Fun in the snow!

We finally had some snow today so Ryan got all bundled up and we headed outside --- she's a big fan of snow and being outside ('ice') --- not as big a fan of wearing her gloves. Oh well, pick your battles.

No likey Santa Claus!

This pretty much sums up Ryan's first real experience with Santa Claus. Frankly, can you blame her? He is a bit creepy......

And, just so Ryan doesn't feel alone - her cousin Jack wasn't a fan either....

Tis the season!

Fall Pictures!

Alright, we apologize for being rather lazy with the blog lately. Here we are two weeks away from Christmas and I'm just now posting some Halloween and random fall pictures. Our New Year's resolution will to be better at updating Ryan's public (all 8 of you).

Trick or Treat ---- truth be told, our little 'mouse' wasn't really into the whole Halloween thing this year. Even though we had great weather, she was more interested in going back inside to watch Mickey Mouse. Maybe next year....

Stalking the neighbor's cat and not really understanding why the cat isn't into her....

While I tend to hate grass, these leaves are kind of fun - a nice little barrier from that nasty green stuff my parents always try to sit me in.

Well, maybe leaves aren't all that fun either....

But I'll tell you what is fun....a nice fall day, a green ball and no siblings just yet (mom and dad all to myself).

Up to no good....

Ryan's personality is becoming more evident by the day. On the one hand (positive), we have a very fun, talkative, independent, smart little girl. On the other hand (perhaps the one that gets into trouble), we have a fun, talkative, independent, smart little devil.

Hoping mom doesn't think this is a 'no-no' moment. What? I should be able to climb into drawers of my liking. Chill out mom.

Sucker, mom left the Halloween candy lying around. I'm just going to take a quick look.

Well maybe I'll move this bag, grab the other one and try to hide in my room.

As strong as I am, these are heavy. Better to just sit down and dig away right here in the kitchen.

Aww shucks mom - stop telling me what to do!

The below pictures are proof as to how I have mom and dad eating out of my hand. As devilish as I can be, I am an equally amazing charmer when it suits me....

A fall preview...

Searching for the perfect pumpkin...

Hanging out with mom

Dad's turn...

My first John Deere experience...

Drumroll please for the Halloween preview - what could possibly go wrong if her initial reaction is any indication?

*Probably not best to pick a costume that happens to accomplish 2 of Ryan's biggest annoyances: anything on or near her head and no access to her fingers. But hey, it was Jack's costume last year and was precious on him so she'll just have to deal.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that...

We have been severely lacking in the blog-updating department..... Here are a few oldies but goodies from the summer before we get into all of Ryan's fall pics.

First trip to the barber shop; obviously not for the 5 strands of hair Ryan has, but to keep dad company for a bit.

At the park with mom - enjoying the 'wa-wa':

Grandpa and his two favorite peeps at Bagel Day.

Jack's face pretty much sums up his relationship with Ryan. Always in fear of what she may be up to next....

The greatest babysitter Lowe's has to offer. Ryan LOVES Lowe's (or Home Depot) and is even more obsessed with the bath tubs - it's quite the nice little break for mom and dad.

Fun. Seriously.

Pooped after a long, fun summer - time to rest up for a busy fall.

The many faces of a BIG SISTER TO BE!

That's right, Ryan is not going to be the only Baby Stiff. Stiffler #2 will be joining us in late March of 2010. This gives Ryan 6 months to adjust to the idea of not being the center of attention. Somebody needs to tell her, we're too afraid.

Yep, I have my own director's chair. You know who barks the orders around here.

New baby? Whatever, tell me something that interests me. Boring.

I'm going to pretend I didn't hear this baby nonsense.

At 14.5 months old, Ryan's vocab is expanding:

"E-I-E-I-O" and on his farm he had a cow.... She LOVES the chorus.

"Up" is her favorite word, used correctly and OFTEN

"Baby" - not in reference to the new addition but to her beloved baby dolls

"Dis" - as in "this" for anything and everything she can point to and want

"Ba-ba" for her sippy cup

A few more random pics of our little ball of fun:

For the love of a cupcake...

Sometimes when you're 14 months old and just being super cute, mom rewards you with a cupcake on the kitchen floor...

How can I get a better look at this tasty delight?

Let's get up close and personal

Mom teaches me the BEST manners!!!