Dustin and Allyson Wall

Big Brother

2011-08-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ryan is going to be a big brother and Taylor is going to be a big sister again! Of course, Ryan has no comprehension of what is going on, but Taylor does! And she is so excited! Her list of names for the baby continues to grow and includes...Butterfly, Wanda, Fluffy, Sparkles and Cranium. She cracks me up! She loves telling people her "secret."

I am due April 15, so it is still very early. I went to my doctor Tuesday to check progesterone levels and they came back great! So, we've decided to share the good news!

Fun with friends

2011-08-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

We spend a lot of time in the summer at the playground. The kids especially love it when Cy and Blue come and play with them. We met up on Saturday and the weather was wonderful!! Cloudy and cool...perfect for playing outside! The kids had fun, then a much needed popsicle afterward to cool off!

Ryan and his Daddy

2011-08-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ryan was playing outside while Dustin was mowing today. I looked up, and this is what I saw. It is so cute to see him mimicking his daddy!! I LOVE my boys!

He was really hot after all that hard work, so he cooled off with the water hose!

Dallas Trip and Mini-Cheer Camp

2011-08-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

The kids and I headed to Dallas last weekend to see my sister Staci and soon to be brother-in-law Corbin. Boy, did they spoil us?! When we got to their apartment, which is AWESOME by the way, they had gifts set on the guest bed for the kiddos. We had hot dogs that night, then headed to the pool. The next day, we went to a splash pad/playground, ate lunch, napped and hit the pool again. That night, Corbin took us to Gatti land. The kids had a great time there!!! On Saturday, we went to the Dallas Aquarium. It was so neat! I may have loved it more than the kids, even. Saturday night, they surprised us with a trip to The Magic Time Machine. Belle was our waitress and we also saw Cinderella, Rapunzel, Esmerelda, Aladdin, Shaggy and many more. It was hard to leave after such a fun weekend.

Staci and Taylor's artwork

Ryan just wanted to mess everything up :)

Corbin and Ryan playing ski ball at Gatti Town. They had some good male bonding time over the weekend.

One of Taylor's many prizes she won at Gatti Town

Staci and Taylor riding on a simulated roller coaster

We didn't even have to put tokens in for Ryan...he was happy just pretending! :)

Taylor on a statue by their apartment

Pretty fountain in Plano near their apartment

Jaquar at the aquarium

The Sands Jr High and High School cheerleaders hosted a mini-cheer camp over the last few days. Taylor LOVED it!! They performed a pep rally for us tonight and they will also be able to perform at half time of a football game in Oct.

My little cheerleader

Posing with the high school cheerleaders

With Jacee, one of the jr. high cheerleaders

Taylor and Cali

Ryan's 2nd Birthday

2011-07-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned 2 on July 6th. We celebrated with a Mickey Mouse cake and lots of family. Ryan is so much fun these days! He's talking more and more...putting words together, counting well, identifying shapes and colors everywhere he looks. He loves Mickey and Dora. He loves being outside, playing rough, running, driving his cars, pushing anything with buttons or fastening buckles and playing with his big sister. He is easy going and adapts well to change...hmmm probably since he's a second child. He recently started singing Amazing Grace and it is truly the sweetest sound! Happy Birthday, Ryan! God blessed our lives richly with you!!!

Mickey Cake

Opening presents

Checking out some new books

Blowing out birthday candles

Britten
Ellie and Taylor waiting for cake

Playing with his new cars slide

Slip n slide fun

Abriella and Ellie

Abriella and Taylor

Couldn't resist!!

Loves playing outside

Big Boy Bed and Church Camp

2011-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

My kids love to take their clothes off and play before bath/bed time. I couldn't resist some pictures tonight when they were sitting in the recliner together!

We converted Ryan's crib into a toddler bed yesterday. He slept great last night and had a wonderful, long nap today in it! He's such an easy going kid! We got rid of his paci about a month ago (we lost our last one), and it hardly phased him. Such a typical 2nd kid!

My big boy in his "big boy" bed

Dustin and I sponsored our youth at church camp this last week. We had a great, but exhausting time! I'm still recovering, 3 days later!! God worked in some mighty ways in many of the kiddos. It was also a very spiritually uplifting week for me too! Even the adults get worked on at camp. :-)

Our group from Ackerly

The girls and I (Callie, Kendra and Morgan)

Me and my honey

I did the ropes course while there. Mainly because Dustin said I wouldn't! I'm fairly afraid of heights, so this was a big deal for me to do! I loved it, though I did scream like a little girl!

More of our kiddos hanging out

Callie and I - team RED!

Swimming Fun

2011-05-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

We now have a mini-water park in our front yard, complete with swimming pool and slip n slide. The slip n slide has been a huge hit! I remember loving it as a kid! Taylor has swam pretty much every day this week. She starts asking as soon as she gets up if it's warm enough yet. Here are some pictures of Taylor and Ryan and a few of their sweet friends enjoying the water.

Taylor on the slip n slide

Ryan taking a break
Tate, Ryan, Taylor and Cali break for a snack

Ryan and Taylor

Taylor and Cali

Tate, Taylor and Cali catching some rays

Ryan's Buzz Cut

2011-03-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

We are so ready for summer!! Ryan got his first buzz cut of what I'm sure will be many. It's so cute!! It makes those blue eyes even bluer!

Before
After

Snow Much Fun!

2011-02-02T18:26:00.001-08:00

Blogger is not working well for me, and I had a ton more pictures to upload! I'm behind!! We enjoyed the snow for about 10 minutes yesterday, before realizing it was WAY TOO COLD to be outside any longer than that! Ryan was happy for about the first 2 minutes, then screamed after that! Taylor and Cali did not want to come inside. Here's some fun pictures from the last 2 days...

Snow Angel (I zipped her coat after this...oops didn't realize it was unzipped!)

Proof that he was happy for a bit

LOVING the snow!

Not happy!!

Still not happy!

Taylor and Cali sliding

Smile!

These 2 girls are so funny together!

They love each other!

Posing in his sunglasses

Ryan at 18 months

2011-01-09T17:36:00.001-08:00

Ryan turned 18 months on January 6th. I can't believe 1 1/2 years has flown by so quickly! It's been fun to watch him grow and develop. He's so different from Taylor and it's been fun to see the differences. Here's some facts about Ryan at 18 months...

*He loves to play outside! He runs to the door and says "ous-si" often. We go out as often as the weather allows.
*He loves basketball and football, or any game that has a ball involved! Santa brought him a basketball goal that he has so much fun playing with. He is definitely all boy!
*His vocabulary has recently begun expanding. He says Tay-Tay, Da-Da, hi, bye-bye, ball, outside, bath, mouse (for Mickey Mouse), and off. He knows how a dog goes, kitty-cat, duck, bird and cow. He gives hugs, blows kisses, and waves bye-bye. He however, WILL NOT say ma-ma!
*He continues to be a climber! Which also means that he takes frequent falls. Nothing except minor bumps and bruises thus far, thank goodness!
*He also continues to be a great eater! He has eaten until he's thrown-up on multiple occasions. We usually have to stop feeding him before he thinks he's done. If you or anyone around him is eating, he thinks he needs to be eating too! And we still have to feed him. If you put a plate of food in front of him, he'll shove it all in his mouth, instead of chewing and swallowing each bite.
*He's running pretty quickly! Loves to chase and be chased! He also walks backwards...it is so funny to watch!

