Gibson Gossip

4 MORE DAYS!!!

2012-02-12T15:53:00.001-08:00

Nap time with Daddy

2012-02-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

One day while we were visiting my Mom and Dad, Riley desperately needed a nap. Dan apparently needed one too, for he offered to put her down and just lay with her till she fell asleep....mmmhmmm....A half an hour later, this is what I found. One very loud snoring Daddy, and one little girl fast asleep trying to drown out the noise!

Seattle Museum of Flight

2012-02-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

While we were in town to visit my family for Christmas we made a trip up to SeaTac area to visit the Museum of Flight. Ohhhh, why had we not gone before??? This may end up being an annual trip now, it was so much fun! AND...So much to see! A tour through the Concord (which me and my preggo belly BARELY made it through the aisle was so small!), tour through an old Air Force One, climbing into fighter plane cockpits, virtual rides through turbulence ( I've already had my fair share, so I stayed out of that one), the list goes on and on! Every single one of us had a great time. There are still parts we didn't even get to, but we'll save that for another trip! AND...if you happen to go, and your about 7 months pregnant? Don't worry---they have wheelchairs on loan for FREE! First come, First served...THAT was the best decision I made all day :) And a BIG "shout out" THANK YOU to my super giving nephews ZAC and THOMAS for being so willing and helpful to push your Auntie Emmy around---you boys warm my heart!

Belated Christmas Pics

2012-02-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

What a good time Evans Family Fun Christmas we had! Never a dull moment! Redneck breifcases, the never ending billboard christmas lights at the park, trips to the ER, Catan, crazy cousins, and a special visit with good friends, all equal a super wonderful fabulous Christmas!

Ever experience any of these???

2012-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Dan and I have to laugh because Riley has been sneaking in the middle of the night lately and coming into our bed. We are both so sleepy, we lack the energy at that time of night to get up and put her back in her bed, so in the middle she squeezes. And our nighttime adventures insue. A friend posted this on facebook and I literally had tears streaming down my face from laughter! Dan and I can honestly say we have experienced just about all of these positions!
Enjoy dear family and friends, may you gain as much laughter from our plight as we have, Enjoy...

Stock Show Batch #3

2012-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures from the Stock Show. I can't tell you how much fun we have! Riley really liked riding the pony. A few days later one morning she asked Dan for a horsie, but I'll save that story for another post.
We got to see a lot of animals, watch some calf roping and barrel racing (my favorite!) AND for those of you who are freaked out by germs and animals....ANGELA....I have included a picture of the MANY hand washing stations throughout the stock show. Notice how Riley is USING it...this one is for you!

Stock Show Batch #2

2012-01-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from my regular camera. Apparently I need to clean the lens?! I have a bunch more that I took with my phone, so those will be coming next. I think the amount of pictures I took with my regular camera directly shows how much I hate it and need a new one! So the hunt begins. If you have any ideas or ones you like, be sure to let us know!

In the meantime enjoy these of Riley and I at the rodeo, some bull riders, Riley trying to figure out how to drive this tractor back to the farm, and proud Daddy ecstatic that his little girl knows about tractors...pink boots and all!

National Western Stock Show :)

2012-01-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of us taken at one of the booths at the NWSS. An annual visit for our family. I have many more pictures from my phone and my camera to share with all of you, but laundry and the kitchen floor need to be tended to first...along with the rest of the house. Apparently we're having a baby soon?? Anyway, here's a taste and I will get more up soon. Love you all! Em

Stationery card

2011-12-29T10:07:00.001-08:00

Bright New Beginnings New Year's Card

To view our most popular holiday card designs, click here.

View the entire collection of cards.

Riley, the Christmas Sheep

2011-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

A mark of parenthood happened last Sunday. My baby was old enough to be in the church Christmas pageant. Granted it wasn't a speaking part, but still...I remember being an angel a few times, and when I was in high school I got to play Mary (a coveted role I might add) in our church play. So for me, having my baby making her first debut as a sheep in the stable where Jesus was born? Priceless.

Being as Riley just turned 3 and never been on stage before, we weren't sure how she would take being in front of all those people. But, she did wonderful!(hmmm...now whose DNA could this be from??) Everyone got a kick as she looked to the audience and found Dan and I and started waving wildly and saying "hi Momma!" "hi Daddy!" During the play there were a few songs, and watching her try and remember the words and sing was pretty cute. She was doing her best to be like the big kids.

My baby is growing up...and I couldn't be more proud *tear*

More Party

2011-11-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

A proud Mommy and Daddy, and Daddy rockin the Disney Princess look.

PARTY TIME!

