Tree decorating

A few weekends ago we had our annual tree decorating party at the Rickert house.  Since I started dating Mike over 6 years ago I have been attending this event....and with each year the event gets more exhausting thanks to the little terrors treasures we have running us ragged.  Last year Tyler was not mobile so all we had to do was put him down and let him enjoy the view....this year we I could not say the same.  He was running around in true Tyler fashion with his playmate Sophia.  During this even we tried to incorporate a photo session in hopes that Aunt Leenie (or kind photographer) could capture a shot for the 2011 Christmas cards....the result was unsuccessful - chances of a 1.5 year old sitting still and smiling for a camera...slim to none.  Overall the day was great and something that we look forward to every year - can't wait until next year when Lucas is in motion and Baby Rickert has joined the group! 

Christmas 2011 Onyon/Smith/Rickert Famiy Photo

This year was tough getting us to stand in one spot and look at the camera - which is why everyone except Colleen and Brian look crazed.  Next year they will join the crazy group with the addition of Baby Rickert!

Cousin shot - could these three be any cuter.  Thanks for the PJ's Aunt Leenie and Uncle Brian

An attempt at a Christmas card photo.......

Sophia and Tyler having fun with PopPop

To the bridge we go.....

With the cold weather we haven't been taking our normal walks into town to the park and playground on the weekends.  Tyler of course hates this as he loves to be outside...so when it's not raining (or snowing) we'll take a walk around the block to a little bridge and stream area.  Tyler loves taking rocks and dropping them into the water - watching the ripple effect through the water.  Mike and Tyler spent over an hour one day doing just that and our little guy couldn't have been happier. 

So happy to be outside 

Just finding the right spot...making sure no ducks are coming through....

Dad giving T-man a boost

Where has the month gone!

As always it's been another crazy month for our little family.  We had lots of family visits throughout the month which is especially fur for Tyler - showing off all his new tricks and suckering people into watching "Mimmi" (aka Mickey) or making "Coco" (aka Coffee).   During the month we also had some work done on the house, which resulted in us vacating for a week.  We were lucky enough to be able to stay at Hotel Wander, where Tyler had a blast playing with Aunt Chris, Uncle Larry, Nikki and of course Woof Woof (aka -Giiiiirrrrlllsss).  It was a great but exhausting month.  I would blame the lack of posts on that but we all know I'm just not that good at keeping up with this stuff!

Tyler loves the slide and had fun going down with Aunt Kendy

Loving the leaves!

Tyler and Uncle Larry playing Go go go.....Uncle Larry sure does know how to get those belly laughs out of our little boy!

Love this picture...T-man having fun with Aunt Chris after work

Tyler loving his Aunt Nikki - especially because she let him play with her iphone!

Halloween

I know Halloween has come and gone and we have already made it into Thanksgiving- but I wanted to at least get a few pictures of my little man up in his costume during his Halloween class party, parade and trunk or treating at school. I couldn't really get him to keep the hat on but he didn't need the hat to look adorable (but that's just my opinion!).

Love that little face!

Howdy Cowboy!

Tyler and his friends ready to go outside for the parade (three of Tyler's favorite friends to talk about Nora, Taylor and Oliver!)

Lending a helping hand to his buddy Oliver-giving him back his bottle.  Oliver had a rough day that day - all the kids wanted to hug and kiss him (or Elmo) and he just wanted to be left alone. 

Tyler making his rounds at "trunk or treating" with Ms. Vicky

Trip to Boston

A few weekends ago we made a trip to Boston for a visit.  We've been planning for months to get there and were finally able to coordinate a weekend without a hurricane hitting or one of us having plans.  We couldn't wait for the weekend- to spend some time together without having an event to go to and to have Tyler and Kathryn spend some cousin time together.  The weather was absolutely perfect - so spent a lot of time outside with the kids and even hit up some Halloween fun in anticipation for the big day!  Our next trip to Boston will be at Thanksgiving where we will have a new addition to the cousin team  (Miss Avery Madeline was born Tuesday 11/1).  We can't wait to meet her and spend some family time together - enjoying Thanksgiving together.

Enjoying the nice weather with a wagon ride....Mommy's arms were killing her after about 30 laps around the property!

Kathryn and Tyler enjoyed the morning sun with some time at the park and in the sand box.

Here's our little cowboy (Woody). 

Deciding he didn't want to be a cowboy but would rather do the fireman thing

The stare down with Uncle Chris.....

Cousin love!!

Mommy's trip away....Daddy's life as a single parent

A few weeks ago I had my first trip away from Tyler for an extended period.  We had been not so eagerly anticipating this week for a few months.  It was a very long week for all of us but Mommy survived a trip across the US without contact with her little boy; Daddy survived doing all the morning routines, daycare drop-offs & pick-ups, food prep and feedings, bath time and night time routines all on his own; and Tyler made it through a week confused because one of his playmates was missing.  Monday was a rough day for me dropping Tyler off at daycare-breaking down in tears saying goodbye to my baby boy.   Luckily the week was filled with lots of activities so it moved fairly quickly.  Unfortunately I was not able to see my boy the night I got home, but I got the best smile and hug come Saturday morning when Tyler woke up.  We are all hoping that there will be no more trips anytime soon for me!

Tyler's latest thing is hugs....he is such a good hugger it just melts your heart when he wraps his little arms around you.

Apple picking

 



We planned our annual apple picking trip early this year.  It was forecasted to be a beautiful weekend and our apple picking team (the Norman's) and Grammy and PopPop were around to join in the fun.  This year the trip seemed to be much more enjoyable for Tyler - being able to run around the orchard and pick and eat all the apples made for a happy little boy.

                                         Mmmmm Apple



Taking the tractor for a stroll



                                    Strong little boy trying to pickup the big pumpkin

Tyler trying to hold Lily's hand