A decade

Three houses.
Two coasts.
One child.
Countless memories.
Ten years.
Happy anniversary to us.

TBT

Found these gems on my phone and thought I'd share.

Why we live here

Blue skies.
350 days of sunshine per year.
Average of 75 degrees in January.
Playing in the park in flip flops while friends back east are shoveling snow.
Eating dinner outside year round.

Remind me of all of these things in August when I'm bitching about the 100+ temperatures.

January 20 at the park. Sunny skies and no jackets. Perfection.

Eating dinner outside (the fire is really just for show) while watching a movie will the Polar Vortex grips the rest of the nation.

Perfect form

Peyton's ballet/tumbling class (cleverly named "Tumblinas") was so 2013. With the new year and the new age, Peyton opted for a full on gymnastics class at Rebound West Gymnastics.

Some might say this is a classic example of me living vicariously through my daughter. I always wanted to do gymnastics growing up. I'm not sure why I never did, but I was super jealous of all of my friends who were flipping and swinging at the gym. Not only did I want to be part of the gym crowd, but when I became a cheerleader in high school, I longed to be able to tumble like the other girls. At a young 16 years old, as I struggled to learn how to do just one back handspring (a requirement to stay on the competition team) I vowed that if I ever had a daughter, I would not put her through the agony and embarrassment I lived through, and would enroll her in gymnastics as soon as I could. Because after all, being a cheerleader that can tumble is the most important thing in the world.

Holding true to my promise, I enrolled Peyton in the 4 year old class. And while I worried about what she should wear (long sleeve leo or short? Pants over or none at all?) she jumped at the chance to try something new. Much to my delight, she loved it. And she's already asking if it is Saturday yet because she wants to go back.

Worst iPhone picture ever. But the parents are not given good access to the gym. Likely on purpose so crazy moms like me stay back.

Peyton, you're welcome. When you are in high school trying out for cheer, you will be prepared. My job here is done.

Return to normalcy

I know the posting has been a little lackluster lately. But all of us - Peyton included - are taking a deep breath after the nonstop action of Thanksgiving, Christmas and the birthday of the century.

We've returned to normalcy. We are enjoying playing outside and at home (with all 7,583 new toys she got over the past month). We are eating quiet dinners at the table. So while this is a welcome change of pace for me, it creates nothing short of boring blog posts for my avid fan base.


Back to school morning routine. Breakfast with a little Doc while Mom and Dad get ready.

 

Playing with new presents.

Family dinner

Teaching Barbara and Jenna (yes, those are the twins' names, and yes, they are named after the Bush twins) the importance of a family meal.

I'm sure before long we will be bouncing all over the place again, allowing me to enlighten you with our adventures and shenanigans.

Four years by the numbers

Peyton had her 4 year check up this week. Here's a breakdown of her stats:

Height: 40 1/4 inches, 62nd percentile
Weight: 32.8 pounds, 29th percentile

She continues along the same trend of being tall and lean, which bodes well for her future supermodel career.

Most notably about these numbers is her height - passing the 40 inch mark is a major milestone as it means she can ride almost every ride at Disneyland or Lego land. Guess I need to start planning a trip.

This picture in no way relates to the content of this post.

The neverending birthday celebration (and longest blog post ever)

I don't even know where to begin. Peyton's 4th birthday stretched over six days, included three parties, surprise guests, and more presents than will fit in our entire house. So grab some popcorn and a cocktail. Here we go.

Thursday, January 9
The birthday extravaganza kicked off with a planned trip to see Disney on Ice. As Peyton and I were getting ready to go, the doorbell rang, and to our surprise (and delight!) Miss Amy, Ethan, and Amber were standing outside! We couldn't have been happier to see them, and it was the perfect way to kick off the celebrations.

Amber is here! Peyton is a little overwhelmed in this picture...she was so surprised Amber came.

Starting the weekend off right with second row seats to Disney on Ice. Thanks Grandma!

Best friends for life.

The trio...so excited to be in Arizona.

Friday, January 10
Papa and Abuelita joined the party on Friday, and we spent the day hanging out, getting glitter tattoos, and enjoying a family dinner at my least favorite place ever, Zipps.

The morning after look.

Stuffing their faces.

Glitter tattoos.

Still playing in the house...given to us when we lived in Virginia. This may be considered the toy that brought the girls together...their first bonding experience.

Saturday, January 11

PARTY DAY! After months of waiting, Peyton's birthday party day finally arrived. The house was decked out with lots of princess and Cinderella decorations. Twenty-two (yes, you read that correctly) kids between the ages of 2-7 joined us for a royal ball to commemorate Peyton turning 4. To Peyton's delight, Cinderella came all the way from her castle at Disneyland to teach the girls how to act like a princess, read them stories, and sing songs to them.

Invites

Cake by Alyssa Hall at Cuteologyshop.com

Decked out in their finest princess (fairy) attire.

Crown making...

Photobombed by Daddy.

Look who came!

The kids wouldn't let Cinderella get past the front door.

Princess lessons

 

Relaxing in the hot tub after a very long day of partying.

Sunday, January 12

Everyone was suffering from a cake hangover on Sunday, but we managed to pull ourselves together to enjoy our last full day with the crew from the 703. Amber, Peyton, Amy and I got our nails done and then made cupcake soaps with Ethan. We invited the family over for a pizza party...and more cake...and more presents...and more birthday singing.

More presents. She needs a second toy room.

Monday, January 13

Saying goodbye to Papa and Abuelita and the Richards crew was not the best way to start Peyton's actual birthday. But we more than made up for it by skipping school, running around like crazy at the Play Factory, seeing a matinee of Frozen, and indulging in some Japanese food at Peyton's favorite dining spot Benihana.

Tuesday, January 14

Just when you think the parties are over...they aren't. Since Peyton played hookie from school on her actual birthday, she celebrated with her classmates on Tuesday with purple and pink cupcakes. She wore her birthday crown all day (and night).

PHEW! After all of the parties, desserts, and piles of presents, we can officially say that Peyton is four.