Fire Safety

Being that October is fire safety month, Payton's preschool took their first field trip today to the fire station. Yesterday she attended CDO and the fire truck actually came to the church. While we were discussing what she learned, I asked her if the fireman taught her what to do if there was ever a fire. She quickly responded, "dial 9-9-9 and rock and roll!"

Made my day! Of course that conversation concluded with a little clarification. :)

Pumpkin Patch 2012

Going to the Pumpkin Patch was a tradition we started the year Payton was born and I look forward to it more and more every year I think. I just knew that the girls were going to love it this year. We planned to go on the most "fallish" day since every year we have been it's been around 90 degrees. We all loaded up and headed to Dreamfield Farms last Sunday. We were so excited that Aunt Ashley, Uncle Mark, and Haisley came along with us. Bamama, Grandaddy, and Great Bamama also came along for the ride. What a fun family day :)

Of course mommy took the opportunity to try to get a picture of these two together.

Sweet Haisley.

Sweet sisters. Payton was trying to get Harper to look at the bunnies. Look at that arm around her sister. Love. them.

I didn't get a picture of the cows, but Harper LOVED them. She didn't want to leave and kept saying "MMMMMM"

Sunflower girl. I would have loved a picture of both of them in front of the flowers but this was about the part where Harper starting melting down.

Until she found the tractors.

An attempt of us with the kiddos.

Harper wouldn't look at the camera because she was too busy watching the tractor.

Harper loved picking up all of the pumpkins in the patch.

Harper wasn't so sure about it at first, but Payton loved the corn box.

We made Payton save the inflatables for last. She of course loved them.

Monday night we painted out pumpkins. Except Harper was more interested in reading Brown Bear so Payton painted both.

Until next year...

Harper at 15 months

Last week we went for a visit to Dr. Williams for Harper's 15 month check up. Sweet girl weighed 20 lb. 10 oz (45%), was 31.2 in tall (65%) and of course her head was 18.9 in (96%). He height for weight was 10% but the dr. wasn't too concerned when I assured her that she was getting plenty to eat. Although she still loves to eat, I do think she may be slowing down some. She used to not show hardly any preference of one food over another, but she is starting to shake her head or turn away when you try to give her certain things. Her favorites at the moment are lima beans, strawberries, any form of bread, chicken, milk, etc. She loves to play, hug her sister, be outside, read, do puzzles, play in the "kitchen" and love on her babies. She still only has 4 teeth, wearing size 4 diapers, and mostly 18 month clothes only because of her height. Her hair has grown so much in the past 3 months or so. She still is hardly talking. The dr. wasn't overly concerned at this checkup but said he would see how she is doing at 18 months. The lack of talking has been quite a challenge as she knows what she wants, but can't say it which ends with a fit most times. We've continued to use sign language for a few things to help with this and she is starting to say essential words to our daily life such as "cup." She is a great sleeper and most nights almost jumps out of our arms when we walk in her room to put her in her crib. The past week she has been letting out a cry about 4:30 but then going right back to sleep. I guess maybe she's trying to get me going for the day. We usually have to wake her up around 6:00 in order to be out the door around 6:15. Her teachers say she is a playful, sweet girl at school as long as she doesn't get too tired and fall asleep at snack time. She is taking around a 3 hour nap each day. We have loved watching her grow into her own little self and develop her personality!

Sisters

There are no words to describe the joy that these girls bring to me when they play together, love on one another, and giggle at each other. Blessed!

Ella turns 4!

We headed south to Orange Beach last weekend to celebrate Ella's 4th birthday! I can hardly believe it! Four seems so "big kid." These kids should still be babies! Anyways, we took off early Friday to make the most of the weekend. The weather was perfect while we were there and we enjoyed some great family time.

The big kids.

Daddy and his girls about to head to the pool.

Nana and Harper bug checking out the water fall.

This girl is a fish!

Pawpaw and Harper at Ella's party.

The big kids again. They are a mess!

There are no words.

T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

Nanny and Harper enjoying the shade.

We headed to the beach Sunday morning bright and early before it was too hot.

We built sand castles, jumped waves, and collected sea shells.

Happy Birthday, Ella! It's hard to believe that you are FOUR. All I've heard for the past week is how Payton wants to be big and four just like Ella. Please slow down!

School Days...

Payton and Harper started preschool the Wednesday after Labor Day (whatever the date was...ha!). Payton had her first day in the three year old class with Mrs. Carmello and Mrs. Matz. She will go on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

 We tried getting a picture of both girls on their first day...you can see that result. Harper wanted her breakfast and it was 6:15 in the morning. Not a great combination.

 After refusing stand by herself, we finally let her have the banana (what she kept chasing after). We figured why not, this is true Harper fashion. She always has a snack close by. One day I know we will look back and laugh at this.

"This is much better, guys!"

 Harper will be going on Wednesdays and Fridays in the one year old class. Her teachers are Mrs. Sanford and Mrs. Ballard (Payton's teachers form last year).

Each day they have brought home notes saying that they have had great behavior. Now we only hope and pray this continues.

Just for fun, here is Payton on her first day of three year old preschool.

 First day of two year old preschool.

First day of one year old preschool.

Can. Not. Believe. It.

Farewell Summer

This summer was absolutely perfect! It was a great combination of staying home and being lazy, but on the go just enough to constantly have something to look forward to. We had weekly play dates with several of my friends from school. It is such a huge blessing to me that not only do I work with people who are amazing, but their kids are also! We have quite a few babies between all of us. We decided to celebrate the end of summer we would have a cook out with some of our summer buddies. It was a little chaotic with so many kids (Payton being the oldest there), but it was a blast. There were a few who were unable to come. Like I said, words can't describe how thankful I am to have these amazing people in our lives!