Here are some pictures of my sweet, handsome 18 month old! He's a ball of energy...I'm lucky I got these!

Of course, I have to post some of his sweet sister, too...

Britten's 5th Birthday

2011-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

While Lindsay, Justin, Britten and Ellie were here in Texas, they were able to have Brittens 5th birthday. I can't believe that girl is 5 already!! Taylor and Britten are inseparable and love each other very much! I had so much fun watching them play together over Christmas. Britten, we love you and your mommy, daddy and sister very much!

Taylor - before Britt's party

Ryan in his cool rocker shirt from Cami

She's 5!!!

Sweet cousins!

Britt blowing out her candles. Notice the Texas Flag cake my mom made. She wanted a Texas cake because all her favorite people live in Texas! I love that girl!!

Why did Ryan get a red piece of cake?!

Ellie and Ryan

4 cousins - best picture we could get!

Ryan giving Ellie a five!

Christmas Break Begins

2010-12-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

Daddy's home, presents are wrapped and cookies are being baked. I love this time of year!! November, December and January are always very busy for us since it's basketball season, so I always welcome Christmas Break! Dustin will have 6 days off from work/basketball practice and he'll have 2 weeks off from school! We are lazy, hang out in our p.j.'s and get lots of fun family time. Here are a few pictures from the start of our break...

Ryan and Taylor cuddling on the couch together

Taylor was an angel in our church Christmas pageant...I'm partial, but I think she's a pretty cute angel!

All the angels

Taylor with Blue (Shepherd Boy)

Singing carols

She saw I was taking a picture and wouldn't look at me

We were getting ready for church Sunday night and Ryan saw that as an opportunity to eat cookies. He ate 2 1/2 before we caught him!

BUSTED!

Taylor played dress-up with a bow that was on one of her presents!

Photo Catch-Up

2010-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Ryan is a climber! So much more than Taylor ever was. These next 3 pictures were from 1 day! I catch him climbing all the time! In fact, today, I caught him sitting on top of our kitchen table eating Taylor's left-over breakfast. I cannot believe we haven't had an emergency room visit yet! (knocking on wood!)

Dustin and I went out a few weeks ago for my 30th birthday. We had lots of fun, and since we got dressed nice, might as well snap a few pics...

Taylor's got this relationship figured out! Ryan loves to push Taylor around in the baby doll stroller!

We have a Christmas Party every year where the "leg lamp" from the Christmas Story is exchanged. We received the lamp last year, and it's been on display at our house since Thanksgiving. We love all the comments we get!

I absolutely love these sweet moments! I found Taylor reading to Ryan one night. How sweet!!!

The kids being silly before bed one night...

I kept our friends' twins one night. Taylor loves these boys! Here they are after bath time, in their p.j.'s, ready to watch Toy Story!

Taylor's idea...get a picture of our feet!

As I've blogged about in the past, our town has a pet deer named Deer Abby. She decided to visit us yesterday and hung out in our yard all day! Taylor really wanted to keep her. :)

Halloween

2010-11-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting Hallween pictures!! I also have a few others, of course. We had a fun Halloween this year. The kids wore their costumes 3 different times...Fall Festival at Sands, Saturday to see all the grandparents, and again Sunday for trick-or-treating. We now have too much candy, but the kids had a lot of fun!

I found the kids brushing their teeth together before the Fall Festival.

We made ghost cookies and brought them to share with pre-k

Taylor eating her snack with the pre-k kiddos

Taylor caught a chicken at our friends house. I can't believe she wasn't scared of it!

Taylor, Cyrus and Blue

Yep, she still loves her roller skates

Ryan, the scarecrow

Dorothy and the Scarecrow

Cousins at Gammy's

Kenndall and Taylor love Dorothy!

We went to a carnival with Gammy and Pa-Paw and Chrissy and her kids. The kids had a blast in the jumpy house!

Ryan at the carnival - he was busy exploring

Taylor before gymnastics - her skills are improving so much! She flips all over the house!

Pumpkin Fun

2010-10-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to the doctor last Monday - Ryan for 15 months and Taylor for 4-yr check ups. It was an interesting time! Ryan got 2 shots and Taylor got FIVE, plus the flu vaccine through the nose. I would rather give shots to a baby any day than to a 4-yr old...that was ROUGH! Overall, they did well. Here's their stats...

Ryan - 31 inches (25-50 %)
27 lbs (75-90%)

Taylor - 38 inches
38.5 lbs

Waiting on the doctor...

After the doctor, we went to eat at Chick Fil' A, then to the pumpkin patch. The kids LOVED the pumpkin patch! As usual, Ryan is all over the place, so it's harder to get a good picture of him!

We were in Lamesa last week, and the kids had on their halloween shirts. I couldn't miss an opportunity for more fall pictures!!

A few random pictures...This is how I found Taylor during rest time the other day. She was watching her movie while doing a headstand. It made me laugh!

Crazy hair day at school Friday...

It got quiet...I should have known! An entire box of kleenex!

Dustin and Taylor carved a pumpkin this weekend. Ryan didn't really care. He just loves the outdoors!

Taylor turns 4!

2010-10-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby girl is 4! What a precious big girl she is! She had a great birthday this year! She wanted a Cinderella cake and decorations with all the princesses on it. We "partied" here at the house and played at the playground after cake and gifts. It was so fun to see her excitement this year! God blessed us 4 years ago with this sweet girl and our lives will never be the same! Taylor, I love your creativeness, your excitement for life, your drama and silliness! I love hearing you sing, hearing you tell us and your brother how much you love us and listening to your prayers. I love you Taylor Faith!! You are a sweet, special girl!

Morning of her birthday...she wasn't so excited about a picture this early!

Cinderella cake

Ryan and Pop Pop ready for cake!

She's ready to blow out her candle

She got kind of embarassed when we sang to her...it was cute!

Present time!

Beauty and the Beast!

Dorothy slippers

I love this face!

Ryan entertained himself with a box

Looking in her magic mirror

Riding her new scooter

Trying out her new roller skates

Ryan at the playground

Cooper and Taylor

Kenndall and Taylor

All the kiddos at the party!

Family picture

I took a few pictures of our big 4-year old after church today.

We brought the Circus to the Circus!

2010-10-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of my friends and I took our kids (plus 2 extra kids) to the Circus in Big Spring Wednesday night. It was awesome! I think the adults were more amazed than the children! They had some amazing acts!! The acrobats had no harnesses and no nets and did some crazy stunts! The animals were fantastic! The lions jumped through rings of fire, the camels ran in circles with miniature horses running between their legs and the dogs did some cute tricks! The best animals were the elephants. They skipped, stood on one leg, formed a pyramid, then laid down on each other and pretended to go to sleep. They had 1 clown that was really funny! There were contortionists, jugglers juggling fire and knives, girl hula hooping 20+ hula hoops, guys balancing knives on their tongues with fire torches on the knives, etc. Probably the best was the motorcyclists from Las Vegas. They put 4 guys in a round cage and they rode around without crashing. It was really neat! The kids LOVED all the lights, sounds and action and of course, the snow cones! It was a great night!

