Monsters, Parties & Turning 5

"I can't believe he's 5."
I've heard myself say these words so many times in the past couple weeks. But it truly does amaze me that my "baby" is now on the brink of kindergarten, first crushes, and shopping in the "boys" section of stores instead of infant/toddlers. Okay... let the tears begin...
But more so... I can't believe I have a 5-year old! How is that possible? Didn't I just graduate college?? Oh yeah... that was 12 years ago. Didn't I just get married?? Oh yeah... that was 9 years ago. Where is the time going?!?! Can I please press the "pause" button for just a few short moments?
I guess this is where I get sentimental and realize all of the amazing blessings in my life. I love what I do everyday, I love my husband, I love my son, and maybe just slowing down and realizing that once in a while will make these fleeting moments feel like they're passing just a little slower.
In celebration of Payton turning five, we had many fun and exciting events planned. But of course, in true Payton style, he got some horrible cold virus and was stuck home inside for 5 days prior to his birthday party. Fortunately, he rebounded just in time for his party at the park and then the "Monster Jam truck show" that evening with Brian. Here are a couple of slide shows from the party and then from Monster Jam. Enjoy... I know I will!

What do your parents do?

Last week, Payton's class was studying "community workers" and talked about the importance of various jobs. Then the teachers asked each child "What do your parents do?" and wrote down their exact words (see photo at left).

Here is what Payton said (see picture at right).

In case you can't read it, it says, "My Dad works for money. My Mom cleans our house."

Glad that degree from the University of Florida is really paying off!

Gotta love the honesty of children.

Marble Run

Payton got a Marble Run set for Christmas and has made a new creation almost every day since. He asked me to film his latest and post it so his cousins could see it (cute, huh?). So, Zach, Alex, Joel, Camryn & Natalie... here is Payton's marble run! Even Rohy likes to watch it.
Oh... and at the very end of the video you'll hear me gasp, and Payton say "oopsie!"... that's when he knocked over my coffee onto the floor. Oh well... as Thomas the Train would say, accidents happen. :)

New Year, New Fun

I recently went on vacation for a "Girl's Weekend" with my mom, my Aunt Bobbie & my cousin Wendy. We had an absolute blast shopping, sleeping in, hanging out and laughing until our stomachs ached!

But I think what went on at home while I was gone may have been just as much fun. The "Guys Weekend" included a multi-colored spray-painted mowhawk, a visit to see a Monster Truck, building a train out of a cardboard box and probably a lot of other things that haven't been shared with me. Here are some photos from their adventures...

Opening the Polar Express

Have you ever witnessed a 4-year old opening a new train on Christmas morning? Here's what it might look like...

Christmas 2009

Christmas was so much fun this year. Payton was at the perfect age for all of the magic and wonder that surrounds the holiday. Yet he showed us on so many occasions that he truly understood what Christmas was all about.

We were so blessed to be surrounded by both sets of grandparents and extended family on Christmas morning. It made the day so special for all of us. Joining in the mayhem of present-opening madness was Stacy's parents, Brian's parents, Brian's brother, his Grandfather, his Uncle Tom, and his Great Aunt Shirley, plus their dog, the three of us, Rohy a partridge and a pear tree! :)

Here are a few pictures from Christmas Eve (Brian reading Payton "The Night Before Christmas" & Payton sprinkling reindeer food on the front lawn) and then Christmas day. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too! Happy New Year!

Christmas Extravaganza!

This Christmas season has been our most fun yet. Payton is at such a great age for everything magical having to do with Christmas. The lights are fascinating, the shows are exciting and decorating cookies is fabulous! So you can imagine that I have WAY too many photos to post from all of these fun things, so below are just a few highlights. Merry Christmas everyone!

Payton's 1st time ice skating...


Building a gingerbread train (of course) and decorating Christmas cookies...


Visiting a specially decorated Christmas house (with a large train display of course)...


And the sweetest thing all season... Payton writing a letter to Santa. He concentrated so hard and wrote down all the things he wants. Then we delivered it to the big red mailbox at Macy's...