Jan 15, 2012

I am not sure if it was a record high or not, but on Jan 15 it reached 50 degrees outside.  Ryah and I (and Jessie) were so excited to go out and get some fresh air, while Matt was going to work on a side job.  Ryah wanted to take her baby for a walk- seems like we take "baby" everywhere we go.  Here are a few pictures of us enjoying the weather.

Now this week has been in the 20's, but it sure beats the winters we have had in the past.  At least it isn't like MN and -15degrees not including the wind chill! BRRR!



Las Vegas

Last month Matt and I took a mini vacation to Las Vegas.  We enjoyed ourselves, and acted like 2 teenagers in love :)  We love Ryah very much- but vacations are always a good thing!  The weather in Vegas was a little on the cool side (60-70ish), so none of the pools were open and during the evening it was pretty chilly.  Matt and I started the day off with bloody mary's (did I mention these were $15.00 a piece!!!)  yikes!  All I could think of is what I could buy with that money!  Matt did some gambling, which I don't even ask how much he spent cause I don't want to disappoint myself with his answer- so it's probably better if he keeps that to himself.  While he gambled, I was able to relax and take a nap in the hotel room.  Something about a peaceful nap without any interruptions is fabulous! 
I have listed a recap of the things we did while in Vegas (not in any particular order)
1).  Shopped-  although we didn't make it to the outlet malls, I still found 3 dresses for under $60.00!!!
2).  Walked up and down the strip...numerous times!
3).  Went to the Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque Du Soleil show- this was AMAZING!!!!  I wasn't a huge MJ fan prior to the show- but this was still wonderful and explains his life!  Highly recommend this if you ever get the chance to go
4).  Played Beer Pong at O'Sheas.  Just a little side note:  Matt and I played against a couple college guys- and I made the winning shot! Yeah!
5).  Toured the Shark Aquarium at Mandalay Bay (not too impressed, the one in Atlanta is way better)
6).  People Watched (probably a highlight of the trip for me)
7).  Talked with a gentleman, while we were standing in line for a show, and he told me all about his previous night with one of the "girls on the cards."  (another highlight for me, cause I didn't know people actually call them)

Here are a couple of pictures of our trip:

 

Of course, it wouldn't be Vegas without a picture like this!

Matt smoking a cigarette with his new sunglasses on

At the aquarium

  So- anyone reading this must be thinking- What did you do with Ryah?  Well, that little stinker got to spend time in Minnesota with my family.  I met up with my parents and sister Alisa in Sioux Falls on Wednesday night to drop Ryah off.  On Monday afternoon, we met up again in Sioux City so I could pick her up.  From the sounds of it, she was an angel and had a great time.  I called everyday to check in to see how things were going- to make sure she wasn't causing any problems, and everytime my mom put my mind at ease.  (not that I didn't think they could handle it since they raised 4 of us!)  But as a parent, you know how your child can get.  I am sure she was spoiled rotten, and probably didn't have to eat all her vegetables at dinner!

Here are some pictures from the weekend that they spent together:

Playing letters with Alisa

Even Grandma was playing with the letters

eating breakfast- she knew her routine and wasn't going to let anyone deviate from it!

Guessing she wanted to put her shoe on to go outside



Cheese!



Watching "Buddies" on the computer with Grandpa



We had a great time and I know Ryah did too.  We might make this a yearly tradition!  HA HA

no more paci

One of my goals this month was to have Ryah get rid of her paci.  She has not had the darn thing at daycare for several months now- but I have been too chicken to take it away from her at night (or maybe I was taking the easy way out).  During the day she was really good about not having it in her mouth, but at night she always had to have it and we would search frantically around in her crib to find it.  Lately she wanted to have 2 of them- 1 in her mouth and 1 in her hand before she would lay down.  OH BOY- how was I going to get her away from her paci?  Missy (her daycare provider) said she just took it away one day and reassured me that Ryah would survive!
So, yesterday, being the new year, Matt and I watched as Ryah threw all her pacis in the garbage.  She said "bye" to them as she tossed them into the can.  Wow- it was that easy?  no way! 
The true test was going to be at bedtime.  Amazingly she only cried for a second as I reminded her that she threw them away in the garbage, and that was all it took.  She stopped crying and went to sleep!  And I just tucked her in as I took a break from writing this post, and once again she went to bed no problem.  WOW!  (I just hope potty training is this easy. ha ha ha )

2011 Christmas

Can you believe it- another year has passed us by!  What is in store for 2012?

Christmas Eve:
This year for Christmas we stayed in Omaha and went over to Mark and Kathy's to celebrate.  Dinner hit the spot on Christmas Eve- roast beef commercials (if you are from MN you will know what these are!)  After dinner we enjoyed watching Ryah and Justice open their gifts.  Ryah once again was spoiled and got some adorable outfits, a vanity set along with accessories, a tool set with a pair of Carhart Bibs (so she can help dad with his plumbing work), a bus, and a play garage for her cars.  It is so fun to watch her play with her toys. 
This year we did something a little different for the adult gifts.  Everyone brought a white elephant gift and a "lady" or "guy" gift.  We had so much fun with the white elephant gifts- that I am sure we will make a tradition of this! 



Ryah Christmas 2011



Opening gifts



Reading a book with uncle Ryan

 

Christmas Day:
I was super bummed that I had to work the morning of Christmas (due to a study we are running)- but it all worked out. Unfortunately Ryah had to wait until I got home to open her presents from Santa, but thankfully she doesn't understand the concept of Santa yet! Santa brought Ryah a princess tent, books, shoes, dress up clothes, a purse, and a game. After our family Christmas we headed back over to Kathy and Mark's for Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner. There was so much food- we could have fed an army! Everything was delicious, and after filling our bellies, we played some board games.

Ryah opening presents

 

Both days were filled with so much joy and it is so nice to have such loving families.
We will be celebrating Christmas with my side of the family at the end of this month.  Ryah is sure looking forward to opening presents again:)

 Wishing you all a wonderful and healthy 2012