Ryder Ricks

We celebrated Ryder's first birthday today. I can't believe we've had this sweet boy with us for a year now. Our life was so different a year ago and Ryder has remained a sweet, calm, and happy boy through all of the changes, long road trips, and new places. We all love him so much and can't imagine our lives without him. I got emotional tonight looking back at all the pictures and videos from the past year. All the cold medicine I'm taking right now could have something to do with that though... But we really are truly grateful for Ryder. 

He did have his one year check up today and is almost up to 18 pounds now (he's one of our smaller children), and he had to get shots. AND we found out that he has a double ear infection. Poor guy! But he was still happy and giggly at his little party tonight! The Simmons came over to celebrate with us and gave him a cute remote control dog. He opened up a lot of cool new books from Grandpa and Grandma Woodruff, and some money from Grandpa Hobson and Grandma Judy. He seemed pretty full by the time we had cake and ice cream but he still took a few bites. 

I've got to thank Tenley for all her help with the party today. She is all girl! She loved decorating the house for the party and making all the food. I love that I have such a great helper! She helped make Ryder's birthday awesome!

We're more about how a cake tastes than how it looks around here...