Thank Goodness for Preschool Teachers

Payson's Guppy Class - each class had their own poem or song.


Payson had his first Christmas concert at Preschool and he had a great group in attendance. Nana and Grandad enjoyed the show with Dillon, Todd, and I. I could not believe that there were close to 200 kids up on stage. Payson enjoyed the attention, sang SOME of the songs, and most of all, Todd and I were so proud of him!

So, impressed with the teachers at Payson's school. This was no small task.
Payson is the kid in the back with his shoulders going up and down!

Candy Cane Factory Tour

Billboards and advertisements are posted everywhere for the Hammonds Candy Factory during the holidays. and since we love candy around here, we wanted to go tour and see exactly how candy canes are made. Zane and Reese joined us and it is a short tour that ends in a HUGE candy store. That was best part of the tour.








The best part - the lollipops! Payson picked a chocolate flavored candy and Zane picked a bubble gum flavored one. Both Matt and Todd scored a special Bronco Candy Cane!

Oh Christmas Tree & Camera Self Timers

Payson came home with this great Christmas counter, and we have made sure to tear off a ring every night before we go to bed. I am grateful to have this because it really is helping Payson to understand how many days until we are able to celebrate Christmas!



Before I get to the trimming of our tree, here is an update of Dillon and his walking. We are still not walking, but his confidence is growing every day. As you can see, he is pulling himself up into a standing position. The funny thing is, once he gets there, he just looks around for a few minutes before sitting back down and scooting or crawling to whatever he wants!


The entire family had a great time putting the decorations on the tree. I was so concerned with Dillon and the ornaments, but since he is not walking, he really is not showing much interest in the tree. Payson on the other hand is in love with the tree, and most days I walk by the tree I see many of his toys nestled inside. Our tree is full of traditional ornaments along with many cars and dinosaurs!





We tried our timer on our camera for the first time. Todd and I were laughing so hard at many of the outtakes. Trying to find the perfect place to place our camera to center our picture was our first challenge, then getting the boys to pay attention and cooperate was our second and BIGGEST challenge!
Good Picture....

Even better than the good picture!

See - catching Payson in the act of sticking some random toy into our tree!

December Fun

As the weather gets colder, it has allowed us to try to find some fun indoor activities. We had a blast trying out a new indoor park with Zane and Reese. Lollipop Park was definately just what the kids needed to burn off some energy! The funniest part for me was watching Dillon beg to do everything the big boys were doing. Luckily the rides were pretty tame and I it allowed him to try out most rides.

Checking out the tea cups...


Riding on the ferris wheel.

This ride was Payson's favorite - called the Whip. Looks gentle enough, and then WHIPS the boys around the corners. Not something I would think is fun, but Payson and Zane loved it!

The swings were Dillon's favorite - he rode this ride over and over again!



A fun tradition that is in its 2nd year, is a cookie decorating party with Payson and his buddies.
First pizza, and the boys were already crazy. Before they started eating their icing straight out of the bowl!

Reese was ready to watch the chaos while jumping away in the Jump-a-roo.

Let the cookie decorating begin...






Next year Dillon and Reese will join in the icing eating, I mean cookie decorating party!


Friday evening was the lighting of the Christmas Tree here in Highlands Ranch. Along with our great friends and neighbors, Julia and Jude we were able to ride the barrel train, eat some yummy treats, and see Santa arrive on a horse drawn carriage.






Payson has officially stopped napping, but every once in awhile the activities during the day will tire him out. Payson built the fort of pillows and passed out on the couch - when he woke up he was in denial that he actually slept!


Stay tuned for more December/Holiday Fun!

Dillon's 1st Haircut

A few months ago I was ready for Dillon to get his first haircut. Then as his hair grew, the cuter I thought it was and the more I resisted taking him to get it cut. I knew it was time when people started commenting that his bangs were very long, and then the final straw was when he was able to take his mac n cheese covered fingers and mold his hair to stick out a few inches from his head. (I wish I had taken a picture of that!)

So, last week after tumbling class we headed over to a great children's hair cutting shop and I watched as the scissors began to fly! Dillon thought the jeep was pretty cool to sit in.










Starting to look not too sure about the entire process.




I am in love with the curls in the back, so I requested that the girl did not cut it too short. Really, he just needed to get his bangs out of his eyes. It was hard to get a great "After" photo because once he received his reward of a lollipop, I could not get Dillon's full attention. His attention was dedicated to his treat. Looking good Dillon - you sure are a cute kid!