The 4th

We made a quick trip to Peoria to celebrate the 4th with family and friends.  I got a ton of cute pictures of Mr. Smiley (my nephew Logan).  He posed for all the pictures.  He is a pro.  Ryder on the other hand was not as cooperative since he just woke-up from his nap.  I finally gave up on capturing the perfect picture of the 2 in their matching shirts.  We had a wonderful time....thank you Plues and Neffs!  

Photo Shoot Video

my nephew Logan- 8 months

With Grandpa Bowman and Uncle Jesse (brother)

the 2 on Sunday playing with toys

Practicing

Already trying to walk....something I can wait a while for.  He already speeds up his crawl to get away from me when he is trying to escape.  I am not sure how I will be able to keep up with this child.  

Ryders socialization

We kicked off last weekend by hosting girls night at our place for my close group of work buddies.  We had a great time with many laughs.  Ryder loved the extra attention and being adored by the ladies.  It was his party until he went to bed.  

Elizabeth, Abby and Ryder
MJ, Nicole, Tara, Jess and missing Brandi somewhere

Ryder hamming it up for Abby

His new thing is resting his arm on womens chests.  It is hilarious.  

Then we had a playdate with my friend Jaimie and his BFF Jake on Saturday.  These 2 are getting cuter each time they get together.  They are interacting more and more.  We went for a long walk at the state park where the mosquitos were relentless.  Then we went back to the house and watched the 2 boys go skinny dipping in the pool.  The pics are cute, but I will not show any here because Kevin is opposed to me posting any naked pics of our baby.  Ryder tried to climb out of the pool most the time and tried to climb the shark fin.  

Jake and Ryder

Guzzling Apple Juice

QT Pie

IN PJ's and watching baby Enstein

Playing with toys together

Jake loved our cat Sonny

We are looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend with family and friends.

8 months

Time is flying by!  Our little guy is 8 months today and fastly approaching 1 year.  We are falling more in love with him daily.  He is full of energy and Joy.  He is quickly gaining new skills that are increasing his independence and self-adventure.  At the same time creating more work for momma.  I don't mind the extra work because I thank God daily for a healthy and happy baby.  We are really enjoying the summer weather.  This past week we bought a little inflatable shark pool for our house and he loves it!  Sorry no pics of this...I was too busy making sure he didn't drown.  We did manage to get a few shots of him at my friend Amy's pool in his new float.  Hope everyone else is enjoying the warmer weather.  

Loves to stand at his baby Einstein table....thanks Auntie Carissa for the table

One handed at the table.  Did I mention he loves to show off and ham it up for me.  He does go a few seconds now hands free standing.

  

Amy & Ryder

Amy will have her own bundle next summer.  She is practicing with Ryder

New floatie....So cool with a top to shade the sun

He refused to wear his sun glasses....can you see mini-Kevin?

Liked splashing the water

For no particular reason my computer has begun underlining this portion of my post....Just Ignore it!  

I wanted to lastly mention my sadness about Michael Jackson's trajic death.  I choose to remember him as he was early on when he was on top.  I was hoping for a comeback and to maybe even see him someday in concert before his time ended.   I can't help, but feel disappointed that I was robbed of these hopes. 

May he rest in peace.  

Dadadadadada

We had a good father's day on Sunday.  First I wanted to share some pictures I found on the camera.  These are pictures Kevin decided to take on one of his Thursdays with Ryder.  It looks like they are enjoying their boy bonding time on Thurdays alright!

So we packed up the family truckster and headed for a fun-filled-family picnic at Starved Rock for Fathers Day Sunday.  It was hot and muggy when we left the house.  After the 2 hour plus drive we arrived to our destination....a picnic table full of food in the middle of the woods in the pouring rain.  We we hurried through lunch.  We did not get a chance to relax since we were trying to stay somewhat dry!  Ryder cried every time we put him down.  

Daddy & Ryder

I should have snapped a picture of our picnic site.  This does not capture the beautiful weather.  

Logan & Mommy (Erin)

Dad, Kevin and the boys.  

So we headed over to an indoor amusement park where we could stay dry.  The guys rode a few carnival rides.  Ryder and Logan loved looking at all the lights.  We tried to get a group picture of the guys, but Jesse decided to distract my son and he refused to pose for us after that.  

The big mean monster that growled.  Ryder refused to take his eyes off the monster to look at me for a picture.  He was a bit scared.  

The sun finally came out and we headed to the park for some attempted hiking.  Unfortunately the trails are not equipped to handle strollers.  Ryder enjoying the ride and great outdoors.  

We ended our visit in Utica at the local ice cream shop.  Then we headed back home.  Long day...but we enjoyed seeing our family for a few hours.  Maybe we will try to revisit Starved Rock someday when the boys are able to walk safely on their own through the trails.  

Maybe 10 years?   

DRAMA and Fun!

My bestie came up for a visit this week from Peoria with her 2 year old Brendon.  We had a great time shopping, relaxing, eating, playing, and laughing.  She brought us 2 more boxes of clothes and some toys.  We are so grateful for all the handme downs that are in next to new condition.  I should have taken some more pics to capture some of the moments we shared. 

 Brendon

THE PARK

RYDER LOVES THE SWINGS

THE 2 CLOWNS- Ryder just stares & smiles at Brendon

Scrubb a dub

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Happy 31'st Kevin!

Unfortunatley Kevin has to work on his birthday until 7:30.  So we are going out on a date to celebrate tomorrow night without our cherub.  So I packed up the baby today and we headed to the beautiful state park down the road.  Ryder had a lot of fun exploring.  

Delighted with a blade of grass

That Harley is loud....I want one mom

Sunbathing with SPF of course

Ryder and I are so lucky to have Kevin in our lives.  He is a great husband and father.  Kevin is thoughtful, gentle, witty, generous, caring, cautious, loyal, and full of love for his family.   I have watched Kevin evolve over the past 12 years.  He continues to make me smile with all his charm and cuteness.  I knew he would be a good dad before Ryder came along and I was correct.  I love to sit and watch him interact with Ryder and just stare at him with his loving and accepting eyes.  Ryder just adores Kevin and lights up when he looks at him.  It has deepened my appreciation and love for him daily.  I am very excited to grow closer to and older with Kevin.  

I love you Kevin!

Love Liese, Ryder, Chubs, and Sonbuns

Sucking on some applejuice...Yum

The animals wanted to wish Kevin a happy birthday too.