It was a late night after the circus, so we didn't get baths. I had Cali the next day, so all 3 kids had a bath together! They loved it!!

Thursday was also rock star/movie day at school. The girls got dressed up for the pep rally! And don't they look like movie stars?!

Fall 2010 Update

2010-10-01T20:37:00.001-07:00

The last few weeks have flown by! I cannot believe it's October already!! With time "flying by", my kids seem to be growing like weeds! I measured Taylor back in July (marked and dated it on the wall) and recently felt like she'd really grown a lot since then. So, I measured her last week, and sure enough, she's grown almost an inch in 2 months! As usual, she continues to say things that are wise for her years. Here are some examples...

1 - She told me she was jumping for joy yesterday when we arrived at Pizza Inn
2 - She said "You arrived just in time," when I got out of the shower the other day.
3 - We were looking for Dustin's body wash in Walmart. I picked up a green bottle and she said, "Actually, I think he uses the blue one."
4 - I was talking to my mom on the phone about staying the night in a couple of weeks. I said that Taylor could sleep on the floor. Taylor put her hands on her hips, sighed (dramatically) and said, "I most certainly will not sleep on the floor!"
5 - She also recently asked me what "head over heels" and "exasperated" means.

She's very into learning new things these days. She loves her preschool workbooks, art projects, and learning her letters. She can almost sing the Books of the New Testament, she can say the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge, and knows the days of the week and colors of the rainbow. I love how excited she gets when she learns something new!

Onto Ryan...He finally got both top teeth in as of a couple weeks ago. It looks so cute when he smiles!! He is practically running. He has no fear of anything and climbs onto everything he can! I cannot believe we haven't made an E.R. trip yet (knocking on wood). He's so busy all the time and doesn't stop unless he's eating or sleeping...or watching Mickey Mouse. I've never seen a kid so glued to a t.v. show as he is to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! He dances and giggles while he watches! He still eats pretty much anything we'll feed him, which is great! He's sleeping wonderful...11 hours at night and 2 naps a day about 1 1/2 hours each. He doesn't say much of anything, but why would he when his sister talks for him and we give him whatever he "grunts" for. :-) He loves it when his daddy comes home. If we are outside, he races down the sidewalk with his arms outstretched. It melts my heart!

Taylor after church a few weeks ago

Ryan watching Mickey in Taylor's Dora chair

Fairy Tale day at the school

Ready for football!

Best Buds, Ryan and Tate

Sweet friends, Taylor and Cali

My kids love Champ the Mustang...especially Ryan!

Like Grandfather, Like Father, Like Son

2010-09-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the similarities...First, Dustin's dad Sam, then Dustin, then Ryan. Gosh, they look alike! And I see where Ryan gets his love of food!!

Ryan 11 months

Dustin at about 1 yr

Couple more of Dustin

Homecoming Week and Home Improvements

2010-09-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

This week was Homecoming Week at Sands. Taylor and Cali went to school Tues and Thurs dressed in the "theme" for that day, so they could pick prizes from Tana's prize box. These sweet girls have so much fun together!!

Mis-match day - they have mis-match bows, Cali's socks are different and Tay's shoes are different

"Your Future is Bright" - Bright clothes and sunglasses

Dustin and Ryan wore their bright colors, too!

Ryan's chunky legs are so cute...I couldn't resist a few pictures!

We are so blessed to live in school housing here! We've worked hard on the house since July and I wanted to post before/after photos. Dustin is responsible for the awesome yard!!

Yard before

Yard after

Living Room before

Living Room after (the school had the carpet replaced!)

Dining Room/Entryway before (notice the yellow glass)

After (yellow glass is GONE!)

Kitchen before

After

Master bedroom before

After - The back wall is chocolate brown...looks kinda green in pic. I still want to redo bedding (blue and brown) and add curtains.

"dressing area" in master before

After - still need to paint cabinets white

Kid's room before

Ryan's after

Tay's after - she made her bed :)

Pajama Day

2010-08-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's homecoming week at Sands, and today was pajama day. Taylor and Ryan made the rounds at school this morning in their p.j.'s. My friend, Tana, took this great picture of the kids! I cannot believe how old Ryan looks and how much he looks just like his daddy! I love Taylor's smile!

Family Time

2010-08-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening, we took a picnic supper to the park in Lamesa. The kids had a blast eating a picnic, playing on the playground and getting an ice cream from the ice cream truck! Here's the proof of our fun...
Yep, he's walking everywhere! I'd say he's walking more than he's crawling now! Such a BIG boy!!

What a difference a year makes. Taylor was climbing on everything! This time last year, she wanted to, but was very tentative. Check her out doing the monkey bars with daddy!

I LOVE that smile!

We made many trips down the slide!

Taylor loved the slide, too!

Climbing, again...

I may have to watch Ryan more than Taylor. He climbed half-way up this slide by himself!

Clapping

"Mommy, look what I can do!"

Taking a break

This is a rock wall he climbed up himself!! I had to chase him up to the top before he went down the slide!

Ice cream truck!

Mmmmm...

Of course, Ryan needed one, too!

Such a good big sister! She shares really well with her brother.

Ryan got his second hair cut Friday. He looks so old!

Ready for Mustang Football! Go Brown!

My sister, Lindsay called the other day and told me about this fun project. You take broken crayons and put them in a coated muffin tin. You bake them at 275 for 8 min, let them cool and pop them out. The kids loved coloring with them. I think I'll make them thicker next time!

Family Pictures

2010-08-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

My mom's friend Cassy took our family pictures Monday evening in Lamesa. She did an awesome job!! Cassy, if you are reading this, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures! Thank you so much!! These are a "few" of my favorites...and I had a hard time narrowing it down to this many!

Taylor's Boo Boo

2010-08-06T06:13:00.001-07:00

I called and made an appointment with a friend on Friday to have our family pictures taken the following Monday. The next morning, Taylor was jumping on the trampoline with Dustin and this happened...

Poor baby! She went face first into the springs. She was really tough and didn't fuss much at all. I think she was scared more than anything. And, I rescheduled pictures, so her cheek will be all healed up. This happened 6 days ago, and the scabs are all off now. You can't even tell!

Of course, I included some pictures of Ryan, too! Check out those bright blue eyes out in our front yard! He's still not walking, but getting closer. He'll take steps toward us, and I'll catch him taking a few steps when he thinks no one is looking! He still only has 2 teeth. His top right has been trying to break through for weeks now. It keeps swelling and he gets super fussy! Luckily, tylenol and ibuprofen do the trick. I'll be glad when it comes in!!

Mini-Vacation

2010-07-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our family took a mini-vacation a couple weeks ago to Dallas. We were originally going to visit my grandparents near Galveston, but Ryan has become quite difficult in the car these days. So, we decided to postpone that trip to next Spring Break and make the 5 hour trip to Dallas, versus the 11 hour trip! And it was a great choice!! We had such a wonderful time!! The kids were both great in the car, in traffic, at restaurants, and they slept great in the hotel. We loved getting to see Aunt Staci, going to the Fort Worth Zoo, and swimming at the hotel. Here's a recap of our trip in pictures...

