Lake of the Ozarks

These are not the faces of a "happy" boater

Hanging in the condo with mom

We headed down to the Lake on Friday evening when Payton was going to sleep. It always makes for an easier four hours if she is not awake and crying!

We spent the days swimming and boating. Needless to say, Payton is not going to be an avid boatwoman. She cried from the moment we left the dock to the moment we walked back into the condo. I think it was a combination of her having to wear a life jacket and the boat rocking back and forth that upset her. I guess we will try again next summer.

We also did a great deal of shopping while we were there. I got a lot of great deals on her clothes for next summer. It is hard to resist all of the cute little girl clothing!

Taking a drink

Enjoying the water

Payton received a water toy from Jodi for her 1st birthday and she has been playing in it all week. The greater the water pressure, the higher the water spouts. She likes trying to catch the water in her mouth and plugging the holes so the water can't come out. It is incredibly hard to get her out of the water. She loves this thing!!! Thanks, Jodi.

Sweet Home Chicago...

Chad, Ty, & Bryan hanging on the deck at the ball game
(It was too ugly to watch!)

Ty and me at Higgins' Bar in Wrigleyville

Thomas and Payton enjoying some watermelon

Last weekend we headed to Chicago and one of its suburbs, Hinsdale, to spend some quality time with cousins. We arrived on Thursday and went swimming at the club my cousins belong to. Payton loved splashing in the water and playing under the mushroom waterfall.

On Friday, Uncle Tom, Ty and I drove down to Wrigleyville to meet up with Louis. We hung at Higgins' Bar before the rain delayed game and then headed down to the ballpark. Unfortunately, the Cubs lost, but that did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. Several of our friends were in town as well, so we joined them at local establishments for food and drinks.

Saturday morning we headed back to the burbs and went to an animal park with the kids. Payton slept the entire time!!! Early afternoon we packed up the car and drove back to Springfield. Hopefully they will be able to come down and visit us during the State Fair.

Fourth of July!

Hanging on the dock!

Watching the boats from the balcony

Swimming with daddy on a not so sunny day:()

I remember last year that this was the first big holiday that Payton celebrated with us. She was so tiny, but she loved staying up late to watch the fireworks...

This year, we headed to Lake of the Ozarks for the 4th. Not quite the weekend we were hoping for. The weather was overcast and cloudy a majority of the time we were there. So, we settled for shopping and dining instead. It was fun to watch Payton explore the condo and stare in awe at all the big boats that sped by.

We also got to visit with GG, Roma, and Prity, as they were all down there celebrating GG's birthday. While at GG's aunt and uncles home, Payton was able to feed the ducks that jumped up on the deck from her very own hands. She really liked it!

There were no fireworks for Payton this year. She was in bed long before they were shot off! Oh well, there's always next year.

A Visit from Greggy

She loves the piano

Payton and Greggy

Not feeling to well:( She slept until we got her up!

Last week, Payton's cousin, Greggy, came to visit from Ohio. He and Payton are only 16 days apart, but he is so much bigger than her and quite the bruiser.

On the day that they were to get their picture taken together Payton was feeling a little "under the weather", so we didn't make it. We will try the next time we see them!

The two liked playing around each other, but they rarely played with each other. I just don't think that they are quite to that stage yet. Maybe, when they see each other at Thanksgiving things could be different. It is wonderful to see how fast they are growing!

Cute Pic

I just thought this was a cute picture of Payton! After swimming at Gramma Sue's, her hair was a little knotty, so I put it back in a headband. It makes her look so much older than almost 15 months!

Viva Las Vegas!

Just the ladies

The ladies with their men

The entire crew!

For my 28th birthday my husband surprised me by booking a trip to Las Vegas. We stayed 3 nights and 4 days at the Venetian. It was absolutely amazing! What made it even better is that he invited some of our friends to celebrate with us (GG, Jamie, Angela, and the Docter's). My dad and cousins even came over to hang with us in the city on Saturday night.

We spent our days lounging in the pool, and our evenings in the casinos and clubs. We also enjoyed wonderful restaurants: Circo at the Bellagio, BOA at Caesars, and Los Caminos at the Venetian. A good time was had by all, and we've already started planning our next trip!

By Tuesday, we were longing for home and our little "Monkey". Maybe next time, she will get to enjoy the bright lights of Vegas too!

Mommy's Birthday Dinner

Since we will be in Las Vegas on my birthday, my mom wanted to have an early birthday dinner to celebrate. We planned it for Sunday because Ty was off, but as luck would have it, he worked a hire-back. Oh well!

Payton did not want anything to do with Grandma's homemade chicken and noodles, but she loved the rolls and dessert. The pictures above, show her eating whipped cream. She wasn't happy with how the fork was working out, so she just licked her plate! Reminds me of the scene in "A Christmas Story" where Ralphy's mom tells him to show her how the "piggies eat". She's too funny!

Bath Time Fun

Styling her hair

Lounging on the couch and enjoying some "toons"

Payton is getting so big, so fast. And by big, I mean taller. She spends her days running around and playing outside. There is hardly a moments rest for her, Ty, or I.

These are just a few fun pictures of Payton taking a bath. Her hair is so long when it is wet. It is practically half way down her back, that is, when I am not styling it up!

After Payton's bath, I put on her diaper and wrapped her up in a warm blanket so she could lie down and relax. She snuggled up on the couch and watched "toons" for 20 minutes before heading outside again.

Babes of Summer

Payton qualified as one of the top 10 "Babes of Summer". This contest is put on by the local radio station, 103.7 WDBR. If you have an opportunity please vote for her by clicking on the following link: http://wdbr.com/Babes-of-Summer-finalists-/4510558 She is wearing a pink dress with a matching pink bow!

Thank You!