"I cen't!"

I've been meaning to write about the funniest thing Reagan is doing lately. Whenever there is something in front of her that she knows she can't do, she screams/grunts, "I ceeeen't!" until she gets help. For instance, instead of saying "up" when she wants to get into her high chair, she stands there and screams, "I ceeeeen't!" with much passion!

"Daddy's Work"

Every time we drive down the Tollway and pass Daddy's building, the kids and I always wave and say, "Hi Daddy." Well, today we were headed down the Tollway with my friend Melinda and her son Carter. It didn't even occur to me that we were almost to Daddy's work until Reagan pointed and said, "Daddy's work!" I was amazed that she recognized where we were! We haven't been that way in probably 6 weeks at least! And she totally recognized his building - which is a pretty typical looking building for this area!

Our destination was the Galleria. We met with friends Tyler and Kelly, who are Navigators missionaries in the Ukraine. They brought their boys Joshua and Caleb (who is just a couple of weeks younger than Reagan). The kids enjoyed the play area at the mall, and then we had lunch at The Corner Bakery.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Happy Father's Day Daddy! As Peyton was getting out of bed this morning, I reminded him that today was Father's Day and we were going to have a special day for Daddy, just like we had a special day for Mommy last month. "I want mine own special day, too," he said, obviously forgetting his two-day long birthday celebration just a couple of weeks ago!

Daddy got to sleep in this morning - which, in our house, means laying in bed from 7:00-7:30, trying to sleep while the kids are screaming their demands for breakfast, fighting over toys, and riding the little bikes and scooter! Mommy made Daddy's favorite breakfast, wienie biscuits, and a pot of Starbucks Breakfast Blend coffee. Daddy opened cards and presents, including a new "thin" NLT Bible. The kids gave Daddy a card that barked "Who let the Dogs Out" and had fun barking every time the card was opened.

At church this morning, Daddy and Mommy got to be Peyton's Sunday School teachers during the first hour. After class, we spontaneously decided to take Peyton to "big church". Our plan was to stay until he got too restless and then head to an early lunch to beat the crowds. Peyton, much to our surprise and delight, sat quietly through the entire sermon! He did awesome! He actually stayed in his seat for about 45 minutes, writing on the bulletin and putting pieces of paper and pens in the offering envelopes. Mommy and Daddy were very proud of him - and we told him so several times today!

Another positive of the morning was getting Taggie back! After church last Sunday, Mommy forgot to double check to make sure Taggie was safely in Reagan's bag. Unfortunately, we discovered Taggie missing at nap time that afternoon. After a search of her classroom on Monday and a few unfruitful e-mails, I had almost given up on ever getting Taggie back. However, I had been unable to directly contact Reagan's teacher, so there was a little hope left! Sure enough, Reagan's teacher remembered what toy Reagan had been playing with last Sunday, looked inside, and there was Taggie! Reagan actually did okay this week without Taggie - her crib is very crowded these days! But she was still very happy to have it back and did ask for it a few times this afternoon!

After church, we went to Chili's for lunch. Then we came home and nap time was immediately declared. Daddy even got in a good Father's Day nap bed with the US Open on TV. Later in the evening, we all headed to the pool to swim and have a picnic dinner.

Reagan's last "trick" is to sit straddled on the back of the sofa. Today she learned, the hard way, why Mommy and Daddy keep saying "no" to that. She took a tumble and landed on the hardwood floor, bumping the side of her head. After about 15 minutes of cuddling, a boo-boo buddy, and a teaspoon of ibuprofen, she was all better. A little while later, as we prepared to go to the pool, Reagan "retold" her story of falling off the couch. She pointed to the couch and said, "I fall." Then she laid down, face first, on the floor for a second. Then she stood up, put her hand on the little bump on her head and said, "head". Then she fake-cried. It was really a comical retelling! Definitely one of those moments we wished we could have had the video camera running.

Speaking of video camera's, we missed out on another great moment last night at bedtime. Peyton decided that he wanted to put Reagan to bed last night. He picked out "Green Eggs and Ham" to read to his sister. They settled together in her rocker, and he began with "Once upon a time..." (which is nowhere in GEAH). He could tell the story pretty well just by looking at the pictures, but each page began with "Once upon a time"!

Back to Father's Day, we hope you had a great day Daddy! We love you very much! XOXOXO

Peyton's 5-Year Pictures

Happy 23-Month Day Reagan!

Reagan is officially 23 months old today!

It's playable!