2011-11-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

The banner, the cake, and the birthday girl

our guests :)

presents!!!!

OK, so her "actual" birthday isn't until Monday, but today we had our family party---and we were so blessed! More family was able to come, the weather was suitable, and we actually fit everyone in our little house! Despite the outlook Friday morning, Riley's pink dinosaur birthday cake turned out quite nice! The food was delicious (thanks everyone for contributing!) and everyone seemed to have a good time. Riley had sooooo many presents! The comments she made and her 0000's and ahhhh's over them are quite priceless! She's such a little nutball :) Thank you everyone for a lovely day and loving our little girl so much. You make us happy!

halloween fun

2011-10-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

This year I got to be a Pink Triceratops--ROAR!!! Did I scare you???
I got to go to our church's Trunk or Treat, made some stops at friends houses and then we ended the night at Grandma Pam and Russ' house.
I got a lot of candy!!! Mom and dad even got some candy too! Mom says "it's for the baby"...I think she just says that so she can have two helpings :) I hope you had as fun a night as I did! Love, Riley Joanne

Happy Halloween Everyone!

2011-10-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Reason #57: Why I will NEVER have a cooking show

2011-10-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make a nice dinner for my family. I thought I would try a new recipe. Or 3. I also thought I had turned on the back burner. I had not. Thankfully, Dan saw what was happening and grabbed it before the whole thing caught on fire. (who says a husband can't be handy sometimes?)

Yes, this is a picture of my trash. Do you notice all the uncooked rice? That would be my next fiasco...knocking over the "just been opened" box of instant rice. We now have 1/4 box left. *sigh*

This, however, is a picture of my final products. Despite all the craziness, they turned out rather nicely! The fried rice, teriyaki (or yucki sauce as Riley calls it--she can't quite seem to get the TERI part to come out) and the honey butter were all SUPER SUPER DE-LISH!!!
Now that I have hopefully worked out the kinks, I may make them again! Or maybe even try another new recipe....I may wait till the smoke clears a little though....

halloween delight

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

The other day Riley wanted to make some cookies for Grandma Pam and Papa Russ. I was at the store, and saw some already made cookies with frosting and decorations included...super! I thought...Less mess and less cookies to have around the house!
We brought them home, and got set to decorate :) Riley really enjoyed spreading (and eating) the frosting. She put all the decorations on herself! Okay, so I helped a little with the sprinkles :) All in all the cookies turned out great and Riley had a lot of fun. A special note though...the cookies LOOKED pretty, but tasted AWFUL!!! Next time I think I'll just make a batch and give them ALL away! Ohhh, and more importantly, Grandma Pam and Papa Russ thought they were absolutely delightful!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL!!

2011-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

For Dan's birthday we decided to take him to the Wings over the Rockies Museum of Air and Space. There were some really cool airplanes there. You'll see Riley and I in front of a Piper Cub, and the little airplane in the middle with Dan and Riley? I took that picture on purpose to give you scale--that airplane will actually seat 4 people! Amazing what airplanes can do these days. The museum is located in an old hangar from the remnants of the Lowry Airforce Base. So you'll also see some military planes including Riley casually leaning against a AIM 4 missile (if she only knew what it was!!!), the big long black guy in the photo is a B-1 Lancer capable of Mach 2+, bi-planes and so much more. President Eisenhower used the Lowry Air force Base as his "Summer White House" because his wife Mamie had family here, and he could hunt and fish to his heart's content. We all had a great time learning more about airplanes and the history of Lowry Field.

We worked up quite an appetite so we met Pam and Russ for dinner at IHOP. Nothing like breakfast for dinner--so yummy! From the look on Dan's face that day, I'd say he had a most fun birthday :) Happy Birthday Dan--we love you!

Summer projects

2011-06-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

This last holiday weekend I think officially started summer. Hard to beleive! We've got a few summer projects started, and some yet to come (flowers anyone? yeah...I haven't planted any yet...maybe next weekend!). The main project being a fence for our yard. With farm tractors and trucks coming through and a crazy two year old, we figured a fence would be a darn good idea! There's been some controversy over materials, placement and such, but most have been worked out. Hooray! And, last weekend Dan made some good headway on getting each of the fenceposts in the ground. I helped a little too, I have the sunburn to prove it! I think it looks great and Riley is enjoying the wider area to play in. Dan also got her little house put together as well. I bought it at a garage sale when she was just 6 months old. It is so heartwarming to watch her play in it and see what great joy it brings her. Best $20 ever spent! Maybe now we should look into a pool...hmmm...we'll keep you aprised...

