Playing in the Snow

Daddy and Payton played for an hour outside today. Although the snow wasn't the type to make snowmen, they still had fun throwing it and making snow angels.

A Picture of What's To Come?

Payton got a new baby doll and accessories for Christmas. She's been practicing being a good big sister!

Christmas 2007

Experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a 1 year old was so much fun! Payton received some wonderful presents but she preferred to throw oranges she got in her stocking and play with a water bottle. Maybe next year she'll get more into it!

"Elmo, Up!"

"Elmo, Up" is Payton's newest phrase. To interpret for those of you who do not speak 17 mo. old (as of tomorrow) she wants her Elmo bowl full of crackers and she wants to eat it up on the couch. Everyday we're shocked at her communication skills. Her vocabulary is definitely expanding as she trying to say everything...yes everything...we say.

Utensil War

Mealtime has become a battle of wills. Who will win...Mom and Dad who want Payton to eat with her fork, or Payton who's just fine eating with her fingers. 16 months old, and she has already figured out that just because she can do something doesn't mean she has to. If you're wondering who wins...

SPRINKLES!

When you're stuck inside on a cold winter day, there's nothing better than baking and decorating cookies! Today Payton discovered the fun of sprinkles! She was helping decorate cookies on Mommy's lap, but after the 1,000th sprinkle hit the floor, she had some fun in her booster seat instead.

Drefke Thanksgiving 2007

5 cousins all 6 years and younger! What a blast we had this Thanksgiving in Washington D.C. We stayed with Scott's brother Kyle, wife Kristi and their three little girls: Greta, Madeleine and Sigrid. Scott's brother Brent and wife Michelle joined the fun with their little boy Jared. He was the only boy, but fit in well once he figured out he could be the cowboy fairy rather than Cinderella or Tinkerbell! Of course Grandma and Grandpa were there to spoil and play with them all.

Payton's First Birthday Party

Payton was invited to her first birthday party. She had a great time playing at the indoor playground with the other kids. They had a fantastic bubble machine, where she spent most of her time laughing, clapping and begging for more!

Driving Miss Payton

The imitating has no end! If Mommy or Daddy do it, Payton does it. She would rather drive than sit in the back seat! I think it has something to do with the horn.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Mike!

Uncle Mike turned 21 and had a fun time celebrating with his friends. I think he needed my paci more than me!

Payton's First Trick Or Treat Night

Fun With Liam

Contrary to Payton's expression, she's had a fun morning playing with her friend Liam. She's shared her toys pretty well considering she rarely has to. They've been smootching one another all morning, too! Even though he's a Hawkeye, we're pretty sure the two of them will grow up to be good buddies.

What a Big Girl!

Payton is going through a phase where she wants to do everything everyone else is doing. So, she's starting sitting on a potty chair! This is about as far as we've gotten, but she goes into the bathroom, flips open the lid and sits. Then she says, "All done!" and slams the lid down, then exits the bathroom and closes to door. Pretty good for a 15 mo. old I think!

Ms. Potato Head??

Payton thinks her Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads are accessory kits for herself! She'll walk around for hours wearing the different glasses.

A Muddy Day at the Pumpkin Patch

The corn pool was a big hit! Payton "splashed around" and attempted to walk in a pool filled with corn.

Early driving lessons from Daddy.

Payton had no fear when it came to touching the sheep and goats. She loved it!

The Highchair Has Been Retired

It's really fun to have all 3 of us sitting at the dinner table. Payton has decided it's an opportunity to entertain as well as eat. She expects clapping when she drinks her milk then carefully places her cup back in the hole. Tonight as Scott and I were discussing our days she placed her fork in her mouth and left it there until we looked at her. Then the giggling started. It's always an adventure!

Bring On Fall!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Scott and I took a relaxing vacation to La Playa Resort in Naples, Florida for 4 days while my amazing parents took great care of Payton. Her highlights included: new toys, new clothes, new shoes, eating ice cream with Grandpa, learning to eat out of a bowl and off of a plate, going to the grocery store with Grandma and playing with Play-Doh for the first time. She really loved Grandma and Grandpa Camp ... wouldn't you???

UCK!

 

Payton's new favorite word is "UCK" for duck. I took her to park to feed the ducks. They got a little close for her liking!

Payton the Artist

Payton has recently figured out how to use crayons! She loves to sit in her highchair for 10-15 minutes and take crayons out of the box, color a little, then spend the rest of the time putting every crayon back in the box.

All this walking makes me tired!

Oh the joys of being able to walk on your own! Payton is constantly causing Scott and me to gasp in horror as she tumbles, sprawls and turns into chairs, tables and even garbage cans. We're trying to decide whether a helmet is a good idea. Scott suggested bubble wrap, but I think a helmet would be safer. As you can see, she has also discovered a new use for our kitchen towels. We couldn't resist giving her a water bottle and remote. Doesn't she look like she just finished a tough workout at the gym?

Go ISU!

I can't tell who's happier, can you??? By the way, Payton's shirt says "Fear the Cyclone!"

Like Mother, Like Daughter???

Lunch with Mom and Dad

Hey Guys~

What a fun morning I had! I went to Ames to see Daddy's new office. It's really nice and so are the people he works with! I even let them hold me and show me around. Then, I took Dad and Mom to lunch at Applebee's. I was soooo good that I got to pick my very own balloon!

Love,

Payton

Dress Up Fun

Picture Memories

Yesterday, I finally had Payton's 1 year pictures taken. We had them taken outside at my friend's home in Boone. They started out great...only 1 round of "Old McDonald" and we had at least 4-5 good pictures. Then, I went to stand Payton up, and when I thought she had her footing, I let go. She didn't have her footing, and instead of catching herself, she fell right on her face. This picture doesn't do it justice, but she has a split lip and raspberries under her nose, on her nose and on her cheek and a bruise on her forehead. So, after lots of tears, raisins and juice, she let us take more pictures. Thank goodness for photo editing!

Oh So Pretty

Payton and I attended a baby shower on Saturday. The crowd was entertained thanks to her loud screams, funny faces, raspberries and attempts at walking. She looked pretty cute in her outfit. She even left the bow in her hair and didn't pull on the ribbons on her dress! Do you think it's nap time???

Learning to Walk

If we could wrap her in bubble wrap right now, we would! Payton is learning to walk. She takes 3-4 steps at a time before crashing to the floor. So far we have a split lip and several bruises as momentos of her efforts.

Happy 31st Anniversary, Nana and Papa!