Candy Boycott

Riley informed me today, he will no longer be eating candy. I've noticed in the last several months he hasn't been eating as much as he used to. Usually, when he gets a piece of candy, he gives it to me as a gift. Well, today he made it official. He said candy wasn't really good for him. He said he likes chocolate milk, but not chocolate candy. Hmmm...I sure do wish I had his will. I just needed to journal this rare moment in a Mom's life.

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!

He did it!!! Riley got enough, and saved enough money to get a Wii! Now, he needs to find ways to earn money for some fun games...

Way to go Riley!

2nd Birthday Weekend and Father's Day!

***picture overload***

This weekend was my family's 2nd quarter Birthday celebration. We took a 3 day weekend, and headed to Wichita. Friday was Riley's Birthday, so as soon as we got to town, we went straight to "Chuck E Cheese" to celebrate.

Reece likes to spend his tokens on the rides.
Riley concentrating.

Aidan came with us. Reece was his shadow.

Riley and Aidan.

Next, it was off the Dairy Queen, again for some Birthday ice cream.

Reece, looking like he's taken "ice cream cone eating lessons" from Spongebob.

Oops! Reece didn't get to eat all of his cone.

We left Dairy Queen, and got to play at Aidan and Owen's house.

I just got pics of cute Owen.

Apparently, Owen is teething.

On Saturday, it was the Cousin Birthday Bash. We had it at the Scott's farm. We were really worried the rain was going to keep us from swimming, but we lucked out and it cleared up just in time to enjoy the pool.

Here is Alex. This is his ball. Don't touch it!!

Alex playing the piano. Every time we laughed, he would pounce on it more and giggle. He is just camera shy here.

My awesome sister, Joanna, made these cupcakes for the party. Aren't they beautiful?? She is so talented.

Riley blowing out 7 candles on his cupcake.

Owen will be turning the BIG 1 in August. Mommy was nice to let him have a sneak peek, and test out his cupcake a little prematurely. He enjoyed it.

Reece likes to lick off the frosting first.

4 out of 5 of the birthday kids.

Brylee will be turning 11 in August.

Aidan will be 8 in July.

Riley got money and gift cards to help buy a Wii. Coming soon!!

Brenic will be turning 7 in July too.

Pool time. Reece getting a ride from Riley.

Reece was so excited to wear the vest, that helped him float.

Riley is diving under the water if you look closely.

Riley, Reece and Camryn.

Breanna, Brylee, Uncle Aaron and Uncle Shawn chicken fighting.

Ellyott, Reece and Riley.

On Sunday, we woke up and went to the park with some friends. Then we were off to Granite City for a Sunday Brunch. Yummy! We then hung out with the family a little longer, and home we came.

I'm terrible and didn't snap a picture of Jake and the boys, but we had a good time. We love Dad, and hope he had a wonderful day. At least it was a day off we had together.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!

My baby is the BIG 7 today!! I have so many mixed emotions. It's always exciting to see your child grow as a person, but GOSH!!!, it's going too fast!! I LOVE Riley SO much! No one could ask for a better child. I am very aware, there are no perfect people, but Riley comes pretty darn close.

Riley is so protective of his little brother. The other day, I had them at the salon. We were stuck in a tiny, extremely hot office. I asked the boys if they wanted to step outside to get some fresh air, and of course the answer was yes. They actually did circles around the salon, but the whole time, Riley held Reece's hand when they were on the move. He knew it was his responsibility to keep Reece safe. Safe from what?? The world. Even though they don't see eye to eye all the time, Riley loves Reece, and I foresee him always looking after the little one.

Riley just doesn't have the desire to do wrong. This is another reason I don't want him to grow up. It is just nature, as you grow up, you test your limits and wrong happens. He doesn't brake rules, he listens and follows through, and he cares. He is so responsible for being 7. Sometimes I worry that he is scared to do wrong. Then in my mind. I imagine a grown kid. who rebels way beyond rebellion. (If that makes sense) I try not to think that way. I do think often about how lucky I really am, for now.

The little man is so smart! You tell him 1 thing, and it only takes that 1 time. He is such a sponge and will not forget it. Sometimes I have to talk to him about how things can go, or be done more than 1 way. He picks up on things so quickly. A silly example: Riley was finally getting old enough, where saying "potty" wasn't quite appropriate. I asked him to say "bathroom" and it was done. He never looked back. I, however, still having issues making that transition.

Lastly, Riley LOVES me!! He may be a borderline "mama's boy." Riley always sticks his head in the room just to say he loves me. I have a real feeling he will be loyal to me forever. I have confidence in myself, I won't let it be the bad version of a "mama's boy."

Happy Birthday Riley!! We love you so much!!

Here's a look back at the last 6 years...

6 Years

5 Years

4 Years

3 Years

2 Years
1 Year

This is 1 year too. I couldn't resist! We celebrated Riley and his cousin, Brenic's 1st birthday together. They are 3 weeks apart. This picture was their invitation.

Now here is the Birthday quiz to tell us how Riley is or will be...
You are resilient, and no doubt your resilience has already been tested.You've had some difficult experiences in your life, but you are wise from them.Having had to grow up quickly, you tend to discount the advice of others.You tend to be a loner, having learned that the only person you can depend on is yourself.

Your strength: Well developed stability and confidence

Your weakness: Suspicion of others

Your power color: Eggplant

Your power symbol: Spade

Your power month: October

(I will have an updated picture soon. Aunt Dawn will be taking his 7 year pictures this weekend in Wichita. =)

Riley's Growing "UP"

It's almost official. Riley turns 7 tomorrow. I can't believe it, but it is true. Since we will be driving to Wichita for the weekend, we did a small celebration today. We invited some of Riley's closest friends to go see the movie "UP." Afterwards, we headed to Dairy Queen for some delicious ice cream. What a treat for a HOT day!!

Ready for the movie to start.

Riley, Scott, Tyler and Brynn.

Riley and Scott.

Reece and Brynn.

Riley opening up presents.

The entire group.

Thanks for celebrating with us today!!

This is what it would be like...

...to be a normal family, with parents who have normal jobs, and normal weekends off together. What a great family day we had today. It is so rare that Jake and I have a day off together, especially a Saturday off together. We got to have Riley's friend, Scott, stay the night last night. Then Jake woke up to mow the lawn. Afterwards, we all went to play tennis, by the high school. Then it was off to the pool. I asked Jake if this was what normal people did on weekends. It was nice for a change.

We finally got some use from the tennis rackets Grandma and Grandpa McMillan sent the boys. Thanks!! Nice form Riley!

Jake giving Reece a quick lesson.
Reece, skipping around, like Reece always does.

Reece getting bored of it all. Shocking!

Cold Riley! The sun hasn't come out much since school has been out, therefore, the pool is really cold!!!

I was very impressed with this picture I found on my camera. Riley took it all by himself. Check out Reece's chest! That's awesome!