Big Bed

As we approach a new baby becoming part of the family Wilder and I are trying to transition Riley to be more prepared as well. Part of this is moving out of the crib and into a new big bed so that the baby can have they crib when they arrive. (Of course Riley doesn't know the true reason for moving to the big bed and hopefully we'll keep it that way.) We decided now was the time for the transition so that in two months hopefully she'll have forgotten that the crib was once hers and won't mind her new sibling using it now.
Riley has spoiled us in all aspects of parenting thus far. We've had it way too easy since day one and luckily she continues to spoil us. The transition has gone really smooth. After helping us make her bed with new sheets and comforter and the some jumping on the bed she hardly hesitated to sleep there that night. She only needed to be reminded a couple times that the crib was her old bed and this is her new big girl bed and then she was ready to drift off to dreamland.

Working Man!

Wilder is now a working man. He started a job downtown on Monday as an interactive marketing specialist. (You'll have to talk to him to find out what exactly that means.) He's been working hard toward finding the right place to be at and trusting that God would lead him to that place. After lots of doubting if that would ever happen and the privilege to get to be at home with Riley for over a year he's ready to make his mark. We're so proud of him and happy that he'll get to do what he enjoys and what he's going to be really good at (and that he wears a tie to work, very handsome). He here is heading out to his first day.

CPBC

The other weekend we were able to go up to camp to visit Jared and Lindsay because they had an elusive weekend off. This was only Riley's second time up there but she had lots of fun. We had some really nice weather for the weekend so it was fun to be outside and enjoy God's creation in such a beautiful place.

Walking around

Lindsay giving Riley her first braid.

Riley wasn't sure about Jared for much of the time so they made lots of faces at each other.

Loving Daddy

It contantly amazes me how fast children grow and learn. Riley has been erupting with words lately. She does most of the animal noises, mommy, daddy, milk, poo-poo, hi, Ellie (her stuffed elephant), help, hot, hat, and the list could go one for a while. (I can't remember them all right now and Wilder will know more of them anyway since he gets to spend so much time with her.) The video below is Wilder's favorite thing that she says. I think they are plotting against me sometimes.

Goofy

Here are some of the many looks of Riley.

A Freed Christmas

We were able to spend a lot of time with the Freeds over Christmas this year as well. They came over to our house on Christmas eve after the service at church for food and game playing. Then on Christmas day (after we opened presents at our house) we went over to their house for a nice Christmas dinner along with lots of fun playing outside. It snowed most of the day but was in the 30s so it was perfect to be outside (maybe a little wet). There was a snow man built, Aunt Robin built a slide for Riley out of the snow (which Riley LOVED) and of course a snow ball fight.

Everyone on Christmas eve, minus Amada and Rick who were in California this year.

Riley ready to go down her snow slide.
Riley enjoying the snow (I think).
Giving Aunt Robin kisses through the door.

Christmas Morning

We had the intention of starting a new family tradition of having Swedish pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning but alas we didn't plan ahead to have all the ingredients needed (and we'd had it just a few days before) so we will start that next year. The morning did start with present opening and then regular pancakes for breakfast. I was so fun to watch Riley open presents. At one point she noticed that I was putting the paper she'd torn off into a bag so from then off after each piece of paper was torn off she would have to throw it away before moving onto the next piece. It's so funny how she works sometimes. (I'm hoping the wanting to help "clean" will continue.) She didn't get much this year but has really been enjoying the Mr. Potato Head that was in her stocking.

A Wenell Christmas

For the Wenell Christmas this year we all go together in Des Moines the weekend before Christmas (which turned out to be great since everyone in IA was snowed in over Christmas weekend). On Friday night we took 3 car loads and drove through a huge lights display. We even got 3-D glasses for it, which added to the fun. Then the next morning we woke up and Wilder, Amy and I prepared Swedish pancakes for everyone. Next was the present opening, which was a good thing because the kids couldn't have waited any longer. After some fun playing with new toys (and a nap for Riley) we all headed outside to play in the snow. It was a little cold but still lots of fun. The kids especially enjoyed sledding down a big hill. That night we all went out for pizza and lots of fun arcade games. I'm pretty sure this was the highlight for everyone (at least all the kids and Wilder). They loved playing the games and turning their tickets in at the end for some fun prizes. Riley especially had fun on a mini carousel and a little car that went around a track. Any time we'd leave those two ride to take a break she was not happy. Sunday we enjoyed some more family time together and a play at Brian and Angie's church. It's fun when we can all get together even though it doesn't happen very often.

Wilder and Kaitlin in their "cool" 3D glasses.

Riley ready to open presents.

Riley got a baby for Christmas, she was giving it kisses.

Fun in the snow.

Riding the carousel.

Grandpa, Grandma and all the kids.