Happy Birthday, Michele!

Some years ago, on January 6, something wonderful happened...my sister was born! I didn't know it, because I wasn't around yet, but that day would bring one of my favorite people of all time into my life. So in celebration of my favorite sister and dear, dear friend, here are a few photos of my sis.
Who is with me through tough times...

...and splendid times!

Always one of the sweeter parts of my life!
We can get eachother out of a tight spot...like a kayak!
She's a WONDERFUL mom!
And is willing to do lame poses with her lil' sis!
And she loves her husband, even when there are sexy snowmen around!
Knows how to fish!

She looks beautiful when she cries.
But even more so when she smiles! And she has the best laugh!
Here she is all knocked up last year!
Definitely my favorite sister, and my mom's second favorite daughter! (Tee-hee)

But seriously, Michele, I love you so much and even though I call you an ignory-face and a butt-fa-say, I am so glad you're my sister. I am glad that we've become so close, and I hope to grow closer through the years, now that the shoe-throwing and toe-slamming days are over.

Here's to my sis!

Christmas

I know that everyone else is posting about new years-y things, but I am still working on Christmas postings! We had a great time. We went "home" for the holidays, and got to spend some great time with family. Unfortunately, we don't have pics of Christmas Eve with Doug's family, because we thought we left our camera at home. Turns out we didn't, and it almost got ruined from sitting in the freezing car!
Christmas day was fun with my two nieces. My dad was in "Grandpa Mode" or something, because he and Mindy got them these huge rocking giraffes. Above is Zorianna on her new toy!
Here is Judy on hers. She was so cute trying so hard to rock it!
Here is my dad showing off his homemade tire swing. Judy is loving it!
Doug liked the toys as much as the babies did!
Dad and Mindy's birthdays are both in December, and this year was the BIG ONE! (I won't say numbers...) Shanna, Mindy's sister, decided to make a 40 POUND CAKE big enough to feed 150 people! Shanna likes to do things BIG like that :) Looking through these pics, there is always someone making a funny face or looking the wrong way. Oh well. Oh, and you can see Cassie's little pansa! So cute!
We had a white Christmas! When the snow let up, the more adventurous of the crew made this huge snowman, which I threatened to kick off the cliff (wouldn't that have been cool?) Unfortunately, that night it blew off the cliff, and Trent threatened me with many punishments for killing the snowman. I swear it wasn't me!!
Dad taught Zorianna how to make snow angels. Yes, in his Levi's.
My mom has been here visiting from Alaska. It has been nice to spend some time with her. Here we are at Brad's Christmas party with the whole fam on the 27th.
A birthday cake for my dad. We all said a few words and, in true Ryan style, blubbered and cried about how much we love him. We sure know how to have a good time ;)
Rockin' out. I felt old cause I didn't know half of the songs.
Here is Marquel making Judy CRACK UP! It was so funny to watch.
More rocking out. I wish I had video of Doug getting into it.
Somehow, I got my mom to sing. Well, I didn't know the song, and it was Pat Benetar's "Heartbreaker", so I asked her to help me. She puts me to shame with her mad skills!
Here is my dad and hubby fixing the thermostat on my car. I didn't even realize how bad it had gotten until they fixed it! Thanks guys!

Sorry I always just post pictures, but you know what they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Party time!

Here are some pics from Doug's Graduation/Judy's Birthday Party. It was lots of fun!
We had to put people in our garage because we had so many guests. Luckily, it was a BEAUTIFUL day, so we left the door open to let in the sun and heat.

Goodies!

"Look who's one! Look who's done!"

Here's Judy's ladybug cakes.

Momma and baby.

Doug opening presents...which was awkward, because it was mostly money. Then Doug got tongue-tied and stopped reading the cards aloud. So it turned into everyone watching Doug read cards. To himself.

It was fun watching Judy open presents. She actually opened them, too, which I didn't think was normal for a 1-year-old.

Our nephew, Alex, playing photographer.

Judy's cake fest. She doesn't eat sweets very often, so she was pleasantly surprised.

I love this pic. You can see how much she is enjoying it. Unfortunately, she got sick shortly after this.

Here's Doug's family, all except the boys--his dad, brother, and brother-in-law. We've got to get a pic with all of them sometime!

Here is Judy playing with mommy and daddy and her new toys. She thoroughly enjoyed all of her presents.

Doug's Graduation

Last night, Doug graduated with his Bachelor's in Biochemistry from UNM. On Monday, he starts his new job as an Immunochemistry Staff Scientist at a biotech company. Yeah, he's smart. He is always trying to explain to me what it is that he does, but I don't get it. It's like a different language.

I am SO very proud of him. He has worked very hard his entire school career. Countless nights were spent burning the midnight oil studying for his classes. It finally paid off and now he is done. Well, in a manner of speaking. He plans to continue on and get his Master's this fall.
Here we are, waiting for the ceremony to begin. That's his sisters Beth, Melissa, Emily, and his mom. Uh, and me.

Melissa and Emily

You can tell the keynote speaker was noteworthy. Not. They had a politician speak, and all he did was talk about his accomplishments and how great he was. He must have been mixed up and forgotten that he was at a graduation and not a campaign rally. I texted with Doug the whole time. Tacky, I know, but that way it was like we were sitting with each other.

Nosebleed section.

Doug's mom was so proud.

Moving the tassel to the left.

I got him roses. Is that nerdy?

The after-party with niece and nephew and sisters.

Doug and our nephew, Alex.

Doug and our niece, Judy.

More pics to follow of his graduation party from today.