Cabo Pictures

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Vacation and More

Our family vacation started the night before (a week ago Friday night) when Grandpa and I stayed with Peyton while her parents attended Amanda's work Christmas party. We had such a good time having dinner together and playing.

All 5 of us woke up very early on Saturday morning, as our flight to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was leaving KCI at 8 a.m. Peyton was the best 1 year old traveler ever, sleeping most of both flights there and back.

The week was so enjoyable - 80+ degree days and 70 degree nights - warm but not humid - perfect. The resort was beautifully decorated for Christmas with various nativities, poisettias, Christmas trees, etc. Ron and Chad played golf on 3 different courses - Amanda joined them one day on the ocean course and had a great time. Ron, Chad and Amanda spent one day ziplining and had a lot of fun. Peyton and Grammy enjoyed taking walks (Peyton would literally go sit in her stroller when she wanted to take a walk - so cute) and going to the pool. One of the pools was a zero entry which was great for Peyton. She splashed and loved watching the other kids play around in the water. She wasn't as fond of the ocean or the beach/sand, but she did partake one day. We had some great meals - the Mexican restaurant featured a guy playing a wooden flute and bongos - Peyton was mesmerized. We all went on a dinner cruise/whale watching excursion. We saw several whales, some gorgeous scenery and a lovely sunset. Amanda and Chad enjoyed a couple of "date nights" while Grammy, Grandpa and Peyton had their own special time - everyone won! Amanda and I spent a few hours at the spa which was very relaxing and fun. The best part of the trip for me was getting to spend so much time with Peyton, and of course, her Mommy too! Peyton definitely has her Grammy wrapped around her little finger!

The week was absolutely wonderful - we hope to have the opportunity to do it again sometime soon.

New pictures of Peyton

Thanksgiving

Ron and I celebrated Thanksgiving Day lunch with his family and visited with my parents and brother later that evening. On Friday, Amanda and Peyton arrived for our annual Christmas baking day - it was a little different this year with our one-year-old helper! Great Grandma Mintun was here to help entertain Peyton which was a life saver. Peyton was adorable in her "Queen of the Kitchen in Training" apron and enjoyed taste testing the goodies. I'm sure next year she will get into it more. We successfully made a giant mess of the kitchen and managed to get a lot of baking done too! What fun. Peyton was worn out from the event and took a 3 hour nap, which is unheard of at Grammy's house! We joined Grandpa at the Hawthorn Bank Christmas Parade Party at the Elks and watched the parade from the balcony. What a beautiful evening for a parade. Peyton had a great time seeing all the lights and walking around. Saturday morning we had breakfast at the Mintuns with the Great Grandparents and Great Aunt Mary and Great Uncle Mark. Chad arrived Saturday morning - he and Amanda played 9 holes of golf while Peyton hung out with Grammy. Great Grandma and Great Aunt Mary came over to play with Peyton and to help Grammy get ready for the Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday evening which was a great time.

On Sunday, our church choir presented "The Light of the World", a Christmas Cantata. Totally exhausted, I slept all afternoon, which rarely happens. I think I'm ready for another week now. the house has been transformed from Thanksgiving to Christmas - whew!

Peyton is One!

Peyton Augusta Todd is officially a one year old now. I went to Olathe on Friday to do a little shopping and to run a few errands for Amanda for the party on Saturday. Since I was there, Amanda and Chad took the opportunity to go out on a date to celebrate the one year birthday of their sweet little girl. Peyton and I had a blast having dinner together and playing before bedtime - she goes to bed early, so she and Grammy had to rush to get everything in we wanted to do! On Saturday, Amanda baked and decorated Peyton a beautiful birthday cake in the shape of a "One" and an individual two-layer cake for Peyton to have all to herself - which she enjoyed immensely - with both hands at times. She is her mother's daughter and her Grammy's granddaughter - she loves sugar! Peyton and I had a fun time helping her Mommy and staying out of her way at the same time while she prepared all the food for the party.

Of course, Peyton did not want to take a nap - she's kind of a busy body and she didn't want to miss any of the action. Her Mommy really wanted her to take a nap so she would be happy for her party at 3 p.m., so Grammy took one for the team and rocked her to sleep and held her while she slept for about an hour and a half (what a sacrifice - ha ha). Best part of the whole weekend. Ron transported both Great-Grandmas and Great Aunt Mary to Olathe for the party. Chad's immediate family were all able to attend as well -

Peyton seemed to enjoy her party and the guests, including her boyfriend from "school", Evan and his parents. Good food and fellowship - a winning combination.

