New Vehicles, New Beds, Goodbye Baby

This has been a long week. Ryder came down with the flu on Monday and it lingered until Thursday. We are lucky so far he is the only one that has had it. Funny thing he had his flu shot 3 weeks ago at his 15 month checkup.

Yesterday everyone was feeling better so it was picture time with the new vehicle or the Monster Truck. I believe we have future car models after watching these two pose.





Ryder can almost walk underneath the front of it without bumping his head. The tires are taller than he is.

When Ryder was home sick he figured out he could get out of his crib. I caught him trying to climb over and quickly stopped him. The next morning he and Reganne greeted me in the hallway. I asked Reganne how he got out of bed and she said she did it. He wanted to get up. Friday night Ryder decided he was hungry at midnight. Oh the joys of feeling better. When we didn't respond fast enought to his request we heard a loud thump. We went running and found him sitting on the floor beside his crib. The rest of the night was spent on the floor.

Saturday Dave took apart the crib and made the toddler bed. Ryder thought it was pretty cool. Until bed time. Then he refused to anywhere near it. It was a long night. But I kept saying: "Better safe than hurt."

Watching him play in his bed and walk around the house today. It became clear that he is no longer a little baby, but an active toddler. He is 16 months today. My babies are all growing up.

The Dancers & Dare Devil

I can tell that it sure is January. There aren't many things going on. It should be nice an peaceful. This week was one of those quiet peaceful weeks. Not much was going on besides getting back into our routines after Christmas.

We were have a quiet night at home watching tv. Dave turned on CMT and the girls began to dance. They both love music it was such fun to watch them dance and sing along.

Ryder was not to be outdone or miss the fun. He decided to show us how to balance. I missed the picture but he was standing on this firetruck bouncing up and down. Next thing we knew he was standing up with no hands. He of course was laughing. He started to lose his balance and quickly sat down. This was his face afterwards. I am not sure I am ready for the dare devil stage.

Dave decide now is a good time for him to have his midlife crisis. If he is going to have one then he wanted to do it right. So this week after shopping online he found his dream vehicle for sale. Without any support or help from me. He bought a white 2004 H2. We flew to Salt Lake yesterday to go and check it out and make sure it was in as good as shape as the dealer claimed. Also, to make sure I could drive it. The dealership picked up as at the airport in a white stretch limo. The girls eyes were so big and they quickly asked Dave if this was their new car. They loved climbing in for the ride. They noticed right away all the interior lights changed colors. When we ride was over they weren't sure if they wanted to change cars or not.

The test ride was great. Both girls were so excited to be sitting up so high and seeing out. Ryder promptly fell asleep. Reganne told her Dave that she couldn't wait to tell her class that she rode in a Monster Truck. Rylee wanted to tell her class that she rode in a limo.

We were soon on our way home with the new vehicle. They really loved riding in it. Until about 1/2 home and Ryder began to scream. He was tired of being in his car seat. We pulled into Beaver for a quick dinner. Again, they were good until 10 miles out of Cedar City and he began to scream again. Needless to say Ryder screamed the rest of the way home.

No more road trips for this family. Dave will have to be content to drive it around town.

No More Gates

Ryder has finally succeeded in going up and down the stairs. After much practicing at Grandma's over the weekend he was ready to try here at home. Yesterday we left the gate open as we were taking the Christmas decorations downstairs he followed us. Before we knew it he was sliding down on his belly like a pro. Dave removed the gate shortly afterwards to keep the fighting down and before the girls figured out they could lock him upstairs. He was so happy to follow them around and play with them or rather tease them.

He had his 15 month checkup this week as well. He weighs in at 17 pounds 13 ounces and is 29 inches long. He is on the charts with his height, but not his weight. He never slows down and it is too much bother to eat. The doctor says he is healthy and that is all that matters.

Happy New Year

The final week of the year. Where did the year go too? We had one last party with family in Springville. The kids were so excited to see Grandma & Grandpa (the snow) they could hardly wait. We forgot about ski season being in full swing at the airport. When we arrived the airport was packed and the car rentals area was even worse. After waiting for 1/2 hour to get a car. We started looking around and found another one. We were off in the snow and ice. Grandma's house had a lot of snow. Reganne kept asking to swing, but they were buried she quickly changed her mind. So everyone played inside until time for the party.

It was such fun to get together with everyone and visit. The kids loved that there were more presents to open and food to eat.

Rylee was really excited she was able to stay for the week with Grandma and Grandpa. They spoiled her rotten and she loved it. Grandma and her flew home on Friday. Rylee wasn't wearing her coat. When I asked her why not she said she was used to the cold and it felt so warm here. It was about 56 degrees and it did feel nice.

Now it is time to get back into our normal, take down Christmas, and start the spring cleaning. The house looks really bare without all the Christmas decorations. I quess we will have to wait until next year or should I say next month as fast as it goes.

Gas prices are on the rise here now $1.49 and I believe $1.329 was the lowest we will ever see it again.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!