My Friend Carter

Riley enjoys getting to play with his friend Carter twice a week. It's fun to watch them learn, even at this age, about friendship. Sometimes they love to play together, sometimes they need their space. They talk to each other - even from separate rooms and get in each other's way. They're happy to see each other and sometimes sad to say goodbye. Oh boys... so cute...

Musical Genius

Yes, at such a young age, we're convinced Riley is a musical genius. Well, musical anyway... :)

Riley the Rocker



Riley the Drummer (Chad, you'd be proud...)

Riley the DJ??

Hey, we're first-time parents, we're impressed with anything! :)

Walking... one STEP at a time... hehe!

Of course, our son pushes the toy his own way...



Just one day later... And look how quickly he improves!

Why walk when you can crawl

So Riley is officially walking (well, he's taken about 7-10 steps at a time) but he would so much rather crawl. And why not, it looks like such fun! He's so much closer to the toys!

He's learned how to be creative with his crawling and likes to see how he can balance while up on a ball or anything else he can hold in his hands.

Ah never a dull moment with the Riley Bear...

Riley loves Aunt Mel...

We enjoyed our visit with Mel and Scott... and here's proof!

We played...

We laughed...

We posed...

And we were so sad to say goodbye...

We love you guys and we had so much fun with you here!!

Gorilla Baby

This little monkey is slowly learning to walk...



This little monkey is learning to feed himself... mmm... who wants some?!! (notice the spoon that has been thrown onto the floor)



This little monkey is looking for a tree to swing from...



This little monkey is learning to talk...

God bless us everyone...

We had a GREAT Christmas - and we hope you did too. Here are some highlights.



We were excited about our tradition of opening our stockings on Grandmom and Pop's bed!



So many gifts... Being the first grandchild on the Delp side, this was exciting for all us!



We feel especially blessed this Christmas. Not just because of the gifts that were received, but more than that - God loved us more than we can imagine and sent His son to this dark world to bring us light and life. We see a tiny bit more of God's character now that we, for this moment in time, have an only son - what LOVE, that would choose to sacrifice, choose to be separated, choose to make Himself sin, so that we can live eternally, live life to the full, knowing love and grace and joy and hope.

We have much to be thankful for and celebrate: We have amazing family, both near and far. Riley has brought us joy and delight. I so enjoy Ryan and watching him brings tears to my eyes - he is such a wonderful husband and father and friend. And while nothing is ever perfect here in this world, we see glimpses of heaven through our time together as family. We love you all. Merry Christmas.



The wonder of Christmas is summed up by this beautiful face...