This and That

 Comet loves Daddy!

 We had to tell Peyton that it was NOT a good idea to play "elevator" with Comet in this basket.  He settled for using his stuffed animals instead.

Reagan's "bridge"

Someone's been playing hard all day! :)  

And both Dustin and Peyton got job/school kudos last week!  Dustin's annual review from his boss was submitted on Friday.  He received the highest marks (exceeds expectations and outstanding) is all areas!  Yeah!  We're excited and at the same time relieved to know how well his job performance has been perceived since he made the "work from home" switch six months ago.  Peyton got his second Kindergarten report card last week - another great one!  All areas are either at or above where they should be for this point in the year.   Wooo Hooo!

A Princess Birthday Party

Last Friday, Reagan went to a princess themed birthday party for a little girl in her class.  The party was "run" by Sleeping Beauty.  Sorry about the picture quality - the pictures are from my phone and a couple are scanned copies from the birthday girl's mommy. 

 She dressed up the girls in princess dresses (and accessories) and even added a little make-up!  Reagan selected a blue Cinderella dress with Cinderella shoes. 

She taught the girls princess manners and how to curtsy!

 They even had a coronation ceremony!

 Finally, they had a fancy tea party to practice their newly learned princess skills!

Here's Reagan stirring her tea - being very careful not to touch the spoon to the cup as she was taught by Sleeping Beauty! 

 Reagan with Sleeping Beauty

All the little princesses!  Even though she was wearing her swimsuit underneath, Reagan complained that her dress was too itchy!  The girls were able to keep their crowns as party favors and were also given a light-up wand! 

Reagan evidently learned quite a bit from Sleeping Beauty!  This morning at breakfast she told Peyton (who was violating one of Sleeping Beauty's manner rules), "Sleeping Beauty says to not talk with your mouth full of food!"

Greenville Trip

On Friday, January 14 we traveled to Greenville for Grandad's memorial service.  It was a sad, sweet and special weekend of remembering him and getting to spend time with family we had not seen in months and years. 

The kids playing with Kendra and Lennon at Gran Gran and Pe Pa's house. 

Peyton and Braeden meeting baby cousin Cameron for the first time.  Peyton is discussing Cameron's name with Erin.  Peyton is asking her if HE can name the baby (or change his name).  Peyton decided that Cameron's name should be "Forbes". 

 

The kid playing after the memorial service. 

Here are a few pictures from a few of the many happy occasions we were blessed to be able to celebrate with Grandad.  

This picture was taken at Peyton's first Francis Family Christmas -  4 generations of Francis men!

February 2005 - at the time there were only 5 great grandchildren!

 

 Celebrating Dustin's 31st birthday.

Nona and Grandad meeting Reagan for the first time.

 At our house in McKinney - Kelsey and Bethany with Nona and Grandad at their engagement party.

 November 2010 - our most recent dinner with Nona, Grandad, Gran Gran and Pe Pa.   Reagan's not in the picture because...

she had fallen asleep on the couch - exhausted from all that tickling from Grandad!

Comments of the Week

Peyton: "But is the weatherman really standing next to the Earth?"

Peyton: "But who made God's imagination?"

Peyton: "Tonight I'm going to pray that God will make it snow on Christmas. Is that how I can control the weather?"

Peyton: "Does Santa give warnings before he brings you coal for Christmas?"

Peyton: "Mommy, I'm going to go poo-poo, and I'm going to think. Okay?"

The setting: Mommy lays down on the floor to watch Peyton play the Wii.
Reagan, coming over to Mommy: "Are you tired, Mommy?"
Mommy: "A little. Do you want to lay down with me?"
Reagan: "I'd love to, but I can't right now. I have to go to work. I have to make coffee."

The setting: Bedtime in Peyton's room. Mommy reminds Peyton to close his eyes while praying.
Peyton: "But I can't close my eyes. I'm afraid I might fall asleep!"

It's Official - WE'VE Been Adopted!

In just a few short days, Comet has obviously decided that we will be acceptable as his "adopted family"!  During the day, he alternates between napping and inserting himself into whatever family activity is going on at the moment!  We now spent our mealtimes continuously removing him from the table or the island (where ever we happen to be eating).  

On Tuesday afternoon, Comet let himself into Dustin's office, explored for a while, then found an acceptable napping spot in Dustin's in-box.  

Despite her repeated attempts to pick up/carry/drag her new kitty, Comet has been amazingly good with Reagan!  Not once has he hissed or clawed or scratched at her "mothering" actions. 

Comet

It's official!  We have a new family member!  Meet Comet, our 5 month old domestic short hair kitten!  Comet was primarily named after the reindeer "Comet" (since he was a gift from Santa).  Peyton is "into" anything outer space right now, so the name seemed to work.

This weekend, we visited the San Antonio Humane Society armed with the kids' "cat ticket" from Santa.  The kids fell in love with Comet as soon as they saw him!  

We brought him home on Saturday evening.  He has adjusted quickly to our house.  He comes to us already litter box trained, neutered, micro chipped and vaccinated.  He already has a favorite napping spot - on a dining room chair pushed under the table.

Peyton has been great with him!  He speaks softly to Comet and is very calm around him.  Comet lets Peyton pet him and scratch behind his ears while purring loudly!  Comet has been a little more leery around Reagan, but he is getting more and more use to her all the time.   

Comet has been exploring our house for the best napping locations.  Yesterday, he found an empty plant ledge and made himself at home.  He naps a lot during the day, and he is extremely active at night. 

His eyes are gold (and really big and beautiful), but he squints them shut every time I try to get a good picture. 

Peyton decided to give Comet a "full name" - "Comet Botten Socks".

The Big Eruption!

Peyton took a break from the trampoline long enough to "erupt" his model volcano.  After reading the instructions (and warnings!), we decided the eruption would best take place away from the house, in the grassy area between our fence and the creek.  Daddy prepared the volcano by adding the appropriate amount of club soda.  He handed each kid one eruption tablet and instructed them to drop it in and quickly back up....

 The eruption after a couple of tablets.

Preparing to add ALL the tablets.

"The big eruption" - you can see the unimpressed looks on the kids' faces.  Peyton was disappointed for about 2 seconds - and then decided to go back to the trampoline! 

Jump!

For Christmas, the kids got a 15 foot round trampoline with enclosure.  It's been put together for one week now, and, so far, the kids have logged HOURS of bounce time!  Reagan asks to go outside and bounce several times a day.  Peyton has insisted on playing on it every day after school.  Thank goodness the weather has been beautiful this week!  

 These days, if we are at home, Reagan is usually in her "beautiful dress"! 

 Two very happy kids!

 Peyton in mid-air!

I love the way she is daintily holding her princess dress while bouncing!

"Mommy, Take My Picture!"

One of Reagan's latest games is finding "photo spots" and telling me to take her picture.  It doesn't matter where we are, if she finds a spot she likes, she insists on posing for a picture.

Posing on a "hill" at Grandma and Grandpa's

Posing on a rock in a parking lot!

Rocks are her favorite photo spots!

 Reagan convinced Peyton to participate in this one!

New Year's Weekend

The kids rang in the New Year at Grandma and Grandpa's house while Mommy and Daddy spent the final hours of 2010 painting at home in San Antonio.  The kids had a great time going for rides on Grandpa's new tractor, playing with cousins in Beeville and going to Dairy Queen at 5:00pm for a "pre-dinner" chocolate shake with Grandpa! 

 Before leaving for Pawnee, Daddy let Peyton help paint a bit.