Halloween Festivities

The Fall season is a busy time for our family because of a mutual love for college football along with great weather and fun times with friends and family. This year is definitely no different! After five different Fall/Halloween parties and events, we were ready to hang the Halloween hat up until next year.

The festivities started on Thursday with Kaelyn's Preschool Pals Fall party. It was so much fun for me and Robbie to attend the party with her and see her in action at her school with her friends. She comes home each Tuesday and Thursday after learning something new and we love it! She's really cute when you quiz her about anything she's learned. She gets very excited and shy!

She walked right in and sat down at the table ready for the day.  

Working on a Pumpkin craft with Mommy. 

Kaelyn's teacher, Mrs. Jen, making the rounds

Eating breakfast with her classmates

Friday afternoon, Robbie's company hosted a festival and trick or treating for all the kids. We got dressed in our costumes to attend. It was a lot of fun to meet Daddy's co-workers and participate in the costume parade.

Playing all the games for candy with Daddy

A cute little backdrop for pictures...however,

this was the best we could get. Rylan is really busy and

was interested in the hay. 

Kaelyn meeting some of the other kids. 

After the BH party, we had about an hour before heading out to the Stonebriar Fall Festival (put on by the church and Kaelyn's school). It turned out to be a chilly evening, but thankfully there were games inside and out. The festival was much larger than we expected, but a lot of fun.

Rylan staying warm in the stroller!

Fun ball toss game.

Potty toss game

(very appropriate for us since we just became potty trained)

Getting a lighted ring (Kaelyn loves her bling)

On Sunday evening, our church small group particpated with the other Frisco small groups in a Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun to hang out with everyone and see all the kids' costumes. Our little Alabama cheerleader and Aggie football player enjoyed the festivities and playing at the park.

Kaelyn and cousin Kade sliding together. 

Trying to get all the kids in one picture together

(Kaelyn wouldn't cooperate so you won't find her)

Mommy's Little Aggie

Finally, our Halloween festivities ended with a little trick or treating in the neighborhood on Monday evening with some friends. We didn't stay at it long, but it was amazing to see the difference in how much Kaelyn has grown in the past year. She had no issues saying "Trick or Treat" and waiting patiently or often picking out her piece of candy. Unfortunately, Daddy convinced her to get all skittles. Mommy should have taught her to look for the chocolate. Oh well. Better luck next year.

Taking a picture before trick or treating on Monday night

Such a sweet smile from our little Bama cheerleader

Rylan adores Kaelyn!

The girls prior to Trick or Treating

(Boys were wrestling in the background)

 The Gang

A Season of Fitness

Back in the summer months, Robbie made a committment to an 11-week training program to become a Sprint Triathlete and compete in a local competition in Denton. Because he was training so hard, he inspired me to also accomplish a fitness goal. While my goal was much smaller in scale compared to his 250 meter swim, 16 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run, we began cheering each other on. I've never really enjoyed running but decided I would run the Frisco Fun Run 5K and check off an item on my bucket list.

On October 16th, Robbie competed in the Monster Sprint Triathlon and beat all of his personal goals and training bests. I am so proud of him and how hard he worked to prepare for the competition.

Robbie's Results

Swim

For Robbie, the swim was by far the most disappointing part of the race.  All the participants got in a long line and entered the water one at time, with about 5 seconds in between each swimmer. They would swim down, touch the end, duck under the lane ropes, then swim back, duck under again, etc., making their way to the other end of the pool. Robbie looked great for the first 2 lengths—then disaster struck. He got caught up in a 3 person log jam and couldn’t get around the people in front of him. One of the people in front of him wasn’t even touching the wall at the end of each length—she was ducking under the ropes about 10 feet from the wall each time—which made it almost impossible for anyone to pass her. Then another guy in front of Robbie was doing a backstroke/doggie paddle hybrid. We could tell Robbie was frustrated, but thankfully he only lost about 1 minute of time.

Projected Swim (5:15). Actual Swim (5:51). Group Ranking (17 out of 21).

The Swimming Madness Begins! 

Robbie standing in the long line preparing!

Daddy's #1 Fan

The Long Anticipated Swim

Looking good so far!

