Week 108

Ryan's 6th Birthday and Mother's Day Weekend!

Thank you to everyone who wore their Ryan Express shirts over the past couple of days.  I updated The Ryan Express page on Facebook with pictures that were sent to me of family and friends wearing their shirts.  We were all sporting our shirts on Friday, May 11th.

Many of my colleagues also wore their shirts and it sparked some conversation with students about why we were all wearing them and what they represented.  We thank everyone who wore their shirts and helped us spread awareness, and to those who made a donation to the walk in June. 

On Friday evening we attended my friend's graduation from the Doctoral Program at Western Connecticut University.  The kids just love Stacy and although it made for a late night, we were so glad we could all be there to see her graduate.  This is the same program that Phil is currently attending and will be graduating from in two years.

On Saturday, Ryan turned 6 years old!  He had a busy day attending his friend's birthday party and his soccer game, and enjoying time with some visitors.  Before dinner we took him shopping to pick out a present.  He's been asking for a nerf gun and we finally gave in and purchased one for him.  He was so excited to have it that he brought it to bed with him!  Ryan also picked out a small ice cream cake for dessert.  That morning Ryan was a little disappointed that he wasn't having a party this weekend, but we explained that we would be celebrating next weekend, and he got to do so much all day that by the evening he was a very happy and EXHAUSTED boy!

Happy 6th Birthday to our son who brings us so much joy each day!  Julia took this picture for us!

When we woke up in the morning we found a package outside of our door from Uncle Tim and Uncle Michael in California.  Some more Lego sets and a Lego ideas book that kept Ryan busy all morning!

A visit from our neighbor, Carol, with toys for the pool and goggles, which excited both Ryan and Julia!

A visit from Auntie B, Uncle T, Amelia and Alyssa before his soccer game.  It took Phil an hour to put this one together, but Ryan was so happy to have a Star Wars Lego spaceship!

So excited about his new toy!

Singing Happy Birthday to Ryan.  Aunt Anne, Uncle Chris, Megan and Kate were on face time on the IPhone singing with us!  Look at that smile!

I told Ryan now that he is 6 years old that he needs to make his bed when he wakes up every morning.  He woke up the next morning and made his bed all on his own.  Ryan and Julia came to our room to wish me a Happy Mother's Day and shower me with crafts and cards they made at Young Hearts.  Phil and the kids also made me breakfast in bed and let me sleep in until 9am!

We enjoyed a lovely buffet brunch in Poughkeepsie at the River Station Restaurant.  Needless to say, Ryan went off of his diet a lot over the past three days!

Julia, Grandma Jeanne, and Ryan

Enjoying a beautiful day by the river!

Daddy and daughter!

I like having Ryan's birthday so close to Mother's Day.  It reminds me how blessed I am to be able to make the sacrifices all moms do for their children.  As great as this weekend was, it was incomplete without being able to see my mom.  Unfortunately she had to work all weekend, but we will see her next weekend.  Thank you, mom, for all you do for me and my family.

And sending out big hugs to those with moms in heaven, especially my cousins Donna and Denise, and Mary.  Thinking of you, and Aunt Linda and Aunt Rose today! 

DC