Visit to Peyton's School

Grandpa and I took a road trip to Olathe on Wednesday (Veteran's Day) - first stop was the Goddard School to visit with Peyton. At first, she looked at us as if to say, "what are you guys doing HERE?" Then, she toddled right over to me and put her arms up, wanting me to pick her up - warmed my heart. We played with her for a while and sat with her and her friends for their snack, which was a hoot. She is transitioning to the 1 year old room right now, so all the other kids were older than her and used to the routine. 10 one year old babies having yogurt and cookies was a sight to behold. Peyton waved bye bye to us when we left - was a super way to spend our day off!

Rough Week with a Delightful Visit from Peyton and Family

It's been an interesting week. Sick with a sore throat and cough since Tuesday. Had an appreciation chili supper for my church choir on Wednesday night. Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived Friday night, which brightened my week considerably - I almost forgot I wasn't feeling well! We kept Apollo while the other three took a day trip to Springfield to visit friends - they returned around bed time. Peyton followed Grammy's request (don't tell her Mommy) and woke up around 6 a.m. on Sunday morning so that she and Grammy could have some quality time together before they returned to Olathe around 9:30 a.m. to attend a Halloween Party at their church. She makes me smile no matter what. Her hugs and kisses (on the cheeck only this weekend) are priceless. She is such a good little walker now and so inquisitive. Her favorite toys now are non-toys - like a sample size toothpaste in a box that shakes, etc. - whatever she can find in the cabinets that she doesn't think she could have - ha ha. She loves Apollo and tried to befriend Murray - he is still not sure what she is, but is very patient with her petting him. Having any amount of time with our family here is awesome - wish we could see them more!

Pumpkin Patch

Family Pictures

Stay-cation Week

Ron and I both took the week off. Accomplished quite a few things around the house including redecorating our bedroom from paint to new bedding/curtains - even changed the pictures over the bed!

We decided we had worked hard enough, so we headed for Olathe early Friday morning. Ron and Chad played golf Friday at Stone Canyon in Independence - it was Chad's birthday, so he was off work too! I was the luckiest one, as I got to pick up Peyton at school early and have some Grammy time. She was so happy to see me when I arrived - we had a great time.

Friday evening, Chad and Amanda and their friends, Marla and Kip, went to Pierponts for dinner while Grandpa and I stayed with Peyton and her boyfriend (and son of Kip and Marla) Evan. They both attend the Goddard School, so they are accustomed to playing with each other. We all had a great time playing and both babies went to bed without any trouble.

Saturday morning the five of us headed to Portrait Innovations to have our first professional family picture taken. We also staged a birthday picture of Peyton (one month early) including stripping her down to her diaper and sitting her down with her own personal cake to eat and play with. She had a great time, and some good pictures were taken. That is the most sugar Peyton has ever tasted - I think she enjoyed putting it on her hands and all over her body better than eating it. It was quite a mess but work it.

Chad had another golf date today with neighbors, so Ron, Amanda, Peyton and I drove to the Deanna Rose Farms Pumpkin Patch - quite a place. Saw goats, ducks, gease, cows, etc. - and of course, the pumpkin patch. Took a horse drawn hayride and all got to choose a pumpkin to bring home. Amanda took Peyton on her first ride down a huge slide - I think the Mommy enjoyed it more than the baby! We skipped the corn maze - thought it might be too scary for Peyton. It was a fun time.

We returned to Clinton and picked up Murray from his "grandparents'" house where he had a good time visiting with his doggy cousin, Lenny, brought to Clinton by "his" parents, Mark and Mary and cousin, Tom.

Sure enjoyed spending time with the Todds and getting our Peyton fix! She is the most precious little grandchild.

Updated Pics with Peyton!

Golf Weekend and More

While Ron and Chad played golf in a tournament to benefit Pathways on Saturday and played golf at another course on Sunday - both at the Lake of the Ozarks area, Amanda, Peyton and I took the opportunity to visit Mark and Mary at their lake condo and of course, did some outlet mall shopping. Precious little Peyton is so adaptable and sleeps well wherever her pack 'n play lands. We all had a great time visiting and eating - and eating - and eating some more all weekend. Amanda, Peyton and I joined Mark and Mary at the boat races time trials - it was nice to be outside in the beautiful weather. The girls came back to Clinton Sunday morning and had lunch with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Mintun - what fun and great food. Grammy had a heavenly moment Sunday afternoon rocking Peyton and holding her while she took a little nap. What a fabulous weekend of family and fun.

Boy Scout Tournament

The Todds arrived on Friday night around 9 p.m. - Peyton is so adorable when they get here and she has been sleeping in her car seat. She sort of looks around at us, then her Mommy takes her to her crib and she goes right back to sleep for the rest of the night - she is such a flexible little thing. She seems a little surprised when she wakes up at Grammy's house, but goes with the flow.

