Gobble Gobble

"BeeBees"

Thanksgiving was spent in Minneapolis eating a rotisserie chicken, i.e. miniature turkey. But come Friday after work, we trekked to Des Moines to celebrate.  Peyton enjoys "da da dag!" 3 dogs! and 3 babies... Aunt Katelyn's old triplets Jessica, Jennifer, and Brooke. The three babies that we had to drag everywhere when we were growing up... errands around town, family vacations.  She transferred them around the house all weekend. Chair, shopping cart, sofa, shopping cart, potty. Peyton also took another enthusiastic crack at the piano.

Meanwhile the big kids played a lot of cards. Uncle Adam even called and woke up his Gram just to clarify some rules.

Thankful

Oh Tannenbaum

Brrrrr...

To bring a little nostalgia to this holiday season, we decided to cut our own tree down this year.  But not just any tree... the perfect tree, just like National Lampoons or of course my favorite the Berenstein Bear Christmas Tree story. That dream was short lived after we realized just how dang cold it was... Minnesota winter cold.

Plus what's with claiming trees early?!? With limited choices and a shivering toddler, we quickly selected a lopsided tree. Jon sawed it down in true lumberjack form and we trudged back as quickly as our frostbitten toes could to the warming house for some hot cider. Peyton enjoyed the watered down version, her first "juice" experience.    

On the way home Jon exclaimed, "Wow, this was wonderful! A new tradition!" I think only Kinnick concurred. : )

Warming up

Silly girl

Just the book I was looking for : )

Peyton's bathroom humor:

1. Peyton now stands up when we change her diaper. When it's time to wipe she automatically bends over.  Super awkward when changing her in a store restroom.
2. Peyton enjoys changing her "Beebee's" diaper.  Since I haven't yet looked for doll size diapers, we just roll up her size 4s. 
3. Peyton proclaimed "poopoo" after she went in her diaper this week.    

Early Christmas presents

Santa's little elf

Tonight we went with our small group from Wooddale Church to shop for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Peyton was responsible for selecting goodies for her toddler girl box.  Bouncy ball... check, another bouncy ball... check, enough bouncy balls already girl... mommy takes over.  

Peyton enjoyed putting the boxes together later until she discovered and became preoccupied with scotch tape... daddy takes over. 

Welcome home daddy!

Rasberries... pppppppppeah

Daddy came home today after 9 long days at a statistical conference in Dallas. She was verrrry pleased to see him as FaceTime just isn't as fun as a hug!

Foodie

Wrestling up some grub

Peyton is quite the little foodie.  She is regularly opening up the fridge for a snack, usually guacamole or blueberries.  In fact each meal she wants "booies". Because they are off season, she easily eats a teeny 4 oz container in one sitting. Uggh. 

Dippin' has become the latest craze: Ranch, Hummus, Guac, Ketchup (just to spite daddy). But dippin' = mess and Peyton does not tolerate messy hands. She has gone through quite a few napkins. She'll clinch the napkin in her right hand, then left, then right, then left, then throw it across the table. After her next messy dip she'll expect a fresh one.  Perhaps we'll plant a tree this weekend.   

Peyton funnies: 

1. Life lesson: Peyton was trying out her new Rody bouncy horse. She vaulted off the horse and bonked her head. After just a slight wimper she climbed right back on her horse. Way to persevere Peytie! A true inspiration. 
2. She read the 100 word book by herself. "Dog," she says pointing at the book, then pointing to Kinnie. "Neigh," pointing to the horse in the book then pointing to Rody. 

Our little climber

All you can eat buffet

Over the river and through the woods...

Swinging in the sun

... to Nana's house we go.  We took are first trip back to Des Moines since our move to Minneapolis to attend our cousins reception. We relished in the beautiful weather by playing in the park. Peyton braved the big twirly slide solo like nobodys bizness. So did Nana but Peyton looked much less ridiculous.  

Peyton's funnies: 

1) Peyton enjoyed playing with mommy and aunties retro train track. She attempted to slide down the miniature green slide, all four inches worth, multiple times.   

Wipeout

Slide of a different scale