Weekly Happenings - 2/18 - 2/26

1.  So what happens when you get 13"+ of snow in less than 24 hours?!  You spend two almost 3 days at in the confines of your house, that is what happens!  Thankfully, Chad & I were both able to work from home two days last week when there was no way we were getting out of our driveway/street and the kids' daycare was closed.  Although we loved having the extra time at home with the kids - trying to keep them entertained (and fed!) while still working full time presented its fair amount of challenges.  Check-out a few of the pictures from our snow days!

Here is a meal I tried - corn dog muffins.  They were a big hit with everyone - I liked the ketchup & mustard frosting the best! :)

Garrison wasn't too sure of the snow but did have fun on his short sled ride!  Check-out how deep the snow is on Apollo's belly in the background!

Peyton making her first trek into the snow.  Seriously - up to the top of her leg!  As much as Garrison was a fan, Peyton was the polar opposite - she LOVED the snow!  On our first day out she made lots of snow angels (though she collapsed through the deep snow sometimes in doing so!), tromped around the yard and was pulled by Mommy & Daddy for a few trips around the yard on the sled. 

And it isn't a true snow day until you've had hot chocolate after playing in the snow to warm you right back up!

Then, since we had SO much snow, we made a little snow ice cream.  Both kiddos got in on the fun here and all four of us enjoyed some tasty ice cream!

Then, for snack that evening, Daddy fired up the fire place to toast some marshmallows for s'mores.  I love this picture of Garrison & Daddy.  Peyton assured us she LOVED her s'more and has asked for them for many snacks since!

Snow day #2 brought a few additional activities - building a fort.  Mommy quickly found out that I am not a great fort builder but we had fun watching a little TV under our fort.

Since we were both working, there were times that we needed the kids to be semi-quiet.  While I was on a conference call on Friday, Daddy had a GENIUS idea - using the extra twin mattress we had in the spare room for a JUMP HOUSE!  This "invention" continues to be a big hit with both our munchkins!

2.  On Saturday, Grammy came up to visit while Daddy & Grandpa were visiting the golf show (needless to say, after all the snow they were ready to think about golf & springtime!).  Grammy brought a project for her and Peyton - making cake pops.  They had a great time - Peyton seemed to enjoy making the balls the most!  And pretty much as soon as Grammy arrived, Peyton wanted to show her the new jump house - a place she visited multiple times while here!  After the golf show, Grandpa came back for a visit while Daddy & I ran some errands. 

3.  On Sunday, it was almost like a heat wave hit us - almost 50 degrees!  When Peyton & I went to Target we picked-up some squirt bottles so she could paint the snow - a big hit!  While Peyton was busy painting, Garrison was busy helping Daddy shovel the last bit of snow.  He liked being on the driveway a lot better than in the deep snow!

4.  Since we spent 4 straight days at home, the kids really had a chance to play together more than usual.  They did great!  Peyton is such an awesome big sister - check her out helping Garrison down the stairs.  Also since we have been home so much, Garrison has gotten quite good at going down the stairs on his own - what a big boy!

5.  Peyton is learning so much these days, it amazes me.  She is now able to recite her entire address and knows my cell phone number.  We recently started working on sounding out words to learn how to spell them - one of the first - pink, of course! :)  She is also working on reading a little with true beginning reading books.   Holy cow - when did she get to be old enough to start working on reading skills?!

6.  Garrison is learning and growing as well - he is working on his vocabulary the most and has added several new words including jump (see jump house comments above!), I love you, Apollo (instead of dog), teeth and I'm sure others.  He is also climbing on EVERYTHING and is now tall enough to pull a door shut by holding onto the knob.

7.  Sunday was the Oscars, or as Peyton referred to it as, The Pretty Dress Show!  The Pretty Dress Show even won out when it came to her pre-bedtime TV show (over Max and Ruby - huge deal!).

Weekly Happenings - 2/11 - 2/17

1.  This week we celebrated Valentine's Day!  I tried something new for the kids' treats at school - brownie truffles dipped in chocolate.  How can you go wrong, right?!  They were a big hit, along with the heart chocolate rolls (kind of like cinnamon rolls) we enjoyed for breakfast!  Not a bad way to celebrate the holiday of love!  The kids both had a great time at their school parties and I had fun going back and forth to help at both parties.  

2.  On Valentine's Day, the weather was pretty nice for February so we enjoyed some outside time as soon as we got home.  The kids loved blowing bubbles, well, Peyton blew bubbles & Garrison made the sounds like he was blowing bubbles.  The best part were all the giggles that were heard across our back yard!  Also, check-out Peyton's Valentine's loot from her school party - not a bad haul!

