An Eventful Christmas for the Drefkes

Christmas Eve we attended church as a family with Nana and Papa at 5. The girls liked watching me do the children's sermon, and we survived the candle lighting with only a small wax mishap. We came home and celebrated Jesus's birthday then set out cookies, milk, drawings and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Aly misunderstood and thought the cookies were for her. She was pretty mad. We got the kids to sleep then saw on the news the amount of snow coming. So, we packed up all of Santa's stuff and headed to Nana and Papa's instead. The girls had a great time! Santa came twice, they played in the snow and had lots of fun playing with their new toys.

Nana and Papa's House

Nothing's better than having grandparents close by! My mom and dad love taking the kids overnight so we can escape and the kids love going there! Here's some pics for a recent trip. Papa's breakfasts are the highlight of the morning!

Jingle Bells, Drefke Daycare Style!

Ornament Party!

We busted out the ornaments tonight and the girls had so much fun looking at all of them! They especially liked the ones that made noise. Funny how those same ornaments ended up on the very top of the tree. :) Payton and I also spent an hour a few days ago cutting and stapling construction paper to make our own tinsel. I think it turned out pretty cute!

The Great Grandkids

Although no one sat still or smiled at the camera, my Grandma and Grandpa Perin and proud Great Grandparents!!!

Leaves, Tractors, Turkey and Family!

Payton and Aly "helped" Daddy rake leaves in Grandpa's yard, along with cousins Jared and Tyler. The best part was jumping in the great big pile! They also got to visit a farm and see tractors and kitties. We had lots of fun, ate lots of food and are ready for lots of sleep! :)

Rub a Dub Dub, 4 Cousins in the Tub!

Tyler, Jared (and their awesome parents) babysat for us tonight. The girls had so much fun! When we got home they were running in circles, talking so fast I had no idea what they were saying and having an absolute blast!

Basketball Games, Football Games...and CY!

The nice weather has allowed us to take Payton to a few ISU football games this season. Daddy was brave and took both girls to a basketball game also. The constant questions throughout both football and basketball games are, "Where's Cy?" "Think he's takin a break?" "Is Cy going potty?" "Where does Cy live?" And it goes on and on. :) Sometimes we even get lucky enough for a photo op!

My Kitten and Duck Trick-or-Treat

It was cold and rainy, but the kids were all smiles. Daddy took them in the van to houses of good friends and family. They had a blast!

Daycare Halloween Party

Payton's Preschool Halloween Party

Thanks to an awesome friend, I got to attend preschool with Payton today while she watched my daycare crew! It was Payton's Halloween party and she was ready to show off all the hard work she does. I was so proud to see how far she's come from the days of crying for Mommy. She's a great listener, she interacts with the other kids and she's very independent during center time. Her teacher made a point of telling me how much Payton has improved and how proud she is of her behavior. It made my whole week!

The kids performed songs and rhymes for the "big kids" and the office staff in their costumes. Then, they had lots of fun options during center time. Payton did them all! After that, it was Payton's favorite part of the day...bikes and scooters in the gym! (Snack time is a close second!) They ended the party by reading a book in the dark with a flashlight. Lots of fun!

Making Daddy's Favorite Birthday Treats

Today I did what I have always wanted to do but didn't think I could...I taught my daughter how to make something in the kitchen! YEA! We worked hard making Daddy's favorite treats...peanut butter chewies! Then, even though Daddy's birthday is tomorrow, Payton decided candles needed blown out by everyone asap. So, that's what we did!

Aly Singing the "ABC's" and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Suddenly Alyson's talking has totally taken off! She's not only talking, but singing! The daycare kids all think it's hillarious to sing, "Now I know my ABC's, next time won't you sing with BOB!" (Oh to be 3 and think everything is so funny!) So, that's why Aly ended her ABC's the way she did. Too cute! When she sings "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" she just does the actions and sings "Row, Row, Row, Row......." until she finds something more interesting to do. The kid has no fear and loves to perform. I'm pretty sure we're either in trouble...or maybe we can find a way to channel that energy into a wealthy career! Early retirement for Mom and Dad! Woot woot!

