To Ryan, Love Santa

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/7-lArrB4OcgeGsLH2Lnt3w

Smiles from Lilly

After breakfast this morning, Ryan was making Lillian laugh, like he typically does.  I grabbed my camera to get a few cute photos.  She was more interested in posing for the pictures, than paying attention to Ryan.  There isn't a smile shortage from her, that's for sure!



Maybe a kiss will get her attention back on me!



This is her response when someone says "so big" (usually both hands go up though)

Lillian and Some Toys

Lillian is so curious and so interactive these days.  She is such a happy little girl who loves to play and be a part of the action.  She wants whatever Ryan has, and he is doing such a wonderful job sharing with her.  I have been working with him on sharing and taking turns, not only with Lilly, but with friends too.  Overall he is very good for a 2 1/2 year old.  I have to be careful with what Ryan lets her play with, even though most of his toys are relatively safe.  Here are some cute pictures of Lilly with Ryan's search and find Christmas book.  She is also starting to stand (with someone behind her, of course).  The last couple of pictures are of her standing at her play table unassisted.  She is still not crawling, but I bet by Christmas she will be.

Choo Choo Train

Grammy and I took Ryan and Lillian to the Galleria to meet Santa.  Little did we know that they have a choo choo train to ride as well.  Ryan is really into trains these days.  He recently picked out a Thomas the Train toothbrush and tooth paste at the store.  Grandma and Grandpa Reckers bought him a wooden train set when he was very small and we recently got it out and he can play with it for a good hour at a time (in toddler time, that is a looong time).  He has also started to watch Thomas the Train on TV and DVD (he never sits through any program, but Thomas seems to capture his attention). Needless to say, Ryan was very excited to ride the train at the mall.  Lilllian and I hung out and ate puffs while Grammy and Ryan rode the train.

The Many Faces of Ryan

Unless you know Ryan really well, you might be surprised to find out that he is very funny.  He has Rob and I laughing all of the time.  He loves to make up silly words and silly sentences.  He loves to dance around and act silly.  He loves to talk in funny voices and make really funny faces.  Sometimes I believe that his daily goal is to get me to laugh as much as possible (which usually works). Up until this photo session, he has never let me take pictures of some of his silly faces.  I guess he had a temporary change of heart.

Harvest Fest

I promise this is the last Halloween post.  I just received this picture via email from the professional photographer that was at our neighborhood Harvest Fest sponsored by a local church.  He also happens to be our neighbor.  He was kind enough to take pictures and send the proof for free.  This is the best one he got and it cracks me up!  Check out Ryan's face.  I wish I knew what he was thinking.

Trick or Treating

This was my favorite Halloween ever!  Ryan was so into it and thought trick or treating was the most amazing thing he had ever done!  As a parent, it was so incredible to see the excitement and newness in his eyes.  He completely understood it and was an instant pro.  He would go to the doors himself and knock or ring the door bell, he would say "trick or treat" and "thank you", and he would wait his turn.  We went around our block with some neighbors, which made it even more fun.  After each house, he would run to me and show me his candy, then would yell "more trick or treats mommy!".  It was adorable.  After an hour he started to get a little tired and wanted me to carry him.  Not to mention his bucket was overflowing and a little to heavy for him to carry.  We came home and passed out candy at the house, which he was equally excited about.  After each person would leave, he would say "more people please" and we would have to go outside to look for more potential trick or treaters.  He loved seeing all of the costumes and passing out candy to the other kids.  It was such a great night!

Lillian spent the evening in the wagon and really enjoyed being pulled around and watching her brother run around.  I can't wait for next year when she can walk with Ryan and he can show her the ropes!

Her silly smile (she kind of snorts when she makes this face)

With adorable Addyson.

Lillian received a ton of attention from everyone