Peyton's Antics

I've caught myself telling multiple people that Peyton is at a really great age.  It's true.  She's got such a big personality and comes up with something new every day.  She is giving us days filled with laughter...and continually surprises us with the capacity to remember, learn, and process.  A few of her recent gems are:

"Daddy, I want some cream on my butt" - said in response to wanting some Desitin because she had a little diaper rash.

"Easter bunny brings me candy.  Scott too."

"No, I got it." - when she wants to do something on her own without any help.

"Mommy all sweaty" - when I come back from a run.

"Give Daddy his privacy." - when I explain that we shouldn't barge in on Martin while he's in the bathroom.

"I'm pretty" - after doing her makeup at her vanity and checking her work in the mirror.

In addition, Peyton is...

...hamming it up on Valentine's Day

...learning the joy of cocktails and appetizers.

....wondering when Mom and Dad are going to hire landscapers.

...giving Picasso a run for his money.

...making new friends.

...loving dessert.

...laughing at memories of playing with Amber, and missing her every day.

...falling asleep on a run after refusing to nap all day.

...picking out her perfect shade.

...dressing properly for dinner.

Moves Like Jagger?

I'm not sure which part of this video I like the best.  Peyton's sick dance moves, the fact she takes breaks from her dancing to eat ice cream, or her asking both of us if we "want a bite too?" There may not be a dance team in her future, but she sure is cute.

Show Off

Peyton is loving the warm spring in Scottsdale. Weekends are spent mostly outside, playing on her slide and swing, going to the park, and cruising the neighborhood looking for friends. She is also perfecting her gymnastics skills after attending a gymnastics birthday party. She might not be ready for 2012 Olympics in London, but 2016 is a strong possibility.

Daddy's Little Helper

Martin and I admit it. We are officially using bribery with Peyton. In the past few weeks, we've been offering her money in exchange for good deeds or chores. Peyton earns a penny each time she helps Daddy take out the trash. Another penny for helping Mommy make the salad at dinner. A dime or quarter for helping clean the yard or pool. And, I've offered her a whole dollar if she pee pees in the potty (no luck yet, but I'm pretty sure I'd be willing to shell out more than a buck if she actually did this).  Peyton excitedly collects her money with an enthusiastic "I earned it!" to follow. She either holds onto her precious coin, or safely tucks it in the pocket of her pants. Then, at night, before her bath, she slides the money into her pink and white polka dot piggy bank to save. Shaking the piggy bank (named Porky) elicits squeals and giggles as she says "my pennies are in there!" Martin and I are thinking of taking her and Porky to Cold Stone and letting her buy a sweet treat this summer. Or, maybe she'll turn into a great saver and be the total opposite of her mother.

Peyton rinses off her pool net before helping Daddy clean the leaves out. She will earn one penny for her work.

Peyton brushes the dirt off the bottom of the pool. Hopefully she be able to swim it sometime soon.

Peyton has collected her penny and immediately takes a break from her hard work - lounging on the chaise eating blueberries in the sun.

Cousins, I think

Martin and I hosted the first of what I hope is many "cousins dinners." In order to qualify for an invite, you have to be a grandchild or great grandchild of Marian and Bob Anderson (my grandparents on my mom's side).  So, Jimger and Scott came, along with my cousin Steve and Amanda, their sons Logan (3) and Austin (1 week!).  My cousin Katie and Ethan couldn't make it...but with all the kids, we had a houseful of fun.  I'm not sure exactly what the relation is between everyone.  I know Scott and Peyton are cousins.  And I think Peyton and Logan/Austin are either second cousins or first cousins once removed.  But who really cares?  Everyone had fun, especially the kids.  Being close to family definitely has its perks.

Eating lasagna, salad and bread. Yummy!

HOORAY for cousins dinner!

Hey Scott, this is mommy's new coffee table.  Let's sit on it.

Cool, Logan joined the coffee table party too!

Goofs.

PK Turns Two: Vintage Cowgirl Style

Peyton's was blessed to have so many friends - old and new - help celebrate her second birthday.  The vintage cowgirl party was a perfect theme for our first event back in Arizona, and we are so lucky everyone came out to join us.  Big props to Beth of Lizzie Bee Photography for capturing the party to perfection, and allowing Mommy and Daddy to not worry about having a camera around.

PK Turns Two: The Party Details

As some of you may remember, I had no qualms about going a teensy bit overboard for Peyton's first year soiree, and I decided there was no turning back. This, however, would be the year of the vintage cowgirl. I smartened up this year and hired the fabulous Beth of Lizzie Bee Photography to capture the event.  I realized that I had about three good pictures of Peyton's actual party last year.  All photos are credited to her.

The invitation

Welcome station outside the front gate.  Alphagraphics is AMAZING for making the yard signs for me!

Etsy has the best stuff.  Ever.

Every kid (and even a great-grandma) received a sheriff's badge before entering.

Vintage inspired birthday banner reading "Peyton is 2"

"The Fill Station"

Food included down home barbeque pork, Albuquerque Guacamole, Veggies for Dippin' and Cowgirl Cookies.

"The Watering Hole" featured sweet pink lemonade for the kids and grown up margaritas for the...grown ups.

The favors were wrapped in burlap bags.

Parents got to take home Cowgirl Cookie mix.  Idea shamelessly stolen from Bakerella.

The yummy (and pretty!) cake courtesy of Let Them Eat Cake.  No falling monkey this year.

Craft stations around the room were decorated with wildflowers and bandanas. Every child was given paint, stickers and markers to decorate boot shaped glasses and burlap sacks.

Can't forget about the presents - Peyton's Loot!