Ryder's 10th Birthday

It is unbelievable to me that Ryder is 10!!!  He has become such a responsible young man.  He just graduated the 4th grade.  Has been working very hard with his horse to get her show-ready and has been to two shows already this season (pictures coming soon!).  He wanted a "reining" horse cake, and this is what we came up with...

(the fencing is edible chocolate!)

 Trick candles!!!

 Can you tell they're related!? (Chases' mom Sheri)

Ryders' papa Chuck (Chases' dad) & his new wife Karen

We had a simple party at home with family as Ryders' birthday usually marks our first camping trip of the year (his choice), and this year is no exception.  We are headed out this weekend with family, friends & horses too!!!

The cutest Pledge of Allegiance EVER!

Heise Hot Springs

It has been COLD this week. REALLY, REALLY, COLD!  We found some warmth one afternoon at Heise Hot Springs.  It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.  I have such fond memories of Heise.  There are many a pictures of me at these same ages in this very spot!  I even have the swimsuit I wore as a child, and always had hopes of my daughter wearing it and getting to take her picture in it at Heise.

 Ariana, Ridge, Noah, Ryder & Ty

Ryders' new "bling"

Ryder has been such a good sport about his braces.  He has to wear his headgear at least 12 hrs each day.  He willing wears it to bed (9pm-9am)! He is going to have a great smile in no time!

Family night at the library....

Our local library is awesome!  They have the greatest librarians/volunteers ever!  We attend story time every Wednesday afternoon, as well as take advantage of other fun stuff like this....

A Lego Tower building contest!!! The boys had SO much fun!  They didn't win as there were no age groups...BOO.  Therefore they were competing against many a grown men who obviously had WAY too much time on their hands, as they had practiced & perfected their tower building skills and had a finished product as high as the bleachers!  *SHEESH*  Add in cotton candy and free books, and it was a fun night had by all!

Ryder just can't catch a break.

Ryder has awful teeth.  Poor kiddo has a pretty severe under-bite, as well as a cross-bite...we have known this day would come, we just didn't think it would come so soon.  He has handled it well, and is well on his way to a correct, attractive smile!

On a lighter note, Ryder used to be the first one done at dinner...EVERY time.  Now, he is always last, as he   tries to figure out how to eat with his expander and braces...:(  Any tips for him would be appreciated, as I have no idea how to help him!

One of our more successful crafts

I came across this fun craft idea on Pinterest the other day.  I love that we have a "forever" keepsake of their artwork!