Photo Book

2011-05-18T21:47:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

The Tale Of The Missing Cupcake

2011-05-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a fun little family who lived in Colorado. There was a Mommy, a Daddy, and a sweet little girl named Riley. One day while running errands together Mommy scheduled a much needed pit stop to Gigi's Cupcakes. Gigi's Cupcakes was Mommy's and Riley's FAVORITE place. They had the MOST deeee-licious and beautiful cupcakes. They were almost too beautiful to eat! Almost.
Mommy and Riley picked out some yummy cupcakes. Mommy then handed the cashier her "frequent cupcake lover" card. To Mommy and Riley's amazement they had enough for a FREE CUPCAKE! Ohhhh how wonderful! Mommy and Riley quickly decided on the strawberry cupcake. They paid the nice lady and went on with Daddy to finish their errands.
When they got home Mommy put the cupcakes on top of the oven so she could put the other things away from their errands. Suddenly Riley neither seen nor heard. Daddy couldn't find her. Mommy couldn't find her. Then Daddy noticed a box missing from the top of the oven. Mommy grabbed her camera. Mommy and Daddy opened the bathroom door. Mommy snapped a picture. Or as she calls it--evidence. There stood Riley, ready to dive into that frosting mounted strawberry cupcake. Riley was quite surprised, she didn't think Mommy and Daddy would notice. But, when it comes to Gigi's Cupcakes...Mommy always notices. Daddy and Mommy scolded Riley and told her she needed to put the cupcake away. Weeelll, she could have ONE bite Mommy decided...and then Mommy could have one bite too...AND THEN they would put it away. Daddy just shook his head, smiled and walked away.

THE END

Fun In the "hot" tub

2011-05-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do is to have my friend Heather's daughter's Samantha and Rachel (their new baby sister Rhiannon is too little yet) over for a slumber party. We laugh, they prance around in my high heeled shoes, watch movies, and eat fun snacks. One night they wanted to go hot tubbing. We don't have a hot tub...soooo, I filled up the tub with warm waterand put on their suits. They had the greatest time!!! If you would like to come and join them next time be sure to call ahead as there is a capacity limit! :)

Days with Daddy

2011-03-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

From trips to the Bass Pro Shop, yummy breakfast treats, and playing at the park...days with Daddy are pretty cool.

I pretty Momma!

2011-03-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

yeah....those aren't bruises on her face. I left my make-up bag within arms reach of a certain 2yr old. Next thing we knew, Riley was coming up to us saying 'Look Momma!! I put my make-up on!" "I Pretty!" Now who can argue with that? We may need to work on her skills a bit though....But not until she is at least 13.

resourcefulness

2011-03-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

It was a very bright and sunny day in Colorado.
I was on my way home from work and my eyes were hurting from the bright sun.
Unfortunately, I did NOT have my sunglasses with me.
All I could find were a pair of Riley's.
Nice, huh?
C'Mon, you know you wish you had a pair like this!!!

happy heart day!

2011-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

On Valentine's Day we had a special lunch with Samantha and Rachel Rupple. Complete with heart sandwiches(pb&j), "orange" you glad I love you! oranges, and Kiss Me pink juice (cranberry sprite). We had such a fun day together! Later we colored on some paper and made some valentine's for our families. Hope you had as much fun as we did! XOXO, the Gibson Fam

our lioness

2011-02-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

I just thought she looked cute and had to share it with you :) Just call me a proud momma.

a quiet afternoon

2011-02-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

This is a case where pictures speak a thousand words...

Forget food...let's DANCE!!!

2011-01-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

*warning* watching this video will cause impromtu laughter, smiling, and massive amounts of good cheer...

ohhh yeahhhhh...

2011-01-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

A tale of apple proportions

I love apple pie.

It is the BEST pie my mom makes.

She gave me the recipe.

I made it all by myself.

AND it was delicious!

The End.

Dinner is Served!

2011-01-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Chicken Fried Steak AND Gravy. And yes, they were BOTH from scratch. I am pretty doggone proud of myself. I have never really been much of a cook, and to be able to cook one of Dan's FAVORITE meals...well, let's just say I was a bit intimidated. As he watched from the living room, I think he was a little skeptical too. However, I didn't burn the house down (there was a little smoke)and Dan gave me a 7 out of 10. Then he thought about it a bit and said "nah, I think I'll give you an 8 considering the tools you have to work with!" If you haven't seen our oven/stove...take a look at some of the older photos and I am sure the color will give it's age away! But she (our oven) is still kicking and so we'll keep using her until she dies. We had a pretty good dinner tonight. Maybe sometime you could come and join us?

Maybe then I'll try mashed potatoes. Yes, I know. Hi, My name is Emily Gibson. I am 3? years old and I have never made mashed potatoes from scratch.

