Monster Truck Show

Ryland is really into monster trucks, so we thought he would love a chance to see them in person. We had a sitter keep Reed at the house, so we could spend the evening with Ryland. The show was at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, and I have never seen Ryland so excited. He woke up talking about going, and when we got there, he was shaking with excitement. We grabbed some food and drinks and settled in for the show.

Ryland was happy as could be with popcorn and monster trucks.

We watched all the qualifying and then the big race. It was very close, and they had to watch a frame by frame video to see that the Grave Digger won!

Ryland really liked the Superman and Monster Mutt trucks. They were his favorites.

Me and Ryland enjoying the show.

The freestyle round got pretty loud. We made sure to bring earplugs, but the trucks were still very noisy.

Oh no! One of the trucks lost a wheel and kept going nuts rolling over cars and jumping. Ryland has really got into the spirit of the crowd at this point. He was screaming and sticking his arms in the air.

Jeez! Ryland went completely nuts. What good monster truck fan doesn't pull his shirt up? Ryland went absolutely crazy! It was hilarious.

The 30th anniversary of the Grave Digger

John Chris and Ryland are both into the show. I think this will be the first of many shows for us.

Go Grave Digger!

Spinning around and around - making a dirty, dusty mess. Yes!

After the show ended, Ryland was really sad to leave. He wanted to stay and get a shirt, cup, hat, and anything else with a monster truck on it.

John Chris and I talked about how great this night was for us all. We had a blast watching our little boy totally enjoy and really get into the show. We both agree that this is one of the best memories ever!

Spirit day

Today was Spirit Day at the boys' school. I put their matching shirts on, and I told them to go to the family room. Ryland took Reed's hand, and they walked together. It was a total heart melting moment. They looked so sweet... Not long before I heard screaming.

Picnic in the play house

It was absolutely beautiful outside today. We took the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine while having a picnic in the play house. It was wonderful to eat and chat with my adorable boys.

We talked about the gorgeous day, the bright sun, and how we need to make a curtain for the play house. After we finished eating, we played on the slide and swings. What a great day!

My Valentines

Before taking the boys to school today, I had to take a quick picture of my handsome boys in their Valentine shirts. Ryland wasn't feeling the love yet this morning, but Reed was ready to give a cheesy smile. It cracks me up how different their personalities are. I love them to pieces!

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.

Valentine party

Instead of a normal play group Monday, we had our annual moms' league Valentine party. It was totally nuts with kids running and jumping around with full bellies of sugar cookies and iced doughnuts. Ryland was in and out of the bounce house, and Reed was on the move everywhere. I didn't think about the photo attire, but we went ahead and took a keepsake picture. I love that my precious sweethearts smiled and played along. We had a crazy, but fun, morning with our friends with lots of sugar.

Family evening

What could be better than an evening of family fun? It was nice to relax and visit with each other before our crazy week begins. Ryland was Mr. Flips tonight, and he only wanted to roll around on the floor to entertain us.

Reed laughed and played with the blocks, but he really like the block bucket the best. He took every block out of the bucket, so he could put the bucket over his head. He burst into laughter, because this was hilarious!

John Chris and Cooper watched the performers from the sofa.

Ryland took over the camera and began taking pictures of the things he loves. This is his car box. He loves this box of cars and likes to put all his cars, trucks, and tractors inside. It is completely off limits to Reed. Completely off limits!

Next he took a picture of the toy basket. He apparently was quite fond of his toys tonight. He has started understanding my camera and is able to actually capture his intended target now.

Party at Safari Park

Ryland's friend, Lacie, had her birthday party at Safari Park. Ryland and I headed over to have some fun. The party was a blast! Not only could the kids play golf, ride the train, climb, and slide into the plastic balls, they also were treated to a magic show.
At the end of the magic show, the magician made balloon animals. Ryland had NO interest in the show, but he was front and center for the animals. He patiently waited his turn, and he got a purple snake.

We couldn't pass the ball pit on the way out without one more slide in. Awesome party!

