ryne's favorite things

Wearing his red chuck taylors

every kid needs a pair of converse.

Drinking bath water

sure it may contain some soap and pee, but that just gives it flavor. yum.

Talking on the phone

We have no idea what he is saying, but he has some pretty serious conversations with his grandparents. I learned my lesson... I don't let him "play" with the phone anymore since he called China. That cost us $20! I've seen things "become" a phone i.e., my shoes (just imagine Maxwell Smart, Agent 86), a toy block, the remote control (another favorite item)... you get the picture.

Playing outside

no problem getting him out there just be prepared to D-R-A-G him back in.

Driving his cool blue car

We (Alan really) had the bright idea of bringing the car inside. I thought we would be pushing him around all night. Turns out he has no problem with just sitting in it while watching his 'toons.

Dancing

Ever since this kid was pulling up and cruising he has been dancing. It started out as bobbing up and down, but now he has some pretty mad dance moves. His favorite CD to rock out to is the Bee Gees greatest hits.

Wheels

What can I say he is truly ALL boy.

Pushing (insert any item here) around

He loves to push anything he can possibly maneuver, around the house. I think the first thing I remember him moving was our office trash can.

And last, but not least the boy loves to SNACK

Big Cheez-its (one for each hand), yogurt, fruit, Cheetos natural white cheddar puffs (we all love those), and just about anything that is sweet. Oh, don't worry when he is ready for whatever he will bring the bag/box to you.

happy halloween

Last Wednesday night we took "Dr. Ryne" trunk or treating at our church. He wore his scrubs (that are monogrammed with 'Dr. Ryne') and a stethoscope around his neck. Instead of taking a stroller we let him "drive" his new car. We were thankful to have it. He loved being in that thing and never wanted to get out while we were there. People put candy in the storage compartment under the hood... pretty funny. We enjoyed dinner at Panera Bread where Ryne discovered how much fun it is to eat a french baguette. I'm not sure if he liked the taste or the challenge of pulling it apart with his teeth (it's some tough bread). On the way home he had his first few pieces of a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. He loved it... so did his shirt. Friday (Halloween) Ryne and I met some friends at Aldridge Gardens for "Scarecrows in the Gardens". We had lunch in the Lake house and then strolled around the gardens to see the many scarecrows. My parents came into town that evening... free babysitters!!! Ryne entertained his grandparents while Alan and I had a date night. You know you have become parents when your date consist of dinner, the bookstore and grocery shopping. Needless to say it was nice to have a peaceful evening.

At the Lake house trying to feed the geese his lunch.

it's the great pumpkin, ryne

On the most beautiful Saturday in October we visited The Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch. We enjoyed lunch under a pavilion while listening to live southern gospel music. Ryne enjoyed the freedom from his stroller, making new friends and watching the helicopter (you could pay for a quick ride) take off again, and again, and again. After lunch we took a lovely hayride to the field where Ryne picked out just the right pumpkin. Our little pumpkin picker was pooped out and fell asleep shortly after we headed home.

Once we got home it was time to paint the pumpkin. I had thought about letting Ryne paint it, but a 16 month old and paint sounded like trouble to me. Plus, after a long day at the pumpkin patch I really had no desire to clean up a big mess. Maybe next year...

Here is our Great Pumpkin, he will be on display Halloween night for all our trick-or-treaters.

a weekend in pictures