Ron and Chad played golf in the Boy Scout Tournament Saturday morning. Amanda, Peyton and I headed to Great Grandma/pa's house after going to a few garage sales during Clinton's Fall City-Wide Sale. Peyton entertained, as usual, but got tired, so we came home for her to take a nap. Peyton was a real trooper while we ran to Walmart and Walgreens to run some errands.

It was short visit this time since the Todds went to a wedding in Wellington after the tournament. We'll take every minute we can get with our precious little Peyton and her Mommy!

Time with Family

What an odd Labor Day weekend! Too much rain, fog and overall nasty weather. Finally this afternoon is sunny and nice. Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived Friday evening - plans were for Ron, Chad and Amanda to play golf on Saturday, giving Grammy some one-on-one Peyton time, but.......that darn rain. Oh well, worked out great - I had time with Peyton AND Amanda which is always fun.

Us girls spent some time over at Great Grandpa/Grandma's so that Peyton could entertain them and show off her near-walking skills. She is quite good at pushing around her little baby doll stroller and takes a few steps alone once in a while. She is way ahead of schedule and is doing an awesome job. We are so blessed to have them fairly close by (although Clinton would be better, ha ha) so we can watch Peyton grow up and make memories with her - we love her so much!

Peyton is quite the accomplished eater - she loves everything you put in front of her. She is great at eating her baby food, but likes to feed herself finger foods - fruits, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, bananas, you name it - she likes it. And, she is quite fond of her yogurt melts. She is growing up really fast!

Little to Report

Pretty much an uneventful weekend - which is good. Ron and I had fun at the Hog Races held at the Elks Lodge, a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts. Our table of 8 friends made the evening of whole hog dinner and video hog races a hoot. Ended the evening with yummy frozen custard at Half Pint's. Church and a relaxing afternoon today. Our 36th wedding anniversary is tomorrow - we're going out to dinner somewhere - pretty low key.

Weekend at the Lake

We had a great time visiting Mark and Mary at their condo at Blue Anchor Bay, Lake of the Ozarks. Ron & I arrived Friday, early afternoon, and enjoyed lunch and a visit with the Mintuns before Amanda, Chad and Peyton arrived that evening. The guys played golf with Gary and Denise Cover at Porta Cima on Saturday while Grammy, Amanda and Peyton shopped at Osage Beach - Peyton is such a good little shopper. We attempted a boat ride that evening, however, the battery on the boat didn't cooperate - everyone went later after the repairs except Grammy, Grandpa and Peyton who stayed behind since Peyton's bedtime was nearing - we actually were the big winners on that deal. We had planned another boat ride on Sunday morning before coming home, but the fog was too thick - wasn't in the cards this trip for a boat ride for Peyton, her first. She sure looked cute in her life jacket, even though she wasn't a big fan! We all met in Clinton for lunch and another entertaining time with Peyton before the Todds went back to Olathe. Apollo and Murray enjoyed their Clinton vacation at Mom and Daddy's. Good time had by all!

Updated Pics with Peyton!

Busy Weekend - Fun, Fun

We had a fantastic couple of days with Peyton, Amanda, Chad and Apollo - Peyton is more fun every day! We took her to the neighborhood pool. She was a little upset while we were in the baby pool - too many kids and too much splashing. School had already started in Olathe, so the big pool was empty - she kind of liked the private pool with her Grammy and Grandpa! She splashed a little bit and had fun. She will probably like Mark and Mary's pool better next weekend because it is heated! We made a short trip to the Great Mall of the Great Plains - found a few things at Carter's (imagine that) and new sippy cups too.

Peyton was hungry while we were at the mall, so she got to eat sitting in her stroller while watching the kids play out in the middle part. She ate really good!

Grandpa was holding Peyton downstairs in the late afternoon when she went to sleep. I think he was pretty happy to get to hold her while she took a little snooze.

The parents went out on a "date" Friday night - lucky Grammy and Grandpa stayed at the house with Peyton and Apollo. Peyton enjoyed swinging out on the deck in her swing and enjoyed pushing her walking toy - she is getting quite good at the walking thing! Peyton took her bottle really good for Grammy and went to bed shortly after 8 p.m.

Saturday morning, we accompanied Amanda to the Picture Innovations to get Peyton's 9 month pictures taken - what a blast. Chad went to volunteer training for the Nationwide Golf Tournament he is working at next week, but he was able to join us at Panera for lunch.

We arrived back in Clinton about 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon and visited with Mom and Dad for a little while - Murray seemed happy to see us after 2 days. Then we went back to KC to a wedding with Mike and Roberta and Dennis - we had a good time and didn't get home until midnight - late for us old folks!

August Peyton Days

Grandpa and I are in Olathe staying with Peyton while her school is closed for teacher inservice. Lucky for us! We arrived last night after Grammy went to the eye doctor for routine check and new glasses-I'll be stylin' soon. After enjoying dinner together, Peyton went to bed, and we had a nice visit with Chad and Amanda.

