THE ATKINSON WEBSITE

Dylan

2010-04-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Atkinson Family has grown to four

There's a new little man to love and adore

Dylan Michael arrived at 6:35 pm

On March twenty-fifth, two thousand and ten

You greeted Nellis AFB with a hearty cry

As fighter jets roared and dotted the sky

Six pounds six ounces is how you weighed in

A cherished blue bundle - what a way to begin

Via hotmail, blogspot, and facebook

Family and friends got an early look

At the sweet face of the brand new boy

Who will bring us so much fun and joy

You'll have big brother Ryan to show you the ropes

And mom and dad with all of their hopes

That you'll grow and learn, be healthy and strong

The adventure continues to move right along

Love, Nana Sarah

More Pictures of the Family

2010-03-29T20:40:00.001-07:00

Dylan Michael Atkinson

2010-03-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Baby Dylan arrived at 6:35pm on March 25th, 2010. He weighed 6lbs 6oz. We will post more pictures soon!

2009-08-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Nana Sarah and Papa Roger visited South Carolina in late July.

We took a trip to the Columbia Zoo on Saturday.

Ryan's Birthday and 4th of July in Ohio

2009-08-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

We were in Ohio for Ryan's birthday and the 4th of July. Ryan had a great time in the pool.

More Pictures of Ryan

2009-06-21T13:47:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of Ryan.

Moving to Vegas!!!

2009-06-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

We got our assignment on Friday morning. We will be moving to Las Vegas sometime this Fall/Winter and Steve will be flying with the Agressors at Nellis AFB. We're very happy with this assignment and are looking forward to moving to Vegas! It will be a great place for friends and family to visit.

Ryan in Arkansas

2009-06-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

When we returned from Jamaica, we went straight to a family reunion on Table Rock Lack in Missouri.

Then we went back to Arkansas for a few more days on the farm.

Sandals Jamaica

2009-06-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Sandals all inclusive resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica in May. This was our second trip to a Sandals resort. We really like not having to worry about buying food, drinks, and entertainment while on vacation.

Grandma's Surprise 90th Party

2009-03-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my Grandma Connie turned 90!!!! She had a surprise birthday party thrown for her. My mom and dad flew in from Ohio and we drove to Fayetteville, NC for the weekend. It was so nice to be able to make her birthday special.

We stayed at a local hotel that had an indoor pool which Ryan wasn't to fond of because it wasn't very warm.

The hotel had a free breakfast which you could make your own waffles and Ryan loved them so much he had to bring one back upstairs.

Ryan loved to hide in the closet and slide the doors shut

I got a new SLR camera and took a picture of my aunt's flowers she had planed. What a great picture!

Ryan's New Haircut

2009-02-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ryan FINALLY got a haircut today. We have been putting it off either because Ryan had been sleeping during hours of operation or he wasn't in a good mood. We headed to the barber shop on base today and had a sucker (which he only gets during a haircut) ready for him. He was a perfect little angel. He is turning into a sweet little boy.

Squadrons Dining Out

2009-02-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Steve's Squadron had their "Dining Out" last night. It is basically a chance for everyone to get dressed up and get BABYSITTERS!!!! Ryan has had a girl come over before to watch him after he fell asleep but last night Bri actually fed him, played with him, and put him to bed. He seemed a little nervous but she said he did great once we left. It was nice to have a night out with my husband but I would have preferred a good cheese pizza rather than Tofu and rice (the vegetarian meal....gross)!

Steve's Parents Visit

2009-02-28T17:02:00.000-08:00

Steve's parents were a little late coming out to visit after Steve returned home from Iraq. Unfortunately they were hit by the huge ice storm that rolled through Arkansas about a month ago. They had severe damage around their farm. Tree limbs fell on top of their fences that surround the property. Oh yeah, and no electricity for 12 days!!!! They did make it and sure enjoyed the four days they got to spend with Ryan.

Steve's Home!!!

