Our trip to the Big Apple

 After getting up very early,  a long flight in which Ryker was absolutely perfect,  and hauling around much luggage, we arrived at our hotel in Times Square. 

 The boys waited patiently while we checked in. 

 We had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant this first night that was one of my favorites. We then ventured to the Empire State building with Ryker in the front pack- something he really loved.

 The view at night from the top is incredible!

 A bit blurry... but here's most of the gang

 The first of many taxi rides with Ryker sitting on our laps. Unsafe, I know, but apparently legal in NewYork. I did take the car seat whenever I could just for the record :)

Little buddy still adjusting to the time change slept in and missed breakfast. But who could wake a face like this?

 A little lunch, shopping and buzz lightyear in Times Square

 Should the two Great Dane Employees adopt the Great Dane at Pet Adoption day in Times Square? Probably not... probably anyone who lives in a tiny apartment in Manhattan should not adopt a Great Dane! 

 Dinner at a rotating restaurant on top of the hotel in which Carter bravely tried the "Quail" for his appetizer. My dessert had real gold flakes on it.. worth taking a picture. 

 A great evening at the Lion King play on Broadway. Thanks to my mom who patiently rocked the tired and fussy Ryker to bed and stayed back at the hotel with him so I could go see the play. The costumes were amazing and I sure enjoyed my free evening!

Sunday we toured Jared's mission, which was fun to see. He was a well liked missionary and still has many people excited to see him! A cute family put on a nice bbq for us and fed us so much food! I wish I had taken pictures there. This is a house he lived in the very top floor in Staten Island for awhile.

 He took us to lunch at Goodfella's pizza- a popular dining establishment and quite delicious. 

 During the mission tour, we crammed all 9 of us in a 7 passenger van for the day. Carter and Jordy took turns riding in the luggage compartment in the back (notice the sweet marks down Carter's face after a long nap back there). And Ryker sat in his carseat on the floor. It worked great!

 Monday brought a day full of sight-seeing, including a bike ride through Central Park. Ryker sat so well back here, and like it as long as Rick kept the bike moving. 

 It really is mind boggling how big Central Park is. Lakes, boat rides, zoos, tennis courts, horse and carriage rides, you name it- they have it!

All tuckered out after working so hard on his bike ride. Just one of the many crazy places he chose to take his nap. 

 This was the only day that was unbearably hot. You can tell everyone looks super happy in this picture. I really enjoyed Ellis Island. Statue of Liberty looks best from the boat ride. 

 The next day we rented two vans to drive to upstate New York. Carter was actually super well behaved on the 6 hour drive. He entertained himself in the back seat quite well. It's so funny to sit and listen to him talk to himself, play with his magnetic metal stick he bought a variety store in a small town on the way, and make video's where he self-narrates the whole time. There is no question what's going through this kid's head- he verbalizes it all!

 The face of a baby who enjoyed the car ride because he caught up on some good naps. The drive was beautiful and I wish I would have taken pictures. 

 That night we checked into our hotel on the Eerie Canal, and attended the Mormon miracle pageant in Palmayra. Very cool! It's amazing how many people are in the pageant and how far they come from to be a part of it. These kids were super cute and excited to be in everyone's pictures.

The boys attempted to jump off this bridge into the yucky canal water in their swim suits and my mom came running out of the hotel, yelling at them to get down!! Attempt failed. Crisis averted. We later found out jumping in is illegal. But the boys still regret not jumping. 

 The Jospeh Smith Family farm house. Very cool to walk inside and see. I can't believe how many people lived here!

 The sacred grove. Some of us remembered to be more sacred than others... :) Rick even spotted a deer in here!

 And last day... Niagra Falls and Canada. Only my sweet Ryker could nap through the crazy rain/mist and noise that comes off the falls. They gave you these complementary poncho's, and we modified mine to have a little hole for his head too.

 It's incredible how much water is flowing over the falls every second. 

 Another nap in the front pack that Rick swore he would never be caught dead wearing. And a very informative and relaxing bus ride narrated by our tour guide Norm- who was very efficient and full of interesting facts. 

 This butterfly atrium was very cool. They were flying around everywhere in here and would just land on you. So many kinds and colors. 

All in all, it was a great vacation, with only a few minor mishaps. We all enjoyed it and really appreciate our good dad Billy for taking us on another fun Nehmer Family vacation. Thanks Dad!

Oakley Rodeo 2012

It was another great year at the Oakley Rodeo. Perfect weather, good company, and the best outfit ever for our Ryker boy- courtesy of his Aunts on the White side. Rick was so proud of his little cowboy. There was even a bull rider named Ryker. Hopefully he gets to see many more rodeo's. 

 Thanks for joining us friends! It was a good night out! 

