Sick at Home

Ry as been at home sick for the last two days. It's sometimes hard to know if Ryan is really sick, or if he just wants to stay home because Cody did the day before. Yesterday he did lay on the couch most of the day and looked a little pale, so it was believable. But today he has managed to gobble down a bowl of cereal, 2 oranges, 1 pancake, a grilled cheese, applesauce, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich(to which he replied...maybe I should've ordered toast)---all before noon!

I think tomorrow he will be back in school.

Kisses for Mom

I'm not sure if it is because he is the last child or if it is just his personality, but Ryan is not afraid/ashamed to show his love and affection to his mother in public. When the other children started school that was the end of the hugs, kisses and holding hands with mom, but when I dropped Ry off at his circle drive in front of the school this morning he said, "love you mom." And then, as he's walking in and I am driving off he motions a kiss to me, waves and watches me drive away. Such a sweetheart, and I LOVE IT!

Christmas

I'm having a bit of a Christmas hangover in the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in(not having to wake up to the sounds of an alarm clock) over the break. Having to re-train myself to get up early again has been painful.



We had a wonderful time shopping, making gingerbread houses, playing at Pump It Up, a picnic at the park, shopping, cooking, a trip into Madison, shopping, Hot-n-Fresh Krispy Kremes(Thanks Andy & Janelle), playing games, shopping, visiting with friends and family, afternoon runs, and just spending time together.



I was a little lazy in taking pictures, because I was just enjoying the time. I already miss it and am looking forward to next year when we don't have to be anywhere or do anything. We can just relax and do whatever it is we feel like doing together. It was perfect!



We wish you all a very Healthy & Happy New Year!

Brotherly Love

Well...most of the time anyway.




p.s. - Thanks to Lindsey for the cute picture.

Christmas Pics

It's always a fun time posing for our Christmas letter photo. This year the 1st session ended abruptly in multiple wardrobe changes(Kaitlyn), hair fixes(Kaitlyn), and tears(poor Ry).



The second go around was a little more productive. Although, the lighting wasn't nearly as good. Oh well, you get what you get and you don't pitch a fit...and this is what we got -



Merry Christmas 2011!

Leaves (cont.)

This week most of our leaves decided to fall. The task of clean-up this morning was a little overwhelming. Thankfully, we had lots of help to get the job done.







And last but not least some time for jumping, which almost ended in a fatality but luckily it was just an injury, and DON'T ask Cody about it...

Knee Deep In Leaves

We have 3 maples trees in our yard, and this time of year when the leaves begin to fall it creates the most beautiful landscape, covering our lawn in a vast array of color.



The problem is they have to be raked, mowed, and moved into piles or they will kill the lawn. So, weekends and evenings are spent trying to keep up with the falling leaves.



which is almost impossible.



When we think we've got it covered, the wind blows or the rains come and we begin again.



One of our trees still has most of it's leaves, but within the next few weeks the leaves will fall and we will have piles for Casey to start burning.


His favorite part!