3.  On Friday, Peyton & I had a girls day and it was beyond perfect!  We started our day by shopping for her first Daddy-Daughter dance dress.  This was serious business, folks!  We went to four different stores looking for just the perfect dress and when we found "the one" she tried it on and it looks beautiful!  After a bit more shopping, including getting a new dress for Piocano too, we met-up with our friends and old neighbors at Cheddars for lunch.  Peyton had a great time having lunch with her friend Kylie while the moms enjoyed visiting!  After a tasty lunch (and a Cookie Monster for dessert!) we went back to the mall for manicures for the girls and pedicures for the Mommies!  This was Peyton's first manicure and she thought she was pretty hot stuff!  Not only did she get her nails painted, she even got flowers put onto her thumbs - fancy, fancy!  We then rode the carousel and wrapped-up our day with a bit more shopping before it was time to head home.  We had an amazing day and hope to have many more mother/daughter days like this in the future!

4.  So Garrison has decided he no longer wants to sit in his high chair but doesn't sit still enough to sit in a booster at the big table so we thought we would give Peyton's princess table a try in the dining room.  So far, so good!  The kids enjoy the table that is just their size and both are ready and willing to pull it out when it is meal time.  Look at our two little angels enjoying their breakfast!

5.  So I am a bit behind but better late than never, right?  Here are Garrison's 18-month Mickey pictures.  The first one where he is tackling Mickey truly captures Garrison at 18-months!  The boy loves to run full force toward you, the couch, a toy, etc. and tackle said object!  He is our happy little man who still LOVES to sleep and will do just about anything for Goldfish and/or some time watching Mickey Mouse!  He has learned many of his animal sounds and is expanding his vocabulary - our most recent additions are stuck, Elmo, mine and book.  His favorite food is still a banana but the boy will eat just about anything - and a lot of it!

6.  Grandma & Grandpa Todd stopped by for a visit on Saturday evening and brought with them some cabinets for Daddy to organize his tools / workbench area in the basement.  Did you know Grandpa is synonymous with jungle gym?!

7.  Also on Saturday the kiddos got haircuts.  Garrison still isn't a big fan but because he did a pretty good job while sitting on Mommy's lap we let him try a sucker for the first time.  Needless to say he was a big fan!

8.  On Sunday, Peyton had a big milestone - her first playdate!  Her friend, Victoria, came over for a visit and man did they have a good time!  They played with bubbles and chalk, took Peyton's car for a short ride (before the battery died...), rode Peyton's bike, played dress-up and had a tasty snack.  After Victoria left, Peyton asked when she could come back - and if she could stay the night next time!  Wow - not sure this Momma is quite ready for sleepovers yet!

9.  Peyton is always very curious and always asks lots of questions to learn more about whatever is being discussed.  While at church on Sunday she noticed a large cross in the gathering area and asked why it was there.  I explained that we were in the Lenten season and as we got closer to Easter we would be remembering that Jesus died on the cross before he was risen to live with God in heaven.  Of course, this spurred several questions but she really seemed to understand that there were people a long time ago that didn't understand that Jesus was a "good guy" and they "made a bad choice and killed Jesus."  She then shared her new knowledge with Victoria on their playdate over their snack!  She is such a caring little girl and was sad that people were mean to Jesus!

10.  Garrison continues to learn so many new things - he now does the actions and tries to sing "Head, shoulders, knees and toes" and "the Wheels on the bus."  He loves to "read" books to himself and to be read to.  Garrison also has learned to pray and one night as we were about to pray at bedtime he pointed at the door and said, "Sissy,"  He then patiently waited as we waited for Sissy to join us for prayer time!  He is even learning to make the sign of the cross!

Weekly Happenings - 2/4 - 2/10

1.  So Chad & I entered the crazy world of owning iPhones a few weeks ago and needless to say, the kids are thrilled!  Now not only can they play their games / watch their shows on our iPads but also now on our phones.  Peyton has also figured out how to take pictures and takes a TON of them - and fast!  Here are a couple of the "gems" I have found randomly added to my camera roll!

2.  On Thursday, Grammy & Grandpa came up to the city for Dr. appointments and since Chad & I were hoping to go to the home show to check-out some remodeling contractors over the weekend, they took the kiddos home for a visit after Peyton's gymnastics class.  I think they had a great time watching her at gymnastics - she really has improved and is now doing back rolls on her own, skinning the cat and working on cartwheels!  Anyway, they stayed very busy playing, baking and visiting with Grandma Mintun - so busy they forgot to take any pictures of their visit!  We stayed busy while they were away by going to the home show and enjoying a tasty dinner to celebrate an early Valentine's Day!

