It's Heating Up!

It seems as if Spring is already over in the Desert Southwest and the heat is upon us...ugh.Don't get me wrong, I am a warm weather girl through and through.  I hate cold weather, having to wear layers and closed toed shoes!  Of course a visit to a chilly area every now and then is nice, but for the most part, I would rather not live in a place that gets really cold!  The winters in Yuma are perfect,   they are short and sweet.  They give you a chance to pull out the sweaters and maybe have a day or two of wearing jackets and then it is over.  I am however, not prepared for the extreme heat so soon!  This past weekend we had record highs of 100+ degree weather. 

I guess we are going to be prepared early for hot Arizona summers!
Since the warm weather is here we decided to buy Ryker his own little pool.  Now that we have grass in our backyard (instead of gravel), it is a much more pleasant place to be. 

We have played in the little pool several times and I think we will get our $8 worth come summertime!

Our community pool opened a weeks back and since it was so hot this weekend we decided to walk over and let Ryker have some fun in the big pool.

The water was a little cool, but since it was 104 degrees outside it was very refreshing.  Ryker wasn't so sure about the water at first but he was happy as long as daddy held on to him!

Family photo!

We went back today with some friends and this time he loved floating on the water.  He smiled and laughed the whole time!

Here is Ryker with his buddy Wesley (who had just fallen down so he wasn't feeling up to having his picture taken!)

Relaxing in the shade.  This kid really is living the life!

Easter

This Easter my cousin and her husband drove over from San Diego to spend the holiday with us.
I know babies don't really need Easter baskets, but I couldn't resist putting one together for him! 

Of course it didn't have any candy but I put a few toys, books and some bubbles in it.
Ryker with his Aunt Jess and Uncle Matt

The first of what I hope to be our traditional family Easter photos!

Cousins!

Our little boy is 7 months old now

He can sit up on his own

Hold his bottle (for the most part)

And he is reaching out and getting into anything he can get his hands on!  He isn't mobile yet but I know that day is coming soon so I am enjoying the days where  I can just sit him down and he stays there!
He also loves to swing in his new swing!

I can't believe how much bigger he looks from week to week.  What happened to my tiny little baby???

Fun With Friends

Business at "Hotel Franklin" has been booming!  Our friends Doug and Kellie along with their two boys spent the weekend with us a few weeks ago.
There is not a whole lot to do in this little city but I had heard about a camel farm that is close by so we decided to check that out.

We were all a little surprised at the fact that it was bigger than we expected with quite a few animals.

There were several goats and some little ones apparently escaped their pin and were following us around the whole time.

Ryker was a little nervous but excited about them!

The boys

Of course we couldn't forget to see the camels!

Although it was not a world class zoo, we still had fun and always love spending time with the W. family!
After looking at a few of the pictures from the weekend I noticed how crazy my poor little baby's hair was!  The top part of his hair was so long it covered most of his head and I never really noticed how short it was underneath.  At only 6 months old it was time for a first haircut!

He did great!  John sat in the chair with Ryker on his lap.  He was a little squirmy but did really well.  I am pretty pleased with the outcome but it makes him look so much older!

Visitors!

Since we have moved back to the US we have had several visitors!  Now, I am sure Ryker is really the reason, but it is nice to have friends and family come by every now and then.  Obviously it is easier to get to Arizona than it was to get to Japan!My dad and step-mom flew out here and spent some time in San Diego, then drove a few hours to our house.  I met up with them for two days in California because there really isn't a whole lot to do in this tiny town where we live!

I am always up for the short drive to San Diego.  It is beautiful!
We went to Balboa Park

And spent a little time on the swings, Ryker's new favorite thing!

And drove over to La Jolla to check out the beach.  It was chilly but it was fun to see a ton a sea lions!

Back in Yuma we went to a few parks, the Peanut Farm and the Territorial Prison.  I know, this place
is a blast!

That weekend we went to the air show in El Centro to see the Blue Angels. 

These are a couple of cool pics my dad took.

Ryker didn't last very long so we had to say our goodbyes and drive back right before the Blues flew.

We still had a great time seeing family which is always nice.
Ryker is now six months old!  I can't believe it!

He has almost mastered sitting up on his own and is eating solid foods. 

Right now his favorites are carrots, pears and prunes!

In just six more months he will be a year old.  I have to start some party planning!

Trip to California

Here I am again playing catch up!  I would like to say I haven't had the time to post but I really have just been lazy!
Last month we took a trip up to Northern California to see John's family and friends.  There were still quite a few family members that had not met him so we had a little party so everyone could see our cute little man!

We got to spend part of the day in Napa.  I love it there!

Playing with Aunt Kristin and some cute puppies!

Ryker with his Mimi, mom, and aunts

John with his uncle Roger and friend Jerry

Everyone trying to get the baby to laugh for a picture!

Meeting cousin Tristan

Cousin Chris and his boys Kai and Cole.  I thought the sun coming through the window messed up the picture, but with a few teaks it turned out pretty cool!

Taking a rest on Mimi's shoulder

We also met up with John's best friend Doug, his wife Kellie and their two boys for lunch

Ryker is quite the traveler.  He already has two round-trip airplane rides under his belt!  He will be a pro at this whole air travel thing in no time!