Ry's 9 months pics & RODEO HOUSTON

Ryker turned 9 months old on March 10th. He is totally into everything still, and he's growing up so fast. Lots of jabbering still with an occasional Dada and other sounds. Laughs a lot. He does great at boot camp. All the other moms talk about how good he is...always smiling and laughing. I can't believe that I am already looking into planning his first birthday party. CRAZY! I am enjoying being home with him so much, and he really loves Nick and I. You can just feel it. I am definitely cut out to be a mother and a stay-at-home momma at that. <3 Here's a few pictures of our big boy:

WOWZERS. Rodeo time came so fast this year. It seems like Nick and I just went last year. This year, I have to say, was a little more enjoyable since I was able to partake in adult beverages. :) We ended up going to Reliant three times this rodeo season. FYI...this rodeo kicks SA's rodeo's butt. Really. Like 5xs. It's so much better and much more organized.

The first trip was a double date with some old SA pals, Claudia and Roger, to see the rodeo and Chris Young. Nick got the tickets from a vendor at work. We were sitting very close to the chutes, and dirt even got thrown on the people next to us. It was wild. Then the next week I headed out there for an evening of fun with Valerie to see Miranda Lambert. WE LOVED HER! I had a REALLY good time!I am now officially obsessed with her and The Pistol Annies (her three woman band). Seriously. It's bad. That day we were supposed to take Ryker out to the grounds, but it was way TOO crowded. Probably because of Spring Break.

We ended up taking Ryker out there on St. Patrick's day for the first time. We were there at 10 am when the grounds opened, and let me tell you. THAT IS THE WAY TO DO IT. No lines. No crowds. It was so nice! He did look at all the stuff out there, and he seemed to enjoy it. He just wasn't as into it as a I thought and hoped he'd be. I bet next year will be even more fun. :) I can't wait!

Enjoy the pics from our various rodeo trips:

Ryker was helping Nick and Papaw put together a new end table. :)

Ready to RODEO!



Brenda and Brock's Wedding

My dear friend Brenda recently got married to her now husband, Brock, at the Berkshire Plantation in Conroe. Nick and I decided to attend Ryker-less so we could spend some alone time together. We booked a hotel room so we wouldn't have to drive back to Katy that night either. Hey...it was an open bar event. :)

Auntie Val came in that Saturday morning so she could watch Ry that night. It was both Ryker and Val's first over-nighter as a duo. THEY DID GREAT by the way! Nick and I arrived at the plantation just a couple minutes before the wedding started. It took a little longer to get there than we thought, and we had to go by the hotel to check-in change before we headed over to the venue.

It was beautiful...the wedding and the place. I don't know what it is about weddings, but they still make me teary-eyed every time. <3 Brenda and Brock are totally meant to be, and they looked so in love that night.

Nick and I started with a couple drinks after the ceremony and then dinner was served. After dinner the dancing began. It was so fun! I had a wonderful time dancing with Nick to country tunes and with the girls to hip-hop stuff. The margaritas sure went down smooth! :) After seeing the couple off, Nick and I headed back to the hotel. Our original plan was to hang with the bride & groom and their friends in one of the groomsmen's rooms, but I changed my mind once we got back to the room. I was ready for bed.
THANKS for inviting us Brenda and Brock! We can't wait to hang with the Johnsons again soon!



SA visit to see Maya :)

Last month I was able to spend some unexpected time with Maya in San Antonio. She came back home to visit her mom for the week so Ryker and I headed there to see her and Barbara. We came in on Monday afternoon, and we decided to get together on Tuesday.

Tuesday morning Ryker and I headed to Barb's house to meet up with Maya. I was so glad that I got a chance to see Barbara...I hadn't seen her since a quick meal at Bill Miller's in November. If I hadn't known that she was fighting cancer, I wouldn't have even known. She looked, and definitely acted, just like herself. Spunky. Cool. Funny. And of course, talkative. :) Jaylyn also was able to make it over there to hang out, and we all had some lunch and hung out at the house for a bit. Then us girls and Ry did a few errands. Ryker and I headed back to my parents' house after that for naptime. That evening I took Maya to dinner at Chacho's and Chalucci's. We had a nice visit, and then hung out again at Barb's house for awhile. It reminded me of old times.

Wednesday evening Jaylyn had us over for dinner and cupcake baking. Again...like old times! I had such a good time with those girls. :) Here's some of the silly pics we took:


Here's Ryker's first time eating a beater. My mom gave it to him while she was making a cake.

GIRL NIGHT

 

Thursday my mom, Ry, and I met Barbara and Maya at Bill Miller's (Notice a theme?) for lunch before we had to come back to Katy. I was so glad that we were able to spend some more time together. The four of us could talk someone's ear off for sure!

Maya and I got to hang out more that trip than we have in a VERY long time. Both of us were kidless most of the time, and the time flew by super quickly. I am so very greatful that she is still one of my best friends today. Please join me in continuing to pray for Maya and Barbara every day. They both still need our prayers as much as ever.