Ryan's Surprise Gift

I succeeded! Ryan ALWAYS guesses his birthday, Christmas, anniversary gifts. And not just his, he is renowned for spoiling other's surprises as well! I had this in the works for over a month, and was more excited for him to open it than he was! The documents had U.S. Department of Homeland Security letter head and seal with "Top Secret" stamped on it. It looked very official! Hence the black briefcase. His reaction was priceless. Hopefully the clouds will part, and he can actually skydive next weekend!

Big Day!

Brenna has asked me for a VERY long time to teach her how to tie her shoes! I've sat down and showed her, used an interactive book that we have with laces, etc. I haven't been consistent or pushed too hard because I wasn't anxious for this milestone. But she was persistent. Finally she asked Ryan, and he sat down and taught her his method, and literally within 5 minutes she was tying her shoes. And the next morning (and ever since) she has been tying her shoes. She is so very smart, and learns quickly. And of course, Ryan is very patient and a great teacher. But I am so proud of her!

Happy Birthday Babe!

So my main (and only!) squeeze turns the big 3-0! I can't believe how old he is.... wow... but I still love him in his geriatric state! In honor of the big day, I made a big list of the top 30 reasons I love him.

30. His soccer obsession. He even makes a World Cup Soccer spreadsheet, with Macros, the whole enchillada!

29. His problem solving skills.

28. He can go from awake to almost asleep in one blink. Literally!

27. That he can laugh about having a sinus infection for 15+ years.

26. He notices my insignificant quirks, and points them out...often!

25. He goes to any length to save money, including forcing me to cut his hair from day 1 of marriage!

24. He gets the kids excited for family stuff (home evening, prayers, outings, etc).

23. His sweet tooth. It gives me an excuse to induldge!

22. He has great taste! Home decor and even shoes! He is my best shopping buddy.

21. He becomes the kids playground when he comes home from work and lays down on the ground.

20. He doesn't mind manual labor, even if it means putting up an entire fence by himself.

19. That he holds my hand when I give myself my weekly shots, even though he hates needles.

18. Kids of all ages love him.

17. He loves to play games! And usually wins....

16. He isn't into 'toys'. Every guy is into 'toys'. Whether it is electronics, cars, etc. He isn't! And I LOVE that!

15. He sits with Cannon and watches America's Funniest Home Videos, and laughs everytime there is a NASTY fall!

14. He is extremely creative and thoughtful, especially in gift giving and date planning.

13. He is very giving and generous.

12. He can play any sport, and excels in the random sports: ping pong, racquetball, fluff tennis?

11. His laugh (especially when I do something embarrassing and catch him off guard!)

10. He has the most random thoughts. I learned to be prepared when I ask him, "Whatcha thinking?"

9. His dancing skills (and willingness to dance!)

8. How handy he is around the house!

7. He is eternally optimistic.

6. His gorgeous eyes!

5. He loves to work, especially for Chesapeake.

4. He is one of the happiest straight-laced people I know. He has always been very good, but quietly so.

3. He has unwaivering faith in our Savior.

2. He is a fabulous dad, and the kids scream with joy when he comes home! (So do I!)

1. The way he loves me!

Happy 30th! I love you!

To the Rescue!

I am not sure where Cannon got this, but he has been doing an arms-in "To the Rescue" cheer with the whole family. And if you don't do it exactly right (as you wil see) he will freak out. It is really cute how he tries to rally the family. And we don't always have to cheer "To the Rescue!" he doesn't mind if we change it up, especially if it is describing the dessert we are about to eat: "Go Cookies!" He is too fun.

My beautiful girls

Brenna on our date. We went for sushi, then went to our high school's play "Singing in the Rain". It was so much fun, she is so grown up! And she didn't stop talking the entire time.

Brooklyn loves her big sister. And pays close attention to her when she is around. I love seeing the bond that they are developing.

Such a happy girl! I love seeing that gorgeous smile squished between those chubby cheeks. When I pick her up after a nap or in the morning, she grabs each side of my face and then pulls her face to mine. And smiles a HUGE smile.

Here is the before, and no after! Sunday morning doesn't allow for a photo session, to capture her beautiful "after" shot! She was an adorable updated version of Shirley Temple. She is so full of life, and smart and happy!

Music to my ears!

If we need Brooklyn to be occupied for a certain amount of time, we put her in front of the piano. I'm not sure if it is the black and white keys, it makes noise, or Cannon can't take it away from her!

Sushi Fools

Why is it that my kids devour sushi, but avoid BBQ chicken pizza? I don't understand it, but I love that they inherited my eclectic appetite.