Life as Rykers Backpack

Rykers backpack is always full and always heavy. He complains about the weight and he complains that the straps are breaking. Not being able to find assignments is a common occurrence as well as papers coming out torn and crumpled. One morning when we had extra time I told Ryker he needed to clean out his backpack. I was amazed while watching him with the amount of stuff that was coming out . I took pictures with my phone but I am not sure these pictures can accurately show how much stuff there really was. Hats, piles of books, mounds of papers, folders, toys, wrappers, pencils! We finally discovered why we have been missing so many pencils, they have been residing in the midsts of Rykers backpack. It was unbelievable to me and I am really happy I made him do it. He is happy too as it is not so heavy anymore.

We Love Cousins!

We went to Nyssa on Sunday for Sadies Baby Blessing. My kids were really excited because they knew this meant they got to see their Cousins. They love their Cousins and anytime spent together is awesome!

They got to meet their newest Cousin Xander but Kenedy was the only one caught holding him. All of the others were too busy playing with each other.

Rylee loves Brielle and was really excited to get together with her.

A movie was put on for those who needed to relax a little. Qiana, Ally and Avynlea took full advantage of this.

I found Asher all alone on the couch fully into the movie. I don't think he flinched when my flash went off. 

The pickled asparagus was a big hit with Ryker and some of the others who managed to snag a piece.

I could not believe how much Sadie has chunked up in the last six weeks! I also couldn't get over how much her 6 week old chunk looked like my Rylees newborn chunk. I loved her blessing outfit and thought she looked so beautiful! So grateful for new little ones to love on!

Rylee 3-17-07

Cute little Tayvia liked  my camera and I did my best to get a smile of of her.

Valentine Pictures

For Valentines this year I decided to do something I have always wanted to do and use Keffords gift as an excuse to do it. One of the dance Moms at Elevated Dance is an amazing photographer and she does these fun pin-up style photo shoots. When I heard about it and saw the pictures she did for my friend Kim I jumped all over it and booked a session with her. We did it at the dance studio in the room that has a garage door opening. So we would get everything all set up and then open the huge door to get the best lighting. This was at the end of January and it was not warm. I had so much fun doing this and really did feel like a model braving the elements and all. I was worried that Kefford would think it was weird, but I had so much fun that I told myself it was OK, even if he did not like it I had a blast and it was worth it for me. Luckily when I did give Kefford the book filled with pictures he loved it and said I looked gorgeous! 

Boy Scout Duties

Kefford took Ryker to his first Court of Honor while I stayed home with the younger girls. Ryker was excited about it because the 11 year old scouts were in charge of the flag ceremony. Kefford was awesome and took some pictures for me and he said that Ryker did a good job. It is kind of crazy for me to look at these pictures and see my little guy interacting with all the big guys and knowing that sooner rather then later that will be my Ryker. Oh boy!

Ryker came home with his official Boy Scout badge that I now get to sew on his uniform. I really do not like sewing badges and patches onto his uniform. It is not easy and usually end up crooked, I need to read up on some tricks of the trade so that maybe I can find some ideas that will make it easier.

We Love Visitors!

Andrew decided to drive down from BYU to spend Presidents Day weekend with us. Since he was not too keen on driving alone he brought Emilys kids with him. We were so happy that they came, I did not tell the kids we were having visitors and so it made picking them up from school so much fun and exciting. They were so surprised and excited to see who was riding in the car with me. On Saturday Kefford took Ben, Ryker and Andrew with him to Cabelas while I went with Avynlea and Isabelle to the mall. Rylee did not want to go and Kenedy could not go since we were going with the purpose of buying her Birthday presents. Kefford took some awesome pictures of his outing while I did not. I did not have a camera at this time and did not think to use my phone.

So glad to have family come and so sad when they left. Hopefully we can have this happen again soon!