MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

The first night

It was a success! She did great...now if we could only take care of the snoring from Russ then we'd all have a great night's sleep! (Just kidding - love you dear:)

And so the transition begins

Crib is gone - big girl bed is taking over
She was SO EXCITED to be in a big girl bed!

I'm a big girl now (well, sort of)! I (mommy) must note, too, that even though

this was a very exciting moment for all of us I will admit that a tear (or two,

or three) were shed. I guess I just can't believe that we're already at this point

in her life. Stay tuned to see how the first night in the bed goes.... :)

December happenings

And so the "I want to wear this Mommy" begins!
Can you tell she didn't want to sit by him at all?

This is us in line BEFORE getting near Santa. She was a tough
talker up until the moment of actually having to sit near him :) I don't blame
her though; Santa still scares me to this day!

Cousins Maya and Ella spent the night before their big
move to Iowa; we'll miss you girls!

Ella and Payton making ornaments....good times!

and she said.......

MOMMY, I WANT TO GO TO THE BIG GIRL POTTY!!!!! Pray that this is the beginning to a great adventure!!

Happy 5th Anniversary honey!

Charlie Brown Christmas

I need to order another stocking soon!!

Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree - I could have sworn it looked much better in the field! Oh well, at least Payton likes it!

This is the quote above our fireplace...Russ recently put it up for me.....just thought I'd share so you all can enjoy his crafty work (it is a sticker by the way - he didn't stencil or handwrite it)! Just in case you can't read it, it says: "HOME, Where your story begins."

IT'S A BOY!

Pictures by Stacy

Aunt Stacy has a great talent with photography and we were lucky enough to have her photograph us. The weather was perfect (can't say our daughter's mood was at all times) so we managed to get some great photos! Here are just a few......enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

Aunt Dana and Uncle Brian hosted their annual Halloween party this year. As usual there was a wonderful variety of food and goodies. The little ones all enjoyed getting to play together and do the Halloween crafts that Aunt Dana had prepared. Payton had a great time; she's still talking about Uncle Brian's scary costume today :)

Big shoes to fill

Traveling Diva

Coloring with Olivia at Great Grandpa Marvin's house
Waiting to board our plane in Milwaukee to return home

Our house when we lived in Wisconsin....it has aged, as we all have!

This month we have done some traveling. In early October mom, Megan, Payton and I flew to Milwaukee, WI to see our good friends the Rammers. That was Payton's first plane ride; she did great both ways (a little impatient on the way home - if only the darn portable DVD player battery would have lasted the entire flight)!! We enjoyed visiting - although it was a short trip - and celebrating Dr. Laura Rammer's 31st birthday with her!

This past weekend we went to celebrate Grandpa Marvin's 91st birthday in Anthon, IA. Payton enjoyed running and playing with her cousin Olivia....grandpa certainly enjoyed the company, but on Sunday morning when we were leaving he said "I'll get the door for you!" He was ready for some rest and relaxation after a busy weekend....so were we!

Pumpkin Patch #2

We recently went to another pumpkin patch with some friends of ours (however, they didn't make any of the pictures!!!). Payton loved feeding the animals and going down the enormous slides. She cried the entire way home - either from exhaustion or from not wanting to leave such a fun place. We'll certainly return for more memories next year:)

Pumpkin Princess

Instead of carving a pumpkin we opted for the easy route (I know, no fun) and bought Mr. Potato Head parts to decorate our pumpkin! Payton really loved knowing she was in charge of decorating! She's a take charge kind of girl these days.

'Cause Dana!

Being that Payton is now 2, she is getting into a bit more trouble around the house. Doing things like running away when told to "come here", slamming doors - cause she can, playing with breakables around the house, etc. However, when asked why she does these things she always blames it on poor Aunt Dana by saying "Cause Dana!" We can't figure out where this came from (and can't help but snicker and smile when she says it - even though I'm supposed to have on the mean mommy face to let her know she's in trouble)!!! The things kids say!

Pumpkin Patch

Searching for the kitten (she's hiding to avoid getting her tail pulled)
Picking out pumpkins

Still searching for kitty - Olivia is trying to help!

Thankfully aunt Megan caught one to pet!

Our 5 seconds of sitting still....grandma tried so hard to get a picture of Payton and Olivia together - too bad only one sits still at a time!

Payton has a secret to share...

"Who has a secret? I do! I do!"

"I'm going to be a BIG SISTER!"

Due April 21, 2010

Life as we know it will soon change....and we welcome it with open arms!

Going back in time

Here's a few pictures taken back in July (thanks Stacy)! More posts to come soon....I've just got to get used to working AND being mommy again!

Before and After