SNOW!!

Growing up in Oklahoma brought many snow days and several blizzards. Even Lubbock got it's share of snow. But since living in Big Spring my snow experiences have diminished greatly. It has snowed a few times in the past 6 1/2 years but not enough for my taste (I would live in the mountains but my husband hates snow so much). So like the rest of the western part of the United States we got a major cold front that brought sleet and snow. Of course our school still started on time today (although they closed the interstate due to ice). So Leland headed to work and I decided to take the morning off. If it has cleared considerably by lunch he'll come retrieve us and deliver us at my office. But I decided Ryland needed the chance to play in the snow this morning (after the sun comes up a little of course) since he hasn't seen much snow in his 4 1/2 years. He's so afraid the snow will melt before I let him play in it but the high is supposed to only reach 34 today so I think we are safe. So here's to a snow day!

Week at Papa & Grandma's

This post is a little late but I've had so much to post about lately I decided to spread it all out. The kids spent the week with my parents while we were in Nashville. They had so much fun. My parents live in the mountains so Ryland went on lots of hikes, rode the 4-wheeler and the Ranger, and helped my dad get some odd jobs done around the place. They also went to see the alpacas (they are like little lamas). Ryland enjoyed seeing and petting them. Both kids had a great time and are ready to go back. Although my mom was probably ready for the break since Raylee decided she made a good serrogate mother and wouldn't leave her hip. :) We are looking forward to Christmas when we all get to go to Papa and Grandma's house.

Raylee is 1

Raylee turned 1 on Thursday. I can't believe it has already been a year. Time is flying. She has turned into such a precious little girl. She started out being a tough child (she screamed for 4 months) but since is very sweet and funny. She is a very onery girl. She loves to pick on her dad and the cat. She laughs a lot and knows how to be sweet when she needs to be. We had a nice party last night at our house. We had a few close friends and my parents were able to come. We had cake, opened presents and just hung out. The kids had fun playing with all of the new toys. It was a very nice evening. We were so glad everyone was able to join us in celebrating our little girl's birthday.

Raylee's cake including her own.

What wonderful cake!

She received several new toys this one being a singing flower set.

It's my walking girl. She is pro at it now. She loves her new found mobility.

We also announced last night that Raylee will be a big sister in about 6 months. That's right - I'm pregnant. They will be 18 months apart. I'm sure life will be a little crazy for awhile but we are really looking forward to another addition to our family. Ryland is really excited to get another brother or sister. He loves being the older brother and wants more playmates. It is going to be a fun ride. Please pray that all goes well and the baby and I have a healthy pregnancy.

Nashville, Tennesee

We had a wonderful time in Nashville for 5 days. There were no major gliches and everyone had a great time. We had 14 students and 7 sponsors (my mother-in-law included) that went to the National Journalism Association Convention. The sponsors did more sightseeing than the kids got to. We saw the Ryman Auditormium where the Grand Old Opry is playing right now, the capital building, and President Andrew Jackson's home. The trees were still changing colors so we have tons of pictures of trees. I guess it was obvious we don't have any at home. We stayed at the Opryland Hotel. It was amazing. It is so big and so beautiful - there is really no way to descibe it. One picture is of my mother-in-law and I in a limo. There were 4 of us sponsors waiting downtown for the hotel shuttle as a limo pulled up. The driver asked if we were headed to the Opryland and said he would take us for $5 each. We decided it was a good deal so off we went. It was a fun end to that day. Next year's convention is in Philadelphia so we are already making plans to go. This was a great trip with great kids and sponsors. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

Adorable Halloween Kids

We had a great Halloween this year. Ryland is really into pirates these days so of course that was his costume. He made a great pirate. He had the ARRRGH down to a tee. He was also great at sword fighting. What fun. Raylee was a ladybug and a mighty cute one at that. She didn't really mind the costume either. She did prefer holding the antenna's instead of wearing them but we did get several good pictures. We went trick-or-treating with the Prathers and the Rodgers and had lots of fun. Will is 17 months and Malachi is 2 so we all got plenty of candy from several church members that night. Luckily all kids seemed to enjoy the evening and didn't get too cranky since the night ran long. Raylee finally just sat down in the middle of the floor at the last house with her blanket and her thumb watching the boys run wild. It was cute.

Ryland swording Raylee

Ryland the Pirate

Raylee the Ladybug