Happy Halloween

We love Halloween and since having Rylee, we love to coordinate.  Last year we were a chef, cake decorator, and cupcake.  This year we decided to be pirates.  Unfortunately Evan wasn't able to go to our ward trunk or treat because of class.  We had a fun time going with Aunt Amanda, Uncle Skye, and Izabelle.  Happy Halloween!

Daddy time!

Hello to everyone out there in blog-land. Tonight I thought I would treat you with an update coming from me, and not from my wonderful wife, Shelbee. It has been a while since I have posted anything on a blog, so hold  on tight, it may get a little bumpy.

Let me start out by saying how wonderful it is being a Dad. My little girl is nothing short of adorable. I love being able to spend every day with her.

State Fair!

We had the pleasure of having Kris, Rachel, Alex, and Aurora down to go to the State Fair of Texas with us.  It was so nice!!  We didn't quite stay as long as usual because of the babies but it was still fun.  We had some tornado taters and corn dogs to complete our experience.  We also got to just veg and hang out over the weekend.

18 Months!

Rylee is 18 months old!  This is a big day for us because she now gets to go into Nursery at church.  This means no more chasing her around hallways for 3 hours!  Her 18 months stats are 29 pounds (95th%) and 34 inches (99th %).  She is working on saying more words.  We need her to say at least 15 words by 21 months or she will need to do early speech interventions.  I'm not too worried because I know she is just soaking everything in.  She loves to play with friends and be outside as much as possible.  We try and go on nightly walks.  She loves bath time too.  Rylee has begun to throw fits every once and a while.  We just either ignore her for a few minutes or put her in a time out.  Overall she is a wonderful little toddler that is happy and healthy!

Evan's 30th Birthday

Yes, Evan is now 30 years old.  He was kindof down about turning 30, especially because he found a gray hair in his beard.  I had a surprise breakfast party for him on Labor Day when our friends were in town.  He walked into the living room and there everyone was.  It was fun!  He was sick over the weekend before his birthday but felt better by that Monday.  So Monday night on his birthday we went to Genghis Grill with my family and our friends the Smiths.  It was fun.  Overall I think Evan had a great 30th birthday!

Our little walker....

Rylee is officially walking now.  We were worried but at about 17 months she started really walking everywhere.  Here is a picture of her at IKEA in the kid chair.  In the next picture of her she is playing with the ipad which she is in LOVE with.  In fact, if you have any free/cheap apps you would recommend for toddlers, please send them my way.  Everyday when I get home we sit together and go over our ABC's with Elmo.  She knows how to find her folder, open it, and then she moves her finger around trying to decide which app to open.  For 17 months I think that is pretty good.  Anyway, we just love playing with our growing little girl!

Back to Work....

I have always loved the "back to school" feel there is everywhere in August.  Freshly sharpened pencils, new notebooks, dressing up in new school clothes, etc.  Now that I'm a counselor, I don't have as much fun decorating a classroom but I do add/change a few little things around my office.  Believe it or not, the picture of the owl pen holder is my favorite new addition.  Who knew $2.50 at the dollar spot at Target could make a person cheer up almost every day.  I guess owls remind me of Rylee (since her nursery is decorated in them).  And it is just too cute.  The crown pen is from Disney World when Evan and I went 2 years ago.  I think it looks like the owl is wearing the fluffy crown. haha!  This summer I was somewhat of a pinterest addict.  I saw all of these wonderful quotes and couldn't help but use them in my office.  So to start the year I have a "Be Inspired" board in my office.  I hope students will be able to add their own quotes or words of advice throughout the first half of the school year.  My "Be the good" sign is a nice addition that Tiffany Kurtz helped me with.  (she cuts vinyl and does a great job!)  My A&M themed "Mrs. Russell" sign is something I made for my classroom 3 years ago after I got married but forgot about and then found in a box this summer.  Gotta love using stuff you already have right?  Anyway, these little updates to my office have made coming back to work a little easier.