Going to the zoo

Ready to see the animals

Check out her face...guess she didn't like the snake!

Ryan got to crawl around in the aquarium/reptile building

Taylor petting a blue-tongued lizard

Taylor and a kimono dragon...the thing was huge!

Taylor riding the fake kimono dragon

The bird area was awesome!! Since seeing Snow White, Taylor has asked repeatedly if she can ever hold a bird on her finger. You can imagine how much she loved this!! We spent more time here than anywhere else!

Taylor checking out the zebra's

Dustin gave Taylor multiple rides on his shoulders!!

It was a long day for Ryan!

Taylor cooling off under the "misters"

awww...so sweet!!

Scuba Steve :)

Ryan loved the pool and his Aunt Staci!!

too funny for words!

what a ham!

little fish

On the drive home

Dustin and I talked repeatedly about what a fun stage our kids are at and how much fun we had on this trip! We feel very blessed to have each other and such sweet kids!! I feel like so many times in my life, I've looked forward to when kids are bigger or when we have more money or a bigger car, etc. But for now, I am truly very content with my life, and I don't know that I've ever felt this way. The trip was quick and nothing spectacular, but it was definitely one I'll always remember. God has blessed my life so much and I am so thankful!! I know there will be many more memories like this in the future!

VBS, Frogs, Motorcycles and Lazy Susan's

2010-07-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

So, this is a catch up post. There are lots of random pictures, as you can see from the title! We had VBS at our church the last week of June. Taylor LOVED it! We did Saddle Ridge Ranch. I got to do the singing and I had a blast with the kids! It was fun to see everything Taylor learned each day and all the crafts she made!

Taylor and Madi

Listening in class

Performing songs on stage

Signing Jesus

As I've posted before, Taylor loves frogs and bugs! Dustin tilled up our front yard and found two frogs. Taylor kept them on the front porch under cups for like 2 days. The little one didn't make it, and we had to convince her to let the big one go! Check out my little tom-boy.

Ryan was watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse one day and the light was so pretty I just had to take his picture! He just woke up from his nap and has the sleepy eye look, which I LOVE!

Before church

We spent some time at Chrissy's this week. Clayton was asleep, but we attempted to get a picture with everyone looking at the camera. Yeah, right! Kenndall's face cracks me up!

More pictures of Taylor's new hair cut. She still loves it!!

Taylor's friends, Cy and Blue got an electric motorcycle. They came over yesterday and Taylor got to take a turn. She loved it and is already begging to go there today and ride it!

Last night, while I was cooking supper, Ryan was getting into everything! It got quiet and I got nervous. I started looking for him and couldn't find him. Then I heard him crying. He had climbed in the Lazy Susan and taken a ride around. He was stuck in the back and not very happy. Of course, I took pictures before getting him out!

Our Little Firecracker Turned "1"

2010-07-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Ryan's 1st birthday Red, White and Blue style last Saturday. He had lots of fun opening his presents, and of course, eating cake!! He got lots of fun toys that he has already enjoyed playing with! We are so blessed with our wonderful sweet family that came to celebrate with us!

Opening presents

Red, White and Blue cake

Big Sister enjoying the party

Family Pic

There was NO hesitation this time with the cupcake!!

Playing with Pop Pop and his new toys!

Taylor's New 'Do

2010-07-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I were going to get a trim on Monday, when she decided that she wanted it cut short! I was not going to argue with that because getting her hair done has become quite a chore lately. She does not like having it fixed!! So, after telling her multiple times that I won't be able to braid it and she can only have small ponytails, she still wanted to do it. It looks so cute and I LOVE it!!! It requires little work, which Taylor really loves!

We stopped on the way to pick a sunflower on the side of the road...

In the car after the cut...so excited to show off her new hair cut!!

Just precious!

1 year ago...

2010-07-06T19:33:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that one year ago today, we welcomed our sweet little Ryan into this world! God has blessed us so much this year with this sweet little guy! It has been wonderful to watch his sweet personality develop. He is very laid back and easy going, unless we are dealing with food. When food is involved, he wants it right then!! He loves to laugh, loves it when we sing, and he loves his big sister!! He doesn't particurlary like being left out.

At one-year old, Ryan is...

*crawling, mostly bear crawling. He's pulling up and "cruising", but really hasn't gotten the courage to let go.

*clapping, dancing, signing "more" and "please", saying "more", "ma-ma", "da-da", "tay-tay", "ball", and "yes"

*eating all table food (no more baby food), and he's almost done with the bottle! He loves all fruits, beans, yogurt, hamburger meat, pretty much anything we will give him...

*weighs in at about 24 lbs! We haven't had his check-up, so this is according to the scale at my mom's.

I took some pictures of Ryan with his first "birthday cake." He was a little confused at first, but once he realized it was okay, there was no stopping him!

July 4th Part 1

2010-07-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great July 4th weekend!! We got to spend lots of time with family we haven't seen in a while. Taylor enjoyed playing with her cousin, Britten, in from North Carolina, and her cousins Addie, Chloe and Brett in from Minnesota! Taylor and Britten spent the night with Pop Pop on Friday night and he took them to get their toenails and fingernails painted on Saturday. The LOVED it!! We went to spend time with Dustin's family on Sat afternoon/evening and had a great time and ate great food!

Taylor and Ryan ready for the 4th

Miss Priss

Taylor and Chloe

Ryan and Brett...they are 3 months apart

Grandma and Ryan

Posing at Pop Pop's

silly girl

My mom got all the cousins matching shirts!

June 2010

2010-07-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

The month of June was crazy for us!! We painted our new house and moved (just across the alley), I coached a Jr High girls summer league team, helped with VBS, we are still training for a half marathon, and of course, played with our kiddos.

We had the opportunity to move houses because Dustin is going to be the head girls coach next year. The living room in the new house is much bigger and the layout is better for our family, so we decided to move...AGAIN!!! We painted the entire house, new carpet was put in and we moved, all within a weeks time. It was a lot harder just moving across the alley, because I didn't really see a need to pack anything. We made countless trips to get it all done! This is Taylor's 4th house and she won't be 4 until Oct. I don't want to move again for a VERY long time!! I do LOVE our new house, though.

VBS was great this year. We actually finish tomorrow. Taylor really loved it and got into it this year. I did all the music and I've had a blast! It's really blessed me! I also coached a jr high girls basketball team. We played 2 nights a week. I enjoyed coaching and getting to know the girls! We are still running...I ran 10 miles last Saturday!!! It still seems kind of unreal to me! Only 6 1/2 more weeks until the race!

Ryan is changing rapidly! He finally got 2 teeth (on bottom) a couple weeks ago (at 11 1/2 months)!! He still only has 2 and they're not in all the way. He got his 1st hair cut (see below post). He's standing without holding on, but still not walking, although I think it will be soon. I'm sure not rushing it, though! He's babbling a lot more and talking some. He has developed a fascination with holding on to plastic spoons. On Tuesday, he held a spoon from breakfast until I put him to bed that night. He held it ALL DAY, with the exception of his naps. He even held it through bath time. It's the oddest thing!

So, here's June in pictures...

in their Tech outfits from Grandma and Grandpa

Gun's Up!!

Love the bloomers!

Ryan before bed one night.