Glasses or masks

We couldn't decide if this adorable eyewear were glasses or masks. They were just one of the many Valentine treats in the box from Nana. Ryland wore them on his head like Mommy's sunglasses for a while before...
John Chris got in on the fun. He put Reed's pair on and acted silly with Ryland. I love how Ryland has his on upside down. So funny!

Look Who's Walking

Reed started walking today. It was crazy that we were able to capture the first steps. We were at the photographers getting his 11 month photos taken when the photographer asked if he was walking yet. I told her he wasn't, but he was really close. I went on to tell her that I was going out of town next week, and he would be staying with his grandparents. I was going to be so disappointed to miss those first steps.

About 5 minutes later, we changed backdrops and started taking a few more pictures. She was trying to catch him standing on his own, when he took off. Reed took about 7 steps to me, and we were both so excited. I can't believe my baby is walking, and we have the pictures to prove it. I had cards made with the "walking" pictures for the family.

Reed's 11 month photos

Reed had his 11 month photos today, and as usual he was a complete goof ball. He smiled and laughed at every tickle and fake sneeze.

Making Valentines

Ryland and I worked on his Valentine cards while Reed took a nice long nap. Ryland picked out cute foam robots, and I thought they would be a fun project for us. I was a little shocked when I laid all of the foam pieces out on the table. I quickly realized these robots were going to take some time. Ryand and I assembled and talked about who he was going to give them to. He named the kids in his class and Reed, and Cooper, and Daddy. It was a great to watch and listen to him. Some robots turned out a bit straighter than others, but they are still cute as a button.

After I snapped a picture of Ryland, he wanted the camera. He immediately turned the camera on me. He caught me counting and stacking the finished robots.

My new sweet bus

What is wrong with this picture? This is the rear view of my new ride taken by me while driving John Chris's truck as we drove off the dealership lot. I didn't even drive my new "baby" off the lot.
Today has been totally nuts and the peace and quiet of the empty truck I was driving was awesome. I elected the quiet ride back home in hopes of relaxing before I quickly picked up dinner for our friends with a new baby. I was admiring my sweet new kid hauling bus when...

I noticed that John Chris had the windows down. I pulled up beside him and heard the screaming of my boys. Ahhh, I picked the right ride home!

Play group fun

Our play group met at the new Gateway church's indoor playground. It was such a cool place. It was enclosed so the kiddos couldn't escape, and it was full of fun stuff. Reed enjoyed climbing on the baby tree and chatting with his friend, Johnathan.

Ryland and the older ones took turns riding the train, firetruck, and boat. After riding for about 45 minutes, Ryland decided to climb, slide, and run around. It was hard to pull the boys away, but they were completely worn out when we left.

Chuck E Cheese - Take 2

One thing that I must do on every trip to Chuck E Cheese is the sketch booth. I just love to have the silly keepsake. Our sketch this time was awesome, and it took two attempts to get all four of us with Reed throwing a fit.

Reed and I play in the toddler area under the slide in the school bus.

The boys took a ride with Chuck E Cheese before leaving. This trip was SO much better than the last. We all had a great time playing the games. Now we can head home for naps!

Chuck E Cheese - Take 1

We tried taking the boys to Chuck E Cheese tonight for some family fun. About the time we got there, Ryland had an accident. We ran to the bathroom, but it was too late. Change 1. We ordered pizza and got our tokens. Ooops! Change 2. We started playing a few games, and we ran to the bathroom again. Too late. Change 3. Ryland and I returned to the table as the pizza was being delivered. Unfortunately, we had to leave immediately. It was hard to explain to Ryland, but we promised to come back when he felt better.

Dinosaur grilled cheese

What kid doesn't like a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich? That kid would be Ryland. He is still not a big sandwich eater. I happened upon a dinosaur sandwich cutter that I thought he would possibly like. He helped me make delicious grilled cheese and then he cut them into dinosaurs. It was amazing. The dinosaur sandwiches tasted so delicious.

2 little monkeys in my bed

My dear little monkeys woke up early this morning, before the sun came up. We all cuddled in my bed and tried to go back to sleep. They both laid down for about 10 seconds before jumping up to start playing.

It is going to be a long day!