Changing

I know...what a sweet little stud muffin :)

Ryker has been changing so fast! He learns not just one new thing everyday but about 10 it seems like! Some of his most recent accomplishments:

Saying Daddy (Dustin is so proud!)

Saying "vrooom!" with lots of spit bubbles when pushing his trucks

Saying something that resembles "thank you"

Bringing me things he wants, like the whole box of graham crackers or whole huge bag of cereal :)

Kissing me right on the lips, open mouthed. He will not take "no" for an answer! I know, he will be real smooth with the ladies :)

Making messes...big messes.

Knowing when he is in trouble before he gets reprimanded...and he's starting to get sneaky!

Walking quite a bit! Climbing a lot!

Bringing me books to read. His favorite- The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

And I am sure I have missed so so much. He is so fun and I am sad to see him getting big.

In other news, Dustin got a deer! We are enjoying steak, roast and quite a bit of jerky. Mmmmm...

What a year...

A year ago today was one of the saddest days of my life and my families lives. We lost my step-dad Steve after a short, but very hard illness. We have been through so much in this year. I remember going to my Mom's house and praying that I wouldn't go into labor. Now, I have a bouncing little boy who is walking, but am also missing 2 of the best guys I knew. My grandpa Clynn also died the night before Ryker was born (November 4th). Here's what I remember about these 2 great men:

Steve
You were always smiling. Hunting was your thing (you would be proud- Dustin's trying to get his BBD *big buck down*) We think about you a lot when Dustin uses your elk call to get Ryker excited, or when he puts on your camo.
I remember that you told me I have a lot of dads and that you will always be there for me and it is true, but I miss you a lot and wish you were here. You sent me Ryker and I see a lot of you in him (mesmerized by those elk and loves the outdoors!)
We spent a lot of time together in the months before you passed. You were so so positive and give me so much inspiration to get through my trials. I walked into the specialty hospital for the first time last week- where we spent lots of time and where we got the news. I thought it would be hard, and it was, but I was comforted knowing that you aren't in pain anymore and that you did meet Ryker.
Thanks for being a great dad to me and for always being such a fun, loving person. Miss you and love you lots!

Grandpa Clynn
I remember the first time I layed eyes on you...what a sad day but you made me so comfortable (little back story- I met him at my Dad's funeral and had never met that part of my family before). Your love for me was always there, even though I wasn't there.
You were also such a fun person. I loved d the time we spent talking. You made me feel so welcome into the family and I never once doubted that you loved me. You also were a great example of strength in hard times.
Although I only got to know you for a short while, I really love you. You overnighted Ryker straight to us and I can just see you smiling as you sent me this fun, crazy boy and said "good luck! He's going to be a fun little handful!" Love you and miss you!

Since I couldn't let myself end this post while crying- I thought I would give some happy news.
RYKER IS WALKING! Yay horray! He is so brave and stands up and takes 4-5 steps, falls down and right back up he gets! He has also taken a liking to bringing me things. This morning it was graham crackers that he wanted opened and this afternoon- every book he owns. He also has become even more lovey and gives big open mouth kisses that leave me with slobber all over and a big grin on my face. Thanks Steve and Grandpa Clynn for sending me my fun little guy!

Random Happenings...

So, my camera battery is permanently dead and until I get a new one you will have to deal with no pictures :)
We had a really fun week! On Tuesday we went to the Hogle Zoo with Kristi, Kell, Jeri, Kaiya, Aspen and Baby Emily. We had so much fun! Ryker is still a little bit too young to get the concept but he did see a few animals and get excited. He's definately his mother's child- loves people watching!
Today we went to the Providence monument dedication for their 150 year anniversary. We met Boyd K. Packer. I shook his hand and he took Ryker's hand and said "but he won't remember this." Well I will! It was great to be in the presence of such a great man. I have been so excited all week to meet him...he's my favorite apostle (doesn't everyone have a fav?)
After that fun time, we went to a BBQ with Dustin's family. His cute cousin Traci and her cute boys are up from Arizona so she planned it all. It was so great seeing everyone because it's usually only around the holidays that we all get together. We then played Milk Carton Baseball- so fun! You just cut the bottoms off of Clorox bottles (they work better and are sturdier) and then you have to catch AND throw with just the cartons. It was so funny- you have to put them on your head until the ball is pitched. All the uncles with them on their heads was a priceless picture (did I mention that I am SO mad that my camera is dead?!?)
Ryker turned 7 months old on Friday...time flies and I cannot believe that it's less than a half year until he's one! Love that little man...he sure gets around, crawling and pulling himself up. He's just starting to walk around the furniture and stood by himself for a few seconds today! YAY and UH-OH!
It has been a fun summer already and I can't wait for more good times!

Pull-Ups

Ryker is now pulling himself up on furniture and his crib rails- all I can say is "here comes trouble!"
I wish I had a picture but Dustin had my camera "turkey hunting". I put that in quotations because-well-they really suck at hunting and haven't killed one animal this year- PETA would be so proud! Haha, just kidding, love you honey!
I am now working a whopping 8 hours a week at my mom's work and although a short break is nice, I miss Ryker like crazy! I want and have a need to be with him. After I got home, he seriously clung to me. He was like one of those baby monkeys with a death grip on my shirt- SO CUTE!
I am also going to start selling AVON for something to do this summer- if you want anything I'll be up and running soon- they seriously have such great products and most importantly- they are affordable.
I'll just keep talking about myself since I am on a roll- I have also made a cute toy for Ryker for church and when it's completely finished, I'll post a picture. It's a little car garage with Lightening McQueen and Mater- all made of felt so it won't disrupt sacrament!
I think that is all that is going on
PS Welcome back Grandma Louise!

Sitting Up!

It's official, Ryker is sitting up all by himself. Still a little wobbly but he's sitting next to me and everytime he starts to tip he sits himself back up. What a big boy and what fun times we have ahead of us!



He is also turning in circles like crazy and moves himself backwards. Frustration sets in once he realizes "hey! I'm farther away from those toys!"