Just luv me.

Cooking with Emmy--

2011-01-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my sister got me the "Pioneer Woman Cooks" By Ree Drummond. I have never met her, but I think we would be friends if we lived in the same rural area. She too came from city life and married into rural country life. She lives on a ranch and I on a farm...She wrote this cookbook to help others everywhere learn to cook some "cowboy" worthy meals. Dan isn't so much a "cowboy" as he is a "farm boy" but I think it is a pretty safe assumption that while they do very different work, their appetites are much the same!
So in honor of my New Year's goal to be a better housewife I thought I would try some of her recipe's. What I should do is set a goal to make Dan each of the recipe's in her book(hmmm, we may have to revisit that thought). But for now I thought I would show you my first recipe. Chicken Pot Pie. I like to just call it SUPER DE-LISH. Thank you Pioneer Woman!! :)
Riley helped and Dan gave the thumbs up and said I should be very proud of myself, for it was really good!

I think he's right, because between only 2 adults and a pint size 2yr old, this is all that's left!

Maybe chicken fried steak tomorrow??? We'll see...

Hudson Holiday

2011-01-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

No, not our Hudson...Down south of Denver there is a garden/event center that puts on a light show. Think zoo lights without the animals! Here is part of their light show.

more Hudson Holiday

2011-01-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

There was a huge model train set, Gingerbread Village, and beautiful lights draping the trees, and teepee's with holigrams!

More photo ops before we took our carriage ride around the park, with our horse Rosco :)

we just had such a fun time!

hudson holiday

2011-01-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Photo Ops before we begin...

visit from Gramma and Papa Evans

2011-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad came to visit for a couple weeks over christmas. It has been so nice to have them. We have worked on many projects including vacuuming...Riley DOES NOT like the vacuum. However, when Gramma or Papa is vacuuming THEN it's not so bad! Crazy girl :)

Riley's Gift from Us

2010-12-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

ummm, I think she likes it!

More Christmas

2010-12-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

These two pictures deserved a post of their own. One is a classic brother/sister reaction--aka, Jenny getting the latest Twilight DVD and her brother Michael with his head in his hands in dispair... the next one is of Jenny and Pops. You see, we adults in Dan's family exchange names and last year Pops had Jenny. She asked for a pair of "mule" shoes. She had written down the page number from the JCPenny's catalog and everything. However, Pops decided to buy her a REAL pair of MULE shoes--Picture a pair of slippers with a Mule head on the front... But Jenny got him back this year! This year Pops put "fencepost" on his list. For those of who don't live out in the country, The Fencepost is a farm magazine. However, as the very last gift of the night, Jenny pulls out a real "fencepost" with lights and garland strung all aroung. Pops could not beleive his eyes! We all laughed our way to tears! Way to go Jenny! You got him GOOD!!!

Chirstmas

2010-12-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was spent with Dan's family on Christmas Eve. We had such a great time laughing and opening presents. Riley was spoiled, as it should be. (she told me to say that) All in all it was a great time to Celebrate the Birth of our Lord, and enjoy one another. We pray all of you who read this had a super deluxe Christmas as well!

Love,

Dan, Em, and Riley Gibson

she came from Whoo-ville

2010-12-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

our resident Cindy-Lou-Whoo

I left for just a second...

2010-12-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

I left the kitchen to grab something from the bedroom. On my way back I heard the scooting of a chair in my mom's kitchen...then it was quiet...too quiet...

mmmmm...chocolate zucchini cake...mmmmm...

what mom?!? I wasn't eating any cake!

I Love you Mommy!!!

Dan's introduction to the Evans Christmas Tree

2010-12-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

Dan and Dad getting the christmas tree out of storage. Dan was HIGHLY impressed with Dad's pulley system. And yet, a litle scared? of the enormous tree that just kept coming and coming and coming! He knew my Dad loves to decorate for Christmas...but I don't think he was ready for this! Ahhh, but he will learn! His facial expression below cracks me up! The sigh of bewilderment!

Tale of the Pink Bunny

2010-12-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hey, Riley...Do you see the Pink Bunny??

aha! Did you find the Pink Bunny?!

WOW! There's a PINK BUNNY in Grandma's yard!!! Amazing!!!

The Presents

2010-11-11T00:27:00.000-08:00

Just two words..THANK YOU!

Riley is 2!!!

