Park

It was a beautiful day outside, so I walked the kiddos to the neighborhood park.  Of all the swings and playground equipment, the boys liked the two bushy trees around the perimeter.  They climbed up and were almost completely camouflaged.

Can you find Ryland?

Can you find Reed?

Since the boys weren't playing on the playground, Ridley didn't want to either.  She watched them climb while she practices her ballet toes by the stroller.

Reed's Turn

Sensei gave Reed a special pass to participate in Jiu-Jitsu class this evening.  Reed was thrilled to be a part of the action.  He did a great job paying attention and doing the training exercises.  He is a tough, physical little boy, and he hung in there with the big kids.

Well Check

Ridley's twelve month well check went very well.  She is exceeding all developmental milestones, and she is growing near the top of the charts.  She weighs 22 pounds 13.5 ounces - 80%.  She is 31.5 inches tall - 98%, and her head is 18.5 inches in diameter - 93%. 

She loves to dance, clap, and make messes.  Faster than a speeding bullet, she is on to the next adventure, which usually means the stairs.  She is drawn to them, and she hates the baby gate stopping her.  She loves to cuddle and hug, and her brothers are totally smitten.  She is our sunshine.

Better with Age?

I found this cool app that ages pictures.  We had fun seeing what we would look like in a few years.  So funny!

Snowman Plate

It is finally ready!  After the first one broke while being fired, we had to start over.  I am very pleased with this year's plate.  So sentimental!

Nasty

Reed is a booger machine!  He constantly needs a tissue.  OK, a box of tissues.  It amazes me, because it is so plentiful.  This morning he sneezed, and lots of slimy snot came flying out of his nose.  He was so proud.  

Sweet Boys

Reed and Ryland were cuddled up in Ridley's chair enjoying some quite time before we start the day.  A sweet moment of my sweet boys.

Hunting Ranch

We spent the day at the hunting ranch enjoying the outdoors. We took lots of pictures, and we saw tons of cacti!

The boys loved to look for animal tracks. They found bobcat, hog, and deer. 

We hiked up Ball Mountain to take in the beautiful view.  The best thing I could see were my precious babies with their daddy.

Ridley had the best nap while cruising on the ranger. She loved the wind in her face and in her hair. 

The boys filled the feeders and moved the game cameras.  We will see what wild game is enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Ridley turns 1

One year ago we welcomed our sweet Ridley into the world.  We knew from those first moments with her that she would be a delight.  She completes our family, and the boys absolutely adore her.  She loves to laugh, cuddle, dance, and play.  We can already tell that she is stubborn like her parents, and she is already showing her independence.  No rush, sweetheart.  We love you!

She loves to take pictures with my iphone, and this is one of her selfies.

It was a little late when we gave her the four wheeler, but she loved for her brothers to give it the gas while she cruised around the house. Happy Birthday, Miss Riddles!

Celebrating Mac

Reed's buddy from preschool celebrated his fourth birthday outside in the wilderness.  Mac's party was all about plaid and lumberjacks, and his mom did an awesome job planning a fun day.  The lumberjacks roasted marshmallows in the fire pit and made tasty smores. 

They attempted to chop down trees.  Timber!

Everyone had a great time.  Mac's big sister read a book she wrote about Mac the lumberjack.  It included Reed as a character, which made him so happy. 

Celebrating Colton

Ryland partied at a hunting party for Colton.  They shot play guns and bow and arrows at the animal decoys set up around the yard.  This was a true boys' party, and Ryland really got into it.  Any opportunity to wear camo and hunt thrills him.

Where is the baby?

The last time we will put a baby in bed.  In the morning, she will be a 1 year old.  

Time, please slow down.

Buddies

Reed and Ridley love to play with each other.  I love to watch their relationship develop as they grow.  They definitely are silly together, and they always talk to each other and laugh.  It is so sweet!

All About Reed

It was Reed's turn to be the Star Student for the week.  We made an all about me poster that was in the shape of a robot.  While we colored and taped, we talked about what makes him special.  He is such a fun loving, funny, active young boy.  I love his spunk and his outlook on life.  His perfect day would be a day at Chuck E Cheese or the hunting ranch.  His favorite show is Paw Patrol, and he still loves puzzles.

