Here's to you Ryan - Happy 25th!!!

Today, is Ryan's 25th Birthday and in keeping with tradition we celebrated, by enjoying brunch at Scott's on the River. When we sat down Kaitlyn asked if Uncle Ryan was coming, and I told her he was there in spirit. My Dad gave a nice toast, and we all started crying...but then we started laughing at ourselves. My Mom gave a nice tip to the server, as Ryan always gave generous tips to waitresses. So here's to you Ryan!!!

Pop Pop, Alison, Grammy, Me & Kaitlyn

Scott's on the River

Grammy & Alison
The whole family

Run Rocklin 2008

For those of you who didn't know, I took up running a week or so before Ryan graduated to heaven. My last conversation with Ryan, was about running. The months after Ryan's "graduation" I trained for my very first race - Run Rocklin. Running has been great therapy for me, if you will. My Dad ran with me, at my pace - which wasn't too bad for a novice runner (me not my Dad). My greatest friend Kristy ran the 12k. Kristy gave us each an angel pin, to represent Ryan - he was rollin' with us.

Kaitlyn participated in the Kids 1/4 mile Fun Run, the next day I heard her complaining about being sore! I have no idea where she's heard that before...

Kaitlyn in action at the fun run, I didn't run with her as I figured she'd know what to do...see Grammy pointing her in the right direction...
My Dad and I after finishing my first 5k - I felt accomplished and strong that day...my best day in a long time.

In Ryan's Honor

We enjoyed a meal fit for a king - Ryan's name means "little king". Our out-of-town guests joined us for dinner in Ryan's Honor at the clubhouse. With the restuarant being closed that evening, the chef and entire waiting staff was brought in just for our dinner, so it was pretty special. It was informal and fun, with good company, good wine, and great food. The clubhouse even prepared a menu in Ryan's honor - I know Ryan would have said "what the hell! they printed my name on the menu?!" We sure enjoyed it, and I know Ryan would have loved it!

Celebrating Ryan's Life

Unfortunately we had to celebrate Ryan's life a little too early...but we celebrated Ryan's short time on earth just as Ryan wanted it. With Ryan's closest friends and family - it was small and intimate, and for a short while we felt like a little family, sharing stories and memories of Ryan.

We cried ,we definitely laughed and somehow thru all the sorrow everyone felt, I think everyone left with a warm heart.

Ryan will be missed by many but he touched everyone he knew in such a positive way, that he will never be forgotten by any. We sure do love him, and miss him dearly but he's with us always in spirit - that's for sure! (he knows what I'm talking about)

Ryan's friends with his car before the celebration, with a tribute they made for Ryan.
Ryan's friends with him looking on in the background, we know he was there in spirit.
Our little family enjoying the beautiful weather we were given to celebrate such a beautiful soul, it couldn't have been more perfect.
The most amazing picture of all - my Grandpa Bennett left Montana, and that never happens! Ryan's way of getting us all together? Maybe.

Go Kaitlyn! Party like it's your 4th Birthday!!!

Even without a big birthday party, Kaitlyn's birthday seems to go on for like 4 days! Saturday, her and Daddy picked out a new Trek bike (I think he's got motives with the new bike, he wants Kaitlyn to have an edge over the other kids for the trike-a-thon) Sunday, Kaitlyn enjoying her 1st cake...

Grammy & Pop Pop, Uncle Ryan came over for a birthday bbq, and the Vialpando tradition of B.R. ice-cream cake - yummo!!!

Kaitlyn strutting her stuff, with her new boat outfit!!!

Today, at school...the entire school came out to sing a couple of songs to her, including Happy Birthday - she LOVED it, imagine that!

Kaitlyn with her school friends having a party and snacks.

Kaitlyn, Emily, Kylee - the girls!

I couldn't fit any more pics, otherwise I would have put the picture of Kaitlyn truely enjoying her Leatherby's ice-cream clown with Grandma and Grandpa! She got chocolate ice-cream and managed to get it all over face, the table, her pants, and the booth. Kaitlyn really enjoyed her birthday these last 4 days!!!

The Jelly Belly Factory for our Little Jelly Belly's

We met up with the Roberts Clan (minus Vernie - who was missed...read on we could have used the extra hands - lol) at The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield on Tuesday...it really was time, I mean com'mon I hadn't even seen Kira - who is already 2 months old - Ridiculous! We had a great time corraling 4 kids on feet, and 1 kid in the sling on the tour of the factory, which by the way was pretty interesting. Did you know it takes an entire week to make a jelly belly bean, or that they use 100,000 lbs. of sugar a day, not very south beach diet friendly!!!

We enjoyed the beautiful sunny day having a lunch out on the patio with the kids...that is until Melanie had to take Mason to the bathroom, leaving me with 4 children to watch over. Maile and Kaitlyn were having a ball playing keep away from Alison, and Alison was just content with chasing them back and forth...little Kira was an angel just cooing away as I got my baby fix....then, all hell broke loose when Kaitlyn announced she had to go poop...I told her to wait until Melanie got back...she tried but she really had to go! So without all the details, just imagine me, holding baby Kira in one hand, practically dragging Alison in the other (because of course she didn't see the reason why she should have to come along), and telling Kaitlyn "hold it we're alomst there" with Maile in tow, we made it just in time! Okay, so all hell didn't really break loose, the situation was comical - Kaitlyn has a way of needing to poop at the most inopportune times!!! Melanie and I have decided to get together just us - no kids, next time!!! Kaitlyn, Mr. Jelly Belly and Alison waiting for the Roberts
Melanie, baby Kira, Alison, Mason, Maile and Kaitlyn waiting to go on the tour (Mason was hiding)
Alison checking out the factory worker spinning jelly belly beans
Kaitlyn, Me, Alison (and my purse)

We've got a climber...

Finally! I caught Alison in action, up to no good! Either she's going to be a dare devil or she wanted to get a close up view of the country music concert on t.v.

Oh my gosh, it's her sister all over again...

I guess I better break out the rope to tie the dining chairs together!