My Sweet Birthday Boy!!

Well today is Ryder's birthday. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. My boy is two years old! He has been such a fun little guy, I never knew how much fun one little boy could be. He has only been here for two years and yet I can't remember life without him. He is finally starting to talk, and is VERY animated. He knows what he wants and doesn't want that's for sure, and as you will see, one of those things is getting his pictures taken. We went today and for the first 45 minutes, we tried endlessly to get him to smile, or heck we would have even settled for just a glance toward the camera, screaming or not. Finally we got what we thought was the best shot. He was screaming and clinching his fists, oh man he WAS MAD! But then we took a break, and returned to get the cutest pictures of my Ryder boy. We had witnessed a miracle. Here is the product of our hard days work. (And a few of my favorite pictures of the last two years). Love you Ryder Boy!!Ryder+birthday_0001.jpg">

Birthday Boy

Well today is Kirby's birthday. He would rather not celebrate, how silly is that. I don't think age is the issue, heck he still looks 20 (or younger). But I refuse to let this day slip by without wishing him a happy birthday. I have much to celebrate. On March 4th 1973, Kirby Allen Gray was born. The first born son of Shirley and Allen. The best husband on the planet to Charity Gray, and the funnest of dads to Madyson, Skylee, Teagan, and Ryder. This is a special day for all of us, because it was the beginning of a life that would mean so much to so many people. We love ya Kirb. (Even if you are getting old). Sorry the date gave it away.

Birthday Girl!

I can't believe that my baby girl is turning 5!! Where did those years go? As I was looking back, pondering the last 5 years I tried to remember what life was like without Teagan. I can't remember. But my thoughts took me back to the ultrasound when the doctor told us that we were going to have yet ANOTHER girl. I remember wondering, do I really want another girl?! And then quickly I remember when they handed her to me for the first time and it was then that I realized that I absolutely DID want another girl. A Teagan. Since then we have been blessed with her happy, rowdy, bossy, loving, giggling, teasing self. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that out family would not be the same without her. I love you Teagie. Happy Birthday!!

Hacked

I decided that since my sister can't manage to take 5 minutes to get on and blog about the goings on in her world then I will do it for her. Charity has been very busy. All of her girls are busy with gymnastics, where Charity also teaches. Last year was a good year. Probably the best part of it was the trip taken to visit her amazing sister (me) in Arizona. Apparently however, she did not find this blog worthy so I will save her the trouble of feeling guilty for not gushing over this harrowed event and post a blog for her. You can even take the credit Charity. She, along with our sister Sallie, my mom, Sallies girls and her own 3 girls hopped in Sallies new car and made the 12 hour trek to 95 degree weather (in October mind you). We had a great time as we always do. The time passed much too quickly as it usually does.

All the kids at Castles and Coasters
Brooklyn and Mady with their "sicles"
Sky and Kalysta enjoying their popsicles
Teagie with her two buds, Walker and Levi
I love this picture. So I posted it.
James with his wives...ha, he wishes.

Now Charity, what I really wanted to do was change your layout and music. We're coming up on Valentines Day and this Christmas layout, while very cute, has got to go. I love Christmas music more than anything but even for me it's time. I was afraid however that it would erase your widgets and such and you might be a little irritated. Let this serve as a warning though my sweet little sister that this page days are numbered. I want to say though that we really miss you...all of you. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon. Until then know that we love you and hope you are enjoying that cold weather. It was 75 today.
Oh and I'm posting the next 3 pictures because I took them. I like them and I felt they were also blog worthy. No, it's ok my feeling aren't hurt that you didn't like the pictures. Really.
I just noticed that I didn't put any pictures of Ry boy. I can't forget that cute little man.
That was the only "smile" I got out of him all day. He saw a bunny hopping across the field and thought it was the funniest thing!
I like this picture. If you understand the way Teagan feels about her little brother you understand this picture. Ok that's all...for now.

The Nativity

Last week we got to take the kids to see this live nativity up in Highland that we found out about at the last minute. It was way cool. We were first greeted by shepherds that pointed the way to go, which we followed, to be met by more shepherds warning of the Roman soldiers. Then we were stopped by the Roman soldiers because they spotted Ryder, and they demanded we tell them how old he was. They were all serious. Then we let the kids pet the camel and we walked through "the streets of Bethlehem". We saw the sheep, and the donkey, and then we were led up the hill to a small stable where Mary and Jesus were, with baby Jesus. It was very neat, I only wish we would have found out about it sooner!

...A Lot Like Christmas

Last weekend we were invited to go on a little train ride called the "Polar Express". It is a little train that you sit on and have a little ride on around 2 or 3 properties owned by this family. They take you to the "North Pole" to see Santa. It was very fun the kids had a blast! Santa had a message of Christ, the true meaning of Christmas and talked to the kids about gifts that you can not wrap. After that the train took us through several scenes of Christ's life through big paintings lit up along the way... very cool.

Little Man Syndrome

I found this video of Ryder and the girls when I was downloading all of my other pictures. Yeah he can pretty much hold his own with all of his sisters. They love to tease him.