All in a day of play...

A week ago today I took Ryan Elizabeth to the mall to get her picture with Santa Claus. We had already met him once (as you remember) and at that time he was not her favorite. As you can tell from the pictures not muched changed in a few days...we still didn't like him, but we made a memory.

Afterward, we headed to the grocery store to do shopping...who'd have guessed we be greeted by a FOX! Yes, a fox! Ryan loved the fox, but not Santa! Funny...anyway, the fox followed us around the store off and on and then to the checkout counter. He really had fun finding Ryan during our grocery shopping and she had a blast whenever she discovered him looking at her...it was precious! I truly think this is a grand idea for those of us who take our kids shopping...it was perfect entertainment and bought mommy more time! The ideal formula for a successful grocery shopping run.

Ryan at 16 months...

This month has been a little busy with Christmas coming and all that it entails, so we've not been the best at updating our blog. So, here are a few pictures of this month in review. Ryan is loving her babies, stroller, play kitchen (and mommy's kitchen too), and PHONE!! Oh, how she loves to talk on a phone, any phone!! What are we in for? Only time will tell...

Ryan Walks!!

It's finally true!! After months and months of being a professional "knee walker", Ryan took her first steps tonight at 16 months and 3 weeks old! And what a great day to walk...Aunt Lissy's b-day! Before leaving tonight, Aunt Lissy said, "Ryan give me my b-day present and walk to me". I was holding her hands and Alissa waited expectantly with arms out...after a few steps I let go and Ryan kept walking!! Then she did it 3 more times...but when we pulled out the video camera no more. So we will video it as soon as we can and post for all to see. Until then, we have three eye witnesses that live to tell the story. Way to go Little Bigs!! We are all so proud of you! :)

Also, tonight started off the gift giving season for Ryan Elizabeth. Aunt Lissy came bearing gifts...here are a few pics from the event. Ryan got a little toy that makes strange noises, a microphone that records and plays your voice along with music, and some adorable outfits!! Thanks Aunt Lissy!! :) And Happy Birthday to you!!

Sweet Girl...

Some sweet pics from today...I just love this little Christmas outfit! I couldn't resist the photo opportunity after our Santa experience.

The Encounter: Santa & Ryan Meet

With it being the Christmas season and all, we couldn't pass up on Ryan's first opportunity to meet Santa Claus, face to face. After our lunch with Daddy Santa came to visit. At first Ryan was intrigued, but that soon turned into tears. I have to admit, Santa to a 15 month old, can be a little scary. Here's Ryan's response from start to finish...

Ryan and Oreos Meet...

Over Thanksgiving, Uncle Jonathan introduced Ryan to Oreos...with orange filling. This is what happens when Ryan and Oreos meet.

Daddy's Popcorn + Ryan = Ryan's Popcorn

The other night after Ryan's bath her and Daddy enjoyed snacking on popcorn...Ryan started out in just her b-day suit and then we added the diaper. She loves crawling around after her bath before we get our jammies on...so sweet! (It does make Daddy a little nervous and tonight we saw evidence of her being with no diaper for a little too long...)

Ryan's New Favorite...

Today Ryan Elizabeth found a new favorite...after spending the day with my parents (shopping, eating yummy lunch, and running errands) we decided to make a quick stop to Chick-Fil-A for a yummy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake. As soon as I got back in the car with the milkshakes, Ryan couldn't stop blabbering and pointing!! She wanted it!!! So Grammie climbed in the backseat and began letting her indulge in her new favorite thing...she was elated! And made a mess...but who cares...she's washable, right? (Checkout her face starring down that cup!)

Ryan's Favorite Things...

It's been some time since I've updated our blog with all that Ryan is loving these days. So here it goes, Ryan's favorite things at 15 months of age.

-Purse (or any bag or sack that can go on her arm and be carried like a purse)

-Her new pink Snow White sunglasses (day or not, she will wear those)

-Cell phones...real or fake. Ryan loves holding them up to her ear and talking...she'll do it for quite some time...chattering away in her own languate.

-Wearing bracelets...

-Playing in her clothes basket (or our laundry baskets). She'll take the items in and out and then repeat again and again...sometimes they end up on her head! So cute.

-DOGS!! She LOVES dogs and everytime she sees one starts grunting..."uhhh uhhhh uhhh" she says as she points...such excitement!

-Popcorn, pretzels, peanut butter sandwiches, soda (diet or regular, which she has only had a few sips...)

-Baths or "Bah" according to Ryan (she enjoys drinking the washcloth during her bath time)

-Walking on her knees (she's fast and still isn't showing signs of walking on her own w/o hanging onto something)

I'm sure there are more things that I'm neglecting to write down, but this is a good start. Anyway, here are a few pics of Ryan with her favorite things!

Pumpkin Patch

Today, PawPaw came to town for a short visit...we had a delightful lunch and then headed out to the local pumpkin patch for some fun. Ryan Elizabeth loved the little pig, chickens, ponies, llama, ram, and goats. One little goat I think nibbled on her finger, which upset her...but she recovered and we moved on. What a fun time it was and great picture moments for mommy! Oh, we just love her little sweetness so much and daily continue to be overwhelmed with what joy and delight she has brought into our lives.