Peyton seemed happy to see that Grammy and Grandpa were still here this morning when she woke up! We were. Her parents went to work - then the fun began. We have already been out on the swing, ate a good breakfast and played, played, played. We played so hard she went down for a nap a little while ago, so Grammy is catching up on e-mail, etc. for a few minutes.

Plans for the day include a trip to the neighborhood pool, a trip to the park, and possibly a little shopping expedition - of course, lunch has to be fit in there somewhere too.

Since we are here, Peyton's parents are going on a much deserved "date" tonight - that means Grammy and Grandpa get to have more Peyton fun! And Apollo too of course.

We will spend the night again tonight (lucky us again) and accompany Amanda to Picture Innovations tomorrow morning for Peyton's 9 month pictures (can you believe it) before going back to Clinton. Chad will be in training for his role with the Nationwide Golf Tournament being held at Lion's Gate Country Club next week - he is excited.

Saturday night we will come back to KC for a wedding/reception - a fun packed weekend for us old people.

Bonus Weekend

It's been a busy week. Work has been stressful, so I took off early two days this week. I was treated like royalty all week for my birthday with lunches, dinners, treats at work, calls, cards, presents, etc. It was pretty cool. Friday night, we went to a couples bridal shower for the son of one of Ron's friends - Mexican food and Margaritas - not a bad combination after a bad week at work.

The bonus weekend started Saturday around 2 p.m. - Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo came to Clinton for basically 24 hours - they weren't scheduled to be home this weekend, but Ron invited them to play in a golf tournament on Sunday, so....... BONUS WEEKEND!!! Made Grammy pretty happy. Amanda and Chad decided to take advantage of the cooler weather and built-in child care for Peyton and played 9 holes of golf on Saturday afternoon. We had a great time with Peyton - Great Grandma Arthur stopped by to visit as well. Chad did a super job grilling some steaks for dinner which we all enjoyed.

Sunday, everyone but Peyton and I played golf in the Ag Appreciation Golf Tournament at Clinton Country Club. Peyton and I went to Great Grandma/pa Mintun's house around 7:30 a.m. Peyton entertained everyone and took a short nap before we went to church. She has really taken to Great Grandma Mintun and has a great time playing with her. Everyone at church made over Peyton and enjoyed getting to see her. Great Grandma Arthur helped out Monica in the nursery - there were several kids in there today. I think she really enjoyed getting to spend some extra time with Peyton, and I appreciated her being willing to stay back there so I could play the organ. Worked out great. I checked on her during the sermon, and she was not crying - my goal for the day.

After church, Peyton and I went back to the Mintuns for lunch. Peyton is such a great little eater and quite a conversationalist during meals sometimes. After lunch, Great Grandma took Peyton for a walk in her stroller - I'm not sure which one had the greater time.

Soon afterward, the golfers were back home, and the Todds headed back to Olathe pretty quickly.

Ron and I followed them to Olathe (planned) - we went to Sam's Club on the way, then we stayed with Peyton while her parents had a date night at Bonefish Restaurant. We had a blast! I realized I was privileged to get to feed her all 3 of her meals today! We took her outside and pushed her in her swing, which she loved We played and played and watched her crawl and pull up. It is so cute how she puts her arms out now to be picked up. We'll head back to Clinton tomorrow after a short visit in Olathe. Fun, fun.

Peyton the Baby Show Winner

Busy weekend - Mark and Mary visited Clinton Friday night - we all enjoyed pizza at Mom and Daddy's. Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived in Clinton for the weekend after they had attended the Royals Game Friday night. Peyton is such a good little traveler - she had her eyes open when they arrived, but she was obviously still asleep - Amanda carried her downstairs to her crib and she slept the rest of the night. She seemed surprised to see Grammy and Grandpa when she woke up Saturday morning - after all, when she went to sleep she was still in Olathe! Ron and Chad played golf with Mike Edgett on Saturday. Amanda and I took Peyton to her very first Henry County Fair Baby Show - and she won first place in the 7-9 month girl category - has a trophy to show for it. We knew she was the prettiest baby ever, but we were sure happy the judges agreed! Merle, Debbie, Great Grandma Arthur and Emily stopped by to see Peyton Saturday afternoon. Amanda and Chad attended Amanda's 10 year class reunion at Meadowlake Saturday evening - Grammy took Peyton to visit Grandpa who was representing Hawthorn Bank at the Moonlight Serenade at the Benson Center. Peyton was quite social and enjoyed seeing all the people. Later, Kelly came by to see Peyton. On Sunday, Ron and Chad played golf in the American Cancer Society Tournament - teamed with Gary Cover and John Drury. They we 1 shot too good to place in the money - bummer. Amanda and Peyton napped at Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Mintun's house while I went to church - Great Grandma was in heaven getting to rock and hold Peyton for 2 hours! We had a fun lunch there before coming home to play until the guys got home from golf. We were sad to see them go home mid-afternoon - what a wonderful, fun weekend.