The kids were finally able to really play on the new swing set for the first time this morning! Peyton couldn't eat breakfast and race outside fast enough! He immediately headed for the glider - where he has spent every moment he could. His face held the biggest smile as he rocked back and forth! Reagan raced for her "ving"! Everytime we pull into the alley now, Peyton says, "Look! It's a swing set!" - like he still can't believe that it is actually ours! (more pics under Summer 09)

Progress!

After Dustin has worked the ENTIRE weekend, the swing set is almost finished! Peyton is beside himself with excitement and continues to ask every morning, "Is it ready, yet?" Dustin even stayed home from church this morning to work on it. After the kids and I returned home, Peyton ran into the yard to see if it was done. Daddy had finished the rock wall and the ladder in the back while we were gone. Peyton was elated! "Isn't it wonderful?" he said! Here are more pics of the weekend's progress and Daddy's helpers...

Check-ups and Frogs in the Car

Peyton's 5 year check up was last Friday. He was very happy because he did not have to get any shots this year! Yea! He currently weighs 38 lbs 4 oz and is 41 3/4 in tall, which puts him around the 30th percentile for both weight and height. He also had his hearing and vision screened with perfect scores.

On Saturday, Mommy took Peyton to friend Thomas' birthday party in Plano. Peyton had been excited about this event for weeks! In the car we had Thomas' birthday present - an egoquarium (a small plastic cube filled with aquarium gravel, water, a plant, a rock, a snail, and two water frogs). Normally, we don't give live animals as birthday presents, but this is what Thomas wanted, and permission had be granted. Peyton was excited about giving Thomas his much-desired froggies! I had put the egoquarium in a gift bag and set it on the floor in the front seat and crossed my fingers that we made it to the party without any major incidints. Apparently, that was not to be the case. As we headed along the access road before 75/15th, a car shot out from a parking lot causing me to jerk the wheel left and then slam on the brakes. Peyton actually screamed, "What's happening Mommy?" I still have no idea how the car did not broadside us, but, fortunately, our car and us were untouched. The egoquarium, however, was now dumped all over the floorboard of my car! When I was finally able to come to a complete stop at the light, I took my seatbelt off and frantically searched for the two frogs, which I assumed to be smushed. I saw one hopping around but then light changed and I had to go. We were only a couple of minutes from the party location, so I kept going instead of pulling over. As I drove, I comtemplated the following questions, questions I never thought I would have to ask myself:
1. Should I get the at-fault drivers attention, make them pull over, and request payment for two dead frogs?
2. If the car would have hit us, would replacement frogs be covered under the insurance policy?
3. How long would it take two unfound frogs to die in my car?
4. What would happen if the frogs found their way into my purse or Reagan's diaper bag the next time its in the car?
5. How bad to frogs stink when they die and start rotting in the 100+ degree heat of the car, and how long does the smell linger?
6. Could I possibly get the store to give me two more frogs after explaining the situation?
We finally arrived at the party location, and I ran over to the passenger side where the "accident" occurred. I opened to the door and was greeted by two very much alive frogs hopping along the part of the floor in between the seat and the door! I quickly scooped them back into their disheveled home, and Peyton and I raced them inside to replace the water. Later, as we left the party, the frogs were still alive, and Thomas was very pleased with his gift! As we drove away, Peyton said, "I want some frogs like I gave to Thomas." (!)

Comment of the Week

Peyton: "Everyone has a clock inside of them. It's in their heart. It's round and it has numbers on it and it counts."

Peyton: "Everyone sounds different."

Peyton: "Jello is a pretend food."

Peyton (after watching Carebears): "Weagan is Funshine Weagan."

Peyton's 5th Birthday Continued...

Today was Peyton's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. There were 11 kids and 14 adults at the party, including Grandma, Grandpa, Granmommy, and Grandaddy! At 10:00 we all met at Chuck E. Cheese and the party began! The kids enjoyed 45 minutes of fun and games. Then pizza and drinks were served. Next, Chuck E. came out and danced with the kids. Finally, it was cake time! And then more games followed! It was a fun and crazy party, and Peyton loved every minute of it! After the party, Granmommy and Grandaddy took Peyton to the mall for a little while and the rest of us came home to nap. We spent the rest of the afternoon at home, opening and playing with presents. Granmommy and Grandaddy had to go back to Greenville, and we went to Chili's for dinner. Peyton was very tired by the time the day was over - but very happy! Reagan even had fun singing " 'Appy to u, 'appy to u, Peyt." He has truly had a special and memorable 5th birthday!

Happy Birthday Peyton!

The day is finally here! Peyton turned 5 today! He woke up early and ran into Mommy and Daddy's room to see if his birthday was really finally here! He said, "I'm 5 this morning!" He found the living room filled with blue balloons and presents and horns on the coffee table. At his request, we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast, with blue icing. Mommy stuck a candle in Peyton's cinnamon roll and we sang "Happy Birthday" for the first time! Peyton called it his "cinnamon roll cake."