Apple Orchard 2009

Today we ventured out into the cold for our annual apple orchard trip. Uncle Matt, Aunt Erin and cousin Nate came with us and made it even more fun! We swam in the corn pool,

rode a tractor to pick pumpkins, fed goats, giggled at pigs, horsies, ducks, chickens and roosters, danced in the houses of the 3 Little Pigs...and ended our time with cider donuts and juice boxes.

Alyson's First Haircut

Alyson sat very still and hardly blinked as her hair was cut this morning. It's so nice to see her beautiful blue eyes now and not have to worry about keeping a clip in her hair all day long!

Where's the Fire?

Preschool has gotten much better for Payton. She participates during craft, sings songs and always has lots to tell us. This week they learned about fire safety. As soon as she walked in the door, she had her hat on and was telling Aly all about how to be safe around fires. So cute!

Just Playin' in the Rain

The neighbors were watching and laughing as we were poured on during our family walk. So, we made the best of it and let the girls run around and play during storm. They had so much fun!

A Day Out with Thomas

Aunt Michelle, cousin Jared, Payton and myself visited Thomas the Train in Boone today. Payton's expression was priceless when we arrived. She waved wildly and loudly talked to Thomas. She asked him if he was busy and was certain he was looking at her! She also got to stand near Sir Topem Hat (or however you spell that guy's name!) He waved to her and she about lost it with excitement! Riding the train had to be the best part. We sat in our seats and literally counted down the minutes until we pulled away from the station. She was concerned about Thomas needing more water and was convinced he could go faster. However, when asked what she liked best about the train ride, she said, "A ladybug flew through my window. He peed on me. That's ok." Oh geez.

Presenting...Mizz DJ Owie Nose!

Obviously falling on cement won't stop this kid's career in singing and dance!

Payton's First Day of Preschool

It was all thumbs up this morning as we headed out the door. Payton and I made a picture schedule last night to show her all the fun things she'd do and so she would know the routine. She's kinda like her mother! :) She was a brave little girl when Scott and I dropped her off, but her teachers said that didn't last long. Hopefully she adjusts quickly and there are less tears next week! At least we got to hear lots of stories over lunch and even heard a new song! ("Its a bumblebee song, Mom. I don't like it so much cuz the bumblebee gets smooshed and that's not nice.")

Preschool Open House

She loved the toys, smiled quite a bit and even hugged a teacher (reluctantly) on the way out the door! Preschool officially begins September 10th and will be every Tuesday and Thursday morning for 2 hours. We're all hoping and praying that Payton (and Mommy) go through the transition smoothly!!!

Nana and Papa Camp Is Fun!

Payton is starting to try and really understand everything that's going on around her. She didn't quite grasp what was happening when Scott and I left for vacation and she and Aly stayed behind with my parents. Nana explained that Mommy and Daddy were on vacation, but so were Aly and Payton. They were on vacation at Nana and Papa's house! Boy, were they ever!!! Parks, pool time, shopping and I'm sure lots of ice cream. We hear bits and pieces of the awesome time they had from Payton. She keeps asking to go back!

Cyclone Fan Fest 2009

Scott and the girls had a great time high fiving Cy, golfing and chowing down ice cream. Ok...maybe Daddy had the most fun...but the girls thought it was pretty fun!

Aly's Version of Ring Around the Rosie

Becoming Best Buds

Aly has finally gotten old enough to keep up with Payton! They love swinging, sliding, running, throwing, catching, drawing and doing pretty much everything together...with some good fights thrown in here and there! Payton is either "mommying" Aly or doing completely the opposite. Aly is either following Payton and copying her every move, or finding ways to be naughty. Either way, they both find ways of keeping me busy...and counting my blessings!