Fun with family

 Ryland and Reed absolutely adore their cousin, Ally, and they love playing with her.  I have no idea what they are doing in these pictures, but they all look happy.

 

 

After completely stuffing ourselves on delicious cuisine, we laughed and joked at the contents of our Christmas crackers.  They all had something different inside, so it was fun to share.

 

Reed got paper dominos.

 

Ally isn't a fan of the crown.  I had the camera ready to snap the quick shot before she ripped it off.

Ryland's cracker had fancy, silver, sparkly watch.

 

Ally must really like tea.  She got 2 singing tea sets.

 

Not to give away a future gift, but the boys like their new helmets.

 

The kiddos also opened new books.

 

Meeting Ally

The boys and I made a trip to Texarkana to meet Ally. I am thrilled to have a niece, and she is absolutely precious.
Kristi and Clint are great parents and are obviously in love with their daughter.

Ryland gives his cousin, Ally, a kiss.

Uncle Clint entertains Ryland

Reed is a crawling machine.

Family comes to visit

We had a house full of family and friends today. It was awesome to visit and catch up with them all. Reed and I smile for the camera.

Nana brought the boys Halloween treats. They each had glow in the dark swords that were the big hit of the night.
Uncle Clint, Grand Pop, and Donna

Ryland and Chanda look through the treats. I love how she is 41 weeks pregnant and holding Ryland. I think she is trying to go into labor! I can't blame her.

Reed is on the move. I can tell the fireplace is his desired location. He is now trying to pull up, and the sharp stone looks like the perfect place to learn how.

Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi hang out. Only a month left before they are parents.

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.

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.

Crawfish boil

My brother held his 5th annual crawfish boil this weekend, and we somehow pulled the boys and their stuff together to attend. It isn't easy packing and traveling with all the necessary items, but we couldn't imagine missing the party. My brother once again had shirts made, and he was able to get a small one for Ryland this year. Ryland was elated to have a shirt like everyone else.

Reed loved being social and stayed awake and alert most of the late afternoon and early evening. Both Ryland and Reed were total chick magnets. All the ladies thought they were so adorable. (I have to agree!)


We had a great time cooking, eating, drinking, and visiting with family and friends. Ryland made friends with the little girl next door, and she gave him some of her glow sticks. They ran around the backyard swinging them around all night. Ryland couldn't get enough of them, so he even slept with the glow sticks.

Lake trip

We spent the afternoon on Uncle Clint and Aunt Kristi's new boat. Ryland was pretty hesitant at first, but he quickly got over it. He wasn't a big fan of the life jacket, but who really is. We cruised around the lake for a bit and then stopped to hang out and chat. We let the boys take off the life jackets to enjoy a snack. Grandpa Dave, Ryland, John Chris, and Reed looked too cool in their sunglasses.


Poor baby Reed is such a trooper. The infant life jacket was such a bulky contraption with the neck float. He didn't whine or cry though. He was happy and content as always.

Aunt Kristi held on to Itsy as we cruised around. Notice that Itsy has a life jacket on as well. Whatever works!

Ryland's 2nd birthday party

Ryland woke up in a great mood, and he was ready to party. In the spirit of a fireman themed birthday party, Uncle Clint let Ryland wear his old helmet. He didn't want to put it on for a while, but then he warmed up to it. When he put it on, he turned into a bobble head. He could barely hold his head up. While Ryland was taking a nap, I decorated the house for the party.

The reaction was priceless. He pointed and said "balloons" with excitement. It made all my planning and running around totally worth it.

Lizzie and Aunt Emily spend time with Reed.

The cake was HOT!

Aunt Chanda and Ryland

Ryland got embarrassed when we started singing happy birthday.

Ryland loves birthday cake! Yummy! He really just eats the icing, but hey it is his party.

Jackson tries on the helmet.

Uncle Clint, Aunt Kristi, and Doodle cuddle on the sofa.

Ryland opened a super cool fishing kit complete with a vest.

A multiple animal call, just what every boy needs. This thing makes about 10 different animal noises.

Look at that face! He loves the wheelbarrow.

Nanna and Ryland

Ryland and Uncle Clint

What a cool turtle! Ryland loves his new sandbox. I can just imagine the hours of fun outside. I am so very happy we have a home with a backyard.

Ryland take a spin around the pool in his new boat. I could not believe that John Chris put him in when the water is so cold, but he was very careful to make sure he didn't get wet.