My Sweet Aunts

My two aunts have always treated me as their own daughter. I cannot remember a time in my life that they have not been there. Now that I have kids they completely adore them as their own. They are constantly picking them up little gifts and always think of me as they shop through out their day. I never know what they might find. It is usually something I really need. Del makes sure Ryan always has a card or gift coming to him by mail. He gets excited to have something with his name on it to open. We are so blessed to have them in our lives.

Aunt Del and KenzieAunt Lula and Kenzie

Potty Training

Whether I was ready to do it or not it is here. It is time to potty train and I am so feared of it all. What do you do if you have both of your kids and groceries and he says that he has to go potty? What if we are in the car not near any kind of store and he says he needs to go potty? What if he rolls around the NASTY bathroom floor at the restaurant and tries to look under the stall while someone is in there? All of these questions that I had have all come true. And as they say you deal with them as they come, but not without your heart dropping just for a second while you are trying to think on your feet. So I am all about bribing Ryan to do what I need him to do. For example when I was hot and 9 months pregnant Ryan would not get back in the grocery cart after me asking in many different ways so I calmly said "If you get back in I will give you a donut." Worked like a charm....we both won as far as I am concerned. Anyway, back to bribing. So when Ryan goes to the bathroom, we will call it #1, we give him 2 M&M's. He gets so excited about them and so do I. If he goes #2 he gets four M&M's and a quarter. Scott came up with that one day because like us all he loves money. So down to the reason I am writing this whole thing is because today Ryan was writing/drawing on some paper and he looked at me and said " Mommy, this is my job. I am working so that I can make some money for when daddy goes poop. I can give him a quarter." I just couldn't help but laugh and think what a sweet, sweet boy. He wants to work hard to reward his daddy just as he gets rewarded in whatever manner that means. The things kids say.... So for the most part we are doing pretty good. Now Ryan comes out of the bathroom at restaurants and stores and has to announce really loud to EVERYONE that he went pee pee in the potty. As a mother I am proud of his accomplishment and I am sure that the people that have gone through the potty training experience understand the reason for the loud outburst of excitement, but then there are the other half of the people sitting there wishing we wouldn't be so loud. They to will soon know. Their time will come when they are dancing around the potty. I probably shouldn't be writing about this and one day Ryan will probably not think these pictures are his proudest moments, but in this moment right now I am a proud mommy and I am proud of my sweet boy.

Fun Friday

When it is hot and you have an active 2 1/2 year old BOY, you plan all your activities that can exert lots of energy. The goal for this day is to have fun in the sun and then sleep really good. Today we went to my parent's pool for a refreshing swim and lunch. Pop is teaching Ryan to swim and I am teaching McKenzie how to get a baby tan....in the shade of course. Once we were finished swimming the fun didn't stop. Emme and Ryan enjoyed Popsicles on the patio. Thank you Emme and Pop for a fun filled morning.

Time With Great Grandparents

This past week my grandparents have been in town and we have enjoyed the visit. They were able to see Ryan for the 3rd time and meet Kenzie for the first time. Ryan gave them lots of hugs which they loved and McKenzie melted their hearts by smiling at them every time they talked to her. Watching my grandparents with my kids made me think that this is what the circle of life was all about. Here we start out as this fragile newborn that is totally dependant on others, we grow into a strong independent adult and we complete the circle in a fragile state and need others to help us live day to day. I watched this weekend as my dad helped his father step off of curbs without falling and cup the top of his head with his hand as he got into the car to protect it from getting hit. I really don't know if my grandfather even realized that my dad was looking out for him just as Kenzie doesn't realize right now how we protect her not only from her brothers hugs and pulls :) but the little meaningless obstacles of everyday. Life is truly precious and a miracle that can only be explained by the God that created us.

Papa John showing Ryan the gift he brought himMcKenzie sleeping so well in Mama Gertie's arms
So Sweet
At 85 still having fun on the floor racing cars with her great-grandson
There is nothing better in the world than Mama Gertie's home-made biscuits. Ryan is a chef too.

4th of July

We had a great 4th celebrating with our neighbors. We ate and enjoyed their swimming pool. Ryan loves playing with the older boys and Briann. She carries him around everywhere and is so good with him. We love where we live and enjoy the new friends we have madeTami and Kenzie having fun
McKenzie snuggling up with JackRyan and Briann playing .
Scott doing flips on the trampoline
All of us eating some great food.
Ryan and the kids enjoying their Popsicles
McKenzie loved having all the boys talking to her.

We also went to Scott's parents farm this weekend. It is called a farm because there is a house and a big barn that they use for storage, but no animals. Ryan was very confused because he couldn't find the cows and pigs, but he did have a great time.

Ryan playing on the big tractor. He thought he was such a big boy.Having so much fun driving. The wheel is as big as he is.

Helping Papa and Daddy fix "farm things."

Fun Day with Pop

Today my dad took Ryan to the pool in his neighborhood and they practiced what they have been learning at swim lessons. Pop and Ryan take lessons every Monday and they both have such a great time. Ryan is getting so much better at putting his head under the water and jumping into the water. He had a great time today splashing around and getting all of his energy out.

Pop and Ryan love to take rides in the golf cart.

Wait Ryan throw the ball not the net.....