KidzDayz

We took Ryan to KidzDayz at Iowa State's indoor practice field. Ryan had so much fun. They had HUGE inflatable slides, obstacle courses, a rock wall, and games that the kids could try. The waiting lines were very reasonable. I think the best part of the whole day was that Ben was able to join us. He normally doesn't enjoy these types of events but I am so glad that he went with us, I think he was glad too. We were suppose to meet some friends there but I wrote the wrong date on my calender so we were there on Saturday and our friends went on Sunday. So we enjoyed our time as a family.

Half Birthday!

Now a days, if you have a summer birthday the school celebrates your half birthday. So Ryan celebrated his 3.5 birthday last Wednesday. I loved celebrating with Ryan and all his little preschool friends. Ryan got a birthday badge for the day, they all sang Happy Birthday, birthday hugs, he took little birthday treat bags for everyone, and he got to be the special helper for the day. He had a really great day at preschool.

Since I was at preschool, I was able to observe him in his element. His teacher was reviewing the letters P, Q, R, and S. She would hold up a letter and the class would shout out which letter it was. Ryan would shout it before everyone else, almost every time. He knows the whole alphabet, out of order, but I was shocked at how quickly he recognized each letter. It's not a competition but he is a smart little stinker. GREAT! I am so proud of him. He is learning so much! The best part of it is that his teacher makes learning fun. Now, I truely understand why Ryan likes preschool so much.

Ryan blowing out the "candles"

Learning to form an S
Ryan and his good friend Jillian writing the letter S

V-DAY

Happy Valentine's Day!

We don't do a whole lot for Valentine's Day. Ben and Ryan gave me a cute card. We got Ryan a couple little things (game for his Click Start, Cars coloring book and Cars pajamas). After supper tonight, Ry and I made Valentine's rice crispie bars then we used a heart shaped cookie cutter and made a bunch of hearts to give to our friends that are coming over tomorrow. I think Valentine's Day is suppose to be about a "couple" but we like spending time and including Ryan in everything. I might talk Ben into taking me out to eat this weekend. We haven't been out by ourselves for a while so this might be a good excuse.

Ryan had his V-day party at preschool on Wednesday. He had to write his name about 20 times for his valentines cards that he handed out to his friends. He loved bringing home all his treats. It is almost like Halloween with all the candy. It was fun for him though.

Ryan still needs a little help writing his name

His loot from school

Ben and I's annual truffles from his parents

M&M's from Gpa/Gma Johnson and a cute book from Aunt Lynn and Uncle Michael

More M&M's from Gpa/Gma Knerr
Ben and Ryan trying out the new color wonder markers and Cars coloring book

Ryan's Bedroom

Ry's room has been done for a couple weeks but I hadn't taken any pictures. He really likes it and I am happy with it also. I bought all the bedding, valances, shades, lantern lamp at Target. Two of the animal heads Ryan received at a gift from Aunt Lynn and the bear rug from Aunt Katie. All the other wildlife are things that Donna, Ben and I have collected on vacations or trips. I took the bedding to Lowe's and had them color match the paint to the bedding. I was going to put up a chair rail but it just wouldn't have looked right to have a modern chair rail with 100 year old base boards so I painted and stenciled a border. The bed itself is also new. I really enjoyed creating this room.

I took this picture tonight. Too cute! I wanted to show everyone the sheets. The whole room was inspired by these sheets. I saw them at Target one day which led to my bright idea to redecorate Ry's room.
I found this light switch cover online. Perfect match! I also bought outlet covers.

I am so sick of snow!

We have had snow on the ground since November :( I think I heard on the news tonight that we are at 18 inches above normal. I believe it! One of the first storms we got was an ice storm so we still have that same ice underneath all the snow. Our driveway has been a sheet of ice for almost 3 months. I actually don't mind snow in general but I have had enough, I am ready for spring.


This is the first year that I have had a vehicle with 4 wheel drive. Perfect timing because I have had to bust through many snow drifts this winter. My van would have never made it. The only downfall is now Ben thinks he doesn't have to clear snow (with the tractor) as quickly because I can still get out if I need too.


Ryan hasn't had preschool all week. He is anxious to go back especially since we have been stuck in the house. I am taking him out for a playdate tomorrow morning. He will be able to burn off some engery.


I have been working on labeling and organizing photos from the last 3-4 months and I noticed a reoccuring theme...snow! Okay, okay my pity party is over. I know lots of you are in the same boat as us and probably feel the same way as us also. I am looking forward to going back to my hometown this weekend. They actually have more snow than us right now but at least I get to spend the time inside with my family.

November

December

January - he doesn't care if the swingset has snow on it or not Yesterday, right before the latest snow storm which dropped about 4 more inches of snow

A whole lot of nothing

Ever felt like you are so busy but when you think about it you ask yourself, "what is it that we have been busy doing?" I guess we are just busy enjoying what life has to offer.

Last night I went with a little group of my mom friends to eat Thai food for the first time. LOVED IT! All four of us ordered something different then we shared. I like Chinese cuisine so I was sure that I would like Thai. I actually liked it more then Chinese. The restuarant we went to is called The Spice in downtown Ames. I won't be eating there very often though. Ben and Ryan would not like it. Our group of moms goes out on the last Thursday of every month so I hoping that we can go there again along with trying other unique places that my boys would not appreciate as much as myself.

This morning Ryan and I went swimming at a friends house. Yes, they have a heated indoor pool. And very generous to let us come and enjoy some nice warm swimming in the middle of winter! After swimming the kids played a little bit then made pretzels. Ryan must of thought his pretzel tasted pretty good because he got sassy when I wanted to taste a little piece. He usually is willing to share me but NOT that pretzel. We had a great time.

Swimming

Making pretzels

Final product Our friend, Julia eating her pretzel. She's so cute. I love her hair.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I am going to spend the day scrapbooking at a friends house tomorrow. I haven't been able to scrapbook much lately so I am looking forward to it. I always feel a little guilty for leaving Ryan all day but I remind myself that it is good for Ryan and dad to have one-on-one time (grandma and grandpa are usually involved in that one-on-one time). It's good for mom to get a break from "mommy mode" once in awhile too. Everyone comes back refreshed!