Out with the old...

To make room for Christmas, we did a pretty massive family clean-out around the house, loading up two van loads of toys, games, and clothes over the course of the last two weeks and driving them over to Goodwill.

Not wanting to be seen as the Unproductive type, Ryan helped us clean up, too.  Unfortunately, like most of his "help," it was not asked for, and not necessarily helpful, either.

OK, I've gone through all the movies!

Momma, I helped!

Candy Cane Bandit

After Ryan's birthday party, we had loads of candy canes left over from the hot chocolate bar.  Candy canes wrapped in impossible-to-open cellophane.  Well, impossible if you're an adult.

Ryan now understands what Buddy the Elf is talking about.

Ryan, being smarter than his own Momma, figured out that if you violently broke the candy cane, that pesky cellophane broke free from the sugary goodness inside.  Next thing I knew, Ryan, Sean and even Sophie were all hopped up on goofballs.

...walking in a Winter ONEderland...

Lord knows I love to plan a party.  Lord knows I love to plan a themed party, and even more so a themed party on a super-duper tight budget!  So Ryan's main Birthday Extravaganza was a shindig I sunk my teeth into and had so much fun with!  Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially that rockin' kid sister of mine.  Jessica was phenomenal.

The invite

Isabella decorated the Birthday Seat

Snowflakes hanging everywhere

The menu featured...

White Chicken Chili

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Artichoke Dip

along with....

summer sausage, crackers & cheese

relish tray

chippies

white pistachios

white yogurt covered raisins

blue M&Ms

The beverage station, featuring a

Hot Cocoa Bar

Spiced Cranberry Tea

Lemonade

(with optional spirits!)

The Party Favors

Thank you so much, Aunt Jess and Isabella, for baking them!

The cake and cupcakes

All baked by me

Cake decorated by Jessica

Cupcakes decorated by Isabella

The Smash Cake

All me!

The birthday boy with his Grammy

Gorgeous Boy!

Given this was round two of birthday presents,

the boy went crazy.

We're talking dancin'-on-the-table crazy!

He looks like he's plotting...

We are so blessed to have such an extended circle of family and friends.  For Ryan's St. Peters birthday, we hosted Grandma Fran and Papa Z, Grandpa Phil and Oma Annie, Grammy & Dwayne, GiGi, Uncle Dave, Aunt Jessica, the Blakes, the McCanns, the Boyers and the Schneidermeyers.

Awesome Aunt Jessica

Sean's best bud, Nate, his dad, and sister

Isabella with the Blake girls!

Baby Boy ready for some Cake Destruction

Just before he dove face first

Don't bother me, I'm eating cake.

We get to do this again next weekend, right?

Happy Happy Birthday, little one.  Mommy & Daddy love you so much!  Till next year...

Birthday Shindig, Hannibal Style

Ryan's so special, he got two parties!  LOL!

The first party was hosted at Poppa Latta and Nana Roxy's house the day after Thanksgiving so that the extended out of town Latta family did not have to travel to our house the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We had a great little cake & ice cream party that previewed the Winter Wonderland extravaganza that was to come the following weekend!

We were honored to host Poppa Latta and Nana Roxy, Grammy & Dwayne, Aunt Mandy & Uncle Nick & Addie, Aunt Jan and Uncle John, Jonna & Mason, Brandy & Chase.

Ryan's waiting.

For what, he's not sure!

Ryan's first 1st birthday cake!

Thanks so much, Grammy!

Ryan's special Smash Cake

Not really sure what to think just yet.

Hmmm, kinda feels funny.  Good, but funny.

Okay, maybe we'll hack it with a spoon.

Ok, that's a bit more like my Piglet!

That is one happy, frosted Baby Boy!

Not to be left out, Sean loved showing off his Blue mouth!

The most handsome Batman. Ever.

Take that, George Clooney.

At present time, Ryan didn't understand the eating was over.

But all in all, he was the most perfect little boy.

12 Months of Piglet

How can it already be One Year?  It seems like only yesterday...

At your two week appointment in December

Looking just like your Momma in January

Diggin' the chicks in February

Reaffirming how awesome you are in March!

Learning how to eat in April

Running errands with Momma in May

Laying low in June

Head to toe cookies in July

Giving peas a chance in August

So freakin' excited to climb the steps in September

Big Brother snapping your pic in October

Birthday Card photo shoot in November

Happy first birthday, Baby Boy!  You are Simply Amazing, and Momma and Daddy love you so very much.  You bring so much laughter into our lives, and I can't remember our days without you.  The world is at your feet, and you no doubt will take it by storm.

"....how your smile shines, it's the best...."

I love you always and forever,

Momma

Can't Get Enough

There's no denying I am raising future Momma's Boys.  I mean, I adore them.  Adore them.  It's fun to be girly with Isabella, talk boys, Twilight, music.  But there is nothing like the love a Momma has for her Little Man.  And I get two of them.  We should all start praying for their future wives now.

Too bad I can't post 95% of the pix I take during Bathtime.

Once again, I turn my back for one minute...

Super-cool dance move

He's trying to flash the Peace sign,

but instead it looks like he's sniffing his fingers.

Love Him

Love Him Forever

Him, on the other hand, is running around with a pink guitar.

Yeah, I know.  Cuter than cute.

Oh, the places you'll go...