Our Journey!

Runner

Fast as fast can be,

you'll never catch me,

Hehehe!

I could go on and on about Ely. About how kind he is.
I could describe what an amazing brother he has been. Or go into detail about his awesome personality, etc.
I will keep it short and sweet.
This boy turned twelve yesterday! Having him in my life for the past twelve years has made everyday feel worth it! He has put a smile on my face and love in my heart moment after moment.
I love you Elyjah Aaron. I hope this year is everything you expect it to be and more.

Eleven was more than amazing. What word would you use to describe something that keeps getting better?
I am sure age twelve will be that (the word that you choose:)

A New Friend

Sawyer has a new friend.

Her name is Aleena. We call her Leelee. She is three weeks older than Saw.

They are so sweet to each other. I wasn't sure what to expect of their behavior together. These two... they hug each other, kiss each other on the head, pat one another... the sweetest thing!

They even fall asleep side by side.

Sawyer stood at the door the second day that Aleena left and watch her papaw put her in her car seat. He blew kisses until they were out of sight.
We sure love having Aleena around.
Friday-Aleena wasn't here today. Sawyer was standing in the foyer saying, "Mommy. Mom, Mom." and holding out his hand. I walked toward him and he went to the door and began blowing kisses out the window. I believe he missed his friend.

Pickle

Parents love watching their children react as they try new foods.

I was eating a pickle the other day and Sawyer screamed for it. I mean SCREAMED!! I let him lick it. Then he screamed more. I let him lick it again. He threw a horrible fit when I took it away and prepared to cut a small piece off for him to eat. He thrashed around, banged his head off the ground, etc.

So like any good parent, I gave him the whole darn thing!

Grandma Jinner.... he is still alive. I know you are very worried now. And I apologize for announcing my parental imperfections to the entire world of cyber space. But look at how cute he is eating that pickle.

Okay.... I did take it away (yes he threw a fit) and I cut it up. He ate every bite.
Sure love my pickle eater!

Hair Cut

Why is it so difficult to make the decision to give your baby their first hair cut?

Philly and I fianlly agreed it was (past) time.

Mommy became a hair stylist...

while daddy fed Saw cherry pie that our friend Lisa made.

And he is fresh, clean and stylin'.

Christmas with the Richasons 2013

Here are some pics of the time we shared with Phil's family over the holidays. We always have a delightful time.

This is Jack, the super hero.

Gianna took the time to help Sawyer open his gifts. Such a sweet girl.

Thomas was ready for some football!

Gifts.

Sawyer with Uncle Pat.

More gifts.

"Must see if this hat fits."

Jinner and Jack.

Thomas and Jinner.

Casey and Sawyer taking a picture with his Ball State hat on.

Casey smiling and Saw screaming while taking a picture with his Ball State hat on.

We always love seeing Ila...

and Bill. They are the sweetest! They treat all of the kids just like there own grandchildren.

Family football game.

Playing with Uncle Pete. Sawyer's new favorite thing to do is smell someone's feet and then say, "Tsssss" (stinky feet.)

Grandma Jinner hanging out with a few of her grand babies.

Ben trying to master a captivating maze game. I can not remember what it was called but it was super cool!

Noah, Chelsea and Uncle Dan, ready for some family card games.

Ely always has to get in a little time with Aunt Jeanie (the sweet, quite lady who (usually) stays in the kitchen, cooks, cleans, and takes care of everyone.) Haha.