Stomach Bug

We have had a rough few days of stomach bug.  Everyone, but myself, have been sick.  Every 24 hours it has spread to someone else. We had to make a tough decision about Ridley's birthday party.  We postponed her party a week, so we don't spread the germs.  

Jiu-Jitsu

Ryland couldn't wait to get to class this evening. Class two was a huge success! 

No Fear

Ridley's teacher from Mother's Day Out texted me a picture of our brave girl.  They had a very life like alligator that Ridley loved.  She was the only kiddo in the class that wanted to "pet" the reptile.

Jiu-Jitsu

Ryland started taking Jiu-Jitsu this evening.  He will be taking two weekly 1 hour classes with Sensei Weidenhof.  The class has several different belt levels, so it was pretty interesting to watch the progression of training.  The first class went well, and Ryland loved it.  He even wanted to go home and practice. 

Ridley is walking!

We were wondering if Ridley was going to keep up with the pattern of early walking in our house.  She cut it close, but she managed to stay even with Reed.  Ridley is 11 months and walking.  She let go today and walked across the bathroom.

Brothers

I was loading the dishwasher when I heard the chatter and giggles of the kiddos.  I looked around the corner to see what was going on, and I saw Ridley laying on the floor with her two brothers.  I asked what they were doing, and they said "playing with Ridley".  Fantastic, I thought.

Not long after, I hear louder giggles.  This time it was coming from my bedroom.  The boys were pulling Ridley, and they all were laughing.  She would put her head down on her blanket, and the boys would pull her around.  Bless her heart!  She has her hands full with those silly brothers.

Emory is 1

Emory had her first birthday party this afternoon, and it was a tea party. The girls all gathered for sweets and chit chat.  It must have worn the little ladies out, because a nap was required right after the party.  

The funniest part of the day was how well I matched Emory.  John Chris told me before we left the house that my Matilda Jane dress reminded him of something Ridley would wear.  Well, I almost matched the birthday girl's Giggle Moon outfit perfectly.

My precious Ridley and myself.  You can tell she is worn out!  It is hard to party so hard.

Celebrating friends

Our sweet friend, Keaton, turned four, and we had a great time celebrating.  The party was at Paradise Pond, which was so exciting for Reed.  He loves playing there.  Keaton was one of Reed's first friend, and he has known her his entire life.  He has a sweet spot in his heart for her.

No words

Some days are just too much.  Today was one of those days that needed to end, so I can refresh my mind and body.  Ryland started Jiu-Jitsu this evening, but you would think my other two children were recently released from the area zoo.  I tried to watch Ryland and listen to what the instructor was saying, but I ended up just chasing kids.  Goodness!  Is it 8 o'clock yet?

Time to baby proof

Ridley's favorite thing to do in the morning is to go through my bathroom cabinets.  She is only interested in the one full of lotions and hair products.  I guess this is a sign of the girly days to come.  I have to watch her very closely, because everything goes straight to her mouth.  A new item on my to do list, and Ridley isn't going to like it.

Doe, a deer

The boys LOVE the hunting ranch!  It is one of the best things for them, and I see this continuing for many years.  The highlight of this weekend was the first deer that John Chris killed.  The boys were thrilled.

The Bunch boys were even excited to see the doe.  Now, where is that big buck?

January 1st

Happy 2015!  I love a new year!  I always have this great idea that I am going to have a fresh start, and I am going to start doing things or doing things differently.  I am a sucker for resolutions. 

This morning we woke to hang out with our slumber party guests, the Brashears.  The children were playing and being silly, when I noticed that Ryland was playing with Emory.  She had started to fuss a little while playing on the quilt, so he went over to entertain her.  He was sitting behind her and had propped her up.  She must have loved it, because she was all smiles.  I ran to grab my phone for a quick picture, and this is what I got.  Reed photo bombed it!

After a little convincing, Reed moved out of the picture, and I was able to focus on Ryland and Emory.  I just love this, because he is being so gentle and sweet.  He is such a caring, compassionate little boy who is aware of his surroundings.  It was sweet that he wanted to comfort her.  Emory's smile is priceless.  She was enjoying his company.  Such sweethearts!