Sharing

Today, Payton received a new Dora doll from Grandpa and Grandma McDaniels. Although she is not sure what to think of her yet, she is at least willing to share a meal with her!! I'm sure she'll warm up to her soon...thanks G&G McD!!

A visit with the Schartz family

Russ, Ryan and Payton playing darts.
P playing on the treadmill!

Luke and Payton hanging out.

Playing ball:)

We were finally able to meet up with some good friends over break; funny thing is, Darci and I had not seen each other since before Luke and Payton were born (that is over 18 months ago)!!! So, neither Luke nor Payton had met each other yet...it was long overdue. We enjoyed chatting the afternoon away while Russ and Ryan were able to catch up on old times; hopefully it won't be as long between visits next time around!

Pig tails and wake-up calls

Kisses for Dora!

Yeah! Payton finally left her hair alone long enough for us to document the pig tails! She doesn't like the process of getting them put in, but once they're in we're good to go.

On another note, this week we had to face reality and head back to the world of work. It was wonderful having 2 weeks off to enjoy each other and our families. As you can guess, we were not looking forward to adjusting back to the early morning wake-up times and schedule - especially Payton. However, it is now the weekend again and we are gearing up for another busy week (as I'm sure you all are).

Christmas Day

Playing patty-cake with Grandma McDaniels
Playing with Maya and Boomer

Kaelyn and Payton

All the grandkids:)

Christmas morning at home - a new pony (well, our version anyway)!!

Christmas Eve

Olivia and Payton raiding grandma's cabinets

Payton pleading Uncle Zach to turn on "Do-a" (Dora)

Opening gifts with Grandma

Hanging out with Grandpa

Christmas Eve Prayer

Today is a day for celebrating gifts, and we celebrate it with gifts. But, Lord, help us to remember that no gift we receive this season can ever be as important as those gifts we already possess.
We thank You for the gift of health, and we remember and pray for those who are sick. We thank You for the gifts of home and work, and we remember and pray for those who are homeless or unemployed. We thank You for the gift of plentiful food, here today and every day, and we remember and pray for those who are hungry. We thank You for the gift of family, those here with us today and those who are away, and for the love of good friends. We remember and pray for those who are alone. We thank You for the gifts of Your constant guidance and numerous blessings, and we remember and pray for those who do not know You.
Most importantly, Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, whom You sent to us on this night so long ago. Help us to remember that it is for this reason alone we gather here to celebrate.
Amen.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Self-portrait

Here was our attempt at a family self-portrait! It only took about 9 tries - but here it is!