Peyton Turns 3

Three short years ago, our lives were forever brightened by the arrival of our sweet little Peyton Augusta. I still like to think of her as a baby (oh, heck, I still like to think of Amanda as "my" baby), so I was shocked and appalled the other day when Amanda told me that Peyton is no longer considered a toddler but a preschooler! Wow!

Amanda and Chad hosted a lovely birthday party with a Dora the Explorer theme for Peyton today at Monkey Business at the Great Mall, attended by neighborhood friends, classmates from school, and family. Peyton had an awesome time, as did the other children, playing, eating cupcakes and opening the generous gifts. She wanted a giant cupcake for her "cake", which Amanda made and decorated beautifully. Grandpa, Grammaw and I had a great time attending. She even wore her birthday hat for a few more seconds than last year!

We stopped by Peyton's house before and after the party for short visits and to pick up Apollo - he is staying with us for a few days until the kids get here on Thanksgiving. Peyton looked so adorable in the top Amanda had made for her for her party - Peyton - 3 - Dora - says it all!

The afternoon before, Amanda and family and Ron and I attended the wedding of Matt Jones and his bride Tabitha in Warrensburg. Peyton was a hoot through it all, but especially notable was her comment after the bride walked in and we were all standing (we were on the back row for obvious reasons) - she said, "where did that "white girl" go (meaning the bride). Too funny.

We had a good time at the wedding and reception - time spent with our precious family.

It will be a busy week. My last night of spending the night with Mom watching Dancing with the Stars until next sweason. Tuesday, Mark and Mary are coming for dinner, bringing crappie Mark caught this weekend for a scrumptiuos fish dinner. Mary has to go back to St. Louis to work, however, Mark is staying through Saturday. Mark, Mom, Ron and I will enjoy "real" Thanksgiving Day together - ham meal. Amanda and family will arrive sometime late Thanksgiving Day through Saturday - Mary, Joe and Tom will arrive on Friday - then we will celebrate our family Thanksgiving - our first without Daddy (sad) - on Saturday late afternoon.

God is good - life is good. We are blessed.