Bike

Robbie decided to rent a road bike instead of using our cheap moutain bike, and he says it was the best decision he made.  He had biked the exact course with a mountain bike on two separate occasions and finished in 1 hr. 6 min. each time, so he was hoping to gain about 6 minutes with the road bike.  Later, he said he felt like he was flying out there and was able to pass people. He ended up saving more than his projected 6 minutes with the rented bike!

Projected Bike (1:04:00). Actual Bike (53:59). Group Ranking (6 out of 21).

Walking through the bike transition area

Taking off for the 16 mile bike ride!

"Go Daddy Go!"

Run

I was shocked by Robbie's run time.  I won't lie, the first time he passed us, I thought he was really struggling after going so hard at it on the bike. But, his time proved me wrong! It actually gave me hope for my upcoming 5K.

Projected Run (26:00). Actual Run (23:47). Group Ranking (11 out of 21).

Beginning Lap 2

Finishing Strong! 

Projected Overall (1:39:15). Actual Overall (1:26:49). Group Ranking (7 out of 21). 
Overall Ranking (83 out of 268).

The kids and I couldn't be more proud of him! It was fun to be out at the event to cheer him on in his transitions from swim to bike and bike to run.

Then on October 29th, I ran in the Gary Burns Fun Run in downtown Frisco, along with Robbie, his dad and brother. My goal was to finish the 3.1 miles running without walking and I'm proud to say I accomplished my goal while losing a few inches along the way. I finished in 32 minutes and I'm okay with that time considering the log jam at the beginning of the race. The week of the race we had sick kids, so I have to say it wasn't the easiest going into an early run on Saturday morning after a lack of sleep during the week. I have lots of respect for Mom's who train consistently to compete in events because sometimes being a Mom causes interruptions in a normal training schedule.

Robbie's company is sponsoring the White Rock Marathon at the beginning of December and he will be running the full 26.2 miles. He is still working hard in his training and I'm so very proud he is my husband. My fitness has transitioned to attending cardio classes while still running three times per week (what can I say, I liked the weight loss results even though I didn't care for the running).

A Cinderella Pumpkin Patch

This year Robbie and I decided to take the kids to the Dallas Arboretum for the Cinderella Pumpkin Celebration. Kaelyn has really gotten into princesses recently, and we always enjoy the beautiful flowers and greenery at the Arboretum. It did not disappoint! The weather could have been a bit cooler for October, but we live in Texas and that is usually impossible to come by. We had a nice family picnic while we were there and enjoyed spending some time together.

Welcoming Everyone to the Pumkin Patch!

I've never seen such beautiful pumpkins and flowers!

(She's also a hard target to take pics of these days with her funny faces)

Rylan loved the hay and wanted to eat all of it!

"Look Mommy and Daddy...I found one my size."

One of the beautiful pumpkin houses in
 the Cinderella exhibit.

Trying to get her to JUST smile! Little Stinker. 

Cinderella's Carriage

Ahh...The Famous Glass Slipper.

(Kaelyn was most impressed with it)

The King's Palace

Being silly with Mommy while Rylan napped. 

Rylan wasn't quite sitting up yet, but he was most

fascinated with the grass and looked like he might even take off and crawl. 

Fun times with Daddy. 

6 Months Already???

Where have the last 6 months gone? I cannot believe that on Tuesday, October 4th, we celebrated Rylan's 6 month birthday! It seems like yesterday, Robbie and I were holding him for the first time. He is such a joy to our family and loves his big sister so much! Robbie and I can make him laugh easily, but Kaelyn can just look at him and he laughs wholeheartedly. He is in full teething mode now and loves to have something in his hands to gnaw on at all times. Rylan coos and makes all kinds of new sounds now. I even heard a da and ga yesterday. He can almost sit up completely on his own and also eats cereal now. He's still not a huge fan of the cereal though, but I'm almost certain that when he starts eating veggies and fruits (which we got the okay for Thursday at the doctor), he'll change his mind about solid foods.

Rylan's 6 Month Stats

Weight: 18 lbs. 9 oz. (80%; big boy!)

Height: 27 inches long (75%)

Sunday, October 2nd was also a very special day for our family. Rylan was dedicated at church that morning and all of our family and friends were there to support us! We were especially excited that Brice, our cousin, was in the audience for the dedication since he is Rylan's namesake! Rylan was especially precious because as our children's minister was talking about him, he decided to give a huge smile. We even thought he might squeal into the microphone!

Rylan Brice, we pray daily for you and cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you as you continue to grow in your christian walk with Him. We love you so much!

