Airplanes and Parades

These first pictures are especially for Uncle Brian. Mackenzie has taken a liking to one of Rylan's airplanes, so we might need you to give her some pointers someday! Or how about a job? :)

See, she's intrigued about how it flies.

Studying all the parts intently
Hmm, so this spins around...

Oh, how about a stress test?

How could the execs say no to this face? :)



A few weeks ago, we want to our alma mater for homecoming. I can't believe it was already our 5-year reunion! We really only went for the parade and out to lunch because we had evening plans, but it was so much fun to see old friends and their families. My roommate of all 4 years was there with her husband and little guy, August. August and Rylan hit it off right away and I hope they'll always be friends despite living so far away. We miss them and it was so great to spend some time with them. Sadly, I only took pictures of the kids and never of the Momma's! August is going to be a big brother this spring, so maybe when the new baby arrives we can get together with all the kiddos!

August and Rylan waiting patiently for the parade to start. They were SO excited when they realized they got candy! We actually got enough so I don't have to buy candy for Halloween, I'm handing out parade candy. And no, it's not all tootsie rolls!

They were both little honeys that day, what awesome little boys!
Daddy and Mackenzie enjoying the parade. Okay, Daddy enjoyed chatting with old friends, Mackenzie just enjoyed everything!
Another dear friend of ours, Mary with her beautiful daughter Julia. Julia was born 5 days after Mackenzie and we hope they'll grow up to be friends too. Julia is going to be a big sister too and we're so excited for Mary and Blake!
The girls, just chillin.

After the parade, we walked around the new campus center and the boys found a nice little hallway to run in. They were so funny!

Ready, Set...
Go!!!

Taking a rest


I took some video tonight of Mackenzie dancing and Rylan singing, but haven't put them on the computer yet, so hopefully before the end of the week. Stay tuned!

Busy Day

Today was a busy day. The morning was hectic and it didn't help that I wasn't prepared the night before. I try to pick out all our clothes, get the diaper bag ready for daycare, and have my school stuff ready to go. I had done none of that, so when Nick had fed the kids breakfast and announced he was leaving, I went into slight panic mode, because I had a lot to do and not much time to do it in. After a few threats to leave Rylan home if he didn't get his shoes on, we made it out the door and I even made it to work on time. WooHoo!

It was a good day at school, but it was busy and I just felt like I was rushing the whole day. After my last class I had to rush to pick up the kiddos and get Mackenzie to her eye Dr. appointment. We just had a check up and all is fine. I'm not sure what he was looking for, but he did something and could tell that she doesn't need bifocals so that's good. We got her glasses adjusted so they sit a little closer to her face and also got her new lens put in. (Oh yeah, big scratch right down the center already - thank goodness for a warranty!) She did great and Rylan was perfect the whole time, so we went to the park right after. It was a balmy 53 degrees out today so we had to take advantage of the nice weather! We hit up a new park I've been meaning to go to, and we had a blast. It was the most relaxing part of the day and I'm sad it's going to be cold and wet the next few days. After the park, we went to Target to get a few things and it was not a good time. Rylan wasn't horrible, but just real whiny. He was hungry though, so I don't blame him. He wanted to ride in the back of the cart but he kept standing up trying to grab at things he wanted so after trying to ignore him and calmly saying no with every request, I stopped the cart, looked him right in the eye and said, "no, we're not getting any cookies, now sit down." Without thinking, I let out a big sigh and the lady we were approaching in the aisle looked up at me sympathetically and said, "I remember those days, hang in there." It made me laugh and actually made me feel better. It helps to know you're not the only one! We made our way home, had supper, and played/watched VeggieTales together. It was a nice end to a busy day. My beautiful children are now sound asleep and I am heading there shortly.

WALKING!

We finally have a walker! It's about time since she's 15.5 months old! And okay, she's not walking full time yet, but last night was the most we've gotten her to do it. She's just been stubborn too, I know she can do it, but whenever we try to practice, she will just try to jump, or will drop to her knees in order to crawl. It becomes a game. But she did so well last night, it's kinda weird to see her walking.



Rylan needs to be in the spotlight too huh? :) He's so funny!

Rylan's Bible

As a three-year-old, Rylan was able to start Sunday School this year, and so far, he loves it. When I ask him what they learn though, the only thing he remembers is that they color. Oh well, one of our pastors told me that the main goal of preschool Sunday School is that they feel safe and loved. I know he feels that, so it's all good.

This morning, all the three-year-olds received Bible Storybooks so we can be reading the same stories at home. It's quite the Bible, but it's so great! I can't wait to start reading it with him every night, and it will be a great way for Nick and I to refresh our minds with the different Bible stories. I'm sure you can get these at most Christian bookstores, but click here to check it out. On that webpage, if you click the "samples" tab, you can download and view a pdf file of the first 16 pages of the Bible. The wording is perfect for little ones and the pictures are awesome!

Luckily, Aunt Laurie had her camera this morning and we were able to take some pictures.

Rylan with his new Bible

The theme of the year at church is Mission: Possible so every Sunday during the children's sermon, the kids get 'special agent' stickers, a mission for the following week (like tell someone about Jesus or bring a friend to church) and this week, they all got special agent sunglasses. Ever since Mackenzie got her glasses, Rylan has been wanting some, but I haven't found a cheap pair of kids sunglasses for him. Yay, now we have some and the fit is perfect for little faces!
Showing off his new shades.
The Fam - don't look too excited Rylan!
With Nana, Papa, and Great Grandma Mac
He wanted to take a picture with Pastor Peter and his sunglasses, but he didn't have them at the time.
However, Laurie got this picture later - Pastor's Tony, Karla, and Peter - looking good! :)
Kenzie wanted to pose for a picture in the front of church too.
We're so blessed to be a part of such a great church family and I'm excited for the opportunities the kids will have growing up at United!

Awe...

I was trying to take some pictures of Mackenzie the other night so of course, Rylan needed to jump in. Here is the series of shots I got.

Little sister photo shoot

Brother wants to join, but wouldn't smile
They both start wiggling
Sister gets so excited that she attacks brother
They both start giggling

Yay! They love each other!

House Update

One more new post for tonight. I know, I should really space them out, but I get into the mood and want to put everything new up at once. But are you really going to complain? :)

I took these pictures on Saturday, and I was dumb to go in the evening again, it's too bright looking into the East, but oh well, you can see how much progress has been done.

Videos!

I know I don't take near enough videos of the kids, but I'm going to try to take more. Here are some I took of Mackenzie the past few days. The other night, she fell asleep in her highchair, something she has never done before. My poor girl was so tired. (and turns out, getting a nasty cold) So I had to take some video of her bobbing head. Don't worry, right after I shut the camera off, I put her to sleep. We all have head colds now, but I think the worst is over.




This second one is of Mackenzie dancing by the baby gate today. Don't worry, after a few seconds, I turned the camera because I realized that I can't rotate a video clip. Enjoy!


Oh, and on the glasses front: things are going well. She's leaving them on more and more each day, so she's getting used to them. They stay on the most while she's eating, because that's her favorite thing to do and she's very well occupied as long as their is food on her tray. She's such a petite little girl, but she eats like a 300 pound trucker! Seriously, we call her our little garbage disposal. There is nothing this kid won't eat. I love it!