2010-11-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it! My little baby is not a baby anymore! Dan's family and the Rupple's came on Saturday for her party. She enjoyed every minute of it..ok well almost every minute...She freaked out and started crying when we were all looking at her and singing Happy Birthday. Thankfully, she recovered and she had some ice cream and had a "hoot" opening all of her gifts :) The cake turned out (shameless plug) I did it myself! I was worried, but honestly, at the end of the day, Riley has a lot of people who love and care for her very much and THAT makes me very happy.

Note to self though...next year I will have to get someone else to take the pictures--I have not 1 with Riley and I, or even Dan, Riley and I! Rookie Mom...

PNW Part 3: Howl-o-ween at Great Wolf Lodge

2010-11-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Do not fear! You shall be protected! Darth Vader, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan, a Seattle Seahawk, a Skunk, a horse, a Purple Fairy, and a Garden Gnome are here to save the day!!!

Darth Vader = Thomas, Seattle Seahawk = Xander, Peter Pan = Zachary, Purple Fairy = Kelsey, Skunk = Hailey, Garden Gnome = Riley, and the horse? well of course it's Levi!

PNW Part 2:

2010-11-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

The adventures of Thomas and Riley...

These photos are so very precious to me in a couple of ways. One, it's of my first child and my first nephew :) Pretty cool. But moreso because their relationship that day reminded me soooo much of how Angela and I interacted with one another when we were their age. You see I didn't realize it before, but Thomas and Riley are exactly the same years apart as Angela and I. If you wanted you could replace the pictures above with Angela and I as well. For instance mom asking Angela to please hold my head so she could get a good picture of the two of us. The one where they are by the fountain I can hear Angela's and more than likely Thomas' voice "Mom/Grandma Emily/Riley is putting her hand in the water!" And Riley looking on as Thomas attempts to climb the deck fence...you know she is studying how he did it so she could try it later..Lord knows I did many things just because I saw Angela do them! The best part though was earlier in the day when as soon as Thomas arrived he immediately went to the couch and started reading his book. Riley on the other hand, excited to see her cousin, kept poking and prodding and getting in his face as any excited 2yr old will do. Thomas kept pushing her away because all he wanted to do was read his book, and he was VERY enthralled with his book. At one point, he called to me and asked "Auntie Emmy can you PLEEEEASE tell Riley to leave me alone? I just want to read my book!" For a moment I had a flashback to when Angela and I were kids and I wanted to play, and yup, you guessed it...all she wanted to do was read her book!!! ahhh the memories :)

P.S. I love you Angela!

PNW trip part 1 :

2010-11-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Riley and I made a tip to Centralia a couple of weeks ago, and here are some of our adventures...Celebrating Zac's 5th birthday, clowning around with Kelsey, touring Grandma Evans' luscious flowers, and fun times with Auntie Angela

midnight ride with Grandma

2010-11-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Riley received a red wagon from a friend of ours. As you can see she and Grandma love to go for "rides"...it doesn't matter what time!

FLOWERS?!

2010-09-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yup! Dan went to a Men's Ministry breakfast this morning and came home with a bouquet of flowers as part of my "Birthday Weekend" (having a b-day on Labor day isn't so bad!) It was quite a surprise and very thoughtful :) I just had to share this moment with all of you!

Lunch Crew

2010-09-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

I was babysitting Samantha and Rachel the other day, so we all put on our "Good Luck Cooking Aprons" and made some "baby sandwiches" AKA..peanut butter and jelly fold over sandwich cut in half :) Now I wish I had taken a picture of their finished sandwich's! But they were sure proud to "fix" their own lunch!

Auntie Lanna's Sun Toast

2010-09-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Auntie Lanna gave us the recipe for a DELISH morning breakfast with eggs and toast :) Riley quite enjoyed hers...she ate two and a half pieces! Instead of just tearing a hole in the middle for the egg, I used a heart cookie cutter...so now it's a happy heart sun toast :) Now if Aunite Lanny could just come and enjoy some with us :)

A rare sighting

2010-08-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

The rare sight of both Dan and Emily in the picture! This is us before we went out on our *date* for Dan's birthday.

gift from Gramma and Papa Evans

2010-08-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

SOOOOOOOOOO, while we were opening presents the mailman came--with a package for Dan! Wanted to get a video of him and Riley opening. BUT, our good camera isn't working (guess I shouldn't call it our "good"camera anymore!) and so I thought I would try our old camera. Unfortunatley I can't get any sound. What you missed were a few WOWEE!! From Riley and Dan and Dan telling Gramma and Papa Evans THANK YOU! AND Riley said Thank you Gramma and Thank you Papa. Hopefully we can get our camera fixed and/or get a new one. SOON!

All in all Dan has had a very nice birthday. Dan and I will be going on a "date" this evening to dinner and a movie:) Thank you everyone!

