Laughter

The sound of these girls laughing and playing together is one of my favorite things. Natalie is really good at making Ryland crack up, and let's not forget that Ryland was the first one to get a giggle out of Natalie. Enjoy!

The weather has been so beautiful most days this month, so thankfully we have spent a ton of time outside. The girls absolutely love being out in the sun playing. Ryland's been practicing her Skip-It (video below) and yesterday was trying to learn how to do a cartwheel. Natalie loves playing in the sandbox, digging in dirt, and picking flowers. It's been really nice for being able to work in the yard because the girls never usually want to come inside. I can see many fun sunny days in our future.

Picture updates

Here is Natalie, looking silly. I gave her my apple to eat. She loved being able to hold the whole apple and take bites.



The girls at the children's museum. They were having such a great time together. I can't believe how big Ryland is getting. She used to be little like Natalie when we would come here, and now look at her!



Her sweet smile. I would say this is one of her favorite parts of the museum (the grocery store), which is so cool because It was one of my favorites when I was a little girl.



She painted her face, and said she was a puppy. Look at that sweet smile.



Natalie getting ready to tackle the clay. She was very content sitting there making art.




Natalie sitting in our hall closet, with all of her babies. She's such a good little mommy.

Happy New Year

It's been busy. Christmas came and went in the blink of an eye, and now it's almost time for Ryland to head back to school. We had a great holiday season, and made many happy memories that we will always cherish. I think Natalie will miss all the Santa stuff. She even pointed out a "look alike Santa" at the mall the other day. The white bearded man didn't seemed to phased by it, and humored her with a smile and wave.

On another note, Ryland's ability to read has really improved in the last week or so. She is sounding out words everywhere we go, and seems very proud to be doing so.

Now, here are some pictures for your enjoyment :)

Natalie tries on my hat all by herself...




Sweet sisters




Me and my girls




Natalie tries on Champ's hat all by herself




Natalie loves her sister

Little jumper

Reading and Talking :)

These girls of mine are growing and changing so quickly. Ryland is on the fast track to reading and Natalie is talking up a storm. I'm am surprised daily by the things they do and say. We spent some time with our friends, including Ryland's best friend Aviley, the last couple days. The girls played for 8 1/2 hours straight on Friday. She was wiped out by the end of the day! When we first got there, she laid on the couch and read a bunch of books to her friend. It was so cute, and she was really reading them!!

Natalie on the other hand spent the day copying the big girls and doting over the baby. She was talking up a storm, too! Which is becoming so helpful for knowing what she needs and wants.




Silly girl



Playing dress up, and hanging with Boden.



Ryland reading books

Growing Girls

In the past few weeks Natalie's vocabulary has exploded, while Ryland's ability to count, read and write has done the same. Watching these girls learn and grow is incredible. The other day we were at Ryland's school for "Bear Night" in the library. They had story time, crafts and snacks. Ryland loved it (as you can see from the picture below), and Natalie was thrilled by the snacks that were provided. I'm pretty sure this girl has no limit when it comes to eating wafer cookies. She even pointed to Ryland eating one on our way out of the building and said "have that, Pete no like it". This was after Natalie had eaten about 5 or 6. This girl is one smart cookie! Ryland did not give hers up, however.

Ryland is loving kindergarten. She comes home with stories galore, and spends lots of her time counting. She is so proud of herself, and it's great to watch that. She is counting by fives, tens, and all the way up to 100 by ones. She is writing us notes all the time, and doing really well with reading. I am so proud of who she is becoming.




Natalie relaxing


Playing at the playground


Bear Night


Cookie eating


Crazy family selfie with Natalie photobomb