"Big Bear in the Winter."

We have experienced Big Bear in the summer, now we wanted to experience it in the Winter. Instead of bathing suits by the lake, we did snow suits on the slopes. During winter break we joined the Clifford's and headed up the mountain to a Cabin in the snow. We spent two wonderful days doing nothing but, playing phase 10, eating snacks, sipping hot chocolate by the fire, playing in the snow and laughing together. Our favorite day we spent inner tubbing on the slopes. The kids had a blast and never once complained about the cold. We only had on mishap after we made the long train of 8 tubes and poor Emily fell off her tube and the train chain broke. The runaway train ran right over her! She was a real trooper and got right back up. After being out in the cold all day it was so nice to go back to the warm cabin and get dressed in our cozy pjs and relax. I think going to this cabin is going to have to be a yearly tradition! We hated having to go home.

"Payton's 7th Birthday"

She is seven years old today! Funny thing is, SHE says she is still my baby. I love that she always wants to be mine! Payton's special day began with her waking up and we all looked at her baby book and she had her favorite breakfast. Then quickly after her party began. She invited some friends to see Disney's "The Princess and the Frog". When each girl arrived she put a crown on the girl. They all loved it. As we were leaving to the movie Payton saw her birthday signs on our gates (It's a neighborhood tradition.) She couldn't help but giggle. The movie was great and we all came back to our house for cake and ice cream and to open presents. After the party we quickly got ready for a little vacation. We whisked the birthday girl away for the weekend to Big Bear to play in the snow. We wanted to make sure this was a birthday see didn't forget. The day ended with me telling her the story of her birth. She loves that story and so do I!

Happy Birthday Payton Doty

Happy 7th Birthday to Pay-Pay. 7 years ago, we welcomed our little girl AKA Pay-Pay, P-Doty, P-Dawg, Paw or Payton. We were trying every trick in the book to start labor. After a long day of tricks, we decided to BBQ some bacon wrapped filet mignon's from Omaha steaks. After enjoying our steaks it was off to the hospital. On our way we still hadn't decided on a name for the new baby. When Payton was born, she came out of the womb with giant eyes looking around and shot a dirty look to all in the room. That was the last dirty look she has ever given because ever since then she is full of smiles, laughs and joy.

She has had a couple of medical issues. Right after her 1st birthday, she had surgery to repair her cleft palate. On our way to the parking lot, a nurse stopped to see her. Pay lifted her head and through her bloody repaired mouth smiled. She has a unique gift to brighten a room when she is there.

Payton is an avid rule follower. She is exactly obedient and it is a trait that will hopefully stay with her throughout her life.

Pay loves to create. She is constantly making home-made books, journals, pictures and other crafts. She also loves to learn. She is able to be both teacher and student as she plays with her dry erase board and has a little classroom at home.

She loves her roommate and sister Maddie and looks up to her big brother. She loves to go to their games and support them and is even more enthusiastic when there is a snack bar at said games.

She loves to talk on the phone to her grandparents, parents and anyone that will listen. If the person on the other line hasn't mastered the art of ending a conversation, the phone call may be 45 minutes or longer.

We love you Paw and hope you have a great birthday.

Love,

D

(Your Daddy)

"Build a Bear"

For a long time now Payton has been begging to go to Build a Bear Workshop. So, for Christmas we got her a gift certificate for it. She was so excited when she opened it. But, part if the gift included a play date with her friends Sammy and Baylee who also got gift certificates as well. We planned an evening to all go together build our bears then go get some dinner together. The girl's had a such a good time picking out their animals and stuffing them to the right squeezable consistency. Payton decided on adopting a cute little grey cat. She named her Beatrice, Bea for short. My favorite part was watching Payton kiss the heart

before they put it in her Cat. The girls also picked out cute outfits for their new pets. There were so many choices it took forever! It was a good Mommy-Daughter

Night out. I think Payton enjoys being able to spend some one on one time together and so do I.