Happy New Year!

Wow, another year gone by! 2009 was a great year for Ryan and I. We bought a new house, a month later, we welcomed Vanessa Marie and Valerie Ryan into the world, and I've gone back to school to pursue my nursing degree. I still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. After having the girls, I realized I wanted to be a nurse. All the nurses we became acquainted with after the girls' delivery, were so genuine and made me feel comfortable. Therefore, I am interested in Labor & Delivery. I've been making good headway on completing my prerequisite classes before applying to the nursing program. I have one more to take, Anatomy & Physiology starting next week. If all goes well, I will be ready to start the nursing program next January.

Unfortunately Ryan had to work on Friday, New Year's Day. He had to be at work at 5am. So it was just another weekend for us. That's the negative aspect of his job, but I guess that's why he makes the big bucks! His motto for his work schedule is "early to bed, early to rise". He's usually in bed by 8 at night and has to wake up between 3-4 in the morning. This usually carries onto the weekend. New Year's Eve as we were eating dinner, I got a migraine. I just had one over Christmas! Not sure why I keep getting them. I had to go lay down for awhile while Ryan cleaned up the kitchen and watched to kids. So much for New Year's Eve- oh well, it's not like we had any offers to watch our brood! Having 3 kids so close in age has put a damper on our social life, oh wait- what social life? I don't care though, I couldn't imagine life without my 3 kiddos!

Little Miss Val

Zac ran into the wall in his truck.

The girls playing with a new Xmas toy. Val-right.

Deer in our backyard!

Nessa wants a sucker!

It's time for a drink!

This is how I found Zac's room. Apparently he woke up before I did!

Nessa sucking on her sister's fingers!

Day 2 of madness- Happy New Year!

1st picture of 2010- Nessa

1st picture of 2010- Val

Valerie's heard the word "NO" a few times!

Zac and his monster eyes!

Now he's sweet wearing his pink sunglasses.

Sitting in his "boat."

Nessa's a happy girl in the tub!

Val's turn! She splashed water all over her face! 1st pic together of 2010-Val on right.

Getting ready for bed- Val on right.

Zac tired of me taking his picture.

Working on his Jeep.

Val pinned her sister!

Val hitting the step stool.

Val and Zac

Val eating the magnet.

Nessa

Sammy wants to ride! This is BEFORE the groomer's.

He's too cold now, must wear a sweater!

AFTER the groomers, he was all hair. Poor Sammy was matted, so he had to be shaved.

Tim's Pizza

On our last day of family festivities, we all met for lunch at Tim's Pizza in Independence. All aunts, uncles, cousins, grandkids were there. We enjoyed yummy pizza, kids bragged about their Christmas presents, and we opened presents one last time.

One of my favorite pics of Zac! He was being silly, sitting in the high chair.

Kyra & Nessa

Family shot (minus Zac) Val-right.

All the kiddos. Mine of course is front and center- screaming!

Poor guy was just tired and needed a nap.

Wearing a new outfit from Granny B. Val-right.

Val snoozing away.

Now Valerie is screaming for a bottle!

Me and my girls. They look so much alike here! Val-right.

Bingo!

Every year we go to Aunt Rhonda's to play Christmas Bingo. We all bring a gift and keep playing until everyone has yelled "BINGO!" This year, since there was so many people coming, we rented a room at the church. It was a perfect place for a big group. Plenty of room for the kids to run around- and they did! First, we enjoyed a catered dinner from Smokehouse- thank you Mandi and Michael for braving 39th Street the day after Christmas to pick it up!

Nessa wearing Dad's hat.

Wearing it backwards.

Zac being sweet, for once!

Lots of snow!

A lone bird on the tree.

Val after a bath- look at her curls!

I hadn't noticed this before at Zac's preschool. It was weird being the only ones at the church- so I snapped a pic! (also where Zac goes to preschool).

There he is! Second row, second boy.

Playing with the chairs.

Hanah chasing Zac.

Zac's ready for a drink.

Daddy & Nessa

Waiting for a number to be called from Dan.

Nessa fell asleep on Granny B. Can you see the clear plastic spoon she's holding?

Jenn & Maddie- they flew in from Dallas,TX.

Zac opening his Bingo gift- all the kids got a present too.

Matt & Val

Zac has a plumber's crack, haha!

Zac & Hanah

They are too cute!

Jenn holding a sleeping Nessa.

Wearing one of their new Xmas outfits. Val-right.

Zac wearing his new jammies from Aunt Kelsey.