2009-02-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Steve is finally home! After four months in Iraq, Ryan has his daddy back. Steve came back last Thursday afternoon. They were scheduled to land around 1:00p.m. but didn't end up landing till 3:00p.m. It was a challenge keeping Ryan occupied for two hours while we waited anxiously. The balloons in the squadron definitely helped.

We got to walk right out to where the jets park after landing to greet the guys. It was very loud due to the jet noise. Ryan was offered ear protection but didn't like them!

Steve flew about nine hours from Iraq to Spain on Wednesday then flew about ten hours from Spain to South Carolina on Thursday. Due to the cold weather this time of year the pilots have to wear a dry suit because of the flight over the Atlantic (just in case they would have to eject).

Ryan seemed to remember his daddy but was more interested in the jet.

Grandma Margie's House

2009-01-01T18:15:00.001-08:00

We took a trip to Amsterdam to visit my Grandma Margie. She enjoyed watching her two great-grandchildren (Ryan and Avery) play.
Future Super-star???

Me and cousin Rachel

Aunt Meredith's

2009-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan is at Aunt Meredith's house enjoying her view out her front door.

Bath Time @ Mimi's

2009-01-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Mimi and G-Ron re-finished their bathrooms and no longer have a bath tub. We decided to put Ryan in the kitchen sink for his baths.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-30T18:28:00.001-08:00

Ryan is a little too young still to understand the concept of the whole Christmas idea which is good since Steve is gone. Ryan enjoyed sitting on all the boxes more than anything.
Ryan got a monkey with a leash that is the monkey's tail so when we go shopping he can walk around and we can keep tabs on him.

Aunt Meredith bought him a BMW tricycle!! He is a little too small for it right now but in six months he will defiently be using it.

All the dogs love Ryan because he supplies them with an endless amount of treats all day long.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Vacation started @ 3:45 a.m. Our plane left Columbia early in the morning but got to Ohio @ 8:00 a.m.!!! The gate agent thought he was being helpful by letting us board early but who wants to entertain their 18 month old for another 20 minutes?? Mimi had bought Ryan a winter coat and hat for the cold Ohio weather. Ryan was not too enthusiastic to wear it.

My mom put up a small tree this year with all the ornaments that we collected as children. Ryan enjoyed taking them on and off the tree.

Aunt Lee gave Ryan a present on Chirstmas Eve and Ryan had more fun with the tissue paper then playing with his truck.

X-Mas Picture

2008-12-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Can anyone else get their 18 month old to sit still for a picture? I took Ryan to the mall to have a Christmas picture taken and what to you know they were running on "baby time" (about an hour late). Of course we scheduled our appointment around what would be best for Ryan. Needless to say we haven't tried again so I thought I would try to get a picture myself. I got two cute pics right before he fell asleep one night. Ryan was in his Christmas PJ's but not what I imagined for his outfit. So yesterday I asked my neighbor if we could come by and try to get one in front of her tree with real clothes on (yes, we have no tree since we are going home). That didn't work as you can see.

It was very warm here on Wednesday (about 75) so I took outside for him to play.

Office X-Mas Party

2008-12-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

I have been working three days a week at a dental office here in Sumter since last January. It is perfect with being part time and only about ten minutes from home. There are six of us besides our two dentists: Dr. Gee Rabon and Dr. Melissa Minger. We really have fun together, especially outside the office. Dr. Rabon thought it would be fun to spend the day at his cabin for our Christmas party. We ate, rode four wheelers, and played ping-pong. We didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked so we are heading back in February to stay the night!! (Yes, I already have a babysitter lined up.........STEVE.)
Lynn,(far left)Vickie, Dr. Minger, Sherri, Deb, April, (middle) me, and Dr. Rabon

April & Dr. Minger

Me and Sherri (the other hygienist)

Ryan's BFF

2008-12-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

This isn't the first time we have talked about Ryan's best friend Gavin, but I want everyone to know how thankful I am to have Debra and Gavin (o.k., Brett too but your never home) next door. When the boys first started playing together they ignored one another, now they hug each other, share toys, and steal each other's sippy cups. It breaks my heart to think we will move one day and they will have a long distance relationship. It will work right?

