New Years Eve at the Zoo

Peyton and I spent New Years Eve morning at the Phoenix Zoo with my mom, sister, Brady, and friends Christine, Robert, & Luke.

We enjoyed checking out all the animals and the lovely weather.  It was so nice to just stroll around the zoo- in no hurry to see or do anything.  I wish all days were like that!!

8 Months Old!

Our little girl is growing so fast! (maybe not in the weight category, but definitely in the age category!)

I purposely took her 8 month pictures in the same outfit I did her 6 month pictures in.  She'll probably get mad about this later on in life, but it's fun to do a comparison to see how much she has grown in two short months. 

8 months

6 months

Peyton is officially crawling all over the place.  She took her first "crawl" around December 21st.  She was very stiffed legged at the beginning, but now she has total control of herself and goes where she pleases.  She likes to chase the dogs which they do not appreciate.  She also likes to crawl through her exersaucer. 

Crawling in the Christmas present aftermath....

The Lemonade Award

I just got this award from Chrissy over at The Edwards Daily Ritual
Thanks Chrissy!!!  I love reading your blog and looking at pictures of your beautiful girls.  And thanks for making me finally update my blog!

With this award, you must thank your giver, link to their blog, list five things about yourself and then pass it on to five more people.

1. I love reading and usually end up reading several books at a time.  I am in two book clubs and still pick up "extra" books to read in my "spare time".
2. I am annoyed by Dutchess' shedding... disgusting doesn't even begin to describe the messes she leaves.
3. I am totally jealous of my sister who is able to work part-time and be a part-time stay at home mom.
4. I still need to lose a few pounds of baby weight... yet I sit here eating brownies
5. I am a horrible decision maker... even deciding on what 5 things to write... horrible!   Takes me forever to make a decision.


Lisa at The Hayes Family

Lindy at Evan Lindy Braeden

Jenne at Albaeck Army Adventure

Christine at Little Punkin' Head

Gina at Awesome Aldridges

Leaves!

Peyton & Brady enjoyed playing in the leaves at Lisa & Shaun's house.  Peyton enjoyed munching on the leaves while we were trying to take pictures.  I thought this was disgusting and Lisa thought it was funny.  It's only funny when it is someone else's kid doing something nasty! 

I Love My Baby!

Man I love that baby.  Isn't she cute?  Ok, I know I'm biased and all, but she is cute... admit it!  She is truly the sweetest thing ever and I am so blessed to be her Mommy!  I can't even believe she is mine!!! 

Here are a few pictures from the past couple of days.  Yes, we let Peyton open a present early... we couldn't help ourselves... and really, she liked the paper way more than the bath toy anyway!!

 

Aren't her new jammies cute?  She really liked playing under the tree!!

Pictures with Santa

So I knew that I wanted to have Peyton's pictures taken with Santa, and I thought it would be easy just to head to the mall, stand in line for a bit, take pictures, and then leave.  I also wanted to get some pictures of Peyton and Brady with Santa together, so as my sister and I hatched out a plan, we realized that going to the mall was going to be ridiculously expensive... seriously? $24.99 is your starting package??  Santa better be giving Peyton a really nice gift for that price!

Thankfully Lisa's sister-in-law Mandy mentioned that pictures with Santa were FREE at Bass Pro Shop.  Random?  I thought so, but off we went.  The set up was super cute and the line wasn't bad.  They give you a "pass" and then you can go wander the store until your appointed time and then your wait in line isn't suppose to be more than 30 minutes.  Not bad... especially since it was free!  They even let us use our own camera which was totally a bonus. 

 

I love this picture of Peyton.  So sweet & innocent!

 

Peyton & Santa

 

Brady, Santa, & Peyton

  

Brady & Santa  

I love this picture- I think it is so cute how they are looking at each other.

 

Lori, Lisa, Peyton, & Brady (notice that Peyton is trying to steal Brady's blanket)

  

The four of us again, but now notice that Brady is giving Peyton the "evil eye" as in "touch my blanky again and that will be the last thing you will ever do"