Ready, Set, WALK!

Exactly 15 months after the day he was born Rylan started walking. He has been so close for so long and he finally got up the courage to try it and realize yes, he could do it! Now he is ambling all over the house. Ryan and I couldn't help but think he was behind since all three of the girls walked at or before 11 months. We've been told by others that boys are usually slower to accomplish things. Whether that is true or not, its just so amazing to see our little boy walking around!

First Snow

The first winter snow fell this morning. The girls had to go outside and catch some on their tongues as soon as they noticed it out the window. It was pretty fun to watch them running around celebrating God's wonderful creation of SNOW! There wasn't any accumulation on the ground after the little storm, but we are hoping God will send more soon and we will have enough to make a snowman.

Bundle Up and Stay Warm

It was time to get out the scarves, hats and mittens this week. The temperatures dropped to freezing but we stayed warm inside with the wood stove going. John, Amy, and Grace came for Thanksgiving Day and overheated. Sorry about that - guess we've gotten used to having it warm. That wood stove really puts out the heat! We ventured outside Friday night to hang Christmas lights so the girls all were bundled up in their winter wear. Then today we walked over to the neighbors yard to cut down our Christmas tree. Don't worry we had permission from him to take one of the cute noble firs growing over there. The girls also were hoping to go ice skating on the pond. It froze over, but it wasn't quite thick enough to hold them. Maybe later in the season. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Raise Your Hand if You're Sure

Rylan is growing up quickly. He is already combing his own hair and wearing deodorant. Actually these pictures show him getting ready for church as Daddy combs his hair and he plays with all the toiletries in our bathroom. He keeps us smiling!

Portland Children's Museum

We took a trip to Portland today with Aunt Tami and Grandma Far Away. The last time we were at the Children's Museum, I was pregnant with Lila. All the kids had fun getting their hands (and sleeves) wet in the waterworks, playing with clay, seeing the Arthur exhibit and lots of other fun stuff. Lunch at Red Robin ended our exciting day. That's something we don't get to do very often living out here in the back woods of Cathlamet. Thanks Tami and Grandma for the fun day!

Oreo Face

Rylan discovered Oreos today. Aunt Tami and Grandma Far Away came for a visit and brought us lots of snacks. All the kids think its great because its not very often that we buy stuff like that. It was very messy to say the least!

Happy Birthday Alaina!

Today was Alaina's big day! She turned 5 years old! Her long-awaited party consisted of: lots of spaghetti, butterfly birthday cake, ice cream, and ripping into presents (most importantly the one Emily picked out and could hardly keep a secret for 2 nights)!