Zoo Date with Brandi & Alaina

Yes, you all know I'm addicted to the zoo. Something about the peacefullness there and feeling like I'm getting away from the "concrete jungle" of Phoenix perhaps?!

Well today's zoo visit was extra special! A good old friend of mine, Brandi, and her daughter, Alaina, joined us. Ryder and Alaina are only a few months apart in age and used to see each other almost daily when they were less than a year. We haven't seen Alaina and Brandi in a very long time. I couldn't beleive how big and grown up Alaina was!

Thanks Brandi! Miss you guys!! XOXO

Maggie is 3!

Happy 3rd Birthday Maggie!!! Ryder and I love you lots!!!!

No Ryder is not putting on lipstick here. I don't know what you are talking about.

My beautiful boy!

Kasey picked himself up a new girlfriend at the party. This little girl in the red striped shirt latched onto Kasey and would not let him go!!! It was sweet.

He is pedaling!

Seriously this is a little past due. For the first time today I actually witnessed Ryder pedaling his bike!! This is a major accomplishment only because he has this scooter-bike thing that has no pedals, pictured here:

Well, he is in love with this micro bike and therefore refuses to use any other of his 5 bikes that have real pedals. I'm sure he probably could pedal his bikes before this but this was the first time I saw it. And let me tell you I was one proud mama!!! I wasn't so proud of his clothing choice. These would be green girl PJ's he apparently stole from his cousin Serenity. He refused to take them off.

Testing out the JJ's

Collette has been hired as a singer for a local band. We went to go watch the bank the week before she started on their gigs. I am sooo happy and and excited for this adventure Collette is taking! I can't wait to catch all the shows of hers I can. Congrats girl!

Dani & Collette:
Amber, Karli, & Dani:

Thankful For...

My family, my friends, and most importantly, a healthy, happy son!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

We had dinner at my house and abused the camera a bit:

Sheri & Reni
Sheri & Dani
Collette & Gerald
Ryder did NOT want to take any pictures.
Jeri and her girls!
Trying to get a good family photo. Didn't really work out.

Getting Ready for the Holidays!

My little reindeer

I have always had a "rule" that you cannot take out Christmas decorations or put up the tree prior to Thanksgiving. Well, I changed my mind this year. As Ryder started to recognize all the Christmas decorations in store and neighboring houses, he questioned where our Christmas stuff was! Then my Aunt Mary mailed us some new Christmas ornaments and Ryder begged for the tree to go up. Soooo... early Sunday morning we pulled everything from storage and put the tree together! A full 5 days before Thanksgiving. I cannot beleive I did that!

Ryder playing Scrabble (or at least what he thinks is playing it!):

Another year OLDER

Darnit, one year closer to 30. I am now officially 28. Boo. Spent the evening having dinner with girlfriends/family. Then we hit up a Karaoke bar. Thanks for celebrating with me girls!

Dani & Collette:

Dani & Karli:

Amber & Bethany:

Collette's turn to sing. Jeri in the background: