"If you start soon enough, you won't have to run to catch up."

This will be a sprint through the last 5 months.  I really can't believe that it has been that long since my last post.  Leah did try and contribute, but once I saw the junk she submitted, I had to revoke her rights. 

With February comes Valentine's day.  I enlisted my partner in crime, Bryan Sears, to purchase some Samuel Adams fancy beer glasses for John.  I don't really know if they make the beer taste better, but he had wanted a set for some time.  Ryenn broke one about 5 minutes after the box was opened.  Oh well...  I also got him a few scary movies to use with his shiny surround sound.  John surprised me with a Kindle Fire!  I love it so much.  It does so many things, and keeps the girls entertained as well.  We went to dinner at the Copper Steer Steak House.  During dinner we glanced out the window and it was snowing!  The flakes weren't even the tiny, mostly wet, snow we usually get.  The snow was sticking to the ground.  It was an awesome present.
In March we celebrated our beautiful Leah's 2nd Birthday!  She had a Ni Hao Kai-Lan themed birthday party.  Our friends and family joined us in our backyard for a BBQ.  We had a wonderful time!

John was fortunate enough to go to Australia for work at the end of April for two weeks.  He got so see some really amazing sights, and every hotel that he stayed in was right on the beach!  He is projected to make a return trip next summer, and I am hoping to be able to travel along!!

Ryenn successfully graduated from preschool in the middle of May.  It was such a special moment for us.  Throughout this year she blossomed into a social butterfly.  She made new friends, and learned a great deal.  Her teacher was amazing, and we were truly blessed that Ryenn was able to have a terrific first school experience with her.  We are waiting to hear if she can test into kindergarten this year.  She misses the age cut off by two weeks.  The testing is to be scheduled this month!  She has also decided to play AYSO soccer this year.  I hope she sticks with it.

June brought a beautiful flower to us!  Our wonderful friend Mariah and adorable NatalieBug came down to adopt a beautiful new baby girl.  We enjoyed each and every moment that we had with them.  My girls love Mariah, and now every baby they see is Natalie or Madeline.  We are looking forward to seeing them on their home turf for vacation soon.

John's brother Daniel was married on June 3.  He joined his family with Christina Wilson and her 4 children.  They had a lovely out door wedding.  I was asked to help them capture their special day by impersonating a photographer.  I just hope they don't regret their decision. HA!

John and I also went on vacation with Ron and Brigette to Hawaii!  I had never been, and I will never forget the awesome opportunity.  The island is beyond beautiful, and we had a fantastic time.  We drove the "Road to Hana," and Brigette and I took turns getting sick.  We snorkeled near Molokini and Turtle Town.  The luau we went to was at the fabulous Marriott. 

So there it is.  The last couple of months as quickly as possible!  I am hoping to keep up a little better in the future!