Taylor before church...Grandpa and Grandma gave her this dress, also

Dustin after we painted until 2:30 a.m. He'd been painting since 8 that morning!

Ryan found the snack stash in our new house! He looks so innocent!

Taylor loves the mud!

Ryan's 1st Haircut

2010-07-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Ryan got his first haircut on Tuesday, June 29. I loved his soft little curls, but they were just getting too long. A lady here in Ackerly cut it for us and did a fantastic job! I sat him on the booster in the chair for a picture and he wasn't happy at all. So, I held him and fed him cheerios while she cut his hair. He did wonderful! His new 'do makes him look so grown up!

Before

He did not like the chair!

After

I think he approves

More after...

Such a big boy!!

Summertime!

2010-06-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING summertime! It's so awesome to have Dustin home. Although not much changes in my world, things seemed more laid-back and relaxed. The kids are loving the pool and sunshine! They would be outside 24/7 if we let them. We said good-bye to something very precious this last week...Taylor's naps! She'll still take one if we lay her down, but she stays up until 10 pm if she naps! So, we make her have "rest time" in her room, where she cannot bother us for 45 minutes or so. This still allows me some time with both kids in bed, which is really helpful. The good thing, both kids are in bed and asleep by 8 pm!!

Ryan is amazing me these days! As usual, he's my "laid-back" baby. He eats anything and all the time!! If you feed him, then ask him if it's good, he replies with an enthusiastic "MMMMM!" He's clapping, waving and babbling like crazy. He says Ma-ma, Da-da, ball, fish, hey and bye-bye. He bear crawls when outside or on hard surfaces and cruises with ease. I cannot believe he'll be one in a month.

Cuddling in bed after Ryan's nap

Taylor holding Staci's dog Paxton

Deep thoughts...

Lookin' like his daddy!

clapping

Taylor has learned to make her bed. She calls it her "chore" and does it each morning. Most mornings, she does it without being told!

More pool time!

Bathing Beauty

I LOVE those chunky legs!

CHEESE!

PICTURES!!!!

2010-05-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

As I was looking over these pictures that I've taken the last couple of weeks, I smiled and laughed out loud at some of them. But, they also made me sad, too! Both of my kids look so big and are growing so quickly. I love all the fun times and smiles I see in these pictures!

Things are great at our house now, b/c Dustin is out of school! I love summer and having Dustin home. Last Friday, when Taylor found out Dustin was home for summer, her first question was, "Can we get out our pool and swim?" So, we did and they both loved it!!

Ryan smiling for the camera

He loves Dora and Mickey Mouse!

More Smiles!

Playing the piano

Eating lunch

He looks so big in his high chair. Check out that bed hair!!

Taylor with a frog Dustin found while mowing. She didn't want to let it go!

Gosh, she's getting big! She posed herself for these...

Of course, we needed a silly one!

Ryan looking through our screen door

The school had inflatables one day last week for the kids. Of course, we had to play too! Taylor loved it! She waited in line patiently and was worn out afterward!

Ryan had fun, too!

Playing in the dirt.

Cassie's great with the kids!

First time swimming!

We went to a teacher's house Saturday night. The kids swam and Taylor got to help feed their goats and sheep.

She wouldn't smile for me. :)

Ryan helping me unload the dishwasher

First bike ride

Taylor and Allana having a tea party

Spring Flowers

2010-05-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

There are so many beautiful flowers around since we've had so much rain. Of course, I had to take pictures of my beautiful kids with the flowers!

Ryan attempting to sign "more"

All Smiles!

Such Sweeties!

Taylor's New Smile

2010-05-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Taylor has always had such a sweet smile. And of course, I think she still does!! But recently she has become conscious of her smile and started the "fake smile." Dustin and I got so tickled the other night looking at these pictures. What a sweet girl!! And in other news, we may have to begin calling her Aurora. She has been convincing strangers these days that her name is Aurora. She gets upset when I correct her and tell them her name is really Taylor. We are a bit obsessed with Disney Princesses!

Ryan playing with Grandpa

2010-04-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been pulling up everywhere! He loved pulling up last weekend on the big windows at Grandpa and Grandma's house. Grandpa thought it would be fun to go outside and play with him. Ryan LOVED it! In other Ryan news, he started saying bye-bye and waving yesterday. It's so cute! He also mastered going DOWN the 2 stairs to our dining room. He sort of "belly slides" down. It's much better than rolling down head over heels, which is what he's been doing.

Ranch Days

2010-04-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

We went to Ranch Day's on Saturday at the Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. Dustin's cousin was in town from New Mexico and a lot of his family was able to go. Unfortunately, Dustin had District Jr High tennis and didn't get to go. It was a great day! Taylor made a corn-husk doll and a stick horse. She learned how to bake biscuits with hot coals, wash clothes with a washboard, and brand a wooden cow. She also got to ride on a real horse named pitchfork. We all left exhausted, but it was lots of fun!

Kristal feeding Ryan

Corn-husk doll

He loves being outside!

Sweet cousins...Riley, Mikaela and Taylor

Listening to a cowboy sing

Taylor riding Pitchfork

Washing clothes

Scrubbing those clothes!

More clothes washing

Taylor and Riley resting in a rocking chair

Me with my sweet kiddos on the caboose

Fun in the Rain

2010-04-25T16:08:00.001-07:00

I'm a couple weeks behind, but had to blog about Taylor's fun in the rain! One Thursday after gymnastics, it was pouring rain. Taylor wanted to go look for snails with our neighbor, Alanna. I told her she could, while I fed Ryan. After he was done eating, I peeked out the door and found her drenched in rain, not looking for snails at all! I took some pictures and video. She had a blast!! Taylor, I love your excitement for life and the way you take joy in the small things!!

Ryan at 9 Months

2010-04-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

Ryan turned 9 months last week. Oh, this boy is into everything!! Crawling up steps, pulling up on everything, putting EVERYTHING in his mouth! He's loving the table food...cheese, tortillas, bread, avocados, bananas, and rice. He's sleeping about 10 hours at night and taking 3 naps. We go to the doctor tomorrow for his check-up. I don't think he's gained much since his 6 month appointment (20 lbs 13 oz), now that he's on the go so much. I'll update his stats after his appointment. For now, check-out those beautiful blue eyes!!

Happy Birthday Dustin

2010-04-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dustin turned 29 on April 1st. We surprised him with cupcakes at school. Taylor was upset that we didn't have balloons and decorations. :) She hid under his desk so she could yell surprise. It was so cute!! Happy Birthday to a fantastic husband and father!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

We had a busy Easter!! We hunted eggs at Grandpa and Grandma's on Good Friday, at Pop Pop's on Saturday and at Gammy and Pap-pa's on Easter Sunday. On Sunday, about 5 minutes into the hunt, Taylor decided she was tired and wanted to sit down! I guess she had too much hunting! Ryan was perfectly fine with one egg to play with. Here are pictures from our fun-filled weekend.

Coloring eggs at Gammy's

At Gammy's

Easter Sunday

Easter morning. The Easter bunny brought Taylor The Princess and the Frog, a book and a nail file. Ryan got a baby movie and a new shirt.

