20.11.07

riding Teak...

Ryker was asked who he went to visit last weekend. "Teak!" he replied. Funny. I thought we went to visit Grandma Gertsie, Uncle Larry, Aunt Mickie and Cousin Christi. Ryker does love riding Teak though. Gerts' new suite is complete and deluxe. We missed you, Jenna. You're just going to have to come visit us!






16.11.07

who's your daddy?

Ryker: Mom, who is your daddy?
Kristi: Grandpa Steve is my daddy, Ryker.
Ryker: I have two daddies.
Kristi: You have just one daddy but he is a GREAT daddy!
Ryker: No. I have two. ONE, TWO (counting them off). My other daddy races race cars and he has a monster truck with horns on the front...AND he yives on a farm too!
Emerson: (drooling) Googada.

Well, whatever he needs to think to hold his head up...I, for one, am proud of Daddy Ryan, who DOESN'T live on a farm (been there, done that), who works hard for this little family (does not race cars) and drives a nice respectable four door Chevy (or will as soon as his new company rig comes in). Hope you're having a great day, babe!

9.11.07

Ryker: Father in heaven, help Mommy be a good yistener.
Mommy: Amen!

Happy Birthday, Gabriel!








Gabriel turned five. The kids ate "jet" cake at the airport restaurant and picked up their "luggage" in the baggage terminal before touring Bergstrom Aircraft. Loads of fun! Thanks, Gabriel, for the invitation. Note the pic of the kids hand-in-hand. Apparently we don't hold hands with girls. This will change too soon, I know. Someone told Ryker that girls are gross. Ah, but boys loooove gross!

Andrea, it is a good thing that we're not Jones'in with the birthday parties. We'd never be able to outdo yours. We'll need to chat about efficiency before you start your event planning business. I know those adorable suitcase party favors took a while. :-)

6.11.07

Our trip north was short but sweet. Grandma Van's homestead in Mount Vernon is a sweet little place stuck in time...hopefully for a very LONG time! Thanks Aunt Sis, for whipping up a delicious meal after slaving away all day at the piano. I've been told Sis is the most sought after teacher in the area and I'm not doubting it.

Loved getting a hug and a chat from good friends, Donna and Terry, who moved from Kennewick a few years ago to build a beautiful lakeside cabin in MV. I did my student teaching with Donna, who somehow escaped the camera. She is an incredibly dynamic and energetic teacher. They have Starbucks in Pasco as well, you two. Next time we'll treat and won't be late!

BC was grand as always. Ryker yoooooves his "big girl" cousins and Auntie Cathy is okay too. The wig was much more flattering on Cath but I love her new "do" and am happy to see the wig being passed around. She has reason to celebrate with chemo out of the way and just one more week of radiation. A strong woman she is, she is! Ryan reportedly had a good time at the BC Lion's game in Vancouver with my rowdy uncles and cousins. We reached the border on our return to the states to be greeted with a two hour lineup. Lucky us, Mom had been in line for some time and we squeezed in front of her. I wouldn't recommend it and probably won't try it again as the looks we got almost could kill. You can't really get away from the guilt when you're neck and neck with witnesses for an hour or more. We're definitely signing up for Nexus on our next trip!








photography by Ryker

Ryker loved climbling trees, exploring the big red barn and riding his razor on the paved yard at Grandma Van's. However, "Grandma doesn't have very much toys!" he stated a number of times. At one point I decided to show him how to shoot the camera and then view his shots. He was very serious and very careful about this new privilege. I had a few good chuckles, watching him decide what was photo worthy and then getting it centered just so. And then his delight at being able to view! I think he might have some real talent. Or maybe not. (last photo by Donna)









5.11.07

trick-or-treat, smell my feet...









Watching the trick-or-treaters devour their candy after making the rounds, made me glad I didn't have to go to school and teach the next day. Our neighbor, Tim, plans all year round for Halloween. This year his daughter, Chelsea, pretended to be a statue until the kids approached the door. Ryker learned his lesson well the last couple of years. He followed a safe distance behind while his "friends" marched ahead. :-) Emerson really is in that parrot costume somewhere. Aren't we cute, my friend Luca and I? Cousin Rex picked the best costume of all. Better luck next year, Cougs! Thanks all, for joining us for caramel apples, cider and fun.

harvest party







Mussers throw a fabulous annual Harvest Party in their hanger. Thanks Scott and Teresa! Ryker won best costume, thanks to Grandma Marlene's excellent sewing and design. Emerson would have won as well, but was a little under the weather and didn't get dressed for the costume parade. However, the parrot Marlene designed is nearly as cute as the sweet little thing in it! Was good to see Jen Jailbird Rathbun and kids again. Why does Moses Lake seem worlds away?

Thanks Grandma Marlene!



"Rumples"




After weeks of insistence on the part of Ryker, I begged the Rumble family to let us impose once again. "Karen wants to see me." he says. Karen sat for Ryker while I was teaching and the family has left an impression. The Rumble farm may well be Ryker's favorite place on earth. Thanks guys!