FIVE

Can you believe it has been five years?  I can't hardly believe the little baby that we brought home all those years ago is now turning into a beautiful little girl!  Here is Ryan the day she was born and then on her 5th birthday.  I can't believe something so small could grow into this sweet girl!












I think it goes without saying, this little girl was completely spoiled on her special day!  Of course it is tradition to have a sleep over with Jared's side of the family.  So Nana decided to take Ryan shopping for her birthday gift.  Knowing clothes are Ryan's favorite, they headed off to the store in search of the perfect dress.  Ryan had to try 12 dresses on before she found the perfect dress.  Each dress she would carefully inspect in the mirror.  Then each dress went through her twirl test.  Finally after two stores and 12 outfits (because she has to see each dress with all the accessories) She finally picked the dress that you see her in above... with the head band, necklace, tights, and sweater.  Silly girl... it's going to be a complete nightmare finding this girl a wedding dress!  But we will cross that bridge when we get there in 30 years!!!

Next, of course we have to discuss the party that this girl had!  After my parents came over with their gits we had a friend party.  We invited some of her cute little friends from the neighborhood over and had a party.  We ate pizza, played games, and decorated some cupcakes.  It was a house full of kids and fun! She was so happy!  As a mother I was happy I lived through those two hours!!!

As you can guess, Brave was a big hit this year.  She got a few different dolls, the Brave dress and shoes, and even the movie.  I think she really enjoyed turning 5 this year!

The two best things in life

I was so glad to finally get a decent picture of both the kids together!  It's not always easy to get them to sit close and look at me.  I just can't even express how awesome it is to have these two every day!  I just love these little kids!!

Tiny Dancer

Today was Ryan's first dance class.  She is taking it with her two cute little friends in our ward.  I think that we need to work on pointing our toes, but she really liked it a lot.  The teacher was really great too!

Christmas

I am happy to report that Santa did come to our house on Christmas.  Not only did he come, but he came with a lot of gifts!!  I think that everyone got what they had asked Santa for.

Ryan was so excited to see that she got a balance bike and when she opened the package with the Stompeez in it... well, I was just glad that the camera was running!!  She also loved her tea set and a number of other surprises.

Mac was also very excited to see his balance bike.  He got right on and started riding.  However, when he found that there were more gifts he quit and focused on getting all the gifts with his name on it opened in record time.  I think it took him all of two minuets to be completely don't opening all the gifts under the tree.  It was so funny!  He also really liked that he got a number of cars and balls.  This kid really loves balls!

 As for Jared and I, well we got a bunch too.  We really got spoiled with our new kitchen table and chairs.  Now all I need is a new rug!  Kudos to Jared too, he went out and shopped for clothes for me... and not only are they all cute, but they all fit!  I think that he was holding out on me by not telling me he is an excellent shopper!!  Thanks love!

After that morning we were off to all the families houses to be spoiled some more.  Thanks to all our family who made this holiday one of the best ever!  We sure love all of you!

Wedding Bells

So, for all that have not heard... Stephanie got married.  December 22, 2012 in the Salt Lake Temple.  Stephanie married this adorable guy named Paul who I swear Ryan would steel in a heart beat.  Also when Mac cries and I ask what will make him happy again he responds . . . Paul.  It was really a nice wedding!  Paul, we are so excited that you are now a part of our crazy family!!

Princess Race

Our princess ran in her first race last month!  It was set up to be a one mile race.  This race was an all girl race where you were encouraged to run dressed as a princess.  Ryan was so excited to do the race with her cousin Riley.  I told Ryan that if she won the race--meaning finish the race-- she would get a tiara.  It was so cute.  When the girls passed that finish line they were given a tiara by a girl dressed in a big prom dress with gloves and a crown.  Ryan did awesome!!  Although I don't think that the race was even a half mile, she was able to complete the entire race without help.  Ryan is fast too!  She has long legs that got her through the race fast!!  Good Job Ryan!!!  I hope I get to do many more races with my princess!!

Napping Book Worm

The other day we put McCallum down for his nap.  Needless to say, he did not want to go down just yet.  Rather than let him up I just told him not to get out of his bed or he would be in trouble.  I then came upstairs and ignored his screaming.  Generally he settles down within a matter of minuets.  A few minuets after I had come up Ryan came into my room and said: "Mom, I know how to settle Mac down for his nap.  I just gave him a book and told him to read it in his bed.  Then he can just fall asleep with his book."  I told her that I thought she was the best sister in the world, and the smartest girl ever!  It had worked.  Mac was no longer screaming or trying to get out of his nap.

Later I went down to wake McCallum up so we could go to dinner.  This is what I found...

Mac had taken Ryan's advice.  He fell asleep reading his book.  I couldn't help laughing.  It was so cute!