Aquarium round 2

Our play group headed to the aquarium in Grapevine again today. It was only a few weeks ago when we made our first trip. The kids loved it, so we made another trip. Ryland knew what to expect this time around, and he didn't seem as impressed. He refused to stop and really look at anything, and I eventually realized a picture just wasn't going to happen.
Ryland's mission was to look at the sharks and get to the end of the tour where there was a playground. I attempted to explain that he could play anytime, but he was having fun. He did touch the starfish and check out the crabs on this visit. They are set up in tanks at the end with an instructor that explains what they are and what they do. Pretty cool!

Very particular

Ryland is very specific. I definately see OCD traits emerging from my little angel. He loves to play with all his cars. Every single one, and he knows when he is missing one. I noticed that he enjoys lining up the cars from largest to smallest. He carefully places one behind another with such precision. Don't even think about moving or taking one out of line. He will notice and gets upset.

Happy Meal

The many happy things you get with a Happy Meal. Who knew a hat was included?

Reed the organizer

I pulled the tub of 12/18 month fall and winter clothes from the attic. It was like a trip down memory lane, because I started remembering Ryland in them not long ago. I am blown away that it has been two years already, and Reed will be modeling the clothes soon. It was quite a job to separate them by size and then by type. The boys helped me make more of a mess than necessary, but it was fun. Reed stayed right there interested in my project long after Ryland wondered back into his race car fun. Maybe Reed will be an organizer like his mommy.

Reed's 6 month photos

Once again Reed smiled and giggled for the camera at his monthly photo session.
He has been sitting unsupported for the past month, but I thought this photo showed how big is he getting.

I like the white background for something different, but I love this precious profile on the black. He is so sweet and a delight to watch grow and learn.

Finger foods

Reed tried his first finger foods tonight after dinner. We put a few puffs on his tray.
He didn't understand at first, but with a little guidance he was able to grasp them. He attempted to put them in his mouth, but they would stick to his hands. John Chris and I put a couple in his mouth, and he quickly figured out how to chew.

Our happy boy has experienced another first. He is getting so big.

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.

Baby shower for Aunt Kristi

While in Texarkana, we had a baby shower for Aunt Kristi. It was so fun to see all the pink girl things. Nana, Grandmother Sue, Grandmother Bobby, me, and Reed posed for a 4 generation picture.
Aunt Kristi's diaper cake

Aunt Kristi opened her gifts while I jotted down notes for her thank yous. See looks cute with her little belly.

Grandmother Sue, Grandmother Bobby, and Kristi's mom, Jeanette, watched the spoiling continue. My little niece will be decked out with tone of cute things.

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.

Waiting on mommy

I had a fun night with the girls at the local bowling alley. We had a blast visiting and bowling. When I got home, I noticed I could hear a TV. All the lights were off, and I found John Chris and Ryland in the master. The Backyardigans obviously put two of my boys to sleep tonight. I thought it was so cute that they were having a boys night.

Magazines

We discovered a little oddity. Reed loves paper, specifically magazines. After we checked the mail, we started going through it and separating it. Reed grabbed one of the magazines, and he immediately started tearing it up.
He loves the crumpling noise and wanted to chew on it. At this point, I had to take it away. Sweet little Reed threw a fit!

Of course Ryland the photographer had to snap a shot of mommy reading a magazine.

Playing at the park

It was a pretty day out, so I took the boys to the neighborhood park. Ryland has a new basketball, and he was ready to try it out. The goals were a little tall for him, but it didn't stop him from trying.
Is it obvious that Ryland loves his basketball? He refused to put it down even while swinging.

Smiling like usual! Reed loves to swing.

The boys enjoy swinging.

After playing for a little while, we started getting ready to head home. Reed was all smiles, and I caught the cutest little smirk.

Ryland wasn't ready to leave. He was having so much fun playing. We can't wait until it gets a little cooler, so we can spend more time playing here.

Hanging out on Sunday

Reed tried out the walker today, and he isn't sure of what to do. He plays with the buttons and laughs, but he isn't able to actually "drive" it around yet. His feet touch the floor, so he is able to push a little. He seemed to end up in a corner or against the wall, but he was happy.
Reed and Daddy played on the floor and read books.

Ryland had a special request while shopping for groceries. He probably noticed my hesitation and admiration for this package of white powdered sugar doughnuts. He asked if we could get them, and I quickly obliged. When we got home, we sampled a few just to make sure they were delicious. Ryland crammed a few in his mouth, and quickly understood why I kept telling him one at a time! He is so my child!

Playing together

One of my favorite sites to date. I was in the kitchen cleaning up breakfast, and I glanced over to see the boys playing. Ryland was showing Reed how to play with some toys, and Reed was watching and listening intently. They giggled and played, and it completely melted my heart. This little moment made me so happy they are close in age.

Just a swinging

I walked with the boys to the neighborhood park to enjoy the sunshine. It was nice to be outdoors, and I loved watching the boys play and laugh. The boys loved the swings. Absolutely loved the swings.

Messy eaters

Reed has continued to love every vegetable and fruit he tries. He is a great eater and gets very excited when he gets in the highchair. One thing I have learned is to have the food ready, because he will quickly lose it. Tonight he enjoyed some delicious peas. Even though they were messy, he enjoyed every bite.

Ryland is also on a big eating kick here lately. He is open to trying new things, and he likes most of the things he tries. He ate all of his dinner tonight, so he got a cupcake for dessert. Yummy!

Napping

Reed and Pops caught up on a little sleep before we headed home.

Ryland waited until we hit the road before completely crashing. He had so much fun, and he was completely worn out. He didn't even make it through Dora before nodding off to sleepy land.

Visiting Louisiana

We headed to Louisiana to visit family this weekend. While we were there, it rained and rained and rained.

Daddy, Mommy, and Reed played in the floor.

Ryland was thrilled that it was cooler and something different. We haven't had rain at home for months. He had a blast playing out in the yard and getting wet.

After a day of hard playing, Ryland enjoyed some tasty ice cream. He had to get every last drop.

Yummy!

Reed enjoyed playing and keeping us entertained.

Ryland jumped in on the picture fun and took over the camera. I think we have a budding photographer on our hands. He snapped a shot of Doodle and Cooper.

Pops relaxing.

Reed's first tooth

We have noticed Reed chewing on everything here lately, and it was obvious he was teething. A few days ago,I felt around his gums and his lower two teeth were just about to come in.
While driving to Ruston for the weekend, I noticed his mouth was bleeding just a little. When I checked him out, I could see a beautiful little white tooth! It is official. Reed has a tooth!

First day of school

The boys started school today at Stars Academy. It is a fabulous mother's day out program that Ryland has been attending the past two years, and now Reed is joining the fun. Reed actually has two of Ryland's previous teachers.

Ms. Nan and Ms. Margo hold, cuddle, and love on Reed in the monkey class while Ms. Holly and Ms. Amy teach Ryland colors and numbers in the owl class. We all are really excited about going to school and playing with friends.