Downtown photos

We recently had professional family pictures taken, but we were missing Cooper. Our photo Christmas card needed a photo of us all, so we made a trip downtown to take a couple shots. We took several pictures very quickly because it was cold and windy. We found an old church that made for a perfect backdrop. Not bad photography for amatuers.
3 generation picture of me, my mom, and Ryland

Me and Ryland

John Chris and Cooper

Me and the boys.

John Chris and Ryland. I LOVE this picture!

A candid shot I snapped of the grandparents watching Ryland.

Happy Thanksgiving

Of course Ryland could not have the turkey and dressing, so he had a delicious bowl of sweet potatoes.

As I stop to think of the many, many things I am thankful for this year, I can't help thinking about those that are less fortunate. After a discussion with John Chris, we decided to do some sort of volunteering on future Thanksgivings. We really want our son and future kids to understand and appreciate what they have, and we want them to have a kind heart and a helping hand.

A very thankful Thanksgiving in 2009!

8 month pictures

Ryland had his monthly pictures taken today. It is hard to believe he is already 8 months old. He is growing up right before our eyes.

Another fun toy

Ryland is loving this new play table. Ella has outgrown this toy, so we get to enjoy it for a little while. Ryland is not quite strong enough to stand up on his own, so he plays sitting down unless I am helping him. He loves all of the noise and colors. His girlfriend, Ella, has hooked him up again. Much thanks!

Girls' Nght at the Russian Nutcracker

I have been looking forward to visiting with the girls and getting out at night. It is a funny thing, since Ryland has joined us I am never out of the house in the evening. Chanda, Corrine, Mandy, and myself went to the Russian Nutcracker at the Majestic. It is an old theatre downtown Dallas that is very vintage. It was a lot of fun to dress up and step back in time, even though my feet were killing me due to high heels.
The ballet production was good, and it got me in the holiday spirit. Chanda goes every year, and I hope to joining her in the tradition!

Chimy's

After a morning of fun, we headed over to Chimy's for a quick visit with Uncle MoMo. Ryland loved sitting outside and people watching. He was mesmerised by the straws and bottles.

Cheese! Ryland was starting to wear down. Time for a nap!
Ryland and Uncle MoMo like to hang out. Ryland is a chick magnet, and Uncle MoMo enjoys Ryland's leftovers.

These boys chew on the same straw. Yuck!

Rahr Brewery

We visited Rahr Brewery in Ft. Worth this afternoon, and it was very cool. It is an actual working brewery that opens to the public every Saturday afternoon. They had live music, great brisket sandwiches, and lots of beer. Since I don't drink beer, I will have to take their word that it is tasty!


Brad and Chanda with the souvenir glasses.

Me and Ry

Ryland drifted off to sleep in Chanda's arms. She already knows the momma swing!

Naked nap

Ryland was in his crib taking a nap when John Chris and I heard some noises. We looked at the baby monitor and noticed Ryland was waking up. Then we realize, he is naked. What happened to his diaper?

He had enough of his diaper, so he took it off. Silly boy! Next time we will put some pants on that child.
He can't quite pull up on his own, but he can hold it once we help him out. I just know the day is coming soon that I walk in and see this.

Breakfast with Santa

We had our first family Christmas event today. We went to Southlake's annual breakfast with Santa. Ryland did great with Santa and did not scream or cry. Above is his good boy picture, and the one below is his bad boy picture.
Notice the sly grin.

Ryland was a little iffy of Rudolph.

but he loved Frosty! Especially Frosty's nose. He tried hitting it and pulling it off.

Apparently Ryland loves Mercedes Benz convertibles. I don't know where his luxurious taste comes from, but he will be a little disappointed with his first real car. One of the local dealerships was raffling off this little electric car, and it gets a million miles to the gallon.

Beep. Beep. Aggressive driver coming through.

And of course this is his "hey ladies, wanna ride" expression.

Riding in the sleigh

Ryland is over it at this point. No more pictures!

No crawling yet, but he can pivot

Ryland still is not interested in crawling, but he is a pivot pro. He gets up on his hands or he draws his legs in, but not both at the same time.

I missed the best photo today. He took all his toys out of his basket in the den and somehow flipped over with the empty basket on his head. Of course by the time I grabbed the camera, he pushed the basket off.
Check out those legs! I love the rolls!

Here he goes.

Happy day

As usual Ryland was in a great mood today but what was so cool about today was.....

Ryland started holding his own bottle again! YAY!

I don't know what it was about today, but he just decided he wanted to hold his own bottle today. He even started showing off by holding his bottle with one hand.

Christmas light prep party

We had our annual Christmas light prep party for our community tonight. John Chris and I host the prep party every year and this was our third annual party. We have our neighbors over and we check the lights to make sure they are working and the clips are installed. We had a great turn out this year, and it was nice to visit and chit chat with everyone.

I could not help but think that this would be our last year to host the party. I wonder if the people who buy our home will host the party next year. I hope they will continue the tradition.

Lovin' the new carseat

Play all day. Sleep all night.

After a long Saturday, Ryland was pooped. He loved hanging out with the kids at Brad and Chanda's house. He slept like a rock without waking up once looking for his paci.

Holding a bottle is over rated

Ryland has decided to stop holding his bottle this week. If I even attempt to put his hand on the bottle, he goes crazy. I mean an all out crazy fit. He starts arching his back, slinging his arms, screaming, and crying. This crazy fit happens every time I try to put his hands on the bottle. I have no idea what is going on with him.

Clap, clap, clap, clap your hands

Ryland has figured out how to clap, and now he claps all the time. If we do something funny or not, he is going to clap. He doesn't really make a noise. It is just the hand action, but it is cute.

Funeral and birthday

We attended my grandfather's funeral today, and it was also my grandmother's birthday. Terrible! I hate that it worked out this way, and I feel for my grandmother. We took several family photos with the new little ones. My cousin Jake had Brandon a few weeks after I had Ryland. It will be fun to see them grow up and be so close in age. Above photo is Brandon, Jake, Ryland, and John Chris
My youngest cousin, Brooks, holding Ryland.
It looks like Ryland doesn't like Brooks either. I guess Cooper warned him.

John Chris, Ryland, Me, Jim, Mom, Clint, and Kristi

John Chris, Me, Dad, Ryland, Clint, and Kristi

Uncle Pat, Grandma Bobby, and William

John, Aunt Beebe, Grandma Bobby, Jen, Brandon, Jake, and Uncle Robert

Brooks, Uncle Tom, Aunt MaryAnn, Parker, Grandma Bobby, and Jordan

Redneck relaxing

We spent the afternoon at my Grandma Bobby's house to keep her company and hang out with the family. It was a beautiful afternoon, and it was nice to be outdoors. Ryland being a true redneck decided he did not want to put his jeans back on. He just wanted to hang out outside with no britches on.
Ryland loves cans. Beer cans or coke cans, he grabs them all. He has no brand preference at this point.

What a hard life! No pants, a beer can, and sleeping outside. It doesn't get any better for the little redneck Ryland. Grandpa David is so nice to give him a place to nap.

Uncle Clint is holding Grandma Bobby's new dog, Big Jake.

A neighbor thought it would help my grandmother through this tough time and be a great companion. Right now it is just a pain in her butt. He is a cute little pup.

Grandpa Boots passes

My grandfather passed away today. We are glad he has at peace.

Visting with great grandparents

While we were in town, we wanted to go see the other great grandparents. It was nice to see the interaction between them and Ryland. Grandma Sue and Pawpaw Ben were amazed to see how big Ryland is now.