Thanksgiving with G-Ron & Mimi

2008-12-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

My parents flew in from Ohio for Thanksgiving to keep us company. We picked them up from the airport and headed straight to Panera for lunch. I always bring food for Ryan but this day he sure enjoyed G-Ron's (grandpa Ron) chocolate frosted brownie. I don't think my dad thought he would be giving most of his brownie to Ryan!!!

Ryan was in such a great mood that after Panera we headed to the mall in Columbia to do some shopping. We rented Ryan a stroller because I didn't bring his not knowing if there would be enough room in the car with their suitcases. There is a Merry-Go-Round in the middle of the mall so G-Ron bought Ryan a token so they could go on a ride.

On Thanksgiving we decided it wasn't worth cooking for three people so we got dressed and headed to Columbia for a late lunch at Cracker Barrel. Ryan got to try turkey, cranberries, gravy, corn, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!!!

On Friday we drove to Charlotte to go shopping at the huge mall there. Of course Ryan was drawn to the Christmas trees that were all over Neiman Marcus.

G-Ron is escorting Ryan away from the tree before an employee would ask him to leave

Yes, another day at another mall!!! We went to our mall here is town (which is horrible) and tried to get Ryan's Christmas pictures taken. Sears was running behind and Ryan was acting up so we left. This picture was us killing time and letting Ryan try on shoes that light up when he walks.

Sorry, No Pics

2008-11-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been almost three weeks since Halloween. Yes, I haven't taken any new pictures of Ryan. My friend, Brooke, came to stay with us last weekend for about five days. She was so helpful. It was rainy almost the whole time she was here. We kept saying we needed to get the camera out and it never happened.

Ryan's daycare gave me a note a few weeks ago saying they were merging with another daycare in town due to financial reasons. It adds on about 15 min more to my day when I work. The week started off good, timed the drive just perfect and got to work on time. Tuesday night about 1:00 a.m. I heard Ryan crying. Sometimes he makes a few noises and goes back to bed. I thought I better check on him. Sure enough he had thrown up all over his crib. He got sick two more times and ended up in bed with mama. He was acting better when morning came but thought I'd better make sure so I scheduled an appt. with the doctor that afternoon. Come to find out he had a sinus infection therefore he is on Amoxicillin for the next ten days. He hadn't had a fever since Tuesday night so I took him to daycare on Thursday since I had to work. They said he did fine at daycare that day. Friday rolled around and I notice sores in his mouth.....back to Sumter Peds @5:30p.m. Saturday he woke up and was in a great mood until we got ready for the grocery and as we were walking out the door he got sick again!!! Hopefully this passes soon. Mama is tired and needs a break.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

Last year Ryan was a pumpkin for Halloween. This year his Aunt Lee thought he needed to be a little more professional with his costume. She bought him a scrub outfit at Children's Hospital and my mom made him a scrub hat with skulls on it. He was super handsome this year. My friend Kelly and her son Brian (he was Cookie Monster) joined us along with my neighbor Debra and Gavin (he was a lion). We had the best looking kids on the block! These boys had a great time and didn't want to give up their candy! Thanks Lee and Mom for the costume.

Sisters Make A Road Trip!!!

2008-11-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

My sisters Lee & Meredith drove down from Ohio to stay a week with me and Ryan. We tried to plan the trip about a month after Steve left to give us something to look forward to. Luckily I wasn't busy at work this week so I only had to work two half days and spent the rest of the week having sister time. It was super nice to feel like I had two live in nannies to help with Ryan. They feed him, played with him, gave him his baths, and helped put him to sleep. It was wonderful to have a peaceful shower this past week. My Grandma Connie lives in Fayetteville, NC with my Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis. They were kind enough to meet us half way at Cracker Barrel for an early dinner. My cousin Daphne and her son Kurtus also got to join us. It was so wonderful to see everyone. Thank you Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis!!!

