Christmas Morning

Payton and Heather must have been pretty good kids this year. Santa came to our house, ate the prerequisite cookies, and drank iced tea (Payton's choice), and left lots of presents.

Later, we went out to Grandma and Papa's house, for more presents.
And, of course, despite all the cool toys, Payton found a cheap, easy way to entertain himself. All he needed was a set of stairs and a lack of fear.

Jingle Bells

Jingle bells, Batman smells. Robin laid an egg. Batmobile lost a wheel, and the Joker got AWAY!!

Santa's lap

A day prior to going to see Santa, I asked Payton if he was going to sit on Santa's lap. He said he was, and was going to ask Santa for "dinosaurs, a red one and a green one." That lasted until we walked into the mall, and saw Santa in the flesh. Then, Payton was hanging onto my neck with a death grip, crying. We put Luke onto Santa's lap (more crying there). But, when Payton saw Santa give Luke a candy cane, we were GOLDEN. You can see the result in the picture. After Payton and Luke were done with their photos, Santa walked up to Carrie (8 months preggo), and said "when's your little girl due?" SANTA KNOWS!!!

Putting up the Christmas tree

Payton was big enough this year to help put up the Christmas tree. He was so excited. His patience was pretty short, however. He couldn't wait very well while I put on the lights. Once he got to start putting ornaments on, though, he was a Christmas decorating machine.

I've been working with him on the reason for the season, so to speak. He doesn't quite have it yet. He kind of understands that it is Jesus' birthday celebration. He wants Santa to come right now! We had to make a paper chain, where he can rip off one chain each night, to see Christmas get closer and closer.
Merry Christmas everyone!! (I also put up a couple of "first snow" pix)

Thanksgiving 2007

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at Aunt Jackie's house. Lots of cousins were able to make it, and the house was packed. We ate great food, played games, and watched football. Aunt Jackie set the garage up for the kids, with toys, their own tv, and space heaters. They had a terrific time, and we didn't have to have them underfoot the whole time. They also played outside, climbing the tree and playing fetch with the dog. With healthy kids like these, who wouldn't be thankful?

Cabin Fever

After being locked in the house all day because of the weather, Payton had a serious dose of cabin fever. We put on his rain coat and boots and went out to splash in the puddles (before Mom pulled her hair out). Payton loves to find big puddles and splash, and he found a great one this time. Unfortunately, he dressed himself this morning, and he decided underwear wasn't going to be part of his outfit. See for yourself!

Graduation!!!!

I finally completed my goal of earning my bachelor's degree. I graduated from George Fox University in June (they have a Boise center). I majored in "management and organizational leadership," which is a business degree. There is a lot that translates nicely into my current job in law enforcement. Now, I am contemplating going back for my master's degree after Payton is in school full-time.

GiGi's Birthday!!

We made a quick run over to the coast, to surprise GiGi on her 80th birthday. We stayed in a nice little cabin in Netarts, and went to the beach, even though it was raining. Try telling a 3-year-old he can't go to the beach because of the rain. We went to Fred Meyer, bought the boys raincoats and rain boots, and they had a ball.
At GiGi's party, Luke helped GiGi open her gifts. Payton helped by licking the frosting off her candles. I was so glad we were able to make it!

Ghosts of Halloweens' Past

Payton's prior Halloween costumes. Way too cute, wasn't he?


(The lil' pumpkin is Lukas at 10 weeks.) Bamm-Bamm is 18 months. Yoda is 2 1/2. Superman is 3 1/2 years old.
At 6 months, he was the little pig.