ShannonAlbert.com - June 2009

We kept it very low-key on Thursday because Payton's actual birthday festivities are this weekend. Some pics from Thursday.

Flowers from my parents...


Opening some gifts...


We weren't going to get her a gift for her birthday because her party stuff w/friends costs quite a bit but when I saw these Bichon stuffed animals, I had to get them for her (and I have been trying to reduce the number of stuffed animals...this won't help!)...


Birthday cookie cake...


Plus, it snowed! Payton screamed "it's snowing on my birthday!!!!"

Today my "baby" girl turns 12. When she was little, people would always say that kids grow up fast so enjoy them while you have them and this has turned out to be very true...where did the time go? I couldn't be more proud of her and think she is just the most awesome kid that you could ever ask for. I love that she:

• taught me empathy
  
• stops and literally smell the roses
  
• sits next to Blake while he's in the bath to read him a story
  
• always wants to help
  
• laughs at everything and can be so silly
  
• is so open with us
  
• is such a lady
  
• always knows the right thing to say
  
• is so conscientious (a teacher recently made this comment as well)
  
• knows what she likes
  
• works hard in school
  
• doesn't realize how pretty she is
  
• is kind to everyone
  
• very intuitive
  
• is so good with small children and animals
  
• has always been very mature
  
• is my daughter!
  

Happy Birthday Payton!

Blake: EEEEEeeeeEEEEEee!!!!
Me: Blake, you sound like a little girl when you scream.
Blake: But I don't know how to scream like a boy. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
Me: Yeah, that's better.

Kami and I are taking our little ones, Reaghan and Blake, to Disney World in September for a week and staying at the Polynesian! I've always wanted to stay at the Polynesian but it's usually very expensive but I got a great deal and our trip is booked! I actually got a little teary eyed once I found out that we got to go - love planning Disney trips and look forward to taking Blake back and spending the time with Kami and Reaghan. Blake does not know yet and won't know until very close to the trip so don't tell him!

In celebration of Andy's birthday today, the header has many of the things that Andy loves...some of which he may get today!

Happy 32nd Andy! :)