Happy Birthday Dan! 33!!

2010-08-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today is Dan's birthday! Hooray! 33! We had a mini party for him this morning :)

Delightful
Awesome
Nifty
Industrius
Excellent
Lovely

Happy Birthday, we love you.

Pool Time Bonus Feature

2010-08-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

pool time

2010-08-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

what better way to cool off than in your own pool?

little helper

2010-08-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

helping momma sweep after lunch one day

35!!!

2010-07-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

happy birthday Jory!!! 35, and looking good :) Here's to another 35 years! We love you and hope to see you soon!

Mommy's Little Helper

2010-06-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I do laundry Riley likes to help. I usually hand the wet clothes down to her and then she "throws" them into the dryer. Well, this time I was getting the clothes OUT of the dryer to fold. She was getting the hang of pulling them out and handing them to me to fold. Some of the clothes were gettting hard for her to reach, so I guess she thought if she just got IN the dryer she would have and easier time! I let her stay in there long enough to get a picture and then out we came. Ohhh what a little climber we have now....

Long Lost Video Series: Vol.3 Riley's First Steps

2010-06-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Long Lost Video Series: Vol.2 Missing Angela in Maine

2010-06-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

Missing Angela in Maine

Long Lost Video Series: Vol.1 Riley lifting head for first time

2010-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Due to dial-up internet, we have not been able to share some videos we have taken over the course of the year, we thought we would share them with you know! Enjoy!

Daddy's Little Helper

2010-05-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Dan's weekly task of mowing the lawn just got a bit more fun with his new little helper!

MUD!!!

2010-05-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

So, if you read the previous post you know that it snowed not to long ago. As we all know if you live on a dirt road, and snow melts...it creates MUD. Which Riley has now discovered! AND...of course it was in one of her brand new outfits from Grandma Pam...That's the way it goes I guess! She was having such a good time exploring and playing in the puddles that I figured this one time I wouldn't mind spending a little more effort on her laundry! :) Mud Pies for all!

MAY SNOW

2010-05-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

WHAT?! It's snowing??? But its MAY!!! Yup, those were my words that fateful morning two weeks ago! Riley thought it was fun till her foot came out of my shoe and she felt how cold it was. Thankfully it melted away by the next day. Dan's Grandpa has said he has seen it snow as late as June! Pretty crazy. I would never have believed it could snow in May till now!

2010-05-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the coast was bittersweet. It was wonderful to be able to spend so much time with our family and friends, but sad because my grandmother had passed away. She had just turned 96 and our good Lord said it was time for her to come home. Grammy's beach will always be Grammy's beach. I can't wait to make many more memories there. I love you Grammy.

Namesake

2010-05-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

If you ever wondered where the Joanne in Riley Joanne came from, well, here she is. Joanne Backus, my mom's best friend and my friend/mentor. She is the one who told me being a middle child really wasn't all that bad, took me on fun trips WITHOUT my sisters, and best of all...was the first to introduce me to Dove chocolate ice cream bars...I still remember being in her car at the grocery store across from Wildcat lake. She handed it to me and said this is the best chocolate ice cream you will ever taste! It is so creamy and yummy--you'll love it! And I loved it for two reasons, 1. my mom would have never given me an ice cream bar, let alone chocolate--Mom's idea of a treat was a Dole fruit and juice bar! 2. They really are creamy and yummy!! So if Riley turns out to be 1/2 the super deluxe woman Joanne is, then we will be superbly blessed! We love you Joanne!

unseen footage

2010-05-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

I forgot I had taken this picture! Just a little Auntie influence :) I love you Kelsey!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-05-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

After Easter service we went over to Dan's Grandmother's house for Easter brunch. To our amazement our cousin Jenny had made an easter egg hunt for Riley. I am not sure who had more fun during this egg hunt, Riley, Jenny, or Gramma & Pappa!!! It was a very special treat and Riley had a great time searching for her eggs.

Easter Sunday

2010-05-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

On our way to church in our new Easter dress.

Shutter Speed

2010-05-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

A 17 month old...quick

A 17 month old in a bunny costume...very quick

Mom with an old digital camera*...slow

FINALLY being able to get the perfect shot...Priceless

*I am now saving up for a camera with a much faster shutter speed!!!

Zoo Trip

2010-05-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

It was one of the first real nice days here in Colorado and so we and some friends of ours thought it would be a great idea to head to the zoo. Apparently everyone else in Colorado had the same idea...it was PACKED!!! Nonetheless, Riley really enjoyed seeing all the animals. It is fun to see and hear her first reactions to many of the animals. We plan on going back real soon, and making sure Dad can come too :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAILEY!!!

