Mommy & Me

So the past couple weeks it has been quite the Avery and Mommy hangouts!  Not that we try to keep Ryen or Daddy out, these two activities have just suited the two of us better.

The first event that Avery and I attended was a Disney Princess Tea Party put on by the drama department at Bloomington High School.  Last year we attended also and so I had high hopes for Avery breaking out of her shell a bit more this year, but not the case.  She was still a bit apprehensive of some of the princesses, but this year we brought along some special people.  Both grandmas and Auntie Ashley got to attend.

The night before, we made princess cupcakes-

The Fairy Godmother

Story time with the princesses

We even ran into one of Avery's friends from preschool!

 Singing "Let it Go"

She was super excited about Merida....

...and Rapunzel!

She was pretty excited to see Anna and Elsa- (Yeah, not a great Elsa, but it is a high school drama department!) Anna was spot on the whole day though!

One last hug for Cinderella!

Then, this past weekend, Avery and I went to the Gamma Phi Circus at ISU.  She loved it so much!  I wish I would have taken some pictures of her face while watching some of the acts.

These were her favorite-

Now, of course I won't do a post without something about Ryen.... unfortunately though, her past couple weeks haven't been as happy (for mommy) as Avery's have.  See, Ryen is a bit of a climber.  With no fear.  Ever.  This of course makes me nervous.  While I have loosened up a bit since Avery, the idea of my 1 year old standing on top of a car with wheels while smiling and dancing, still make me nervous.  Call me crazy.  It is ok.

So the day I picked the girls up to begin my spring break, Ryen had fallen outside while playing.  We expected this to happen at some point so we weren't too surprised.  This is what her head looked like:

Of course over the course of a crappy weather spring break we managed to remain pretty unscathed.  Then, the Sunday break ended, Ryen decided to climb on a stool and fell off hitting her head on the edge of our bathroom door resulting in this:

You would think she would have learned- but nope!  Maybe that is one of the great things about toddlers, one bad fall doesn't scare them off from being adventurous again.  Later that day we found her standing on her car, standing on a stool dancing in the middle of the room and climbing on several other items in our house.  This sweet little girl sure keeps us on our toes- and I love it!

Ryen's 1 year pictures

I have been meaning to post Ryen's gorgeous 1 year pictures, but just haven't gotten around to it.  As always, we love them!  However, she was not a fan of the cake at all.  Avery on the other hand, and Bridget's daughter, loved it!  :)  Thanks Bridget www.imaginatephotography.com

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!