Weekend Update

My Dad was discharged from the hospital on Saturday - he and Mom were both thrilled to be home. Things are going well with his soft diet. My brother, Mark, was finally able to go back to St. Louis - he was here for 11 days and was soooooo much help! Thanks Mark. He joked that he is now eligible to vote in Clinton since he was a resident so long - ha ha.

The kids stopped by Sunday to visit Grandma and Grandpa - their day was brighted visiting with them and watching Peyton crawl and pull up - she is quite an expert now.

Amanda, Chad, Peyton, Ron and I went to Applebees for lunch - Peyton entertained the patrons there along with the wait staff - she is such a cutie. She started sticking out her tongue - funny.
We enjoyed the time we got to spend with them this afternoon.

Hospital Stay

Need to acknowledge how much help Saint Mark has been during the hospital stay - he really stepped up to the plate - been in Clinton since 7/2 and is still here - longest we have seen him in 30 years! Mary has been here several days too, helping out with her nurse expertise, doing laundry, keeping us going. Ron has been a big help with visits, etc. Amanda and Chad visited over the weekend, which pleased the grandparents. Joe has been here several times brightening Grandpa's days. Of course, precious little Peyton was the favorite visitor - she was there 3 times or so over the weekend and made the day of both Great Grandma and Great Grandpa - she is such a joy. Thanks to everyone for helping - it takes a village during a situation like this.

The dogs were also so very good during this trying time - Murray the babysitter did a good job with Lenny, and Apollo did so good with less attention than usual.

Thanks everyone!

4th of July and More

Seems like a long time since my last post on Father's Day - I'll attempt to catch up!

We have been dealing with a challenging situation - my Dad had a light stroke the week of the 4th of July, affecting his throat/swallowing. He has been hospitalized since 7/2/09 and may get dismissed today, 7/10/09 - he passed the swallowing test today and might get to start eating a soft diet. He has had a feeding tube this week. Things are improving.

Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived in Clinton on Thursday evening, 7/2/09 - yea! We enjoyed every minute of them being here through Sunday afternoon. Peyton even visited her Great-Grandpa (and Great-Grandma who was visitng) in his hospital room a few times, which made their days. It was Chad's 9th Olde Glory Days celebration in Clinton and Peyton's first - the 16th for the rest of us. Peyton was adored by all Clintonians who saw her at the events around town, including the parade. It was soooooo much fun having all the Todds here to enjoy the holiday with us. Peyton is now crawling - was very, very close last weekend. Watching her on the blog was fun. She is such a cutie and quite a little poser for pictures. She eats so good - and kisses her Grammy and is all smiles when she sees her grandparents - which thrills us. Peyton and Grammy got to hang out together while the parents shopped for cars, played golf, etc., which was a wonderful time for Grammy at least. Fun, fun.

Olde Glory Days Was a BLAST!!!

Father's Day Celebration

For the first time in a while, 100% of the extended Mintun/Arthur/Todd family was able to gather to celebrate Father's Day a day early. Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived around 9:30 a.m., giving us time to get our "Peyton Fix" before the rest of the clan arrived around noon. Little Peyton is so sweet and adorable. She is so happy and entertaining. Grammy got to feed her breakfast when she arrived - she's a good little eater, and watching her with her sippy cup is hilarious. She's quite accomplished with it. All 11 of us posed for a family picture before we sat down to have lunch. Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Mintun spent quite a bit of time playing with Peyton - what a joy. We were blessed to have everyone here today and look forward to our next gathering for August birthdays - probably at the Mintun lake condo.

Amanda's Birthday - Time with Peyton

My baby, Amanda, turned 28 on June 11. So that Chad could take her out for dinner and a movie, I stayed in Olathe after a doctor's appointment that day - picked up Peyton at "school" and hung out with her the rest of the evening and spending the night. Peyton and I had a blast - even went on a short trip to Price Chopper where she entertained all the shoppers and staff. The lady grocery bagger, who was quite a bit older than me, even carried my groceries out to the car - that was nice. I gave Peyton a bath - she really enjoyed playing with her little duckies and chewing on her washcloth. I enjoyed some really special Grammy time when I got to give her a bottle and rock her to sleep. She is so precious. Spent a little time with her before Chad took her to school - special day at school today - Funky Mama was doing a program and they were all going to swim. It was a wonderful two days visiting with my two favorite girls in the world.

A few pics from the weekend at the lake...

