Play Group Christmas Party

Cole, Jovani & Payton Payton & Chase playing cars

Opening his present from Cole

Our attempt at a group picture

We had our annual play group holiday party a few weeks ago. The group has grown considerably with all of the siblings but we still manage to get a decent picture with all of the kids. I am so lucky to have these wonderful women and their kids in my life!

Sledding

Graham having fun by himself The boys tied together
Making the hike back up the hill

One big push

Disney Pictures

Disney castle at night
After the lights were turned on

On the way out of the park

Right when we got there, doesn't Payton look thrilled?

On the race cars

Waiting to see Mickey and Minnie

On the Aladdin Magic Carpet ride

Christmas in Florida 2009

Helping Gaia make cookies

Gaia, Payton & Grandpa Al I had to borrow a headband because it was so cold
One of my favorite pictures

Playing football on the beach

In the cockpit of the airplane

With his new race car from Gaia and Grandpa Al

At the pool

At the turtle park looking for turtles in the water

On Christmas Day we went on our annual trip to Florida to spend a week with Graham's parents. The pilot invited Payton to come into the cockpit and pretend to fly. He also offered for me to take pics of it all! I was surprised that they would allow us to do that!

There were a couple sunny days, one of which we spent at Disney's Magic Kingdom. We decided just to drive in and drive home the same day and although that made for a very long day, we had a great time! We spent 13hrs in total at the park and Payton had only one meltdown, which to me was a huge success. Payton's favorite ride was the race cars and my favorite was Pirates of the Caribbean. We saw just about everything we wanted to see and even stayed for the lights parade. Payton was asleep in the stroller before we even left the park, poor guy!

The rest of the week we spent hanging out, going to the turtle park, taking bike rides and swimming in the heated pool:) We had a great trip, even despite the chilly weather.

Christmas Day 2009

When we got home from our Christmas Eve party and were getting ready for bed, Graham went in the extra bedroom and pounded on the ceiling. It totally scared both Payton and I and Payton was sure it was Santa. His eyes were so wide and without even drying his hands, he ran into his room and got in bed. He kept telling me to hurry and turn off his light so Santa doesn't pass by his house if he sees he is awake. He was spooked a bit but excited at the same time.

Christmas morning this year was much more relaxing since our flight to Florida was late afternoon. Graham and I were actually up before Payton this year which was nice because we had plenty of time to get ready and get last minute stuff set up. Payton was so excited when he got downstairs and couldn't wait to see what Santa had left for him. Santa only wraps the small stocking gifts he leaves but he keeps the big toys unwrapped under the tree. When the gifts from everyone were all opened Payton was a bit sad and kept asking to open more.

After we opened gifts, we had a yummy breakfast and got our bags ready to go. Nana and Papa stopped over to see all of the gifts Santa brought and then they took us to the airport.

Christmas Eve 2009

Emmett, Payton, Finnley & Jolie

Our attempt at a family picture

Following our yearly tradition, we went to my parent's house for Christmas Eve. After the kids all had a nap we ate dinner and opened gifts. Payton was really into opening gifts this year and wanting to get everything out that instant to play with it:) Everyone had a great time and were wiped out by the time we got home.

Making Eggnog with Daddy

Iowa Whirlwind

Great Grandma Brown with Payton Graham, Al and Alyssa
Alyssa and Al

Graham & Payton

Alyssa & Graham

The whole Brown family

Payton and Grandpa Al up on the balcony

The memories of J.C.'s life

Picture of J.C. and Lois Brown

We went out to Des Moines, IA for a memorial service for Graham's Grandpa who passed away a couple of weeks ago. We got into Des Moines on Monday evening around midnight and left on Tuesday afternoon, around 5ish. The trip was quick but we are very happy we were able to make it out. The service was perfect and we were able to see a lot of family that we missed over Thanksgiving.

Despite Payton getting carsick on the way up, getting to bed by around 2am and getting up at 6am, he was SO well behaved during the entire service and luncheon. We got compliments from many of the guests and were very proud of him. During the church ceremony the pastor recited a prayer and ended with Amen, well Payton remembered that word from a blessing he says before he eats at preschool and yelled a very loud, "Amen". Needless to say the outburst made everyone smile:)