Thanksgiving and More

Thanksgiving it a time for food, family, and decorating. Not necessarily in that order. When Dave decides it is time then everything comes out and we start. This year is started last Sunday and has lasted all week. Bryan & Becca were coming for Thanksgiving and Dave wanted to make sure the house looked good for them.

This is Dad's Tree. It is perfect with everything matching and placed perfectly on the tree. This is also the tree that has tempted Ryder all week. He can't seem to leave it alone. He has broken bulbs, plugged in the tree so he can see the lights. Then he quickly unplugs them before I can't get over there.

Decorating Dad's Tree is hard work. They all had to have an ice cream treat afterwards. Ryder is into the Me Do It phase and he did it.

Ryder & Mom..This has been a busy week and bed time comes way to fast. Ryder brings me his blankets, books, and wants to rock before bed. Rylee has started reading to him also. They both love it.

Ryder & Aunt Becca..He discovered that whipped cream is a good treat. He didn't care for the pumpkin pie, just give him a bowl of the cream and he would be set.

Rylee, Uncle Bryan, and Reganne..Poor Uncle Bryan they girls were never far away from him. We loved having Bryan & Becca visit, but I am sure we wore them out.

Lori, Reganne, and our Traditions Tree.

This tree is all about traditions. The girls were upset Dad told them there was only going to be one tree this year. They begged all week to please to their tree. Saturday after cleaning and decorating the house we finally started our tree. I handed each of them their ornaments and we talked about each one as they put them on the tree. We had only one fatality this year. An ornament that Grandma Henderson gave us off her tree a few years ago. It slipped off and hit the tile.

It's all about traditions!!!

Oh how we love this time of year and spending time with family and friends. We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

2009 NICU Reunion

It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years since Ryder was so sick and in the NICU. This year for the Jubilee of Trees they decided to include a NICU Reunion for all Graduates and their parents. We were able to get in at no charge to see all the trees and visit with old friends.

Ryder wasn't so sure about the visiting with old friends. He would duck his head when anyone would try and talk to him or take his picture. We saw many of the nurses, social workers, therapists that helped us.

The NICU Staff donated a tree this year. Included was a nice flat screen tv showing various babies currently in the NICU. Ryder loved the trees and wanted to touch them.

NICU Tree

Ryder & The Life Flight Helicopter

This year the Foundation is trying to raise money for our own Life Flight Helicopter. We were told they ordered it on Friday. He really did love the helicopter. The staff let him climb inside and look around. He just didn't want his picture taken or his cookies taken away.

Dad, Mom, and Ryder

Vanessa, Ryder, and Jodi

These two women are Ryder's Guardian Angels. Without them, their skills, and following their promptings Ryder would not be here today. They literaly saved his life. Ryder was tired and ready to be done. They were so glad to see all of the graduates. They said this was the biggest payoff seeing how healthy the kids are and that their hard work is paying off.

All we can say to them is Thank You !!!!!

Exploring

This week has been full of early out days, parent teachers, getting bumped from flights, quick trips to Salt Lake City. It is amazing we found time to explore a park in St George. We have driven past it many times in the past 15 years. This week we were searching for a quick picnic spot to each lunch. It was the perfect place for a quick lunch and then exploring. The kids loved climbing around the rocks and through the rocks. There were caves, holes, and wild life. This truly was a kids paradise. It also offered wonderful backdrop for a few pictures. I can't decide which to use on our Christmas cards.

Reganne, Dad, Ryder, and Rylee

This was a good climb to get to this point.

The Kids: They found a trail and were eager to follow it.

Rylee, Mom, Reganne, and Ryder

This rock overlooked town and the temple.

Our attempt to get a family picture with the timer on the camera. Ryder refused to move closer.

Rylee & Reganne at the hole in the rock.

Ryder decided he needed to look as well.

What a perfect picture to end the day and start the week.

Rylee VIP for the Day

Rylee's Second Grade Class this year every member gets a VIP Day. They are able to celebrate everything about them. Rylee decided she wanted to take Harley and share him with her class. We also shared her favorites, hobbies, and what makes her special in our family. She loved all the attention. The biggest suprise to the class was Rylee knows Karate. Now at lunch time they ask her to show them the kicks and practice on the side of the school.

Mrs. McBrides' Second Grade Class + Harley

Bonus pictures...

Reganne & Ryder were playing together and discovered the rocking horse. This rocking horse is older than them. It was from my first Christmas. Every child that has come to our house has to try it out. Rylee & Reganne both hated sitting in it. Ryder would only sit there for a minute and then he wanted out.

Halloween Week

Halloween Week finally arrived and along with it came the cold weather. Rylee had been planning her costume since September. Reganne couldn't make up her mind and Ryder found his and wanted to wear it all the time. This year we had a cowgirl, a witch, and an alligator.

Tuesday kicked off the activities with the Ward Carnival and Dinner. The kids had alot of fun with the games, seeing their friends, and of course eating the candy.

Reganne & Rylee @ the ward carnival

Rylee " The Cowgirl"

Reganne: The Cute Witch

Ryder: The Alligator, dragon, or dinasaur.

Thursday was Trunk or Treating with the Dixie State College Athletic Department @ Hansen Stadium. This was a quick trip around the track. It was really cold and the wind was blowing. Afterwards I asked the kids if they had fun? Yes was the quick reply let's do this again next year.

Ryder, Rylee, and Reganne @ Hansen Stadium

Friday was a busy day. Little Valley Elementary Halloween Party at 9:20. All the kids walked around the track twice. Of course being kids they left their coats inside and were all freezing. I was amazed at the creativity of the costumes. There weren't many store bought ones. There was a toilet, the Geico Money thing, H1N1 Swine.

Rylee @ Halloween Parade

Next came Trick or Treating @ SkyWestin the afternoon. The buildings were full of kids in costumes. We came home with 3 bags full of candy and 3 tired kids.

Halloween officially came. They were ready to trick or treat around the neighborhood. Ryder had to walk the whole way so it took longer. They had so much fun. We then tried out the Rec Centers Trunk or Treating. It was full of fun, games, and of course more candy.

By 8:30 when we got home everyone was exhausted. Ryder climbed in his bed and promptly fell asleep. The girls had to wind down, but that didn't take long. Thank goodness for the extra hour of sleep. I never thought I would enjoy ending Daylight Savings Time so much.