Ryan was tuckered out after all the egg hunting

At Pop Pop's

Eating a kit-kat

At Grandpa and Grandma's

Random Pictures

2010-03-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is over and Dustin went back to school...boo hoo. It's fun having him home! But only 9 more weeks until summer!! YAY! We had a great time last week, relaxing and playing outside. My kids are such a joy!

Ryan pulled up last night! He's growing up too quickly. He pulled up on the couch. Taylor was screaming, "He's walking!" I said, "No, honey, he just pulled up from his knees to his feet." Silly girl. Ryan still doesn't have any teeth (8 1/2 months old), but the bottom ones look like they could come in any day now! And I know he and I would appreciate that! Those suckers must hurt, because he's been fussing quite a bit lately, and that's just not like him! I took these pictures of him today in overalls...the boy looks just like his daddy!! And I think he may be "cotton-topped" by the end of summer!

Ryan woke up after his nap today so happy and Taylor wanted to get in bed with him. She does this often, and they'll play forever. It is so fun watching them play. I know I say this a lot, but Ryan loves his "sissy". He will see her walk in the room and start squealing and laughing. And she loves him equally as much! Of course, I have a few Taylor stories I must record...

Today, while giving her a bath, she tried to convince me that she was at my wedding. I told her that she wasn't even born yet, to which she replied, "You know nothing about me being born!" Oh, so that 9 hours of labor I experienced 3 1/2 yrs ago wasn't with you...silly girl!

She also told me today that she had a story for me. It went something like this. "Mommy before you were born, I was Ryan's age. Daddy was born, so was Pop Pop and Grandma. And Chrissy and Brian were born, too. But you weren't. They took me to the hospital and the doctor got scissors and cut the hair off my legs and I cried really bad."

Playing in bed after naptime

They are LICKING the crib rails!

Ryan and the biter biscuit...

Now, it's bathtime!!!

Ryan loves playing with Taylor's doll house. I had to get pictures...blackmail someday...

Spring Break

2010-03-17T12:11:00.001-07:00

We went to Sulphur Springs for a few days to see Dustin's Grandma, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. We had a great trip!! Taylor loved all the kiddos she got to play with and she loved seeing her Great-Grandma. She asked her one day, "Great-Grandma, do you know how to smile?"(she's 90-years old!!) Well, that sure made her smile!!! Here are some pictures from our time there...

Katie, Taylor and Abbie at a resteraunt

Great-Grandma, Taylor, Katie, Ellie, Ryan and Abbie

Flowers Taylor picked for Great-Grandma

Straddle jump!

She LOVED the little trampoline at Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Gary's

Messing with Jeanne's flowers

"I really want to eat this grass, momma!"

Ryan liked the trampoline too :)

Cute Kids!

Our family with Great-Grandma

The kids with Great-Grandma

Taylor

2010-03-10T19:42:00.001-08:00

I've posted a lot about Ryan lately because he changes so much all the time, but I don't want to leave out my sweet Taylor. She's so grown up, asks big questions, and says such smart things! I love how she loves her brother, wants to cuddle with Dustin and I, and how much she appreciates the small things. Here are a few pictures of her one morning right after she woke up, still in her pajamas with that sweet sleepy-eyed look!

Weekend with Aunt Staci

2010-03-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Aunt Staci came to town last weekend! I think Taylor WORE HER OUT!! Taylor was attached to Staci's hip all weekend! And she loved playing with Pax (Staci's dog). We had a fun weekend with family! Here's some pictures from the weekend...

Ryan playing with blocks from Pop Pop and Chita

Taylor walking Pax to the bakery Sat morning

So cool!

Staci bought Taylor an ice cream

It made a bit of a mess :-)
Gammy and Ryan

Ryan swinging for the firs time at Gammy and Pa-pa's

Ryan fell asleep on the couch with Dustin - look at their hands

Staci and Taylor before church

My Sweet Kiddos

2010-03-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

They're so sweet! Enough said...

Ryan at 8 Months

2010-03-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Eight months ago, we were bringing home a sweet baby boy! Today, he doesn't seem much like a baby at all! Ryan is such a JOY! His smile lights up my day. I love to see him wrinkle his nose and give me that big open-mouth grin. I love to hear him squeal with delight while he watches his sister jump around. I love to see him fall asleep beside Dustin in the chair. I LOVE this little boy! Here's what is going on with Ryan at 8 months...

1) He's on the move all the time! He's crawling everywhere! I will turn my head and he's in the other room by the time I look back.

2) He's eating all kinds of stage 2 baby foods, biter biscuits and puffs. I cannot tell which food he prefers. He seems to love it all...that's a boy for you!

3) He has started babbling a lot more. He's mainly saying "da-da" and "ba-ba", with an occasional "ma-ma" thrown in. It's really funny because he has such a high-pitched voice.

4) He still does not have teeth. Taylor cut 2 teeth at 8 1/2 months, within 2 days of each other. So, maybe they'll be in soon.

Here are some pictures of my sweet 8 month old!

He loves it outside!

Rambling and Pictures

2010-02-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

WARNING: Rambling and Picture OVERLOAD!!! :-)

Life has been rather uneventful at the Wall house lately, which is good! We've been busy, just nothing exciting to report. It's always hard for me when basketball is over. Yes, I complain during basketball season about being a "single-parent" most nights, but I do love it! It gives us something to do on Mon, Tues, and Fri nights, when we go watch games. It gets us out of the house and lets me socialize, which is very important for a stay-at-home mom! So, there is always a sort of letdown the first week or two after the season is over. Dustin feels it too, just for different reasons, I guess.

Like I said, we've been busy, just uneventful. I've had baby showers the last 2 weekends in Lubbock, so we've gotten to go see family, which is always good! I've been running now for 6 weeks, training for a half marathon in August. I have really been LOVING it! I love the way I feel, I love spending time outside, I enjoy some time for me without kids pulling on my leg or needing refills in their sippy cups every 5 minutes, and I love the quiet time I can spend reflecting and in prayer! It's really blessed me. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a little scared to train for/run a half marathon (okay maybe more than just a little scared), but Dustin's doing it too and we're taking our training slowly. I had to tell myself today over and over to quit worrying about my time and just enjoy the feeling...darn competitiveness!!

My kids are growing like crazy!!! Too quickly, in fact! Ryan is eating all sorts of baby foods and has recently been introduced to biter biscuits (baby cookies) which he loves! Although they are SUPER messy, they will keep him entertained for a long time, which is worth the clean up in my book! He is beginning to crawl...he really started moving good today. He loves power cords and will roll/crawl across the room to them and tug and pull them and try to put them in his mouth. Not good!! He wakes up in the morning and from his naps grinning from ear to ear, which fills my heart with so much joy! I just love this easy-going, fun-loving boy!! Taylor is my little sweetheart! She tells us she loves us at least 10 times a day, most of the time even more! She loves to be silly and make her "bubba" laugh. She sings, dances and flips everywhere she goes! She is known at Pal's (the Cafe in Ackerly) for singing the "Ariel song" from The Little Mermaid. It is hilarious! The girl will win 1-Act play when she is in High School...mark my words. So, my rambling wouldn't be complete without a Taylor-story...

