Good-bye, Variety

On Saturday, Ryan and I took a stroller ride downtown to visit the library. I had also been enticed by the big "Going Out of Business" signs and ads I'd seen for the Variety store and, always on the lookout for a bargain, thought I should check it out. Me and 27 other people. I was disappointed the big sales was just 20% off and when Easter M&M's are $3.99 a week after the holiday, that isn't enough for me to go crazy.  I tend to have a few "staple" purchases by which I judge an entire store's pricing policy and holiday M&M's are one of them. 

 Although it was a tight squeeze with the stroller, I did end up with one purchase just because I know I want one of these for Abbie's pool this summer and I do not want to spend 45 minutes driving and equal time searching Walmart for it later on.

I do feel kind of bad that the store is going out of business as I was not a good local shopper and did not frequent it often. In the 5 years I've lived here, I'm not sure I've ever bought more than a greeting card (2 for $1, so you pretty much can't beat that for graduation cards and other cards that no one actually reads).

Buddy in the Mirror

Tears

Family Afternoon

Since Adam had a meeting after school, I left work early to bring Ryan to his appointment. When I went to pick him up from daycare, the director stopped me and questioned who I was. We had never met, since Adam always does drop-off and pick-up! I was glad they stopped me, though, because they don't let just anyone come in and walk off with a kid :). It was fun seeing Ryan's huge grin when I walked in his room and I liked meeting the teachers and seeing where he spends 3 days a week.

After his appointments and Adam's meetings we took advantage of the weather and went for a stroller ride/dog walk. Since Ryan's doing such a good job sitting up, we thought he might enjoy the front of the stroller instead of riding in the car seat facing backwards. I imagined he would like to see the sky, the sun, the new green grass, the boys playing baseball in the park, the dogs walking by...

Turns out he was a little more interested in viewing the inside of his eyelids.

Afterwards, we grilled and played with Ryan. He sure loves playing with his daddy! I really enjoyed getting to spend some quality family time this afternoon and it makes me excited for weekends this Spring and Summer!

6 Month Checkup

Guess who got a sticker?

Buddy Boy had his 6 month checkup today and did great through the exam, even smiling and giggling instead of crying. He destroyed the paper liner on the table by moving his feet, grabbing it with his hands and trying to eat it, but was otherwise a great patient! Then we headed over for 1 oral vaccine and 3 shots at Community Health. The nurse commented on what an ample target his thighs made, haha. He cried a little of course but calmed down quickly and got a shiny sticker!

6 month stats: 19 lbs. (75th percentile); 26.5" (just under 50th percentile); 2 teeth (bottom)

Here's proof:

(Double click to see a larger version of the picture, and his teeth.)

Easter Afternoon and Evening

We enjoyed a delicious Easter dinner, a stroll around the block, and a nice nap followed by a few more pictures.

 

Then, we headed back over to my parents to visit with my grandpa, parents, and Abbie & Wade. Of course this was followed by more food and then we finally went back home to give Buddy a bath and get him in bed. It was a fun-filled weekend but now it seems like we could use a few days to recover!

Easter Service

Ryan did a great job during church, sleeping through all the singing and then waking up to listen intently to Grandpa's sermon. It was a wonderful service with a packed house, beautiful flowers, uplifting music, and an important message. We love going to Grandpa's church!

All the kids received balloons after the service and Ryan enjoyed batting his around, trying to eat it, and pulling on the ribbon to watch it bounce. He got lots of comments about how big he's gotten and charmed a few more members of the congregation. I think he could do that without trying too hard!