June 12, 2010

RYAN'S HOME!!!!

We picked Ryan up from the Airport at midnight (June 9) and didn't get to bed until about 3:00 a.m. But I woke up pretty easy and ... still camera happy ... ran down stairs for a picture. Ryan's starting to remember his Mom and her picture-taking. Welcome home! Mwahahahaha!!!

He's in there somewhere


That's as much of the unpacking Ryan was able to do last night


Really Mom?

Yay! He's up! Let's play


Everyone was excited to see Ryan. We got up and just sat around in our jammas and talked.


My kids. My heart!


Dad was in charge of the FIRST BIG BREAKFAST! Ryan was in heaven!


But now for the big shocker .... Ryan, you still have to help with dishes. Welcome to REAL LIFE.

OPEN HOUSE
On Friday night we had an open house so EVERYONE that wanted to see Ry could come over. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!


Ryan and Claire have been close their whole lives. She couldn't wait to see hi again. And Ryan couldn't wait to meet her new son and husband!


Auntie Dinah and Heidi love their Ry-Ry!!! Ryan says that Heidi has changed the LEAST. He's happy about that.


Bishop and Eileen Jacklin. Ryan and Roy have been very close. Not only was he Ry's Bishop, but they worked together at IHC for quite a while too. These two will forever be close to our family! We love them.


A new Grandma and sister, Sylvia and Sylvie (Renzo - Claire's husband's family)


Opa came over! Sweet. Oma is in Germany and he still ventured over. 

Ryan's buddies came for the food! Kidding ... for Ry.

Dinah, Granny and Heidi, very pretty wall-flowers.


Ry's Mom and Dad. My how time flies. How grateful I am for our friendship!!!

The Nymans ... Ryan's OTHER family



Awwww .... cute, a little kitty

Caleb ... "what costume?"


Ryan and Dave can't pose for a normal picture. I suppose we just must surrender and be happy with what we get. (dorks)

It's Ted! We love Ted!


Ryan, we'd like to introduce you to your new little cousin Gabe. Yes, he's part Peruvian. You may speak Spanish to him.


Andrew, Ryan's rock climbing buddy!


More Nymans! I think they like the boy. How could they not!?


Very happy Mom and Aunties. We love you Ry!


My sexy husband. Whew! 


Break it up parents. This is my party!


Brennan! Be nice to the cat!


Auntie Dinah and her darling daughters Heidi and Lydia.


"Say Cheese" used to mean, smile.


Shawn, go show Brennan how to hold a cat properly.


I love my Shawnie!


Time to meet Jane's whole family. Three adorable kids just itching for a good missionary story.


Don't make fun of me. I'm pregnant! [psst ... did you know? #3! Yay)


Ryan missed his Auntie Jane. Guess what? She's going to have another baby too! And Ryan, you'll be here for these babies..... the best cousin ever!


Tammy and Niki give Ryan a perfect "pit-hug" ... well, maybe a little shorter than the PIT. Love you guys!!!


The twins. So darling! (Amber and Amanda)


And the evening started to wind down and most everyone went home. But Ryan and his buddies sat around and chatted. It was so fun to see my son home again being RYAN. I feel so happy to have my kids around me. Change is inevitable. Enjoy every day!

WELCOME HOME RYAN!!!

May 29, 2010

Cody's Graduation

Kindergarten is OVER .... 

Thank you Mrs. Babb for being such a wonderful teacher. You are marvelous!


Jaxon
Dillon
Mommie

Ben's School Picture


I'm so proud of my Kenyan son. He is thriving in school!

Ben, you look so healthy and handsome. We pray that you are happy today, and ALWAYS. It's our dream to one day see you again, either on your soil or ours ... it doesn't matter which. But we'd sure love to bring you home if possible.  You have a family that really want to meet you ... and friends too!

Love you!

May 28, 2010

What do you want for your birthday Dad?

FAMILY TIME!
And he hadn't been to the zoo in like .... 15 years! Yes, that long. So we went. The kids are no longer little (except Cody) and they were patient. But it's just not the same as when you were a kid. You realize that most the animals are asleep or out of the cages. But family time is family time and we're grateful for that. Cody, on the other hand, thinks the zoo is still one of the most magical places he's ever been. Oh to be young!

And speaking of young ... happy birthday Honey Bear. A big 41 YOUNG.

Hogle Zoo
Be careful Autumn, this hawk's beak can break your finger in one bite!
Cody's SO EXCITED
The traditional drink from the lion's mouth
"Hey, me too!"
Dad and his two teens
Cody spent most of the time in the wagon. That's part of the magic, right?
Our monkeys
Scary and sweet
"I'm on a snake!"
It's so much more fun when Mom's on it with me ... until I get about a MINUTE older.
Rhino! In honor of our Rhinhold (Ryan)
Yet again ...
"I'm not tired. I just like to curl up in a ball ... really"
Monkeys! Our favorite part of the zoo.
Joey's turn for a ride ... still a little kid
Stunning ... and provocative (well, thought provoking anyway)
My man!
We had a great time. Thanks for picking the zoo Dad. We'll have to do it again "in like 15 years" (quote Joey)