 Not sure why the concerned face in this one... despite this look Ryker really enjoyed himself. He watched for awhile, then napped in Daddy's arms. Such a good baby!

Summer fun

Ryker and I have had a good time hanging out this summer. It's amazing how fast time really goes even when you are "theoretically home all day." Here's a little of what we have been up to:

 He already loves his little rocking chair my Uncle John Gresko made him. So do all the neighbor kids! It's become quite the hot seat at our house. I think John could sell these well in Farmington!

 We try to do a little tummy time every day. Some days he loves it and scoots and kicks. Other days he rolls over on his back and gives up. 

 We went with Rick on the road to St. George for his business trip. Here he is hanging out in the Holiday Inn hotel. Same hotel I used to swim and play at as a little kid when my Dad was down in St. George selling trailers. The pool has not changed. Luckily the rooms are updated since my childhood :) The free hot breakfast is delicious and the Asian Maid Lady loves Ryker. "I look for him every morning!"

 He already likes his Johnny Jump up. I feel somewhat bad that the only door frame downstairs is in a closet, so he spins himself around and stares at my closet mess like the vaccuum and suit cases. He doesn't seem to mind.

We've spent a few days at the pool- in the shade of course with our little fair skinned boy. This day he fell asleep in my arms in the Pirate Pool at the Bountiful Rec Center.

Happy Father's Day

Rick's First Father's Day as a Father was a success!! Our little Ryker is so fun and such a happy baby that he makes it easy to be parents. Rick is also the world's most helpful dad- always helping out with his little buddy. It was a good Father's Day Sunday with the usual church, nap, steak dinner at the Nehmer's and some presents. 

Rick "rocked"Ryker for his nap, but unfortunately the wrong boy fell asleep here! Ryker ended up just cooing and talking to Rick while Daddy had a nice Sunday nap!

He opened his presents outside on our porch- some nice golf pants, a golf belt and a new swim suit. Happy Father's Day Rick!! You are the best new daddy!!

Toby Keith Concert

Rick bought us tickets to Toby Keith out at Usana Amiptheater. I have never been to a concert out there. It was a fun night outside with my sweetie!! I did learn a few things about concerts at Usana:

• Apparently the goal is to wear as little of clothes as possible. Tosh and I stood out.
• Beer is expensive at $8 each- but that doesn't stop ANYBODY!!! Each person must have had 8. We stood out. 
• Tatoo's, bleach blonde hair, boots, and a few extra pounds hanging out are a must. Tosh and I stood out. 
• Fights are optional, but apparently acceptable. I feared for my safety a few times when the brawls came dangerously close to my picnic blanket. This time, Bridger and Rick stood out. 
• Large amounts of PDA are expected. Holding hands is not the norm anymore I guess.... 

All in all, it was a VERY entertaining night. People watching was just as fun as the concert itself. I do like me some good ole Toby Keith. Thanks to the Bahoravitch's for taking care of our cute Ryker so we could enjoy a night out. My advice- try out Usana once in your life :) But maybe only once... 

Bountiful Car Show

We went to the "Coats for Kids Car Show" in Bountiful.  Perfect Weather for walking up and down Main Street!  Enjoyed the cars, company, music and food! I could make this a new summer tradition.

Ryker started with his cute outfit on, but then I changed him into his car jammies, hoping he would fall asleep in the stroller. No such luck. There was way too much fun and action going on. At least he stayed a happy baby three hours past his bed time :) Who wouldn't be happy if you get to sit with your daddy in Grandpa's cool corvette.

May was a busy  month for us.  Rick's brother Kelly got married in May. It was one of the cutest receptions I have ever been too! She had it at an airport hanger in Brigham City. It reminded me of Pearl Harbor. Very cutely decorated. Welcome to the fam, Riley. You just fit right in!

Ryker got so big on me in the month of May! He is a "healthy" looking boy, aka chubby! And I love him that way. He is so smiley and content, and has even started sleeping very long stretches at night.

Ryker also had his first trip to the zoo. The kindergartners took a field trip, and because it was all day instead of my usual half day schedule, he got to come with us. I have a great principal and kindergarten team that are so acommodating and welcoming of a baby and their schedules. Ryker slept most of the time at the zoo, despite the many kindergartners that wanted to see him. 

 We went to the cabin at Bear Lake over Memorial Weekend and absolutely froze!! We endured rain and snow and spent a lot of time inside the cabin- but at least Ryker was dressed for the weather! The best part of the cabin is the good company, good food and games, so it turned out to be a fun weekend regardless of the weather!

 We did get out one afternoon to golf a few holes in the occasional sunshine. 

 We blessed Ryker and appreciated all the love and support from our good friends and family. It was a beautiful day with good weather, good food and even greater company.