HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYLEE!

Rylee's birthday was Thursday, and we can't believe she's already 8 years old! She's been asking for me to teach her to sew, and since we thought that would be a great hobby for her, we decided to get her her own sewing machine for her birthday. She was thrilled, as you can see. She also got a sewing basket, with all the little notions she'll need for her projects, from Grandma Greta and Pardner. She's all set to start a project--and with spring break here, it was perfect timing.

Anyone who knows Rylee, knows that she LOVES to read. So she was really excited when Grandma Kathryn and Grandpa Brant gave her some books from her favorite series, The Sisters Grimm. She hasn't put those books down, and has already read 2 of them since she got them... and they are over 300 pages each! She's also saving for another American Girl doll. This time she really wants one of the historical dolls, a colonial girl named Felicity. So when Grandpa John and Grandma Linda and Grandma Austin sent her a birthday card with money tucked inside, she was tickled. She said it was the best birthday EVER! She's so easy! And thank you, everyone, for remembering our sweet Rylee and making her birthday so special.

And if all this wasn't enough, although Rylee had to go to school on her birthday, it was field trip day. We spent the day at Rockin' R Ranch in Mesa, AZ. Rockin' R Ranch is a real working pioneer ranch that belonged to Charles Robson, one of the original pioneers to settle Mesa. We panned for gold, and Rylee even found a few "nuggets." We also used an old fashioned water pump, took a wagon ride, designed our own brands, learned about the Native Americans of Arizona, and watched a fun cowboy music show. It was actually a fun little field trip, and we both had a great time!

Then after school was soccer practice and dinner. Rylee picked out the restaurant, Red Robin--YUM! So we enjoyed a fun family dinner at Red Robin. What a great way to celebrate our little girl! We're so glad she's in our family. We love you, Rylee Bug!