Ryder's 1st Birthday Bash!

Ryder loves music so we thought it would be perfect to celebrate with a dance party!  

The party decor:

The cake:

The adorable Birthday Boy:

Doing what he loves most: walking (with assistance)

We had family over for a yummy dinner:

The littles:

What backyard party is complete without some fun:

Ryder loves moving, so that's what he did most of the night:

Hanging with uncle Johnny:

Loving on our littlest man:

Opening gifts:

His bros were a big help:

Passing out the party favors:

All the cute cousins together:

Our cute neighbors joined us for some fun:

More backyard fun with the littles:

Shar & Trav:

Shawn & Abby practicing for SYTYCD

Jonathan & Rachel:

Chels & the kiddos:

MMMMM:

He didn't want ANYTHING to do with it:

More fun, and of course, dancing:

Happy Happy Birthday to our adorable sweet, Ryder!

Traffic & Such

About a month ago we were stuck in traffic on the freeway. Like suck-for-an-hour-not-moving-at-all traffic. Since then Weston has been interested in it and asks questions about if we are in traffic or not, etc. Yesterday I mentioned that traffic was not too bad and he asked me again what 'traffic' was.  

So I told him it's when there are lots and lots of cars on the road and it takes longer to get where you want to go.

After we got home, he and Tave were in their room for quiet time.  They came running out to show me what they had made.

"Look, mom, it's traffic, isn't it cool?!"

I had to laugh. I think this is the coolest traffic I've ever seen. :)

Since we've been home from Texas, Jeff and I have had pink eye and Ryder just got it as well. We've been trying not to hang out with friends and do too many things so as not to pass it around.  Since everyone is basically healthy, though, we've had to come up with some creative ways to pass the time. 

This afternoon boys asked if they could take pictures. So here are all the silly shots from Weston & Tave's perspective. They make pretty fun photographers, that's for sure:

Texas Trip - July 7th- Last Hurrah at the Splash Park

Our last night in Texas was spent at the Splash Pad. We had been meaning to go, but with all of the other things, this had gotten forgotten. I am SO glad we ended our trip here. It was the best splash pad we've ever been to. We will definitely be spending more time here on our next visit! 

Ryder thought the water was great fun:

Tave & Owen waiting for the water:

West & Cole being silly:

Cute little Ava splashing:

I know I already got one of Ryder, but I love the water in this:

Their favorite spout was the one biggest one, it was super strong and they thought it was hilarious:

I LOVE this shot of Cole:

Amy & Nora.  

I am so blessed to have married into a family with AMAZING sister in laws. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without them and I am so grateful we are such good friends. My aunt gave my mom this little saying years ago:  Sisters by chance, friends by choice. I  never really got what it meant, until now.  I am so glad that we have chosen to be friends and hope our friendships last forever. 

Because we're pretty much going to be in the same wonderful family for that long!

The amazing men in the family: (we miss you Jonathan & Rachel!) 

Once we were done in the water we headed to the sand pits.  

The guys played horseshoes, or ring toss...

And here are the boys...this picture cracks me up because they are each doing their own thing:

We seriously could have stayed here for hours, the boys loved it! Which means the adults did too!!

It was the perfect end to the perfect trip.

We had a wonderful, wonderful vacation and are so glad we were able to spend so much time with our family (sickness and all!)  Thanks everyone!!

Texas Trip - July 6th-7th - Cabelas, Date Night & Saying Goodbye

We had one last hurrah to say goodbye to most everyone.  

We met Grandpa & Grandma Dean and Guy & Sharon at Cabelas for lunch.

Mom, Joe, Amanda & the boys, and Erin & Luke met us there also!

We love all of the animals. They have the neatest displays:

Our little family with Grandpa & Grandma Dean:

Our little family with Guy & Sharon:

The cute cute boys with their pop guns. They ABSOLUTELY LOVED these guns and had so much fun playing with them the entire time we were there. So much fun, in fact, that Aunt Sharon decided to get them each one. Thanks Sharon!!

 Jeff's cousin & her hubby, Erin & Luke,  came up for a quick visit.  We had dinner with them at Joe & Amanda's the  night before and then they joined us for lunch here. It was so fun to hang out with them and get to know them better!! 

These boys have way too much fun together. It is so fun to sit back and watch them play:

Me & Amanda. 

I LOVE this girl. I feel so lucky to have a sister in law who is such a wonderful and truly amazing friend.

Someday maybe we'll live close enough to get to hang out on a weekly basis. (if I don't drive her crazy!) Miss you. :)

DATE NIGHT:

That night we got a babysitter and went on a date with Mom & Dad.  I love all the fun we have with kiddos, but it is always so wonderful to have quality adult time as well. I love spending time with them and talking the night away. It was great:

JULY 7th:

Since Mom & Dad were packing up and heading to Estes Park with her family, we packed up a day early and went to Joe & Amanda's for our last day. I HATE saying goodbye. Really hate it.  

We got one last shot with the kiddos and the grandparents on our final day with them:

And here are a few fun ones of Mom & Ryder playing one day:

We love you so much Mom & Dad!! 

Thank you for a wonderful, memorable, and amazing vacation!!