2010-01-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

Our Niece Hailey is turning 2 today!!! She holds a special place in my heart because she is the only one of my nieces and nephews where I can say I got to be the VERY FIRST family member to see her! She timed her birth just right because I had a PDX overnight that very night! I remember getting in, running to the rental car place, and then racing down to Newberg. Ohhhh what a glorious sight she was!!

So Happy birthday Miss Hailey Grace! We can't wait to see what mighty and wonderful things the Lord has in store for you! We love your sly smiles, your silly giggles, and your precious hugs :) HAPPY DAY! WE LOVE YOU!

Love,

Auntie Emmy, Uncle Dan Dan, and Cousin Riley Joanne

My 1st Birthday

2009-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

First we had lunch with family and some friends...

Then CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was soo good! My mom never lets me have any dessert...but today, I got my very own piece! It was glorious! But I think I am ready for a nap now....

After cake I got to open my presents :) I got so many fun and loud toys! Samantha and Rachel were helping me learn how to use them. They are such good friends!

Thank you everybody for making my birthday so special! I love you!!! Love, Riley Joanne

Happy Birthday Riley Joanne!

2009-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

WOW! It's hard to believe it's been a year since she was born! Our little Peanut is becoming quite the young lady:) So full of energy, happiness, and love. She weighed in at 17 pounds 4 ounces and 26.5". Just barely has has a bit of hair and no teeth, but I am pretty sure some are coming soon...I hope! More pics from the party coming soon!

Butterfly Pavilion

2009-11-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

What a great place to go! Riley is still a little young, but we had a great time! The Butterfly Pavilion is a place here in Colorado where they harbor and grow butterflies. As you can see there are many different butterfly species. I was only able to capture two, as they are very illusive. Much like our little "peanut"...gone are the days where I could sit her down, make a funny face and snap a picture! These days my shutter is just way too slow for this fast moving gal! She was more interested in the mesh bottom of the "maze of knowledge" than learning about butterflies. The ropes represent a spiders web which was their "special feature" this month. The very first room you walk into was chalk full of...yup...spiders. You could even hold "Rosie" the Tarantula!! YUCK!...needless to say Riley and I moved VERY quickly to the next display...In the middle of the building they have beautiful lush garden with butterflies flying all around. If you get there during certain times you can help with the daily butterfly release. Pretty awesome. It was here that Riley ate her first clump of dirt. Such proud moments...All in all we had a great time and will be sure to take Grandma Evans when she comes to visit again (soon?) so she can tell us the name of all the plants!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Getting treats and Grandma Pam's and Pappa Russ' house

uh oh...is my mom watching???

Yoda, Darth Vader, and Miss Daisy. A.K.A. Rachel, Samantha, and baby Riley

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Snow Fun

2009-10-31T19:16:00.001-07:00

Uncle Matt showing me the tractor with the snow blade to clear out our driveway.

Going for a ride! "Snow" much fun!!!

Happy Birthday ZACHARY!

2009-10-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

The 27th was our nephew Zachary's 4th birthday. We are sooooo happy for you! You are such a wonderful, fun loving, burst of adventure! We can't wait to see you again soon!

Camera Phone

2009-10-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what you can do with phones these days :) I was able to get a USB cord for my phone and now I can download the pictures I've taken. So here are some of Riley through the months you might have missed!

My First Carhartts

2009-10-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

They finally fit! Dan has been trying them on Riley ever since she was born. Anxiously awaiting the day his baby girl could put on a pair of Carhartts like her dad. We all enjoyed playing outside in the beautifal fall weather. A few days after this pic was taken it snowed! She loves playing with Daddy. And Dan was beaming with pride at his little farm girl :)

Mommy needed a shower...

2009-09-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

It was Saturday morning and I had been trying to get a shower for the last three days...and Miss Riley was just not in the mood for her morning nap. I was feeling pretty disgusting, so I put Riley in her high chair with some of her favorite puffs and to the shower I went. From the shower I could hear her jibber jabbering and pounding on her tray having a grand old time. Well a few moments later it was really quiet. Fearing the worst I quickly exited the shower to peek in the kitchen. There she was, fast asleep in her chair. She was so asleep she didn't even flinch when I took these photos. For a split second I thought about picking her up and taking her to her crib...then I got back in the shower and grabbed the opportunity to shave my legs! Ahhh motherhood...

Happy Grandparents Day!

2009-09-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Grandparents day and Riley is super lucky to have so many that love and adore her:) Thank you for being so wonderful! We love you all very very much!

