Christmas Breakfast and Peyton's Church Christmas Program

Busy week.  On Monday, my boss, Sheila Hicks, and I entertained our staff at my house for a Christmas breakfast.  We had blueberry french toast, egg casserole, cinnamon rolls, fruit, muffins, cookies, etc. - played games and sang Christmas carols around the piano.  We had a great time.

Leonard - Murray's cousin from St. Louis - arrived in Clinton on Wednesday evening for a two-week stay while his family vacations in San Juan, Puerto Rico and a cruise.  Tom brought him over and had a quick sandwich with Grandma before returning back home.  Lenny and Murray have been having fun at Grandma's.   We made party mix and peanut butter fudge this week.

Saturday, Ron and I headed to Kansas City for a little shopping before going to visit the Todds.  We stayed with Peyton and Garrison while Amanda and Chad went on a well-deserved date night - dinner at the Gaslight Grill.  Peyton and I cut out snowflakes - she was very proud to display them on the back glass door.  We also fixed whole wheat tortilla snowflakes - dusted with powdered sugar at the end.  They were tasty and pretty.  We also made for the second year in a row a rice krispy wreath, decorated with m & m;'s. Not sure where my pictures are of those craft projects.  We had a great evening and spent the night so we could attend Peyton's church Christmas program at Prince of Peace on Sunday morning.

Chad, Garrison, Ron and I attended mass while Peyton and Amanda went to one final rehearsal.  Peyton did an awesome job singing and doing the motions to the songs.  We had front row seats and could hear her very clearly - she knew all the words, smiled and did a fantastic job!!!!  We were so proud - Grandpa, Grammy and Mommy were all crying!  Happy tears.

We stopped at a few shopping destinations on the way home, had Sonic for lunch and are now visiting Mom for a few hours.

Despite a nasty cold, it's been a memorable week.

Additional Pictures - see post previous.

Christmas Program and POP Moms Party

I'm not sure what happened to the other two pictures, but I hope they are still there somewhere.  We had a fun-filled weekend.  Ron and I headed to KC around noon on Friday, stopping a few places to shop.  Then, we went to school to pick up the kids.  They were both so excited to see us!  We took them home and visited with Amanda and Chad for a while, then Amanda, Peyton and I went to Costco to get pizza (quite yummy I might add).  While we were gone, the Todds arrived to join us before we all (except Chad who has strep), traveled to the high school literally 3 blocks from their house, for the All Around Child annual Christmas program.  Peyton and Garrison both did fantastic performing their numbers with their classmates - we enjoyed it very, very much.  After we took Amanda and the kids home, we drove back to Clinton.  

Saturday morning, we headed back to Overland Park to spend part of the day staying with the kids while Amanda worked at her POP Moms Christmas party, then we took the kids to the party to join her.  Peyton loved the bouncie house the best - Garrison played "soccer" and both enjoyed getting balloon creations from the clowns.  We had hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch there, then Peyton surprised us all and sat on Santa's lap - the first time ever - and even told him what she wanted for Christmas.  Go Peyton!!!!!  It was a fun time - we were sorry that Chad was not well enough to attend, but we felt blessed to be there.  

We picked up Mom after returning to Clintot - she helped me get ready for the party I am having on Monday for my staff, then we took her riding around to look at the lights. 

Playing the organ at church tomorrow - both services - then to the Vansant-Mills Memorial Service and staff dinner.

Good weekend.

Garrison's Hospitalization, Peyton's Birthday & Thanksgiving

A lot has happened since my last post.   Garrison had out-patient hernia surgery on 11/14.  Grandpa and Grammy joined Mommy and Daddy at Children's Mercy South for the surgery which went well.  Following, Peyton came home to Clinton with us so that the focus could be on taking care of Garrison.  Thursday morning, Grammy and Grammaw took Peyton back to Overland Park and to school then stayed with Garrison to care for him post-surgery at his home.  We had a great day.  Garrison appeared to be feeling fine, ate well, took naps, etc.  We stayed for dinner and with Garrison until Peyton returned home from gymnastics with her Daddy (Mommy had a dinner meeting for work).  Late that night, Garrison developed a high fever.  Grandma and Grandpa Todd arrived on Friday to take care of Garrison.  When Chad came home after lunch, the decision was made to take Garrison to the doctor as he still had a fever and wasn't eating or playing.  Decision made to hospitalize him.  He had a staph infection from the surgery.  We went to visit Garrison at the hospital on Saturday and took Peyton home for a few hours to her house to play.  After returning, we took Peyton and Amanda out to dinner at Olive Garden.  We went back to the hospital on Sunday and took Peyton and Amanda out to lunch at On the Border to celebrate Peyton's upcoming birthday.  She enjoyed getting free "cake".  We took lunch back to Chad who was staying in the hospital with Garrison.  Garrison was still hospitalized on Peyton's actual birthday on Tuesday, so Amanda and Chad made her day special by letting her order anything she wanted in the cafeteria and getting her an ice cream cake.  She thought it was great.  Garrison was dismissed from the hospital on Wednesday.  Amanda stayed each night at the hospital with Garrison while Chad took Peyton home to sleep.  It was a long 6 days for them all.
On Thanksgiving Day, Ron and I spent time with Grammaw and had ham and baked potatoes for lunch, as our celebration for the family was the following Saturday.  We went to black Friday sales at Walmart at 10 p.m.!  On Friday, Grammy and Grammaw traveled to Overland Park for annual baking day which usually happens in Clinton but was relocated this year due to Garrison's illness.  We had a great day making peanut butter cup cookies, frosting sugar cookies and making cinnamon/applesauce ornaments.  As Peyton was looking forward to the annual Christmas parade in Clinton and seeing Santa, we brought her home with us to spend the night.  She didn't disappoint.  We stopped at Grammaw's and had dinner with Uncle Mark and Tom who had just arrived before going to the parade.  She was all smiles, waving at the entries in the parade and putting her hand over her heart when the American flag went by.  We stood in line to see Santa, and she and her "speech" for him all planned, but when it was her turn, she was too shy - but she did accept a bag of candy from Mrs. Claus - progress!  Last year she wouldn't even stand in line.

