Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2010

Wow! How a year really changes things. Last year Payton asked Santa for fruit snacks. This year the list was long from both girls and included dress up clothes, Barbie cars, Barbie dream house, jewlery and dolls. Our basement is now primary occupied by Barbie's real estate. We really enjoyed time with both families and friends.

Santa, Trains and Alligators

Walking through the mall without a stroller, sitting on Santa's lap (or Mommy's) and talking to him without tears, riding a train without Mom and Dad squeezing next to them...my girls are growing up!!! Payton told Santa she wanted roller skates and gave him a high five. Aly just said, "Me too!" then asked for her coloring book. They rode the train twice and had to go up and down the "alligator" (escalator) several times.

Payton's Preschool Christmas Program

Hair curled, nails painted, Christmas dress on...Payton was in heaven! She sang over 10 songs during her Christmas program and handed us a homemade present when it was over. It's great to see her so excited to show off her friends and all she is learning.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Our tradition seems to be staying firmly in place. We chose the coldest day so far this November and trudged out to choose a Christmas tree. The girls cheered as Daddy cut it down, then we headed home for hot chocolate, grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. After we all warmed up, the girls had a great time helping put EVERY Christmas ornament on the tree!

Thanksgiving at Nana and Papa's House

Helping Nana make dinner

Payton an Aly playing with cousins Nate and Owen

I Caught the Girls Dancing in the Basement...

Gotta love the dress up clothes, too!

Happy Halloween, 2010!

The girls dressed as Tora, my cousin on the ISU dance team :)

Four Little Pumpkins

The girls and I had a great time this morning carving and painting pumpkins. As you can see, they are very proud of their efforts!

Our Annual Apple Orchard Trip

80 degrees in October?!? We'll take it! We enjoyed busy afternoon swimming in a corn pool, visiting the homes of the 3 little pigs, petting farm animals, riding on tractors, sitting on feed sacks and sliding down giant slides, jumping on a huge inflatable pillow and picking out pumpkins.

Fall Update!

Where did September go?!? Daycare, preschool, picnics on the deck and playing outside have kept the kids very busy. Payton still absolutely loves school! We're impressed when she comes home and quizzes us about words like cylinder or shows us the steps to complete a puzzle with over 30 pieces. She talks about all her friends and has really shown a lot of growth socially. We have recently had to talk about strangers because she is now introducing herself to anyone she meets! Alyson has grown like a weed...well, more accurately, her vocabulary and personality have! She continues to make us all crack up with her great sense of humor and constant antics. She talks in full sentences and tells very creative stories...but if you aren't listening well enough, she'll stop and let you know! We are working on potty training..."we" being Scott and I. Alyson isn't impressed and not working on it at all. I'm sure she'll let us know when she's good and ready. Both girls have chosen Halloween costumes: Payton wants to be Ariel and Aly insists on Flounder, the fish. We're hoping she changes her mind to something simple like a princess or dog. We'll see... Soon it will be Halloween, then Christmas, then a brand new year. We're definitely busy, but also trying to take steps back and cherish the moments and memories we have with the kids now. They grow up much too fast!

Making Mommy Laugh!

Payton's First Day at Preschool

It was a teary start, but two hours after pick up she is still talking about her great day! Halfway through a story about what the teacher was wearing :) she said, "I'm really proud of myself." Love it!

The Marcus Fair

Every year we travel to Marcus, IA in August for the fair, the town parade, golfing, the 5K race and swimming. The kids always have a great time with their cousins and we have fun too! In one house we had children of the following ages: 2,3,4,5,6,7 and 9!!!

Children's Museum and Omaha Zoo

Piano Buddies

The girls are really enjoying the new piano we were given by a very nice couple from church. They like to play gently and make up songs. Scott will play "ABC's" or "Twinkle, Twinkle" for them while the dance and sing. I'm guessing Payton will be more of the jock and Aly seems more musically inclined, but I could be wrong!

Aly's New Hair Style

She looks so old and sassy! :)

Payton's Beach Toy Story Party

We had a blast with friends and family out at Big Creek State Park celebrating Payton turning 4. Everyone enjoyed a picnic dinner, playing at the large playground, digging in the sand and splashing in the water. Payton's highlights included her Buzz Lightyear chocolate/vanilla cake, all her gifts and playing at the beach with her buddies. Aly made out well with a present herself and plenty of time in her diaper playing at the beach. I can't believe my baby is almost 4!

A New Cousin!

Owen Michael Jenkins was born yesterday evening. He weighs 8 lbs, 8 oz. Erin is doing very well! Nate is so excited to show off "my baby". I think Owen is going to get lots of hugs and kisses! Payton and Aly aren't quite sure what to do with something so tiny.

The 4th in Marcus

Look at my pretty dress! What a beautiful almost-4-year-old! Payton is crazy for Toy Story

Buzz Lightbulb!

We spent the weekend visiting my grandparents in Humboldt then relaxing with Grandpa and Grandpa in Marcus. The girls got to golf, ride through town in a golf cart, play at the park and eat all of grandma's goodies. Grandma found some cool Toy Story shirts and glasses for the girls. Aly insists on calling Buzz Lightyear, Buzz Lightbulb. Payton is very excited for her Toy Story Beach birthday party this coming Friday!

Too Busy for Pictures!

Play-Doh on the deck There's that goofy girl

Swinging like a monkey

Super Silly Payton!

CHEESE!

I've not been doing a great job putting pictures on the blog! The girls and I have been very busy transitioning to part time daycare, part time job and full time summer fun! Our daily adventures usually include a run in the double jogger to various parks, playing in the sprinker, going to the splash pool and craft time on the deck. Aly is talking non-stop. She loves to sing, dance and just be in her own little world. Payton is a super jock. She's a fast runner, can swing a bat better than me (not saying all that much) and has yet to find a park she can't conquer.