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!

Leaving the boys

Ryland and Reed are going to have a blast!  They are staying in Ruston for a few days and then heading to Texarkana to finish up the week.  John Chris and I packed the truck to head back home to Southlake.  We gave lots of kisses and hugs and said our goodbyes.  It is always hard to leave them, but I know they will have fun.  I also think the grandparents will really enjoy their time with the boys.

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?

Train ride

We celebrated Lizzie's birthday by taking a train ride from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.
We weren't on the train long before we were boarded by a few robbers. They caught up with the train on their horses, and held us up at gunpoint. They were looking for cash, credit cards, jewelry, and children. The robber said we looked worse off than him, so he handed out some of his money.

The deputies arrived quickly to capture the robbers.

Ryland received a deputy badge sticker for helping chase off the robbers.

We had tickets for the open air cart, and it was fine when the train was moving. It was projected to be in the upper to mid 90s, so we should have considered the air conditioned seats.

The train stopped about 10 minutes away from the stockyards so another train could pass. Poor Reed warmed up fast. The train manager brought us a glove filled with ice to help cool him off. We were pouring water on a burp cloth and wiping him down. He was such a trooper and never whined or cried. He sat very contently taking it all in and smiling.

After waiting on the other train for a bit, we got moving again. Everyone was happy to have the breeze again. Until....... We stopped again. The train we waited on to go ahead of us broke down. We sat again in the heat. At this point we are ready to just back up all the way to Grapevine and call it a day. A few people got off the train and arranged a ride back to the station. The beautiful view of the landscape.

We finally arrived! About an hour and a half late, but we are here.

We walked a couple blocks to grab something to eat. There was live music at the Love Shack, so we grabbed a burger and relaxed for a while. Ryland was insistent on sitting on the stairs. He climbed up and down. Up and down.

And what goes perfect with a full belly? A carousel horse ride.

Since Reed didn't get a wonderful burger, it was time to eat. I found a bench that was lined with misters. We enjoyed the cool water mist while filling his belly. He looks like such a redneck. He spent the whole afternoon with his outfit pulled down and a wet burp cloth draping his head or body.

Before boarding the train back to Grapevine, the boys took some pictures with Lizzie. Ryland got a cork rifle, so he was a little preoccupied.

The boys with their grandparents.

I never get pictures of myself with the boys, so I was happy to sit with Ryland on the kids bench for a quick cheese.

Looking completely worn out, hot, and covered in sweat. Daddy, mommy, and the boys.

Christmas gift exchange

We traveled to Louisiana to visit with family and share some Christmas cheer. Ryland was a little timid when he first started opening his gifts, but he quickly found some steam. He tore into the big box his grandparents gave him. It was a new table and chair set. It will be perfect for his playroom. It will provide a place for many years of coloring, assembling puzzles, and tons of other fun activities
SpongeBob is still a big hit. He can spot the little yellow guy anywhere.

We have had multiple issues with the thermostats in our new house, so I was elated to open my gift. I never imagined that I would be so pleased to receive a programmable thermostat, but I can't wait to get home to install it.

Ryland opening his gift from Aunt Emily and Uncle Jeffery. How cool, now he can grill like Dadda.

The guys were putting Ryland's grill together and needed a few tools. Uncle Jeffery brought in his tools to save the day. Look how organized! Can we say inspiration? I am posting this photo in our garage by the cabinets and drawers that won't close currently.

The grandparents

Uncle Jeffery

Aunt Emily

John Chris gave Ryland a few grilling pointers as he prepared a hamburger and hot dog. Ryland was so very happy and had a blast. We all enjoyed spending time with family and are thankful.

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.

So very sleepy

Ryland fought going to bed tonight with everything he had. John Chris's parents are in town to visit, and he was loving every moment. His fussiness was over the top, and we finally had to end the whining with a trip to the crib.

Country fun

As soon as we got to Louisiana, Ryland was having a blast. He wanted to play with the dogs and go for a ride in the wagon.


Ryland took a brief little break to cool off in the rocking chair. He loves being outside!

Many hours have gone by, and Ryland is still playing outside.

After I pulled Ryland in the wagon, he decided he wanted to push it back to the garage. With a little steering assistance, he successfully backed into a great parking spot in the garage.

He is such a big boy. He sits and chats with all of the adults.

Ryland is staying with his grandparents this week, while John Chris and I get some things done. I am traveling to west Texas for a couple of days, and John Chris has a new employee starting and an old one leaving. I know the week will fly by, but I am going to miss my little man so much. I know he will have a blast and so will his grandparents.

Christmas gift exchange with grandparents

Ryland was in a great mood today. He loves having family over!


Grandmothers are awesome! The extra set of hands is wonderful.

Ryland did not quite understand how to open the first gift, but he caught on quickly. He loved to rip the paper off.We plan on reading Twas the Night Before Christmas every year on Christmas Eve. The book has beautiful illustrations.

He loved the wrapping paper.

John Chris and I have been collecting Old World ornaments for the past several years and now Ryland has joined our collecting. He received a baby with a rubber ducky. He was very intrigued by the shiny object, but he wanted to put it in his mouth.

A retro rocket! This is just the cutest toy. It has a few buttons that say things like "asteroid ahead" and "3 - 2 - 1 lift off". It even shakes a little and the back lights up when it lifts off.

Ryland can't quite push the rocket yet, so John Chris pushed him around. It is too funny because he practically lays down on his stomach, and it reminds me of a motorcycle rider.

Thanks for the cool new toy. Grandparents rock!