Cancun...

Shawn and I took a trip to cancun in April and had a blast! The weather was absolutely gorgeous (around 85 degrees the whole week), and our resort was stunning. Our resort was a little north of the hotel zone, which made it very peaceful and quiet. The beach was perfectly white with only small waves breaking on the shore, so wading in the blue water was as comfortable as possible. We found seashells all over... in fact we brought a whole bag home for Ryland to see. We spent everyday on the beach, soaking up the sun and searching for seashells... minus a couple trips into town for shopping and dancing : ) Fun, Fun, Fun! I think next time we will take the kids though... we missed them a TON!

My Little Guy is not so Little Anymore!

Ryland turned 6 on the 5th of October! I can't beleive how big he is getting or how fast the time is passing. We celebrated with a big party witha cowboy theme. I think eveyrthing went without any problems. When it was all said and done, Ryland came to me, gave me a BIG hug and said, "Mom, you planned the perfect party! Thank you!" I could have cried! Every second of hard work was worth it to hear him say that. A good friend of mine who has started a photography business was kind enough to take pictures during the party. though I am posting a few, they are all amazing, so check them out at kateperkesphotography.blogspot.com.

Tooth Fairy

Ryland lost his first tooth!!! then 4 days later... his second tooth. Where has the time gone? I can't believe my little guy is already losing his baby teeth. As much of a scardey cat as he is about weird stuff, he was a trooper. His bottom, front tooth had been lose for awhile but was getting to the point that it was almost at a 90 degree angle when he wiggled it. So, I took him into Shawn's office one night and asked if I could look at it. I was totally going to pull it without telling him, but as soon as I asked to take a look he said, "Just pull it out, Mom!" I pinched it with my fingers and gave it a good yank... out it popped. Ryland didn't even flinch, or cry. All he cared about was looking in the mirror, and that the Tooth Fairy was going to come and bring him money! Later that night, we put the tooth in a glass of water (because the Tooth Fairy likes them clean :) and left it on his dresser with some carrots and water for the Fairy. Ryland insisted on carrots because he says that "she" (the tooth fairy) only likes veggies because they are good for your teeth. Hilarious! He was so excited in the morning about the 5 quarters, and 1 special golden coin that was left in his cup that he dashed into our room and insisted we get out of bed and come take a look. A couple days later he lost his second tooth... the other front bottom one. I thought I would post a pic.

Amazing Alaska

Shawn and I just got back from a rip to Anchorage, Alaska. It was an amazing, beautiful, and stunning place. I wish we would have had more time to take in the breath-taking scenery and outdoors... we went there for a show that Shawn had to have a booth in. The show went great and it was sooooo fun to be able to see Shawn in his true work element while he interacted with both his customers and he manufacturers that he regularly works with, but it really would have been nice to out of the hotel more! We did get a chance to drive up to Alyeska Ski Resort (the only "true" ski resort in Alaska)... WOW! It was breath-taking! We rode the tram from the hotel at the base of the mtn. It goes straight up from the base to 3900ft in 3 minutes. It was actually a little scary, a little crazy, and awe inspiring all at the same time. These are the pics from the lodge at the top of the mtn. we walked around for a while, then ate at the 7 Glaciers restaurant in the mtn top lodge. From our seats we could see the skiers/boarders getting of the lift at the top through one window, as well as mountain peaks and glaciers through the rest. AMAZING!!

Brynlee got her ears pierced!!

Over President's Day weekend (on Saturday) we took little B to get her ears pierced. Shawn has been bugging me to do it for months now but I just couldn't do it. I have been going back-and-forth on whether to do it now, or wait till she is older because there are good points for both. Shawn somehow got Ryland on his side and they both started pressuring.... needless to say, they did what they set out to do. We took her to Claire's in the Boise Towne Square Mall. She happily sat on my lap in the "piercing chair" - completely unaware of what was about to happen. Thankfully, they were able to have a person on each side so both ears could be done at the same time. After they marked her ears, I gently held her head as they counted down and snapped the piercing gun. Brynlee sat completely still (I am sure she was wondering what the heck was going on), and had a delayed reaction to the pain. It took her at least a full second to realize that it had hurt, at which point she started to cry and grabbed one of her ears. I quickly scooped her up in my arms and walked out of the store with her saying "Yeah!!!!! what a good girl! You're so pretty!" By the time Shawn paid and came out of the store, she had completely forgotten that anything had happened! Hilarious! She is sooooooo cute with her little earrings.

Holy new year!

I can't believe that the holidays and 2009 are both done, over, caput, bye-bye, never to return again!!! The year went by so fast. I swear that every year goes by more quickly and with more vigor than the year before. As I get older (I am turning the BIG 3-0 on Thursday!!!) I realize more and more how precious time is. My 2 little children seem to be growing at a rate that is beyond my comprehension and it panics me on most days. Am I using my time wisely with them? Am I teaching them all they need to know while they are young? Am I missing a million moments meant to be cherished because of the thousand things I feel I need to get done each day? Do I tell them I love them as much as I should.... the questions go on and on in my mind as I look toward the future and try to be mindful enough to soak in the present. As the holidays were rushing in and I saw the new year approaching as quickly as it could be allowed, I found myself wanting to slow things down. I wanted to gather my little ones in my arms, hold them tight, and push time away from us... I wanted to stop it all together. At times the pangs I felt made me feel a little crazy, but I am now thinking that I cannot be the only one who feels this panic. Other people must look at their loved ones and think these very same thoughts. These are the thoughts that will keep me on my toes this year and will keep me mindful of what is really important in the coming months. My family is my purpose in life. To have them forever will motivate me to do the work I need to do spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They are the reason I will be a better person this year than I have ever been before... strong spiritually, motivated to have a deeply personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and my own spirit, and courageous enough to forgive, love unconditionally, and always see the good in those who may hurt me. This year I want to focus on resolutions that truly make a difference in my soul and I hope for all the success possible for all of my family and friends. I hope that each of you might be able to attain what you set out to do this year. Let's all focus on the fact that this year is passing us by no matter what we choose to do with it. Choose to do something meaningful and great. Loves to all of you!

We all love having Brynlee around to make us smile. Ryland can't stand to be away from her... I think he is driving Little B crazy lately because she has learned to walk, and Ryland loves to carry her around. I am constantly telling him to put her down or leave her alone because I feel bad for her when she is consistently whining in protest. The only time she gets to assert her independence is when Ryland is at school! She walks around the house all day when he is gone and is as happy as a clam about it. She is such a fun little girl! She makes us smile everyday with her sweet personality and her love for each of us. She is a complete and utter Daddy's girl. It is as if no one else exists when her Daddy is in the room. Shawn gets more loves and kisses from his little girl than I have ever seen! In fact, I have to practically beg her for a kiss and she gives them freely to him without any asking at all! Brynlee loves to watch Shawn and Ryland play and seems to get a serious kick out of their games. I had to post this video of her laughing while Ryland and Daddy bounced a ball back -and- forth in the kitchen. Her laughing was hysterical!