Happy Birthday Ryan

Ryan - Through the Years

Cute and happy baby!  Ryan was ALWAYS happy!

My snuggler...

 Always mutual love between Matt and Ryan

 Can't believe this was ten years ago!!

Lots of love between these two brothers too!

Ryan still loves to shoot.

Love this semi-serious shot of Ryan.

Celebrating the day with gifts and cake!

Big thanks to Matt who drove all the way from Baltimore to be part of Ryan's celebration.

 Indy wanted to be part of the celebration and asked for a ribbon.

While at dinner at Guapos, the white owl made another appearance.  (inside story)

Happy Birthday to the young man who lights up this family with his mischief and humor.  I am thankful to God for giving me one last baby oh those many years ago.  I am thankful that Ryan is part of this family - he has more caring and compassion than almost anyone I know.  He is faithful - if he loves you, it's for life.  He is generous with what he has - spontaneously blessing Hannah with money, or giving things away to others.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for his future - I believe it is something VERY special and unique.  I know for a fact that even Ryan isn't aware yet of the gifts that God has given him that I, as his mom, can see.  I know they will be revealed in time and grow to bear much fruit.  

Love you Ryan!!

My Baby is Turning Fifteen Tomorrow!!!

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  

I must remember, he will always be my precious baby whom I love more than life itself and nothing can ever change that.  Even growing up.

The rest of Arizona

Here are the rest of the shots from Arizona.

We had some of Jacob's friends over for some food one afternoon.

Driving around Prescott on a sunny day

The beautiful Willow Lake right across the street from Jacob's campus.  You would NEVER think this was Arizona!

Climbed to the top of some rocks there by the lake

Rugged.  Handsome.  Intense....

One of my absolutely all time favorite pictures of this beautiful girl.

Handsome hubby

Jacob's flight during parade

My beautiful girl

This girl is beautiful both inside and out, and I couldn't be more proud of her.  She is compassionate, kind, funny, generous, and caring about all those whom she loves.  If she loves you, she is faithful to you, and you have a friend and blessing for life.  If you truly take the time to get to know her, you will be entranced by the magic of her personality.  She sparkles.  She bubbles over with joy and sunshine and life.  She makes everything fun, she makes everyone feel loved.  

I am blown away that I get to be her mom.

Missing Indy!!

We REALLY REALLY miss this little guy...

Celebrating Jacob's AFROTC achievements

Tonight we went out to dinner to celebrate all of Jacob's achievements this year in Air Force ROTC - what a year he had!  First semester he made it through Arnold Air Force Society training and initiation,  and also earned the highest in-college scholarship available. Second semester he earned the prestigious honor of being the only freshman selected to be Wing Commander for a week, and he is rated number one in his flight.  This week he was offered a chance to lead Arnold Air Force next semester if he will accept it.    

As we said at dinner, I don't think he could possibly have had a more successful year at Embry Riddle as an ROTC cadet.  We are very proud and excited for his career as an Air Force officer!

Desert Adventure

Over the weekend Danny and the boys rode out to a spot in the desert that Jacob knew of where they could shoot their guns.  

At one point they literally got stuck in the sand and the boys had to push the pilot out.

Jacob setting up targets

One word:  INTIMIDATING

 Beautiful blue skies, open fields and mountains.

Never knew that I would think the desert was so absolutely beautiful.

Waaaaaay back there you can see Ryan coming along the sandy trail.