I get by with a little help from my friends

A few months back Jason told me he was going to be gone a whole week for work (Sunday-Friday night). For any mom, whether you have one child or ten, it is tough to be alone for a whole week. I was telling my friend, Kelly, how much I was dreading this week and since Kelly is in Columbus, Ohio, newly married and not employed, she said she would come visit. Yay! Then I texted our friend, Liz, and Liz said that she would come from Chicago with her son, Ryker. In a matter of 10 minutes I went from dreading Jason's trip to excited for his trip (sorry J, but I was really happy to see my girls).

Liz and Kelly came Wednesday through Friday and wow, did the time go by fast! On Thursday, Ella was gone all day on a school field trip (to the pumpkin patch/apple orchard). We decided to head out to Stoneycreek Farms on what was a beautiful day. I had never been there during the week and what a difference. There were no crowds (probably 10 people there including us) and it was all just perfect. I love fall days like this.

A silly Laney story for you......we were in the car when Ryker started talking loundly. Kelly said, "Ryker Nguyen (pronounce Win)," to get him to calm down. Laney then says, "NO, Laney Wins!" Kelly and I thought that was too funny!

Ry's first hay ride



I liked the lighting on this on.
Kelly with Laney and Ryker

Matthew was fascinated by the pumpkins
Ok, let's get serious...he was more fascinated with being able to sit in the dirt.
And that sitting in the dirt was socially acceptable.

The boys enjoying their first hay ride

Great pic of Liz and Ry





Ry wanted this one



Laney and her new pumpkin











Liz and I thought this looked like it could be a school pic





The pumpkin train



I think she liked it :)











We called this my Finesse Hair Commercial





Who is that kid diving head first into the pool filled with dirty water?



Oh, my son



Then girls joined the boys in the messy fun

Ry was loving it!

Weeeee...down the slide into the fun, dirty water

Everything is ok; I have my princess phone

This is awesome!

Then one little lady wanted to play princess and baby

Then the princess became a wrestler and the whole group dove right in

I love this picture!
I wish this was the smile she would have given on picture day.
I just got her Kindergarten pics back. Let's just say, they are so Ella!

Ry and his second mother
Ella was so excited to have Ryker come visit and hasn't stopped talking about him!

Look at these happy ladies



I asked Laney to smile to show me she was having fun

I then asked Ella to give me a smile to show she was having fun.
This is what she gave me. Niiiiiiice!

Dad, I had fun, but I am on my way home!

Liz and Kelly, thank you for coming to visit. I honestly couldn't imagine my life without you two and you have been such wonderful friends for 14 years. Thanks for helping me in my "time of need." :)