The other night, Dustin was laying Taylor down and going through her devotional that we do with her each night. She was asking about why we can't see God but he can see us all the time. Dustin was trying to explain that He is everywhere, but He is in spirit form. The conversation goes something like this:

Taylor, stepping on the floor: "Is He right here?"
Dustin: "Yes"
Taylor, stomping on the floor hard, "Did I just smash His head?"
Dustin: "No, He doesn't have a head. He's a spirit."
Taylor: "What?! God doesn't have a head?"

Good going Dustin. Man, this parenting thing isn't always easy!! I guess I'm done rambling...I've done enough!! Here are TONS of pictures of the kids. Can't you tell I love my new camera?!

Taylor and cousin Riley at baby shower

Taylor got attacked by a chocolate covered strawberry

Twinkies!!

I just love that smile!

Balance beam at gymnastics

Backroll at gymnastics

Fun Bathtime pictures!!

Trying to crawl

So frustrated b/c he can't get where he wants to!!
Just plain cute!

So I bought Taylor some sponge rollers and we tried them out one night

This was the end result - SUPER CURLY!!!

First biter biscuit - he's sad b/c it's all gone!

YUM - Finally I can eat when they do!

This face cracks me up!

Sweet siblings

Family pic on self-timer (Ryan is wondering what the heck that beeping is?!)

Being silly at Dad's

pretty girl!

Tay and I before baby shower

another adorable face!

Bathroom Blues and Fun Pictures

2010-02-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

I have to blog about a crazy experience I had Monday in a McDonalds bathroom. I blog 1)Because I want to be able to remember these experiences I have with my family and 2) Because I want to share my crazy experiences with other mom's that I know understand and can laugh at the crazy things that come with being a mom.

On Monday, the kids and I headed to Lubbock to go to the doctor for their second round of the H1N1 vaccine. The day was good, hectic hauling 2 kids around Lubbock, but good. We finished our errands, and Taylor and I needed to potty and I needed to change Ryan's diaper before heading home. I stopped at McDonald's (first mistake)! Ryan is now in a "big-boy carseat", so I have to carry him in. I was thinking that I would buckle him into the diaper changer while Taylor and I used the bathroom. Of course, someone was in the stall with the diaper changer, so we waited. While we waited, Taylor kept asking, "What's taking so long? Why are we waiting?" and things like that. I had to go so bad, so finally I gave up waiting. Taylor, Ryan and I went into the open stall and I laid t.p. down on the potty with my free hand (my other arm was holding my 21 lb son!). I picked Taylor up onto the potty, with strict orders not to touch anything! She pottied, I unbuckled my belt and pants with my free hand, and used the restroom with my son on my lap...I had no other choice!! I got Taylor's pants pulled up, then realized I couldn't buckle my pants with one hand. I checked the other stall, and it was STILL occupied! So, I took one knee on the bathroom floor and set Ryan on my other knee. I had Taylor hold him under his arms and balance him on my knee so I could quickly button my pants. Then we had to wash hands. It wasn't happening for me, but I lifted Taylor with my free hand and she put soap on her hands. She clapped her hands together and got soap in her eyes. She was screaming, Ryan was laughing and jumping in my other arm and my cell phone was ringing. I grabbed t.p. (of course there weren't any paper towels, just hand dryers) and wiped the soap out of Taylor's eyes. We rinsed and dried her hands and headed to the car. I changed Ryan's diaper in the car and we headed home. I was exhausted and I thought my arm was going to fall off from holding Ryan for so long! My 36 minute jog that night when I got home was much less exhausting than my 1o minutes in the McDonald's bathroom!! Lesson learned...bring your stroller and put the baby in it when going in a public restroom!

Here's some more pictures of my sweet kiddos...

Ryan sleeping after his shots

Pretty blue eyes!

At the doctor

The coaches in the girls locker room. The theme was staying alive!

Taylor with her daddy's picture

Taylor had to have a Valentine's picture with Meagan and Morgan

This picture looks just like a picture of Dustin when he was this age!

Playing with his frog from Grandpa and Grandma

Our snowman
Taylor making a snow angel

Taylor and Cali with the snowman they helped build

My sweet Valentine
Taylor with her frog puppet from Uncle Mike and Aunt Betsy

Before Wed night church

Taylor decided she was an artist last week and wrote all over her's and Cali's legs with pen. After having a chat about what we use pens on, I had to take pictures!

Random Pictures

2010-02-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

These are a few of the pictures I've taken in the last week! I got a new point-and-shoot canon (my canon SLR broke and I'm tired of getting it repaired). I love this little camera...I've gone a little picture crazy over the last week. I need to install the program so I can save and rotate my vertical pictures and I'll have many more to post. Enjoy!

Taylor and Cali

Watching cartoons

Ready for the basketball game! Go Brown!

Ryan - 7 months

Ryan demonstrating yoga...downward dog

Ready to crawl!!

Bathtime!

He LOVES to splash!

He's so shocked that he's getting a bath!

Before church

Aren't they just precious?!

Ryan at 6 Months

2010-01-17T19:10:00.001-08:00

I am a bit behind on blogging. Ryan turned 1/2 a year old on January 6! "Bubba", as Dustin, Taylor and I like to call him, is such a joy. If he's not smiling and laughing, it's because he's eating or sleeping (or hungry or tired). He just hardly EVER fusses! Here's some fun facts about my sweet 6 month old boy...

-He weighed in at 20 lbs 13 oz (90th %) and 27 inches (60th %). He got FIVE shots at the doctor, because I got his H1N1 and regular flu shots along with his 3 regular vaccinations. It was SO SAD!! Thankfully, the nurse was very quick!

-He is officially rolling everywhere! He started rolling from his back to his tummy at 5 1/2 months. He hasn't quite figured out how to roll where he wants to go, but he's mobile!

-He is pushing up on his knees and rocking back and forth. I think he'll be crawling soon! He's scooting backwards really well! :)

-He LOVES baby food. So far, he is eating peas, green beans, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and applesauce. He still enjoys cereal, too. He is down to 4 bottles (6 1/2 oz each) per day instead of 5.

-He is developing somewhat of a schedule...Wake up around 7, long nap in morning and evening with a small cat nap in afternoon, bedtime after bottle about 9.

-He still loves to bounce in the johnny jump-up, play on the floor and explore the toys on his exersaucer. He is not a fan of the bumbo unless he is being fed, and he does not enjoy sitting up.

-He absolutely adores his sister (and any other females for that matter). This boy is a flirt!! His sister can bring a smile to his face no matter how difficult his day is. :)

Here are some pics of our precious boy...

Random Pictures

2010-01-02T17:22:00.001-08:00

**Be sure and scroll down...did a post on Christmas today too**

Playing after bath time!

Ryan thinks carrots are funny!

Modeling a cute outfit from the Cross Family

She loves her baby brother!!

Christmas in Pictures

2010-01-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

So, these pictures are in complete reverse order and I don't want to rearrange them! Here are pictures from our 4 Christmases in 4 days! I don't have pictures of our Christmas with my mom and David b/c I forgot my camera that day. Ugh!! It was wild few days, but so much fun! We did a 180 on Hwy 84 on Christmas Day and ended in the ditch. We were all ok. Dustin had us almost out of the ditch and a guy came along in a pick-up and pulled us the rest of the way out. He said that he pulled cars out of the ditch all day on Christmas Eve. He grabbed his niece and nephew that morning and told them to come with him...they were going to see how many people they could help today!! I thought that was pretty cool! Anyway, here are the pictures...

