Sittin' Pretty

I completely forgot to blog about Payton's ability to sit up on her own. So...Payton can sit!!! She has been doing it for about two weeks now so she was approximately 4 months. December 17 was the day she did it for the first time...at least that I saw. It was very exciting & now she is really quite good at it. I still put the Boppy around her because she does tend to fall over after a while. I think she gets tired and lazy but it really is super cute to see her sitting there. She seems to be very proud of herself too because she smiles and giggles. I love watching her grow.

Tubby Time

One of Payton's favorite things is bath time! She loves the water. Watching her in the tub always makes me laugh because she gets SO excited.Well, that and all her little rolls. It's even more fun to watch her now because she is sitting up my herself and can grab things on her own. I'm hoping her love for water will carry over to the pool someday.

Amma got her some new bath toys for Christmas and they have been a really big hit. They float, make noise and best of all she can put them in her month...what could be better?

She loves the tub so much that if I get her out too early she throws the hissy fit. Yesterday she took a nice long tub so when she got out she was a happy camper & I was able to get a picture of her snuggled into her Dani Lane hooded towel.

Christmas with the Myrick's

Every Christmas Eve we go to the 4:00 service at Christ Memorial with my parents then we head to the Myrick's for some really good dinner. This year was no different. I love having these traditions they make Christmas feel like Christmas. I'm sure everyone knows what I mean.

This year on Christmas Morning Bryan, Payton & I got to start our own Christmas tradition. We woke up, turned on the Christmas music, had breakfest then opened presents in our Pj's. It was great. Little P sat on the couch and opened all her presents...ok, Bryan & I opened all her presents but I think she liked them after they were opened. She mainly tried to eat them all rather then play with them but it was still cute. Our new tradition is nothing too exciting but I'm sure it will be something we do for many years to come and I'm already looking forward to doing it again next year.

After all that excitement we headed over to Bryan's parent's house for some more breakfest and presents. Payton slept through most of it but after she woke up she had a few gifts to open.

Later on in the day Bryan's extended family came over, we played some cards, ate, and again...Payton had more gifts to open. It was a long day & when we finally got home we were all very tired. All in all it was a great first Christmas for Payton.

Genzink Christmas

Payton officially had her first Christmas party last night. We spent the evening at my parent's house to celebrate with the immediate Genzink family. I think she really enjoyed herself. She did sleep through part of the gift opening & when she was awake couldn't really open any of them but she did enjoy them after they were opened.
One thing we never run out of...food! I think my mom says the same thing every year, 'we have way too much food left!' but each year instead of eliminating, we add. There were crab legs, shrimp, salad, smoked pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, bread, and lots and lots of goodies, oh and of course...desert! I think I gained 12 lbs.
After dinner Hannah & Noah recited the Christmas story. I believe this was their favorite part of the night. At one point they both said they didn't care about the presents because that is not what Christmas is about, Christmas is about Jesus. Now, how sweet and cute is that for an 8 year old and a six year old to say. They melt my heart that is for sure.
Even though they both know the TRUE meaning of Christmas (Ava does too) and I truly believe they would be fine without any gifts, one of my favorite things is still watching them open their gifts. They get so excited, especially Ava. She is three and at that age when Christmas is just the greatest.

I love being with my family and celebrating Christmas. It's sad that another year of this get together is over but once again I will be looking forward to it next year.

Heather's Birthday

Today is Heather's 29th birthday...yes, I just said her age, she'll be ok with it. I just wanted to take a moment to wish her a Super, Excellent, Wonderful day! Heather, you are a wonderful sister & I love you very much. Thanks for everything you do for me.

Now with that said, I believe it would be appropriate to mention some slightly embarressing moments/facts about Heather and her 29 years. :) (I'm her sister...it's my job to do this) So, if you have any momories to share. PLEASE post a comment...I'll get things rolling with this... :)

1. Back in high school, Heather's idea of working out was sitting with her feet under the coach and a bowl of ice cream in her hand doing crunches.

Christmas Card Pictures

Every year we take our annual Christmas card pictures. Here are a few of them.

'Tis The Season

Christmas is fast approaching. All my decorations were put up this past week and it is starting to feel a little more 'Christmasy' at the Myrick house. Our outside lights are up, which I have to say are my favorite of all our decorations, and our tree is up, decorated and well...slightly odd looking. It's not the best looking tree there ever was but it is ours so I love it. It leans slightly so we will not be putting Payton any where near it but again...it's ours.

I love everything about this time of year...yes, even the cold & snow. It makes me want to cuddle up in a blanket, light an apple cinnamon Yankee candle and watch Christmas movies.

This year is going to be extra fun for Bryan & I. Even though we are only going to get Payton one or two things this year we are both SO excited to go shopping for her. She, on the other hand, already gave (and continues to give) us our gift. The gift of giggles. She let us capture a 'burst' on video the other day so when I figure out how to download it I will be sure to post it!

Our big boy - Chester

Chester LOVES winter too. It is fun to watch him in the snow because he thinks it's the greatest thing ever. He's only 1 & 1/2 so he is still a puppy at heart and he definitely still plays in the snow like a puppy. He even chases after falling snow and snowballs...so funny!