A few additional pics are posted on Amanda's blog at keepingtabsonthetodds.blogspot.com

Weekend at the Lake with the Relatives

Amanda, Chad, Peyton, Ron and I joined Mark and Mary at their Lake of the Ozarks condo for the weekend, and we had an awesome time. The fun started on Friday when Ron and I met Mark and Mary at the Pizza Hunt in Laurie for lunch. After Mary and I lounged at the pool while the guys took a nap (they're guys), the four of us took a boat ride. The kids arrived around 9 p.m. after they had dropped off Apollo in Clinton to visit with Murray at Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Mintun's house for the weekend. Peyton was all smiles and visited for a little while before going "night night". Saturday was a fun day - Ron and Chad were joined by Ron's friends, Dennis Sieger and Mike Edgett for a day of golf at Old Kinderhook Golf Course. Amanda, Peyton and had a marathon shopping trip to the outlet mall at Osage Beach (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Peyton had a great time - we heard lots of oohs and ahhs about her and how cute she was. She was a real trouper - getting her diaper changed in the back seat of the car, eating in the car, etc. We found lots of bargains and had a wonderful time. Mark and Mary went to the Testicle Festival in Olene - enough about that. Lenny went too. Peyton slept great at the condo all weekend and was super entertainment for all of us. Saturday afternoon, Amanda, Peyton and I went to the pool before the guys returned from golf. Peyton really enjoyed it and looked adorable in her swimsuit and coverup - of course. We had a great dinner and watched a fireworks display from the balcony/deck of the condo after it got dark. Chad and Amanda watched from the hot tub by the pool - us old folks stayed with Peyton while she slept. On Sunday, Chad, Ron and Amanda played golf at Iron Horse closeby while Grammy had the privilege of watching Peyton with assistance from Great Aunt Mary and Great Uncle Mark. After the guys returned, Chad did some "chores" for Mary, installing a fan, with assistance from Ron, etc. We had a great time spending time together and enjoying the lake. It was a fabulous weekend. Best part of all was getting to spend three glorious days with Peyton - she is the light of our lives.

Memorial Day Weekend

I must start my post with some news that will not be a shock to anyone reading - being Peyton's Grammy is the best gig ever!!!!! I am so blessed, and she is the joy of my life - along with her Momma of course - Amanda is also the light of my life.

Due to unexpected change of plans, we were unable to attend Tom's graduation in St. Louis - we will celebrate with him in a couple of weeks when we spend the weekend at the Mintuns lake condo. When one door closes, another opens. Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo came to Clinton to visit for the Memorial Day weekend, starting with Friday night. On Saturday, everyone except Peyton and me played golf - Peyton and I had the best deal, I think. She is so sweet and so much fun. Kelly stopped by to visit - I took Peyton for a little walk in her stroller - she enjoyed it. We stopped by Edgetts so they could meet Peyton in person. We ahd a good time there. Then we went over to Great Grandma/pa's house where Peyton entertained everyone by having her lunch there - at least part of it ended up in her mouth - ha ha. She is so funny when she eats - she "talks" the entire time and really enjoys the experience. We played and played and had a little nap before everyone else arrived back home. After a delicious steak dinner that Chad grilled for us, Amanda and Chad had a date night to the movie, giving Grandpa and me the opportunity to spend the evening with Peyton - alone! How lucky could I be - twice in one day to get to have alone time with Peyton. We played and played and gave her a bath before giving her a bottle before bedtime - read some books too. She slept all night both Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday the Todds went to the Lake for a day trip to Grandpa and Grandma Todd's lake home. Ron and I went to lunch with his mother and to visit his Dad's grave at the cemetary. The Todds arrived back in Clinton around 9 p.m.

On Memorial Day, Amanda, Peyton and I, and the "boys", went to Great Grandma/pa's house for breakfast and a visit while Chad and Ron played golf again - this time with Dennis and Mike. It rained on and off, but they had a good time. We had fajitas for lunch before the Todds went back to Olathe around 2:30 p.m.

We had an absolutely awesome, fabulous, wonderful family weekend for which we are grateful.

Monday evening, we went to the Siegers for dinner - fun, fellowship and good food with friends - Eatons and Ammons were also there.

Back to work on Tuesday. Amanda started her new job at Burns and McDonnell today - all went well. She will do great.

