Happy 4th Birthday, Tyler!

Tyler and Julia have a special cousin relationship, born just 6 weeks apart.

We had a fun day celebrating Tyler turning 4 by bouncing around.  Check out pics at Ruddology.

I believe...maybe. Christmas Chatter.

Our now SIX year old boy is starting to question Santa.
Here are some recent conversations:

Ry: Mom, Santa's reindeer didn't eat the food we threw out for them!
Me [I am a bad liar]: Ummm, really?!
Jeff [An even worse liar!]: Oh, well, it had some strawberry in there, and I think they might be allergic to strawberries. We'll have to remember not to put that type out again next year.

Ry [regarding his new Croc shoes with fleece lining]: I wonder how Santa's elves made these comfy shoes?

Ry: Santa isn't at the toy store anymore, because Christmas is over.
Me: Uhhuh.
Ry: Are the reindeer real? Or is it like, magic?
Jeff: Um, yeah. We can talk about this later.

Ry's Lego Party

Malina, Julia, Izzy, Ryan, Braden, Andrew and Nicolas take a rest from Lego building to pose for a pic.

Make a wish!

Build, build, build!
Who can make the tallest tower? Who can build the sturdiest bridge?

My goofball and Izzy take a girlie break and work on the princess puzzle.

Birthday Breakfast

What better way than to start the day with his favorite donut?!
Happy birthday, my SIX year old boy!

Ryan is (almost!) 6.

Aunt Kathy, Aunt Mary, Melissa and Ry show off the Lego house they made in our contest. 

Aunt Stacy, Gram and Julia show off their contest house.

The birthday boy enjoys his favorite (and only!) part of the cake he eats--icing!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Amy.

Julia gives some love to Gram and Great Grandma.

The Papas and Uncles escape the party chaos..

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The GREATEST gift of all...

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

– Luke 2:9-14

Christmas Day 2010

The only picture I think we got this year with the four of us. 

"Oh! Now I know why Santa didn't give these to me! Because he knew I was getting them from Glam and Papa!"

Julia poses with her new favorite bling.
She seriously got my moms love for all things flashy and sparkly!

The kids can hardly contain their excitement...presents EVERYWHERE!

I wonder if this girl will ever get tired of getting a new tiara, scepter and princess dress?
Right after this, she put the tiara on Uncle Jeff. I wish I hadn't been laughing so hard...the pic was soooo blurry, or it would for SURE be posted here! He is such a great sport!

Krista, Brian and Mat take a break from unwrapping.

This lucky girl won the scavenger hunt and then found the pickle this year--her prize?  A lottery scratch-off ticket...which said she won $500.  And then the little "bonus" scratch-off at the bottom of the ticket doubled that!  She totally thought we were messing with her!  $1,000! Ching, ching ching!

I just can't help but want to squeeze this cutie!  Cole, that is...but hugs to you too, dad! =)

Christmas Morn

Merry Christmas!

Some kids are SUPER excited to come see what Santa brought for them!

Yes! A helicopter!

A house for my Barbies!

He might soon turn into a Lego! =)

Christmas Eve

We have had the most WONDERFUL Christmas this year.
I was so busy enjoying it, I really failed big time in the photo department!
Fortunately, we've got a few pics of the memories, but not much to work with...however, it has been a really magical year.  I keep waiting for someone to pinch me...we're so crazy blessed!!!

Gram and Julia

Can you tell someone is excited to get a new Wii Game?

Just what a boy always needed--a rocket!
He was anxious to take this out of the box,
but I convinced him this was an OUTSIDE toy. HA.

She was so excited to get this new Barbie she slept with her. =)

Santa's Elves

Ry: Mom, I am going to get some Lego Batman stuff for Christmas.
Me: You are? I don't think Lego has any Batman themed stuff out now.
Ry: It's ok, don't worry. Santa's elves make whatever the kids want.

Where did THIS rumor come from? =)

That last pic is of him and a reindeer he created. He asked us to take his photo and send it in to Lego magazine so he can maybe get his picture published.  He HEARTS Lego!

Ryan Christmas Party

Ry LOVES his teacher this year, Mrs. Kraus.
He had to pose for a pic at his class party with his idol--right after swiping the red icing off the top of his cupcake.  Lucky for me, he doesn't like ice cream, so he gave me his entire cup of Dippin Dots. Score!

Morgan V and Ry line up after the party for school dismissal.
He does NOT want to be "parent pick up" today..he begs to ride the bus home!

Merry Christmas sweet kindergarteners!

Julia's Preschool; Jesus' Birthday Party

One BIG benefit of Jul + Ty = 6 weeks apart +  in the same preschool class = Krista and I get to attend these parties together!  YeeeHaa!

Rock Wall Climbing!

Ry has been asking to climb the rock wall at the Y for several months now.
Tonight was the big night!
He LOVED it!
I am super-thankful for the harness!
I had to try it out tonight also...made it all the way to the top, which wasn't tough...but the getting down was the scary part!! I can't BELIEVE my baby likes this so much!

Sweetness

So sweet. I just want to squeeze her little cheeks!

Santa 2010

Visit with Santa 2010.
Ryan, age 5, would like everything Lego, but especially City creations.
Julia, age 3, would like a princess Aurora barbie that goes in the water.

Ryan thinks he's the coolest because his Gram and Papa have a candy store. =)
Of course, we had to visit while we were at The Galleria!