Baby Steps Christmas Party

We went to a Christmas party last weekend at Shelly, Chris, and Lucy's house. Ryan and Lucy have been friends since Ryan was 5 weeks old. They are in a playgroup together with four other kiddos. It has been so fun to watch the kids grow from being wee little babies to the adorable toddlers that they are now!




Here's a picture of the whole gang:

Ryan the Red-Nosed Reindeer

We went to Breakfast with Mrs. Claus at Garden Supply Company in Cary this morning with a bunch of Ryan's friends. Ryan had a fun time listening to a story, eating muffins, and playing with her friends. They also had face painting and pony rides. Ryan wasn't so sure about the pony ride, but was all for the face painting! She sat perfectly still while the face painter did her thing! After a little coaxing, Ryan finally tried the pony ride! She rode around for about 30 seconds and then asked to get off. She is such a trooper! We are having such a fun time with Ryan at this time of year!

The Little Drummer Girl

Ryan has a new obsession with marching bands ever since seeing so many at the Raleigh Christmas Parade. She is just fascinated by them! We got this little drum for her and she put it on immediately and started marching around the house. She constantly cracks us up!

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!

I have not written since this time last year...I actually forgot that I had even set up this blog! Just goes to show how quickly times flies around here! This time last year Ryan really had no interest in Christmas and had no idea who Santa was! However, this year things are very different! She's been talking about Santa for the past few weeks and got to see him both last night and this morning. Last night we went to the annual tree lighting in downtown Apex. Ryan saw Santa and he gave her a candy cane, which she kept calling a lollipop. Then this morning, we ventured out in the cold weather for pictures with Santa at the Apex Fire Station. We did the same thing last year, but this year it seemed like we stood in line for a whole lot longer. Or perhaps it was easier last year since Ryan wasn't walking or talking! We waiting in line for two hours to get her picture taken. I was starting to panic that she was going to scream, but she did great! No smiles, but no tears either! I think it helped that I promised her a lollipop if she would sit with Santa :)

Ryan told Santa that she wants a garbage truck for Christmas. I sure hope he brings it for her because she has been such a good girl! Matt and I are so looking forward to celebrating Ryan's second Christmas in New York with her grandparents!