Ryan playing with his new toy from Santa

Tay was so excited to see what Santa left for her!

Her new horse and doll house (Santa almost didn't get the horse, but Taylor just KNEW he was going to bring it to her...so Santa decided since she'd been a good girl, she deserved it!)

Walking in to her see her toys Santa left (we were gone on Christmas Day, but Santa left the gifts for us when we returned)

An icicle off of Grandpa's house (excuse the nakedness)

Dustin in the snuggie!

Pop Pop and his angels. Ryan's face cracks me up!

Ryan's truck from Pop Pop

Taylor's Ariel doll from Pop Pop

The snow was too powdery for a snowman, so we made a mini-one in the house!

Building the snowman

Playing in the snow

Ready to play in the snow!

Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma's

Sleepy Boy

2009-12-29T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ryan can fall asleep just about anywhere. It cracks me up!! He is a true second child...so easy-going! He fell asleep in his jumper this morning and last night on daddy's shoulder after his bottle. I love this sweet sleeping angel!

Leg Rolls, Family Pics and Mustaches

2009-12-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

We are already loving the Christmas break at our house!! It's great to have Dustin home and wonderful to be lazy! I took some pictures of Ryan today, in all his chunkiness. Check out those legs...think he's getting enough to eat around here?!

We attempted to take a family picture on the timer before church yesterday. It was a bit difficult to get Ryan to look at the camera. Taylor had fun running back and forth with me for the picture! The whole ordeal was pretty comical!

My sweet little angels

We had the annual Settle, Caldwell, Wall, Winchester, Crawford ball on Saturday night. We always have so much fun!! The gift exchange was a riot! Carla got some artificial mustaches and we all had to take a turn wearing them. We had the drawing for the leg lamp (just like the one on the Christmas Story) and we won it!!!! Yay! It will be on display at our home until New Year's, then again next year from the day after Thanksgiving until we host the party.

Ryan with the stache...the cute hat is from Cami (she also got him a shirt that I will have to have pictures made in soon) Think I look like my dad?!

He's a real coach now!

Tay showing off her outfit from Cami. She loves it!!

Me and my sweet baby girl!

Christmas Pictures

2009-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

My camera is broken (booo) and is going to be in the shop soon. I had to take our Christmas pics with a different camera borrowed from a friend. Atleast I was able to get some pictures done!! I can't believe how big my kids are! Taylor has really grown up a lot lately! She loves to tell you how much she loves you all the time. She's really into cuddling especially in the mornings and after nap time. She LOVES to hug and love on her baby brother. She loves to be the center of attention and is a total drama queen. Where she gets that, I don't know?! My favorite thing she has said lately...She sneezed and said, "Momma, I got bless you on my arm!"

Ryan is 5 1/2 months old. He's eating cereal like a champ! I'm gonna start veggies soon, probably over the Christmas break. He is rolling tummy to back all the time. He wakes up on his back and so happy. I love to hear that little squeal and laugh over the monitor. He has the sweetes giggle! He has grown very fond of the "johnny jumper." He has got quite a vertical and you should check out his calves! He is so happy and easy-going! The other day, I found him asleep in the jumper. He would jump every few minutes but never opened his eyes or lifted his head. It was hilarious! He loves to be held, talked to and cuddled with. He has recently discovered his tongue and loves to stick it out. He also loves his feet. He will pull on his socks until he pulls them off.

These sweet kids are our pride and joy! They bring so much light and happiness to our lives. We are so blessed and can't wait for this Christmas!!

My Big Boy at 4 Months and Corn Maze

2009-11-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Ryan turned 4 months on Friday, November 6. I took him to the doctor on Monday. He weighs 18 lbs (90th %) and 25 1/2 inches (75th %)!! He's a BIG boy and is such a joy. He loves to smile, laugh and squeal! And squeal he can!! He is so loud. It is hilarious. He is drooling all over the place and grabbing at things. He can get a hold of my hair or the toys on his play mat and exer-saucer. He also started cereal and caught on quite fast! He has 2 Tbs of cereal 1 or 2 times a day. We also have started sleeping much better! If he wakes up before it's been 9 hours, I pat his bottom until he falls back asleep. This has worked 3 nights in a row. Tuesday night, he slept 10 1/2 hours!! I am so blessed with two healthy, fun and happy kids!

On Sunday, we went to the Corn Maze with Gammy and Pa-paw. Brian, Chrissy and their kiddos went too. We had a GREAT time and were all EXHAUSTED when we left!

Taylor, Kendall and Clayton feeding the sheep

Cooper, Taylor, Kendall, Clayton and Ryan

The mean goat and cute sheep!

Being silly

Such a sweet horse!

Taylor stops to pose for a picture

All smiles, as usual

Such a sweet picture of Cooper

LOVE this one!

Me with my precious kiddos. Again, I am so blessed!

October Fun!

2009-10-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

Ryan is big enough for the exer-saucer and he loves it! There are so many things to look at and grab. He gets cross-eyed when he concentrates on certain things. And he loves to grab the little toys and put them in his mouth. So cute!

I laid Ryan on our bed the other day to take Taylor to the bathroom. I came to get him a minute later and this is what I found. I love sleeping babies...so cute!! He looks so tiny on our bed.

Dustin and Taylor carved a pumpkin last weekend. Taylor loved it, although she was not fond of the pulp! The day was beautiful, so Ryan hung out on the porch in his bouncy seat and observed. We toasted the seeds...yummy!! That night, we lit the jack-o-lantern. Taylor thought it was so cool!

Helping Daddy carve

She touched one wet seed and this is the face she made! Hilarious!

Ryan enjoying the nice afternoon

All smiles!

We had trunk-or-treat at church on Sunday evening. Taylor is Cinderella and Ryan is a monkey...a chunky monkey, we like to say! They looked so cute! Taylor loves Halloween this year and all the candy we've already gotten. I love my precious trick-or-treaters.

chunky monkey

My cute little trick-or-treaters!

Hugging her Daddy's leg. She says he is her Prince Charming!!

Oh, so pretty!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

I had to take Taylor to the doctor Monday for her 3-year well check. Oh, my...talk about drama. The girl was freakin' out when they tried to take her weight and height. Agh!! We survived though. She weighs 33.5 lbs and is 37 1/2 inches. She's gone from 50% in height to 75% and from 65% in weight down to about 45%. So, she's taller and thinner. :-) She did have to get her Hep A vaccine and the flu mist in her nose. You would've thought they cut off her leg...my goodness! We went to play at Chrissy's afterwards and life was better, thanks to Gammy and Pa-Paw.

While in Lubbock, we stopped at the pumpkin patch for a few pictures. Taylor looks so hilarious holding Ryan! He's huge! I weighed him on my mom's scale and he's 17 lbs!!!! At 3 1/2 months! We're thinking he'll make a great noseguard someday. :-)

This is the pumpkin Taylor picked

Ryan's expression in this photo cracks me up!

Ryan thinks the pumpkins are funny

Happy Halloween

Ryan after a long day in Lubbock

Taylor after shots and a long day in Lubbock