Daddy's Little Helper

We pulled a couple bushes in our front yard and have been unable to grow grass, so we decided it was time to give up and sod the area. In order to do that we had to dig out what was there and leave in level and 3" low. So, Ricky spent his one night off shoveling and hauling with Ryder and I. I took a quick break to take a video of the action. Ryder is a super helper and the best way to get stuff done in my house is to include him and let him "help". He is a cute video of Ricky and Ryder shoveling.

K-State Family Reunion Weekend

Football has started which means we have fun visitors here in Kansas. The first game (I know I am a slacker for only posting it now)...anyways, the first game we hosted Ricky's dad and step-mom, his sister and her husband and their 4 kids. It was a packed house. We had a great time and Ricky brought us home a victory!! Go Cats!!

Unfortunately, we do not have pictures from the game...just from playing in the sprinkler in the front yard...and enjoying a picnic style lunch.

Granny and Pup Pup's House

August is a super busy month for Ricky, so Ryder and I took a long weekend and went and visited my folks. I broke it up into 4 separate posts, way to many pictures to put in one. We had a wonderful time...Ryder played his little heart out (Granny and Pup Pup were prepared with lots of toys and activities...although, all Ryder needs these days is a ball!). I got some much needed relaxation time (and some shopping!). Thanks Granny and Pup Pup for a great visit!!

Ryder and Pup pup reading the paper out on the deck, enjoying their morning coffee/sippy.



Ryder eating pancakes...he had 7! and we wonder why he likes Pup pup so much??


Ryder picked flowers one morning, he gave mommy a black-eyes-susan and granny got a red rose. Fancy!



Playing in the little swimming pool with Granny. It had aliens and a gun to shoot them.


Ryder was not able to figure out the gun...but Granny seemed to like it.


Naked baby playing in his first little tent. He loved the tent, took some toys in and a pillow and made it his own little place.

Pittsburgh Children's Museum

So, we went to this awesome children's museum in Pittsburgh but...my mom's camera died and I left mine in the car. So, you don't really get to see it...bummer. Ryder really enjoyed it, although it was hard getting him to move from one exhibit to the next. It was also hard to convince him to leave the balls and sand (anything) where he got it. He may do better when he is a bit older. Enjoy the couple, not so great, pictures we have.

The swing out side of Mr. Roger's neighborhood.


In a castle, learning his alphabet


Looking through the glass and peeking at mommy.

Soergel's Orchards

I have been to Soergel's orchards many times, but never with a kid. There is a whole world of children's stuff there from animals to a tiny village, a place to mine gold and jewels, a bee hive and anything and everything you can make from wood (boats, trains, tractors). It was little boy heaven, so fun we went there twice. The Soergel's are a family friend and even treated Ryder to some homemade mint ice cream. Ryder would not stop playing long enough to eat it, but Pup pup enjoyed.

Ryder made his way to the horses first. I was a little nervous...so was Ryder.
Getting on Duke, Ryder's first horse ride.


Getting the hang of it. I have calmed down, Ryder is still not too sure about this thing...it's bigger than the Yogi he use to ride.



OK, Ryder likes it. Waving to Granny and Pup Pup.

Ryder loved the wooden train. He made his way from the Caboose...


Through the different cars of the train...


Stopped to pop up and say hello to granny...


Finally, to the engine. It took us forever to get him to leave the engine.



Next, he made his way through the little town of houses. I loved this picture of the jail, but there was also a hotel, doctors office, house, all kinds of structures. There wasn't much to do inside, but the kids loved them because they were all by themselves in there. Not even little granny could fit through these little doors(haha, just kidding mom).


On the big wooden boat with Granny. Ryder is saluting.


Last thing we visited the barn. Ryder rally loves goats. he would not give his food to any other animal, but kept going back to the goats.




The bee-hive.

Blueberry Park

Our last night in Pittsburgh, we went over to Blueberry Park. I fun kids park with tons of baseball fields right by my mom's school. Ryder enjoyed the swing and slides, but loved the huge sandbox that was stocked with trucks! It is official, the Rahne's will be getting a sandbox.

Sliding down face first...his favorite.



I use to always do this as a kid...lean as far back as I could and watch everything come and go upside down and backwards!



I did not take a picture of the whole sandbox, I wish I would have. This is our little corner.