3.  Grammy & Grandma Mintun brought the kids back on Saturday morning so that Peyton could go ot her friend Paige's birthday party.  Guess what - it was a princess party!  I know - shocker, right - a princess party for a 4 year old!  Peyton dressed as Snow White and was entertained by the special guest, Rapunzel!  She also posted for a picture with her friend Victoria!

4.  Grammy & Grandma Mintun stayed with Garrison while Peyton & I went to the party as Daddy took great advantage of the awesome February weather by enjoying a round of golf - never know if that is going to happen in February around here!  After the party, Peyton wanted to play outside so she rode her bike and ran around in the backyard until Garrison woke up from his nap.  I loved the second picture below - both kids were saying "yay" while raising their hands - can't believe I caught it!

5.  Then on Sunday we drove to Lexington to visit Grandma & Grandpa Todd, Uncle Landen, Wyatt, Whitney, Uncle Clint, Aunt Christy & Baby Morgan Clinton (as he will likely always be called by Peyton!).  Peyton loves holding baby Morgan and of course had fun playing with all of her cousins.  Garrison still isn't quite sure what to make of baby Morgan but he did help him "jump" in the johnny jumper with gentle pushes.  I'm guessing the two youngest cousins will be quite a pair once Morgan is up and running!

Weekly Happenings - 1/28-2/3

1.  This week we fully got back into the swing of "normal" life.  Both kids did GREAT adjusting back to daycare and Peyton had a blast at swim lessons & gymnastics this week.  Chad & I even got back into the swing of work since while we were on vacation we were unable to find a way to become independently wealthy so we could live on vacation all the time!

2.  A few nights recently I have asked Peyton if she wants to say bedtime prayers with Garrison vs. us saying prayers separately.  Most nights she says she wants to pray separately but one night this last week I didn't ask but as I was reading to Garrison upstairs I hear Peyton's footsteps quickly running across the floor, up the stairs and into Garrison's room.  As she walks in she says, "Did I make it in time, Mommy?"  I was thrilled that yes, she had made it in time.  She sat down with us and asked Garrison to put his hands together so we could pray.  Wow!  Pretty special.

3.  On the topic of prayer, Garrison has started joining us in our mealtime prayer as well, attempting to make the sign of the cross and folding his hands most of the time when we pray.  He is really growing up fast!

4.  On Saturday, Grammy & Grandma Mintun came up to visit us and to bring Apollo home.  Grammy even brought the kids their Valentine's goodies - they were excited!  Garrison only wanted to take things from his bag and put them in Peyton's bag, though.  Peyton helped get him straightened out!  We had a great time playing and while I worked on Grammy's computer, Grammy & Peyton did a little ironing.  Peyton always loves to help with anything she can and was pretty excited to iron on her board while Grammy was ironing!  After a tasty lunch and a little more play time, Grammy & Grandma headed for home.

5.  After a little rest on Saturday afternoon, Grandma & Grandpa Todd came up for a visit!  Grandma & Grandpa brought up some Valentine goodies as well - can't beat that!  Peyton told them a lot about our vacation, some of her favorite things she did and places where we ate.  I was amazed, as I always am, at some of the things that she remembers!  After some fun play time we packed up to head to dinner.  Unfortunately, right after we arrived, Peyton ended-up not feeling so hot, we got our meal to go - ugh!  Luckily, Peyton seems to be feeling better so hope it was just a quick little bug!

6.  Since Peyton wasn't feeling so hot on Saturday we had a pretty low key Sunday.  Of course, Peyton didn't think she needed a nap but her body finally gave in around 6 tonight and she never really got up other than to potty and head to bed.  Hopefully she will sleep all night to try and catch up a bit.

7.  Garrison is becoming more and more animated these days.  Today, when we would ask him a question he would put his hands out and make his face into a "O" shape and try to say "I don't know".  Hilarious!

8.  Garrison is learning more and more new things each week.  He can now go up and down the stairs by walking upright and holding onto the spindles.  He is also trying to say more words and can very clearly get his point across by pointing and trying to use his words.  He is getting very good at "up please" and "down please" and proudly said "Elmo" when looking at pictures earlier this week.

9.  Peyton amazes us every day with her ever expanding vocabulary and the way she picks up on what is going on around her.  I need to write more of these instances down but the things she says floor me almost daily!  Oh, and she is an excellent big sister.  She helps Garrison zip and unzip his coat at home and at school and always makes sure he is doing ok!