Just for fun!

Madison's 8th Birthday

Maddie turned 8 on August 17th. However, we celebrated on August 1st because of the baby being due a week later. Her birthday was really fun also. She had a pink pajama, spa, tea party. She invited 10 of her friends. We set up a spa on our back patio. We had a facial station, where they got facials and sipped on strawberry smoothies. We had a manicure station, where they got hand scrubs and painted nails. Last, we had a pedicure station, where they soaked in foot baths and got painted toes. When everyone was pampered we went inside and put cukes on the eyes. Then they all sat down to a delightful tea party. We had a real china tea set, pink punch and all pink treats. It was so sweet and fun. Madison really felt special and it was really fun to do. I have to say all the credit goes to my good friend, Heather. She is so creative and had all the ideas. We also had 4 other people helping. Including my dad who was in charge of making and serving strawberry smoothies. What a trooper! Not an easy party, but so worth it.


Maddie and her BFF
They all ate the cucumbers after.

What they ate. Yummy! The pink pajama party girls
The party is not over until the dancing begins!
The amazing and enduring helpers.

Macie's 6th Birthday

Macie turned 6 on July 26th. She wanted an Enchanted Birthday and that is what she got. If you haven't seen the movie then this won't make any sense. Anyway, I hired a lady to play Giselle. I learned a lesson that day, always ask to see a picture if you are hiring a character. She was really sweet, but nothing like Giselle. None of the kids said anything and they all had a blast. Macie said "it was the most awesome birthday ever!" That makes it all worth it. I was 9 months pregnant and really feeling it by the end of this birthday. It was a memorable day in every way.

No we did not make the well just for the party
I had a friend who had it.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where the days get shorter and your list gets longer? Well I just had one of those for the last 2-3 months. I felt like it has been non-stop for both Rich and I. We are finally returning to normal, with a new baby of course. The pressure finally caught up with me about a week ago. I kind of broke down and lost it. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I really needed to just release the stress. I locked myself in my bedroom and had a good cry. Being a mom is a really high stress, non-stop, huge responsibility. It can be a challenge to keep it together all the time. I personally need to have some down time to keep myself sane and of course some good friends and family to talk to. For those who read my site, I know you can relate and I applaud all of you who make it through your day, just to do it again the next day. Anyway, enough of the heart to heart. Because of my crazy life lately I need to back track, not only for you to see, but for my own journal. So I hope you enjoy.

I wanted to put a picture up of myself and Ryker,
but guess who is always behind the camera? Yep,
me. I could not find one of just Ryker and I, except
the one that Kenzie took and it did not turn out. Oh
well, aren't they so cute?

Little Helpers

I have so many helpers! How did I get so lucky? It is really fun to see the kids interact with him, they just can't get enough of him.

My sweet girls!

Ryan finally got his little boy cousin!

The first thing Elle says when she comes over

is,"can I hold your baby?".

Waking Up

Our little Ryker is finally waking up. His eyes are open for longer amounts of time and it is so fun. He loves to just look around. The girls love it when he is awake because they can sing and talk to him. He is going to be so spoiled.

Ryker John Harris has arrived

After months of waiting he is finally here and yes it is a BOY! Ryker John Harris arrived on 8/8/08 at 8:45 pm. He weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 in. long. Here are some pictures of his first days.
As you all know we had a tough time choosing a name. I wanted one with meaning or history, Rich wanted one that he could yell out at football games. So we came up with Ryker John. Ryker means Richard in scandinavian and John is my Dad's middle name. We think it fits him perfectly. What a little miracle!