Sumter Has A Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T17:34:00.001-07:00

The last couple of weeks I have been asking around where I could find a pumpkin patch. I didn't want to have to leave Sumter. Obviously my last posting showed I gave in and went to good old Walmart to get our pumpkins. Our friends, the Penrods, told me about a church in town that has pumpkins in their field beside the church. Ryan and I met them today to take a few pics. He thought this would be a great date for his future wife Caroline and him to meet.

Caroline, I forgot flowers......please take this hay as a token of my love for you.

Two Weeks Down!

2008-10-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Two weeks down and thirteen to go. Ryan and I have been trying to stay really busy since Steve has left. With Halloween right around the corner we headed to Walmart to get pumpkins for the porch. Our house is a ranch style so we have no stairs on the inside. Ryan is still trying to master how to go up and down the front porch stairs.

You realize how big your little ones get when you have to pack up all the clothes that don't fit and get the clothes out you thought looked HUGE at one point. Shannon (my BFF in Utah) bought Ryan these PJ's for his first birthday. They are 2T and fit him perfectly!!! I really didn't think he would wear them until at least this winter....oh well. Thanks Shannon, we miss you.

Debra's husband returned from Iraq about one week ago. They went to visit his family in Baltimore. Ryan has been very lonely without his BFF and looks for him everyday.

A Cart For "TWO" please!

2008-10-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Before having Ryan, I never paid those carts for multiple children any attention. Now, I get very upset when we cannot find them for the boys.....why doesn't EVERY store have these!!!! (Lowes, Target, and Sams are the only ones we have found) We can shop for hours while the boys entertain themselves.

Ryan helping mommy clean up the cabinets.

Daddy Is Off

2008-10-05T05:22:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately the time has come for us to say bye to Steve for four months. It will definitely be hard without him around here, but harder for him not to be around Ryan. As Steve was packing Ryan offered his favorite dump truck for Steve to take.....Steve told Ryan just to keep it here at home! Steve's squadron didn't fly jets over because they are replacing another squadron from Shaw. The chartered plane they left on flew right over our neighborhood. Debra, Gavin, Ryan, and I waited for an hour for the fly over in our cul-de-sac

Toby waited patiently too.Have a safe trip.....We love you.

Sumter Fair

2008-10-04T17:53:00.001-07:00

What better way to spend Steve's last full day in Sumter??? Yes, you guessed it...the Sumter County Fair!!!! Ryan loved all the noise, lights, animals, and even funnel cake. We stopped and looked at the farm animals first. Ryan told me to tell his Papa Roger that he wants a pony for Christams.

This horse looks a little bigger than the ones I have seen on the farm!!!

Daddy and Mommy had to race each other at a game to win my first fair monkey. Guess who won? Mommy!!!!!
Ryan loved the Merry-Go-Round.

The Ferris Wheel was a different story. Once it started going around Ryan held on to Steve and looked like he might get sick. I don't think he likes heights.....just like his Mommy!

"Ryan's Room"

2008-09-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ryan is looking out his window saying "Gavin (BFF) please come over and play with me I hate playing in here by myself!!!!"

"Daddy's home from work....my favorite time of day."

We asked our next door neighbor, Debra, to head to the park with us hoping to get a good family picture before Steve leaves. As you can tell things didn't go as planned.

"Forget a family picture....I just wanna play with my BFF!"

"Sumter Has Cooled Down!"

2008-09-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

To take advantage of the cooler day we headed to the park for Ryan's first look at a playground. The first stop was the swing. He was a little scared at first but really enjoyed it after we started. We walked around and let him explore. This is one outing that we will definitely be going back on!

Pictures with the F-16

2008-09-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

We had to take our Christmas pictures early this year since the squadron will soon be deploying to Iraq.

Steve, Dana, and Ryan's New Website

2008-08-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

We have just moved our website here from yahoo geocities. This website is easier for Dana to use. The pictures below are from Tiffany's (Steve's Cousin's) Wedding in Kansas City a few weeks ago.

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Mimi Linda and G-Ron visited South Carolina in early September.

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Here are some pictures from when Ryan spent a week in Ohio without his parents.