Back over to 810 for a visit and play with the relatives before going home for bed.  We had a fantastic time and took her riding around to look at the lights - she was enthralled.

Saturday morning Grammy and Peyton baked her birthday cake - a shark cake by request.  If I do say so myself, it looked pretty much like a shark - she enjoyed adding tic tacs for teeth.  Lots of candles.

Peyton helped me get the meal ready for the family who arrived before 11:30 a.m. - even Joe who had driven during teh night to attend.  We missed Mary, Garrison and Chad this year - hopefully we will all be together for Christmas.

We had turkey and noodles and all the trimmings and sang happy birthday to Peyton - #4.  I will try to add a picture of the shark cake.

More

Forgot some of the cute things Peyton said this weekend.

She told Grammaw, "I'm very strong".

Holy Cow.

Darn it (while having difficulty with the puzzle).

She has a very large vocabulary and knows how to use words.

Garrison's cute things - loves carrying around the "real" telephones - sometimes one in each hand.  At one point, he had all four of our phones at his disposal.  He has a couple of "play" phones, but they won't do!  He's a good little eater - likes to eat a lot!  Loves to watch Mickey Mouse.

Clinton Visit

Pictures will have to follow.
Amanda, Chad, Peyton, Garrison and Apollo arrived in Clinton in time for dinner Friday evening, 11/2/2012.   Great Grandma Mintun was at our house too where we all enjoyed baked chicken, mashed potatoes and brownies.  Garrison showed us his dance moves - quite entertaining.  He moves his upper body and arms and "taps" his right foot, up and down.  So funny.  Peyton told us all about her day at school, etc.

Saturday morning - bright and early - Amanda and Chad left for a day in Branson - Chad playing golf and Amanda meeting her friend, Tara, for a day of shopping and lunch.

That left us with a perfect day with Peyton and Garrison!  We picked up Grammaw early (at Peyton's request).  We played at home for a while before taking a trip to Lowry City to a farm of a friend of Grandpa's.  We saw goats and horses and lots of countryside.  Garrison took a nap after lunch while Peyton watched a movie, put together puzzles with Grammy as well as painting some pictures, etc.  She enjoyed dressing up as Cinderella most of the afternoon and playing pretend with Grammaw.

Later in the afternoon, we all jumped in the van to go to the playground at Henry Elementary School where Peyton loved climbing on the monkey bars, doing the teeter totter and making many trips down the slide.  Garrison giggled going down the slide with Grammy's assistance.

Then we went to the playground at our church where the kids had a great time swinging and going down the slides.  It was getting late and a bit cool, so we came on home to have dinner, baths and waiting for Mommy and Daddy to come home.

We were sad to see them all go home but understood they needed to get home for pictures the next day.  A great weekend!  Thanks for visiting, Todds!

October 2012 Deanna Rose (pictures below)

On Friday, Amanda and I spent the day together - shopping, lunch - fun and laughs.  We shopped for and found the Todds a new Yamaha Baby Grand Piano for their new home.  Delivery next Tuesday.  We picked up Peyton and Garrison at school.  Grammy was fortunate enough to get to stay with the little ones while the parents went to dinner at Pierponts to celebrate Chad's birthday.

Grandpa and Grammaw joined in the fun on Saturday, arriving in Overland Park around 10 a.m.  Before their arrival, Peyton and Grammy made Halloween cupcakes - we love to bake together.  We ate an early lunch and all headed to Deanna Rose Farms - it was a beautiful day outside.  It was Garrison's first trip where he could get down, walk around and enjoy himself - which he did.  Peyton rode a pony.  It was Grammaw's first time there - she had a good time.  Chad was playing in a golf tournament in Joplin, so he didn't get to go with us.  Grandpa and Grammaw took Garrison home for his nap while the rest of us went to the mall - Peyton had a great time - helped her Momma shop for shoes, and we got her some "Belle" shoes at the Disney Store to complete her Halloween outfit.