Ducks in a Row

2009-09-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

The other day Heather and the girls were over to play. Heather and I could hear muffled sounds from the bathroom...fearing complete chaos we opened the door ever so...This is what we found. Rachel and Samantha had lined up all of Riley's ducks neatly in rows. The one in front is the teacher and she is teaching all the ducks how to swim. It was quite the fun commentary from both Samantha and Rachel...These are the moments that just make you smile:)

Rainy Day in Manzanita*

2009-09-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Riley and I went to Manzanita to visit Grammy and the rest of my family. We always have so much fun:) It rained one day so we decided to head to Seaside for some games and bumber cars...Let the fun begin!

*thanks for the collage Ang! It was just too good to pass up:)

Happy (belated) Birthday XANDER!

2009-08-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Our nephew Xander turned 6 on the 16th of August. WOW! I remember calling mom and dad's house on Christmas Eve from Rapid City, SD and Jerry (my brother-in-law) said "Guess how many there are of us here!" Well, I knew Angela was pregnant so I guessed 1 number higher, but I still wasn't right. So I tried naming everyone that was there, and I had all the right people....and then that's when Jerry said no....there's 1 more, Lanny do you want--and that's all I heard for I was screaming on the other end with delight!!! And that is how I heard the news that Xander was soon to be born. Hard to believe it was 6 years ago. Only feels like a few months :) Well Xander, you are a true delight and we hope you had a super duper fun birthday and we can't wait to come and see you real soon!

Milestones...

2009-08-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Well, today was another milestone in the life and times of Riley Joanne...Within the last couple days she has figured out how to pull herself up to a standing position using the couch, ottoman, etc...
Since she is a bit more "mobile" these days I put a few toys in her crib and let her play so I could put some dishes away. I heard a different noise and she was a little "too" happy if you know what I mean...

...this is what I found :)

New "DO"

2009-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well here it is! The new "do"! I have cut my hair before, but never this short! Yikes! I have had it for about a week now, and am getting pretty used to it. Maybe for winter I will grow it out :)

Bathing Beauties

2009-08-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

Kelsey and Riley enjoying Riley's new pool...they really enjoyed splashing around with each other. Neither one were too keen on the slide...maybe next year :)

Out on the Farm

2009-08-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Exploring the farm and having some good time family fun :)

Denver Botanical Gardens

2009-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

While Ang and Mom were here we took a trip out to see the Denver Botanical Gardens. Their theme was Jurrasic gardens this year and so there were a few "dinasoars" mixed in...too bad Thomas, Xander, Caden, and Zach-o weren't here! It was a very nice day. So many pretty flowers and plants...and my mom knew about 85% of them! If only I could remember all she told me!!! All in all we had a very good time and got some very pretty pictures :)

Cousin Time w/ Kelsey

2009-07-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my cousin Kelsey got to come and visit me. We had so much fun! We played and laughed and giggled all day long. We also got a chance to tell each other about all the crazy stuff our mom's make us do...We had a blast together! Next up, we are planning a trip to go see our other cousin Hailey. She'll be back from Maine in just a few weeks! Yay!!!

Happy Birthday JORY!!!

2009-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

The 27th of July is our Brother-in-law Jory's birthday...We wish him a super happy day and many more to come! We love you and can't wait to spend some more time with you!

Joker
Official family "fun" guy
Really really good scrabble player
Yoga guru (what?! you didn't know??)

Dedication BBQ

2009-07-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

after Riley's dedication last Sunday we had a BBQ with a few friends and family...good food, good friends, good times!

Swim Lessons

2009-07-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

Riley showed such a great love of the water when we were at the hotel for Jory's graduation I just had to sign us up!! We had a blast and she still loves the water! We floated on our tummy, our back and even went under water! I am not sure who had more fun....me or her!

Baby Dedication

2009-07-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our little baby Riley was Dedicated to the Lord this last Sunday. So for all of you that weren't able to be there, we ask you this: Pray for Riley, teach her how to be an amazing christian woman, and most of all show her God's love! Thank you!!!

Don't bother me...

2009-07-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

...I'm with my Grampa.

Happy Sunday

2009-06-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Riley is just so happy and fun. I know we are "first time parents" and a bit biased :) but really...just watching her jump and play and smile and laugh...it just doesn't get any better.

Nazarene Nap

2009-06-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is usually the scene at our house after we come home from church and have lunch...precious :)

STATS

2009-06-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

We took Riley for her 6 month appointment a couple of weeks ago, and happy to report she is happy and healthy! A whopping 14 1/2 pounds and 24 inches long. I am sure she will be getting chunkier and she is quite enjoying "real" food these days! She can put away a helping of sweet potatoes like no other! We love and miss all of you and thank you for your prayers for all of us:)