Ryder's Baptism and Memorial Day Weekend

Sweet baby Ryder was baptized on May 22, 2011.  A few pictures from the wonderful event are below.

Ryder's Godparents- "Skuzin" Ashlee & Uncle Brian

 

Ryder's GREAT grandparents- Pawpaw & Granny

Lots of love from Jeff and Lindsey

We had a great Memorial Day weekend.  A HUGE thank you to our military for all that they do to keep us safe and protect our freedom.  Ryder had a few special visitors over the weekend... Caroline and Tommy Poole and Karin Grindstad.  Below are a few pictures.  Ryder also spent Saturday night with Nonnie and Pappy while Eric and I went to the James Taylor concert at Chastain Park with Caroline and Tommy.  GREAT concert!  We also went to visit baby Hudson Glaze on Sunday.  As you can tell, we made the most of our holiday weekend!

Getting sugar from Caroline!

Loving his Karin!

Action Shot

We had an amazing weekend filled with LOVE and BLESSINGS!  Eric and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on Friday.  We enjoyed a great steak dinner with a bottle of wine saved from our wedding (yum! 2002 cab) in our courtyard.  Sunday was Ryder's Baptism at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church with a reception at Eric's parents' house.  In the rush to leave the house, we forgot our camera. :(  Both sets of grandparents got a lot of great pictures, so postings will happen in waves on Ryder's shutterfly site.  Here's a quick video from last night.  I do not post video often (nor do I video the poor child enough), so here is a quick glance at our happy baby from last night.

Playtime

Another overdue post.  This is a quick mostly picture and shout-out post...  Happy Anniversary to Dennis and Michelle!  They celebrate 36 years marriage today.  A Happy (belated) Anniversary to my parents who celebrated 35 years of marriage on 5/8.  Eric and I have a lot of love surrounding us!  Two belated Happy Birthdays... Heidi (5/12) and Elaine (5/14).  We also had playgroup at our house last week.  Here are a couple pictures from playgroup:

Ryder and his girlfriend, Addie

Lydia looks at the little ones

The veteran playgroup member- Lydia will be walking soon!

 With football season just around the corner (ok, not really, but we have fun with our rivalry year round), the team influence has already started in our house.  I even let Eric dress Ryder for daycare today, and Ryder comes out decked in Gator gear.  I missed the picture opportunity before they left.

"that gator is so silly looking... I love bulldogs"

 

House Divided- off to daycare yesterday

Upcoming exciting events... Ryder will be baptized this Sunday at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church.  We are excited to recognize his Godparents, Ashlee (my cousin) and Brian (Eric's brother).  Eric and I celebrate 5 wonderful years of marriage tomorrow.  It is hard to believe that 5 years have passed so quickly.  Eric is the most amazing husband, father and best friend.  I love him to pieces!  We stick to the traditional gift giving guide for anniversary gifts... 5 years is wood!  Rocking chairs from Cracker Barrel was Eric's idea!  Kudos to him.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy belated CINCO DE MAYO!!!

While Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday (thank you, Allie, for hosting such a great party) it was overshadowed this year by my first Mother's Day.  Mother's Day has always been a special holiday, but it took on a whole new meaning as I held my own son this year.  I love Ryder so much, and I now better understand the overwhelming love my parents feel for me and my brothers.  Mother's day started with breakfast outside in our courtyard (cuddos to Eric for the romantic setting).  We went to Eric's parents' house for lunch, a walk and just chatting/playing with Ryder.  We then went to my parents' house for dinner with our entire family (Granny, Pawpaw, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc).  While Ryder was over it by the end of the day, I sat in the car on the way home so thankful for being so close to my loved ones and for all of their love.  I hope to be as good as a mother as those in my life set the example to be.  Thank you Mom, Granny, Michelle and Claudia... I love you, my dear moms!!  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the Moms in my life... and Happy Mother's Day-to-Be to those expecting a baby soon!!

Ryder and Grandpa Larson

Ryder and Nonnie

Ryder loves his cousin Kris!

 

Good Morning!  Ryder is 19 weeks old today!