Hanging with Peyton

Since Amanda's last day at Sprint was Tuesday and she and Chad wanted to attend her going away happy hour party, Grammy was blessed with the opportunity to pick up Peyton at "school" and spend the evening with her - just us two!!!! It was absolutely awesome. She was a little unhappy when I arrived at school - they were trying to play with her and improve her mood - well, when she saw Grammy was there, she immediately brightened up - smiled - spit out her pacifier and was a happy camper. It made my day! We went to their house and spent a few minutes outside in the porch swing before having some cereal and sweet potatoes for dinner - most of it actually landed in her mouth! She is sooooooo helpful. We played for a while, then she was ready for a bottle. We played some more - she is getting quite good at rolling around, scooting around, etc. and being able to get to whatever toys she wants to play with, within reason. We read some books and started the bedtime routine when the parents came home. Peyton was so happy to see them - she smiled and smiled. After they had a few minutes with her, we finished her bedtime routine, and she was down for the night, sleeping through the night, of course. Grammy spent the night and was sure happy to see Peyton the next morning. Amanda and I took Peyton to school (the parents thought it was best if she stayed in her routine). Amanda and I then spent the morning shopping and running errands. We had lunch at a great little restaurant at Town Center Square before picking up Peyton around 1:30 p.m. We all visited until around 3 p.m. when Peyton went to the doctor with her Momma, and Grammy came back to Clinton. Peyton, 6 months, now weighs 15 lbs. 9 oz. and is 25 1/2 inches long - Perfect! The Todds are going to visit Clinton for part of the Memorial Day weekend - can't wait!

Mother's Day

We had a glorious Mother's Day weekend. Ron and I went to Olathe on Friday, so we stopped by the Goddard School to visit Peyton and meet her teachers. Peyton was a perfect host and enjoyed showing us around the school and introduced us to her classmates. She was all smiles - we were VERY proud grandparents. What fun. We dropped by the Todds and picked up Apollo so we could bring him to Clinton with us for a mini-vacation. He, too, was happy to see us.

Amanda, Chad and Peyton arrived in Clinton after dinner on Saturday night. We got to play with Peyton, and I even got to help with Peyton's bath which was great. We had a great time visiting with Amanda and Chad after Peyton went to bed.

Sunday, Amanda, Peyton, Murray, Apollo and I went to Great-Grandma/pa Mintun's for breakfast. Peyton entertained us while we sat at the kitchen table - she thought her blocks were great fun while sitting in her high chair. She is sitting so good now - sitting on a quilt she had fun playing with Great Grandma.

Of course, Peyton was a big hit at church - everyone thought she was adorable (well, duh). Grammy enjoyed showing her off. After church, my Mom and Dad, Ron's Mom, and Mark and Mary joined the Todds and us for Mother's Day lunch. Peyton devoured her green beans and cereal - she is such a good little eater. Everything she does is so cute, of course.

We got to play a little while before everyone went home. It was a great day and fun weekend - just too short.

Mid-afternoon, I headed to Jefferson City to spend the night before training on Monday. Will return home on Monday evening, hopefully in time to see Dancing with the Stars. Murray is staying with Mom and Dad while I am gone - he will have to rest up after his big weekend with his doggie relatives.

Updated Pics

Visit to Olathe

Grandpa and I made a flying trip to Olathe Saturday afternoon to visit our girls. Chad was playing golf with a friend, so we didn't get to visit with him, but we certainly enjoyed spending a few hours with Amanda and Peyton. Peyton had the croup, but she was a happy little thing despite not feeling tops. She smiled all over herself and showed off her sitting skills. Apollo was happy to see us too. Grandpa declined joining us for a quick trip to the Carter's Outlet and Children's Place stores at the Great Mall of the Great Plains - he doesn't know what he missed. We got Peyton some adorable sunglasses - she will be very chic when she wears them! We also found her some other cute items to add to her fashion wardrobe.

Ron played golf in a tournament at Whiteman AFB on Friday and won 2nd place - and best of all, a trophy! He is so proud of it. The first trophy he has ever won playing golf. He had a good time. Saturday night after we got home from Olathe we went with Roberta and Mike Edgett to the Rotary Shrimp Fest - we ate our weight (almost) in boiled shrimp and had a great time.

Sunday was church and then a delicious roast beef lunch at Mom and Daddy's. Mom made a delicious coconut cream pie, and I took custard pie, so we had enough dessert. Ron and I went to see "State of Play" at the movie and then had a blizzard for dinner. Nice, relaxing day.

Updated Pics

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend 2009 was very special - our first with our precious Peyton! Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Apollo arrived mid morning on Saturday. Ron and Chad played golf with Gary Cover, John Drury and Dennis Sieger. Amanda, Peyton and I along with Great-Grandma Mintun went to church so that Amanda and I could practice our prelude for Easter Sunday. Great-Grandma and Peyton had a fun time playing while we practiced. We went to Walmart where we ran into several Clintonians who were glad to see Peyton. Amanda, Peyton and I went back to church in the afternoon so that Florence Goslin could pin up some of Amanda's pants (she's getting too skinny) to alter where we saw some church members who were thrilled to see Peyton. Grammy was blessed with the opportunity to rock Peyton to sleep and hold her while she napped in the afternoon.