First Days of Preschool and Labor Day Weekend

On September 1st, Robbie, Kaelyn and I went to her Open House to meet her teachers Ms. Jen and Ms. Amy. Kaelyn got to play with the kids in her class and get acclimated to the environment. Then last Thursday, September 8th, Kaelyn started His Kids preschool at Stonebriar Community Church. She was excited that morning and rolled her rolling backpack inside all by herself. We put all of her things away in the bins and then I said goodbye to her and assured her that I'd be back soon to get her. She cried as I left, but I knew she was in excellent hands. (It also made me feel better that there were lots of cries throughout the hallways that morning.) When I picked Kaelyn up, her daily report was excellent. Her mood was happy (she missed mommy though), she ate most of her lunch, and she enjoyed painting and home living most.

Meeting Mrs. Jen at Open House

(Kaelyn served her some orange juice)

Meeting a classmate

She will go each Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Robbie and I are so excited to see what all she is going to learn and how she will grow and mature. Each day she will work along with her classmates in learning centers, attend music class and chapel, and enjoy time at recess. The 2 year olds take longer naps (or quiet time) right after lunch. They end the last 15 minutes of class in play centers. We are so impressed with the school and the staff. I'm excited for Kaelyn and to also have a little bit of one on one time with Rylan too.

This month's classroom units are: "I am growing, I am learning to help, and we have fun with friends." They also learn a bible verse each month along with a shape and color.

First Day of Preschool

(We are definitely not leaving Piglet behind; their teacher

actually asked for them to bring a "lovie" to help with the transition)

Mommy and Kaelyn trudging through the grass with our rolling backpack

So precious! She's such a big girl! 

Over Labor Day weekend, Robbie, the kids and I went to Broken Bow with Pop and KK for a relaxing weekend on the lake. It was nice to relax in the water, do a little skiing, and enjoy time together. Being the oldest of four kids, it's a very rare occasion to be the only Perry kid around for a holiday weekend. I definitely missed my brothers and sister, but enjoyed the time with Mom and Dad and our little family of four. Kaelyn loved skiing and couldn't get enough of it and Rylan loved the swimming.

Swimming with Pop

Mommy swimming with Rylan

Rylan is probably the happiest baby ever and loved the lake! 

Just chillin' in my bumbo

My favorite boys

KK getting love from her grandbabies after a long day in the sun.

Mommy's little skier

(she can't get enough and loves waving to all the other boats)

Here's a few other random shots from around the house lately along with a video of Rylan in his Baby Einstein bouncer which he loves!

Rylan loves to hold his sister's hand

Such hams!

He loves that he can see the whole room from his bouncer. 

Kaelyn can't stand that he's getting the attention of the camera and joins in. 

For the first time, one single headband!

Can you tell these two are from the same mold? I can't get over

how much they look alike. Love my babies. 

Video of our little squealing monster in his bouncy seat.

(Plug your ears)

Worth Every Minute

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!"

1 Chronicles 16:34

From the day I stopped nursing Rylan on Monday, May 2nd, his doctors, speech pathologist, and lactation consultants prepared me for the hard fact that I would probably not be able to get him to nurse again once he outgrew his dysphagia (a fancy name for the suck, swallow, breathing coordination issue). I am so proud to say that last Monday, August 15th, we started weaning Rylan off the SimplyThick and by Wednesday afternoon, he and I began reteaching ourselves how to nurse. By Friday at lunch, he had it down perfectly again! We even nursed in a mother's room at the mall under the hooter hider! From the beginning, I was pretty emotional about not being able to nurse him because it had been so easy with Kaelyn and I longed for the bonding time with Rylan. I write this post with tears of joy and thankfulness to the Lord for allowing me to have this opportunity when it seemed unthinkable. The past three months have been long and tiring at times. The pumping, bottle feeding, and bottle washing consumed much of our days at home. I even learned how to pump and drive (which sounds kind of dangerous now that I don't have to do it anymore, but a mom has to do what is necessary) I can honestly say IT WAS WORTH EVERY MINUTE to get to where we are today! I feel like I gained 3-4 hours back to my daily routine. Rylan is doing so well and I couldn't be a more proud Mommy. Thank you to our friends and family who have prayed over us and have listened to my frustrations!

"Children are a gift from the Lord." Psalm 127:3