3 Years

Last Saturday we had some family and friends over to celebrate! Both Gramdmas and Papas were there along with Great Grandma Spanburg. We cannot forget JJ and Uncle Top. His little friends that were there are Lydia, Parker and Lauren, and Hannah and Matthew.

Ryan received anything and everything Lightening McQueen related. His two favorite are a L.M. car that you can make into a monster truck, he likes running over all the othe cars. The other favorite is a L.M. bike. He took plenty of laps around our kitchen. He even learned why it was important to wear a helmet!

Ryan turns 3.

Yes, can you believe it, he is three. I'll never forget traveling back and forth on 146th St listening to "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter every time we were on the road (4 total).

Now on to the good stuff... Ryan and I got to leave school early and go to Dr. Jim's. After a stressful time at the Doc's, we went to McDonalds. We ate ALL our chicken nuggets and apples, and drank most of our milk. He was one hungry boy!

We then went home to nap, or what I thought was supposed to be a nap. After going down at 1:00 he did not fall asleep until 2:30.

After waking up we had a nice snack and dinner, pancakes (his favorite). We waited for mommy to get home from a meeting so we could open presents!

Finally mom got home and Ryan got to open his presents. He received a Tractor, Guido, and Luigi (CARS characters), a couple hats, crocs, plates, plastic ware, a tee, scissors and glue. Needless to say he received all he asked for.

January

Boy January sure did go by fast! The family has been cooped up indoors most of the month. We did get to go out side after the foot of snow on the 28th. Ryan loves being pulled around on his sled. It takes more energy than I can remember to pull a sled.

Jen is feel fine, she is just tired which is to be expected. Little Baby Skura is doing a fine job of growing.

We are getting ready for Ryan's birthday coming up in 2 weeks. Lately he has been in to Thomas the Train, Clifford the big red dog, and puzzles. It seems as though that is all we do when we get home from school.

One big change is that Ryan has started Soccer. This is taking the place of gymanistics. He is going with Brady (a friend from school). They love kicking the ball around and having fun.

Another big event is that he moved up to the 3-5 year old class. His first two full days have been SPECTULAR! He has napped (thanks goodness) and come home totally happy and ready to play. Next week Jen and I decided to start taking him to the library to pick out books, so we will see if he likes it!

I'll be back after Ryan's party!

Wrapping up a GREAT 2 weeks!

It has been a terrific two weeks. It all started with a visit to Griffith. We spent three nights visiting. Ryan made a new friend (Cha Cha). Grandma and the three of us stopped by the Lake County Visitor's Center to check out the 'The Christmas Story' exhibit. It was the same exhibit that was at Macy's in NYC last year. My favorite scene was the leg lamp scene. Ryan LOVED the opening scene when the boys were looking in the window, and of course there were two trains running.

(Ryan wathing the trains)

Jen and I are sure gland he stopped talking about Cha Cha once we got back home. That is the last thing we need/want right now is a dog.

(playing with Cha Cha)

We stopped by Busia's on the way home. It was nice to see everyone there! Busia and Stan got Ryan some awesome dinosaur pj's. He loves them! He has worn them every night since he opened them up.

(Christmas morning)

Yes, Santa came to visit us! He was sure nice to wrap all of Ryan's presents in 'CARS' wrapping paper. Ryan unwrapped ALL of the presents. When he unwrapped mine and Jen's he gave us the box and then looked something else to unwrap.

We then went down to Ferdinand to visit Grandma Weyer and Pops. Uncle Keith, Aunt JJ, and Uncle Tom were there for two nights with us. While there Ryan enjoyed playing with Ashley (Jen's cousin who is in 7th grade).

(Opening presents at Grandma and Pop's)

After coming home we have hung out and played with new toys (way too many). We also completed some tasks around the house: Made a Ginger Bread house, built cabenits for the play room, painted the baby's room (chocolate), with help from pops (Jen's Dad), and did a whole bunch of cleaning out! Now it is back to school for all.

The big news:

We found out today that Ryan is going to have a little sister:) His first reaction when I told him at school was to cry, and say I want t a brother. This will come back to haunt him in the future!

Everyone is doing just fine. Jen is feeling much better, but just tired. The little one is the correct size. Ryan is asking question after question. I love his rising intonation and should I's.

Thanksgiving/1st Snow Fall

Ryan and three of the four cousins playing "Simon Says" with Papa.

Thanksgiving was great! We were in Griffith for a couple days. We saw my parents, my brother and his family and my sister (when she was not sick). My Aunt Stacia and Uncle Mike also stopped by to say hello. Grandma Spanburg joined for dinner on Wednesday too. We ate at Trevor Trains (I think that is the name). Ryan LOVED watching the trains and riding in the large one too!

Ryan sure enjoyed playing with his cousins. He absolutely LOVES Avery (six years old). He follows her around like a little puppy dog.

11-30, Sunday morning brought the first snow fall! Ryan and I enjoyed playing in it and building a snowman. Mom did not get to enjoy the fun becuase she was enjoying a birthday massage. I must have pulled Ryan around on the sled for an hour. We would slide off the patio and get a bit of air time. Ryan would giggle and say "do it again."

12-1 Jen turned 30 today. She took it like a champ. It did not really phase her one bit. Unless she is hiding something from us. We had a bit of a surprise party for her at Carolina Grill (wow that place is terrific!). All her teammates, friends, sister, and my parents were there to enjoy the event. It was just what she wanted. Something we all could enjoy where the spotlight was only on her for about three minutes. Thanks to all who wrote why we love Jen. She must have read the book five times:)

TTFN, Jeremy

What's New

We have not been up to much this week! Jen's tank has been on empty all week once she gets home. Ryan has been doing well! We went to visit our friends today. We had to drop off a birthday present. Ryan played for a bit. We are as always looking forward to the weekend. Ryan and I usually enjoy pancakes, while Jen gets the much needed rest. Ryan and I then go to gymnastics! We love jumping in the foam pit. He could do that all day if we let him! He is a pro at the forward roll and pretending he is spiderman (having he feet crawl up the wall while his hands are on the floor).

Ryan

I have heard some feedback and all positive! So I know what everyone wants, pix of Ryan. So here you go!