Our "big" family Easter meal was Saturday night at our house. Great-Grandma and Grandpa Mintun, Mark, Tom and Joe, Great-Grandma Arthur, Amanda, Chad, Peyton and Ron and I were present. Mary had to work and didn't make the trip to Clinton (we missed her). We had a scrumptious meal of grilled steak, baked mashed potatoes and blackberry cobbler/ice cream (Joe's favorite). Peyton enjoyed her meal of rice cereal a few minutes before we sat down to eat, so she played in her high chair. Apollo was present - Murray stayed over at Grandma's with Lenny to help entertain him!

Peyton spent her first ever night away from her own home here Saturday night. She started out in her pack 'n play and ended up in her crib -was a little unsettled, but not too bad.

Sunday a.m. Amanda, Peyton and I went to Mintuns for coffee and a visit with Mark and the Great Grandparents. We had a good time.

After taking some family Easter pictures, we all went to church where Amanda joined me for the prelude and first hymn (made my day - she did a fantastic job). Peyton was the bell of the ball - everyone at church just oohed and awhed over her. She looked so cute in her Easter dress, and we were proud grandparents getting to show her off.

After church, Amanda, Chad and Peyton (and Apollo) went on to Lexington to have another Easter meal with Chad's family.

Ron and I joined the Mintuns at Mom and Dad's for a delicious meal of ham and honeymoon potatoes. Yum.

The rest of the day we have been watching the Master's Golf Tournament - Phil and Tiger are doing great!

Time with Peyton

Ron went to the Lake this weekend to play golf with some buddies, so I had planned to spend Saturday in Olathe visiting Peyton, Amanda, Chad and Apollo. Amanda called me Friday and asked if I would be willing to come Friday afternoon to stay with Peyton while they had a date night -----I couldn't get on my horse fast enough! I was thrilled beyond belief. I wish they wanted to do date nights more often! We had a baby shower going on at work, so I couldn't get away from the office until 3:30, but I came home earlier and packed my overnight bag so I could get there as quickly as possible.

I arrived around 5 p.m., and they were out the door shortly after that. Peyton seemed happy to see me and remembered me (I hadn't seen her for 2 weeks) - she was all smiles. We played some - she took a bottle and a little snooze - then we spent some time in the bathroom in a steam room since she is still a little congested. We were both soaking wet by the time that was over, but that was what Mommy and Daddy told us to do, so we followed instructions. It did seem to loosen stuff up for her. Then it was time to get ready for the bedtime routine - but not until she spent a little time laughing and chewing on her toes. She took her bottle very well - we read 3 books, and then I rocked her to sleep. She was down for the count about 8: 25 p.m., so were close to regular bedtime of 8 p.m. - Grammy is just too much fun I guess.

Peyton woke up earlier than usual - coughing woke her up. Amanda and I got up with her. After Amanda fed her and spent some time with her, she went back to sleep - so I "sacrificed" (actually my pleasure) and held her while she slept for about an hour and a half so Amanda could go back to bed for a little while. It was pure heaven. She is so sweet and loving.

Amanda, Peyton and I ran some errands to BabiesRUs, Sam's, Kohl's and Carter's. We had a blast. We stopped and picked up Oklahoma Joe's BBQ before going home to have lunchw ith Chad. It was delicious.

It was sure a lot of fun getting to hang out with the Todds this weekend! Thanks for having me.

Peyton's Trip to Clinton

Peyton and her Parents Visit Clinton

Saturday was fabulous. Peyton and her parents arrived around 10 a.m. for a fun day in Clinton. After she had a little snack from her Mommy, Peyton, Amanda and I went over to Great-Grandma/pa Mintun's house. Peyton was very happy to see them and was quite entertaining with her new trick of chewing on her toes! She is so flexible. She thought Great-Grandma was quite funny and enjoyed playing with the measuring spoons and measuring cups that Amanda had played with when she was a baby. After having a Subway lunch, Grandpa, Chad and Amanda went to play golf with Dennis Sieger (Amanda only played 9 holes) - Grammy got the best gig - I had Peyton all to myself for a couple of hours!!!!! She is such a joy. Her laugh is contagious. Kelly came to see how Peyton had grown. After Amanda returned from golfing, Great-Grandma Arthur came by for a visit, as did Debbie Sieger. They were quite "taken" by Peyton, as are all of us. Amanda thrilled me by joining me at an adoption celebration party for one of my co-workers and her babies. We weren't gone long, but it was nice to have Amanda with me - I am so proud of her. When we returned, Grandpa was right where we left him - in his recliner with Peyton sleeping on his chest. He quite enjoys that, as does Peyton. We enjoyed a nice dinner together before Peyton's Mommy got her ready for bed and fed her so she could sleep on the trip home. It was an absolutely glorious day - Grammy and Grandpa were so glad they came to visit and hope they come again soon!

Pics from Visit to Olathe