Ryan's stats

Ryan turned 2 on November 24th. He's a funny kid. He thinks he is sooo big just like Garrett and Hannah. He is a tease and a lover too (when he feels like it!). He is a big helper too. Just as I'm writing this he spilled some sugar on the floor and then said, "Trouble." Yep, he knows he's in trouble but he ran and got his play vacuum and is trying to vacuum it up. Can't be too mad at that, right? He likes to ride Hannah's little Barbie tricycle around the driveway when its warm. He likes to ride at full speed right up to Porter and then skid to a stop and scare Porter. He just smiles and laughs.

He recently had his checkup at the doctor and here are his most recent stats:

Height: 33 1/2 inches (20th percentile)

Weight: 25 lbs 3 oz. (10th percentile)

Head Circumference: 50 1/2 cm (90th percentile!)

He is talking a lot! His speech is really clear. He says funny things to us like, "Stay there!" "Just a minute" and when you change his diaper he will wrinkle his nose and say, "Phew! Stinky! Bum!" He is loud too. When he talks, he yells. Its lovely.

He's a funny kid but we love him!

Bringing the Outdoors In

My house smells like pine. Yep, we got our Christmas tree last night and its a live one! I love the pine smell, though. It really gets me in the Christmas mood. I've already started vacuuming pine needles and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Last night was Garrett's 3rd grade Christmas concert. It was combined with the 4th grade. The place was packed. They did great. It was short and sweet. It was awesome. My parents came and afterwards we went to a new ice cream place called Kiwi Loco. I didn't even know that it existed (although its right up the street from my house)-shows you how much attention I pay to things. My parents know the manager, he lives in their ward. They invited him over for dinner last Sunday. Anyway, we went there and had some really good frozen yogurt. Its really fun because its all self serve.

Next, we went to find a Christmas tree. We went to Lowe's. Partly because I like their trees and partly because my brother-in-law Chet was working and I was secretly hoping he could get us a killer deal on our tree. He did! Thanks Chet! You rock!

They cut the ends of the tree and wrap it in this netting stuff to get it home. Its easier to tote around that way. Here is Blaine and the kids snipping the netting off-unleashing the beast.

Here is our gorgeous tree! It smells awesome. It is now a blank canvas for us to decorate tonight. The kids can't wait. I'm excited too! It will finally feel like Christmas at my house!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan's birthday was last week. The big number 2! We didn't make a huge deal out of it but tried to make it a fun day anyway. It was the day before Thanksgiving and there was a lot to do. Hannah always makes sure to put up the Happy Birthday banner on anyone's birthday. That got Ryan excited!

Because I'm such an "on the ball" mom, I didn't even make Ryan a cake. I figured nobody would eat it because Thanksgiving was the next day. So, we went out to eat as a family and my parents watched the kids so Blaine and I could go shopping for a present for Ryan. (Really on top of things, I know but it had been snowing and blizzarding for 3 days continuously and I hadn't been out!) Anyway, I picked up some brownies and we sang to Ryan. He was so excited to blow out his two candles!

Next Ryan got to open his present (still wrapped in the shopping bag it came in, of course.) He loved it. He is very into tractor and trailers right now, along with Thomas the Train.

He wanted to take his tractor to bed that night. Even though it was low key, he still had a fun day and was very happy. Thanks to all our family members who gave him gifts! You are awesome and we appreciate it!