Happy 1st Birthday Ryen!

Our little Miss Ryen has turned 1!  It seemed to go by so much faster than it did with Avery.  Dave and I took the day off from work to spend the day with her and thanks to the snow storm, Avery got to spend the day with us too!  Our day started with sprinkle pancakes for everyone and some singing- even from grandma and papa!

After the birthday girl took a little morning nap, it was off to lunch at Carls and then to the Children's Discovery Museum.  Ryen had never been here before, so it was really fun to watch her explore everything around her.  It was much harder to keep up with both of the girls who were all over the place so I was thankful that Dave and I were both there.

Doesn't everyone eat the paint brush instead of painting with it?  :)  Thankfully there was no one here and the paint station was fresh and clean.

After the museum, it was time for a little afternoon nap.  While that was happening, it was a perfect chance for Avery and Daddy to go and get cupcakes.  After dinner it was time to dig in and open some birthday presents.

Thanks Auntie Judy and Uncle Rich!

Avery picked out a new puzzle and a stuffed bunny all by herself.

That following weekend it was time to party!  We were so thankful for all our friends who came to celebrate.  There was good food, a build your own ice cream sundae bar, and lots of children!  Thank goodness it was nice enough outside to play for a bit.

 Brownies and ice cream with Grandma!

The girls and their godparents.  :)

Side by side comparison:

Miss Ryen on the day she was born, 3 months, 6 months, and 11 months!

At her one year check up, she weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds (20th percentile), 28 inches tall (25th percentile) and all around happy and healthy.  She is walking like a champ, trying to run, and climbing on everything she can get to.  She has successfully been off her reflux meds for a few months, is drinking whole milk like a pro and eats everything in sight!  Sweet Ryen, you have been such a joy this past year and we are thankful each day that you have completed our family.  We look forward to watching you grow and learn over the next year.  Happy Birthday peanut!

Playing Catch Up

In mid-February, Ryen turned 11 months old!  How that is possible, I'm still not sure.  She is a walking super star now and we have even seen her try to run.  She loves eating and trying to do it on her own!

 She is also on the go all the time.  Getting her to sit still for these pictures was not happening!

Other things she loves- her kitties (the feeling isn't always mutual), her sister (see below), eating real foods, and dropping things off her tray while smiling and say "ugh-oh"!  She currently has 2 bottom teeth and 4 teeth coming in on the top.  I cannot believe we are getting ready for her 1st birthday!!

Since Ryen was not so cooperative with her monthly picture, here's a comparison using a different picture.

The weekend before Ashely's birthday the girls and I headed up to Chicago to celebrate with her. And I have zero pictures of Ashley with the girls.  But I do have these two pictures to share! 

This morning Avery had her final dance class and it was a recital day.  I am sure you can picture what this was like with 1 teacher and 8 3 year olds.  So much entertainment!

Ryen was so good too, but like I said it was all very entertaining.

I have no idea!

 This is her attempting first position for their ballet dance.  Wow....

She was so excited that Ga and Papa got to come and watch.

Hope everyone is well and stays warm through the weekend!  (And enjoy this picture of Kitten Love wearing Avery's doll's pink dress.)