Payton turns 5 & Christmas Tree...

 Before I start with Payton here are a couple of other things to catch up on.  Payton had another field trip, this time we went bowling!

This little man is completely potty trained! I only had one day where I wanted to give up, but I stayed strong and stuck to it.  He did awesome yesterday when we went and cut down the Christmas tree.  No accidents and he went in the wild for the first time.  He thought that was pretty cool changing the snow yellow! Good bye diapers!

 This years Thanksgiving was spent with the Rich family.  We had an excellent dinner with which we stuffed our selves to the miserable stage.. at least I know I did. I love spending time with our family even if we just sit around and talk all day.  It was still a perfect day.

 The day after Thanksgiving was Payton's Birthday! We have a 5 year old!!!! That is a milestone birthday if you ask me! She weighs 38.2  which is in the 40% range, and is 44.75 in. which is 88%.  Tall and skinny!
Again I asked Payton her favorite's questions..

Color:  TURQUOISE!!!

Movie:  The Croods

Book: The Bisquit books and Dream Big Pig

TV Show:  Jake and the Neverland Pirates and My Little Pony

Game: Candy Land

Food:  Turkey Sandwich

Song:  I am a Child of God, and the Champion Song (Roar by Katy Perry)

Activity: Play with Connor and go to school

Princess: Cinderella

Friends: "Avery and Kyra and Lydia, and Weston, umm.. Wyatt and Finley, Meagan and that's all."

 It being a milestone birthday she had her very first friend birthday party.  She requested a My Little Pony Birthday so that's what we did.  The girls pinned the balloons on Pinky Pie, did a pinata, decorated sugar cookies and played Just Dance. I love this group of girls they are all so cute and sweet to each other.

 After Cubby and Goldy died I thought for sure that we would be getting Payton a fish tank for her birthday, but when it came down to it I wasn't loving the idea.  She has a love for every single animal and has such a tender heart that I knew she would love any living thing.  I went to the pet store going between fish, hamsters or a bird.  I did a quick walk by the fish talking myself out of that idea and hung around the birds.  I visited the hamster's and couldn't get over the fact that they have nasty feet and look like mice.  The birds were what I wanted.  And after seeing the TURQUOISE bird it was a given. 

Waiting for her surprise..

 After seeing her..

 So meet the newest member of our family Payton's very own pet parakeet, Misty...

Payton loves Misty and every minute she is away from her she misses her!

"Mom I want a turquoise cake with pink and purple flowers, Oh that will be so pretty huh!"

  Happy Birthday little Peanut! I am so glad that Heavenly Father blessed us with the most beautiful inside and out little girl. I am so happy with all the adventures we have been through because of you.  I am happy that you were the one who first gave us the title, mommy and daddy.  Having you was one of the best decisions we have made.  You truly light up our lives.

 Yesterday was so much fun.  We went on our Christmas tree hunt up Mink Creek Canyon!  This year my Grandma and Grandpa asked to join us.  Having them there was so much fun!

 Aren't they the cutest Grandparents ever!! Here they are 80 years young hiking through the snow up the mountain!

 Maddie reenacting the Croods..

 Awkward photo...

Mom gave dad an early Christmas present and man are we glad! Using a chain saw is so much easier and quicker.  Dad loves his new little toy!

 I have to say this is my favorite Christmas tradition and adding Grandma and Grandpa to it just made it that much better!

Loyal, Strong and True...

 Saturday we went to the last home game of the year for BYU football.  It also happened to be the coldest day!! We were sure to prepare for the storm.

 Complete with mittens,

 Cute hats,

 and of course hot chocolate.

And lets not forget a hot husband to snuggle with.

Final score 13-59 BYU!

Disney On Ice...

 It has become a family tradition to go to Disney On Ice every year with my family.  So with no exception we went again this year.  This year the theme was Passport to Adventure.  We started our adventure by visiting the African Savannah with Simba in the Lion King.  Then we made our way under the sea with the Little Mermaid.  After that we visited Hawaii with Lilo and Stitch, and then made our way to London and ended up in Neverland.  It was such a fun night Connor and Payton absolutely loved it and were both so intently watching everything.  I enjoyed it myself with the talent that is spread across the ice sheet.  I am amazed with all of the things they can do on skates.  But my favorite is being able to watch it with my kids through their eyes.

2 More...

 So everyday this week when Nic would call letting me know he was on his way home from work he would ask the same question, "how is your craft coming today?".  He knows me all to well.  These two are my latest and the final on my want-to-do list... for now.  Who knows though I'm sure I will find more on Pinterest.

New Thanksgiving crafts...

 After taking down all of my Halloween decorations I realized that my Thanksgiving decor is lacking.  So the past few days I have been adding to my collection of Thanksgiving decorations.

Crazy turkey made from left over paint sticks

 I made this turkey a few years ago and just added some pilgrims...

  This turkey was a pretty big project but I love how it turned out...

 Of course the kids had to join in so they made these cute little turkeys.  Aside from me drawing the body of the turkey Payton did this one all by herself.

 Connor was really into the coloring...