Birthday Weekend!!

What a birthday celebration weekend Ryan had!  On Friday, after a quick trip to the zoo and opening presents, we headed to Timber Ridge in Lake Geneva for some waterpark fun.  The Eders were even able to join us!  Then on Sunday the whole family made the trip to La Grange to celebrate with us.  Ryan loved all his presents and opened them in record time!  Ryan also made two trips to the driving range over the weekend...what a lucky guy!!

First morning as a 4 year old! 

Heading to the waterpark...asleep before we got to 47th St (picture by Ryan) 

The only pictures we have from the waterpark...Connor would have been happy playing with remotes all day 

Big guy bike 

Connor and Elsa 

Blowing out the candles on his soccer cake 

Giving the bike a try 

The zoo lions!!

4!!

Today our short zoo lion* turns 4 years old.  We have no idea where the time went but we have loved getting to watch our baby grow into such a special young boy.  He still loves all sports and is currently really into soccer and golf.  He also branched out and tried a music class which he really loved!  Ryan is a great big brother and is always either holding Connor's hand or (lovingly) tackling him.  Connor can't get enough of it and thinks his brother is the greatest thing since sliced bread (maybe - Connor really likes his carbs).  Ryan is still a guy's guy and loves to talk about what the big boys and big guys are doing.  He is currently going through a fairly picky stage but offer him M&Ms or Oreos and he will love you for life.  Much like his mom, he thinks ice cream is only worth eating if it's chocolate.  We are so thankful to have this special guy in our life and can't wait to see what the future holds.  We love you to the moon and back buddy!!

*When Ryan was 2, he really loved the sea lions at the zoo but always called them zoo lions.  Then he started to refer to our family as zoo lions and it just stuck.  Now we have Mom and Dad zoo lion, short zoo lion (Ry) and baby zoo lion (Connor).  I think we are going to have to change everyone's title when the baby comes!!

Graduation Day!

We celebrated Kaylee's graduation from high school this weekend.  We are so proud of everything she has accomplished and can't wait to see what the future has in store for her!!

and one more makes 5!!

Ryan and Connor are excited to announce that we are adding another zoo lion (or baby as they are more commonly called) to our family.  Baby Sand #3 will make his or her arrival in late September and we couldn't be happier!!

Gender unknown

Can't you see their excitement?

Princesses and Fishing

Ryan and I took a trip to Hollowayville this weekend to see Kaylee off to her last prom (tear).  Ryan thought Kaylee looked like a princess and he was right...she looked beautiful.  After seeing Kaylee off to prom, Ryan spent the afternoon fishing with Papa.  According to my dad, Ryan is the best worm helper he's ever had...not surprising given that the competition is me, Gina, Kaylee & Erik.

The princess and the slob 

Sisters pictures 

 Ready to go fishing

Worn Out

Easter Celebration

The Easter bunny came early to the Sand household as he knew we wouldn't be home on Sunday.

 Fishing Game

More excited than he looks

After the Easter bunny made his visit, Matt & I headed to Kohler for a few days while the grandparents watched the boys.  Big thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Sand & Memaw & Papa!!  It was just what the doctor ordered after a crazy few weeks of work.

Some famous golf course with a nice view

After our relaxing trip it was time to do our usual holiday tour of both Hollowayville and Dwight.  The kids had fun finding eggs and baskets at both houses.

Connor was mainly interested in eating the goldfish out of the eggs 

Ry was an egg finding machine 

Kate & Ry just hanging out 

Ryan playing with Jack

And just for fun...Ryan's first "selfie"

Elsa's Baptism

Recently we headed to Fairbury to celebrate Elsa's baptism (and by recently, I mean within the last month or so).  She looked adorable (as always) in her baptismal gown.

Black and pink day 

Snuggling with Uncle E 

Girls pictures with Elsa 

Big hugs

Celebrating Elsa 

 Aunt Kaylee

Connor's First Haircut

I'm so behind in downloading pictures from my phone that Connor has since gotten his second haircut...

Busy Season!!

It's that time of year for us accountants...busy season. We have also been extremely busy at home playing and hanging out with family and friends. 

                   Cutie!!

           My kind of fishing

  While big brother is away...

                    Fire Chief Ryan

Owls everywhere!

For many reasons, I have been very lucky to have Dave & Lori Michaelson as my godparents.  One great perk is that my Aunt Lori has made me several quilts including one for Ryan and one for Connor.  The pictures don't do it justice...it looks even better in person!! Thanks so much Aunt Lori!! Love you!!