Thursday, November 13, 2014

Professional Pics

We met a photographer at a local park in mid-October at 8:30 in the morning because I have a picture obsession and never fully trust my own pics. 

The light for outdoor pictures is best early morning or just before dusk so we went for early morning before the boys are covered in random bits of the day. We didn't fully anticipate the cold factor, though.  These poor boys did their best for me while freezing their ears off.  These pictures are in the order that they were taken.  Watch the ears turn red as you scroll.  Their coloring overall was a challenge in the frigid air and their hands did a disappearing act in many of the pictures.  Sorry boys. 

When the photographer posted the pictures on Facebook I was really disappointed.  Actually, I hated them and hid some of the pictures from my timeline.  But, I got the full disk today and the pictures that she didn't post are better.  Check them out.





















Meh.  Hopefully I got that out of my system for a while.  It did prompt me to buy a new lens.  We'll see if I can improve the quality of my own pics enough to stick with just those. 

I wish there was a way to take a picture of what it feels like to hold their faces in your hand.  Or, kissing them goodnight after they are asleep.  Or, getting that hug in the morning before they're really awake.  Now.  I don't want to forget now.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Halloween


It started with Tyler wanting to be Uncle Si.  Then he asked Dan to be Willie and Ryan jumped on board as Jase.  I knew I couldn't pull off one of the wives so I tried to be Miss Kay.  (Yes, I know I failed) Put it all together and you have quite the scary duck dynasty family.  Please keep in mind that this pic was after trick or treating in the rain for two hours!!
 


The boys really got into character. 


The cub scout Halloween party is always a howling good time and this year was no exception.  Games, treats and more!


I took a 1/2 day again this year and participated in Ryan's class party plus the school parade.  I love being able to be there for things like this. Dan was able to participate in Tyler's party too!


He was particularly proud of this craft. And, I'm counting the days until I can throw it away unnoticed.


It is mighty convenient when your beard flips up!


We did our trick or treating with our usual crew.  I have to say that I really miss the cute costumes.  Wasn't he just dressed as a duck?  Now he's a beard from duck dynasty... not happy. I have no idea what Nathan is supposed to be!


Can't you see the happy in this picture.  House 1 was a huge success.


Skipping and hopping the whole way.  What could be better than filling your bucket with candy?


Nothing, except eating it!!

This was funny... shortly after Halloween, Dan left town for a work convention and check out who he saw!!

 
I seriously hope this dynasty is out of our system now.  Maybe I can convince them to do one more cute Halloween for mom next year. 

Six

Friday, November 7, 2014 marked Ryan's sixth birthday. While the days go by slowly, the years sure do fly!  He is six!! 

Ryan was very excited for his birthday.  They countdown has been on for a month and every day leading up to Friday he asked if that day was the day the second he woke up.  Finally, it was here.  Dan had flown in in the wee hours of the morning so I did my best to sneak the boys out of the house for our 2nd annual hotcake birthday breakfast.  Once again, it was a big hit.



But, first, he had to open this gift.  He knew he was getting it because we had found the video super spy watch on clearance a few weeks ago.  I think the anticipation was very difficult for him.  But, finally the day was here.  Check it out on his wrist in the above pic.  He was so excited... and then just as crushed when the battery wore out before he could get it to school.  Poor kid. 


That evening, Ryan was the center of attention as Aunt Donna, Uncle Tim, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tom, Tori (and Nate) and Mia joined us for dinner, cake and Flubber. There is not much better than that when you are six!


Today was another day that Ryan has been looking forward to for a very long time.  When he was about two, Tyler was invited to a Chuck E Cheese birthday party and I brought Ryan.  He's been asking for a CEC party every since... and I have successfully avoided it.  Well, he asked for it again and he's getting older so I figured I'd better cave soon.

Yup, he was pretty pleased.


I did try to book the party for the least crowded time I could think of... just as the place opened on a Sunday morning.  What I didn't consider is that it was also in the same town as the Buffalo Bills stadium and there was a home game today... oops.


The place was empty which made for a decent party.  Ryan invited 8 friends, plus 2 older brothers for Tyler so it was a decent size.  Tyler was pleased and made himself scarce most of the time.  But I think everyone had a blast.







He was quite pleased.


CEC even does cake. I literally had nothing to do. Awesome.


Ryan still has a love of characters. He ate it all right up.  He danced and fully participated in the whole event. 


He was given the royal treatment... a crown and a medal!


Cake two... or should I say four since he celebrated at school and at scouts?


Finally it was time for the ticket blaster... unfortunately they let you take someone in with you.  All his friends wanted to be chosen.  I was proud of Ryan because he recognized that there was no good choice so he picked his brother.  Phew!


But, first a quick pic.  I'm concerned that I won't remember the names of all these kids in a few years so for my own reference, here they are from left to right.... Alyssa,  Colton, Claire, Cooper, Corinne, Ryan, Tristan, Ashton and Evan.  Tyler, Nathan and Dylan were too cool to hang for this part of the party.


Ryan has been asking for a piñata for a long time... I bought him one over the summer planning to have a party, but it never happened, so...


And, at CEC, the piñata is filled with tickets and tokens... perfect!

Finally, the moment was here, the reason for the party, the ticket blaster!! After sending out the search party for Tyler, the boys were geared up and ready to go.


Aaaaaahhhhhh!


Despite my avoidance of this particular party venue, it really was a great party.  The place was fairly empty, the kids were entertained the whole time and I didn't have to do much.  Yay!

I had to throw this in there.  Ryan got a lot of great presents this year, legos, a costume, comfy clothes, a pinball machine, all sorts of good stuff.  But, Colton picked out a very special gift...


What do you think this means?  Does my boy smell?  If he didn't before, I guarantee you that he does now!!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Picture Day

It was a beautiful fall day so I tried to get a decent family picture.


I wish I had sat down and looked in the mirror at my hair first!  Poor Tyler needs some new pants. 


This one is over edited.


Oh well, no luck with the family picture, but I think this one is pretty awesome.


My favorite 4th grader.


And, my favorite kindergartener.  He looks like a sweetie, doesn't he? 


Hopefully we'll have another nice weekend so I can try again.