved watching the boys play and laugh. The boys loved the swings. Absolutely loved the swings.

Messy eaters

Reed has continued to love every vegetable and fruit he tries. He is a great eater and gets very excited when he gets in the highchair. One thing I have learned is to have the food ready, because he will quickly lose it. Tonight he enjoyed some delicious peas. Even though they were messy, he enjoyed every bite.

Ryland is also on a big eating kick here lately. He is open to trying new things, and he likes most of the things he tries. He ate all of his dinner tonight, so he got a cupcake for dessert. Yummy!

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.