After breakfast, we opened presents. Then Daddy got ready to go to work, and we got ready to go to the pool. We finally got to the pool around 10, only to find that it was closed for an unexpected cleaning. :( So we headed to the splash park instead. The kids had fun running in and out of the water and getting drenched! Grandma and Grandpa arrived a little while later to watch the kids splash around.
Then we headed home for lunch. Peyton had his favorite luch of cantelope and three cheese tortellini. Later, Reagan took a nap and Peyton spent a little quiet time in his room. Grandma read Peyton's birthday books to him. Peyton also got 5 birthday spankings from Grandpa!

After nap time and quiet time was over, we all piled into the car and headed to the mall - destination: Build a Bear. Grandma and Grandpa let Peyton (and Reagan of course!) each pick out a bear to stuff. Peyton loves pushing the pedal on the stuffing machine. Reagan was a little apprehensive of the big noisy machine. The both got to "wash" their new bears - Peyton's bear is super-clean after being washed for at least 10 minutes. Then Peyton picked out a shirt for his bear - an Aggie shirt! Now he has an Aggie Bear! Since all of Peyton's animals have a "catch prase" or specific noise, Peyton had to assign Aggie bear something to say as well. I suggested "Gig'Em" - what else could an Aggie Bear say? Reagan got a pink bow for her bear to match the pink bow she was wearing. After playing and dinner we headed back home.

After a birthday phone call from Granmommy and Grandaddy (who were in the car on their way to Texas for the Chuck E. Cheese party tomorrow) is was cake time! We broke out Peyton's Wall-E ice cream cake. We lit the candles, sang "Happy Birthday" and pigged out on yummy cake and ice cream! After Reagan went to bed, Peyton watched the DVD of the day he was born. At one point, when Baby Peyton was crying (which is most of the DVD!), Big Peyton said, "Don't cry 'Little Peyton,' it's okay." Peyton ended his fifth birthday by reading and snuggling in bed with Mommy.

For weeks we've been talking about what a "Big Boy" Peyton will be once he turns five. We been giving so many examples like talking nice, being nice to Reagan, asking politely for things, etc. Peyton seemed to remember every single one today! He was almost like a different - more mature - kid from the moment he woke up this morning! He just had a new "way" about him - one where we could tell he was trying so hard to act like such a "big boy!" It's been really sweet! Peyton also insists on completely dressing himself now - awesome! And he thinks he grew taller now than he's 5, so everyone please tell him he looks taller! It's really a big deal to him!

Soccer Star

Here is Peyton with his soccer trophy.

Sleepyhead

This is Peyton just minutes after stating, "I'm just closing my eyes a little bit because they aren't staying open very well."

Comments of the Week

Peyton, while rocking: "Mommy, what am I doing when I'm rocking in my rocking chair?"
Mommy: "I don't know Peyton. What?"
Peyton: "I'm exercising my bo-bo."

-and-

Peyton: "What do you get when you smoosh a pink Care Bear and a blue Care Bear together? A purple Care Bear."

The Fun Continues!

Summer is definitely in full swing around here! Swimming lessons are continuing to go "swimmingly" (he-he). Since there was an open spot in his time slot, Peyton's friend Thomas is now taking lessons with him. Peyton has really enjoyed having a buddy! He can swim a few feet completely on his own, and, most importantly, he loves lessons! Today, I reminded him that he only has two more lessons, and he said, "I want to have 100 more lessons!"

Peyton's other big news is that he is about to be 5 - and he reminds us every day! In fact, his birthday has been our main topic of conversation this week!

Reagan is recovering for a case of hand, foot, and mouth. She broke out in blisters late last week, but she's doing much better today! What a way to start the summer! Peyton actually prayed "thank you for making Reagan feel better" two times - without any prompting us!

Gran Gran, Pe Pa, Jenna, Mia, and Lennon came over on Sunday. We all ate lunch, and the kids played outside on the slip-n-slide. Peyton enjoyed running from one end of the yard to the other as fast as he could in order to make himself slide faster! We had a wonderful afternoon with everyone, and we wish we could do it more often!

Daddy has a huge project going on right now - he's putting together the kids' new swing set - a birthday gift from Grandma & Grandpa, Granmommy & Grandaddy, and Mommy & Daddy. Dustin picked up the swing set on Saturday, and Peyton asks everyday, "Did Daddy make my swing set yet?" This evening he and Daddy got part of the frame built, so we can start to get a good idea of where we are going to position it in our yard.