Great weekend - family memories.

October 2012 Fun - Deanna Rose

October birthdays 2012

Grandma's 84th and Chad's 34's birthdays were celebrated in Clinton on October 13 with a family meal.  Amanda, Chad, Peyton, Garrison and Apollo arrived Friday evening in time for Pizza Glen pizza - a favorite for all.  Saturday morning, Grammaw came over at Peyton's request to play while Amanda, Chad and Ron played golf (Amanda only 9 holes).  We had a fantastic time playing - Peyton has so much fun with make-believe and pretend.  She had us in stitches.  Sweet little Garrison gets better and better at walking and loves to have a phone in his hand - usually a real one!  Peyton baked her Daddy a birthday cake - "a square one", evening using the electric mixer.  She had fun decorating it with sprinkles and candles - lots of them.  She also added candles to Grammaw's cake.  Mark and Mary arrived from St. Louis in time for chicken and noodles for lunch and lots of fun play - Uncle Mark loves to tease Peyton, and she really enjoyed it this time - and playing catch with Aunt Mary.  We had brisket for dinner and great family time.  

Mark and Mary spent the night in Clinton - another great meal on Sunday - fried chicken - yummo.

It has been a busy couple of weeks.  On Friday, Sept. 21, we spent the day helping Amanda and Chad move to their new home in Overland Park, KS - closer to Sprint and closer to the kids' school (only a few blocks).  So that Amanda and Chad could have more time to put things away on Friday night, we brought Peyton and Garrison home with us to spend the night.  Upon arriving in Clinton, we stopped at Grammaw's house to pick up Apollo and to have an ice cream bar.  Grammaw was happy to see the little people, and they were happy to see her.

Saturday morning, Grammaw came to our house to spend some time playing with the kiddos.  After lunch, we headed back to Overland Park - things looked quite different with things being put away while we were in Clinton.  We visited, helped a bit, had dinner at CiCi's Pizza and then headed home.  We took Apollo home - to his new home much to his surprise as he had been staying Clinton with us for about 2 months while the moving process took place.  He was happy to get back to his family.

This past Friday, I had the day off, so Mom and I went to the new house to help out emptying boxes, washing windows, etc.  We were able to see the kids for a while before we headed home.  On Saturday, Ron joined us as we returned to OP for the day.   Chad was playing golf with friends, so we helped with the little people while Amanda worked on the house.  We headed home before dinnertime - we had a great day.  Peyton drove her car for the first time at the new house.  She had fun with sidewalk chalk, etc  Things are shaping up quite nicely at the new house.

Sundayh I fixed a yummy pork chop lunch at 810.  Pretty day.;

Peyton & Garrison's Clinton Vacation - 9/2012

While Amanda and Chad vacationed in Florida to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary (congrats) and for Chad to play in his Amateur League National Golf Tournament, Peyton and Garrison visited Clinton Monday afternoon through Sunday afternoon (they visited the Todds Friday night to Monday afternoon).  We had an absolutely fantastic time - they were both so good!

Things we did:  visited our workplaces, picnic at Optimist Park, play at Artesian Park, water play at the Aquatic Center, golf, frogs at the pond, dinner outside on the patio, yard darts, bubbles, walk around the block, play at the Methodist Church playground, lots of playtime here with puzzles, dress up, dollies, arts and crafts, etc.

Peyton slept with Grammy a few nights downstairs and thought that was big stuff.  When we went to bed, I would read a bit, so she would "read" a book too - so cute.  Garrison did so good being away from his Mommy and Daddy at such a young age.  He is all smiles and loves to head butt his affection.

Peyton and I made pinkalicious cupcakes to take to her parents.  She loved helping in the kitchen and teasing with her grandpa.  Peyton insisted we pick up Grammaw and Murray early each day - which was lovingly did - and wanted them to stay until after dinner each evening.  We also played at Grammaw's a few times and ate some meals there too.  Peyton and Grammaw are big buddies.  Peyton and I ran some errands - she and Grandpa went to the donut shop.

I'm sure I have forgotten some things, but for sure, we had a blast!

Labor Day Weekend 2012

We started Labor Day weekend with dinner out at ElCamino Real to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary.  Saturday was a day of getting things done around the house.  On Sunday, we headed to Olathe early to play with the grandkids while their parents packed.  Then, we all went to the Gaslight Grill for a delicious brunch to celebrate Ron's birthday (for the last time this year - just like St. Mark).  We decided it would be fun to bring Peyton home with us since we were going back to Olathe on Sunday, and her parents agreed and allowed us to bring her home to Clinton for an overnight visit.  Most excited was Great Grandma Mintun when we showed up with Peyton.  After ice cream cones and smoozies at Grammaw's, she went home with us to play some more with Peyton.  On Sunday, Ron picked up Grammaw for a short visit before Peyton and I left to return to Olathe.  Ron traveled with Dennis Sieger to Belton to meet Chad and his friend, Patrtick, for a round of golf before returning to Olathe with Chad.  While they were golfing, we played and packed, then had lunch at Chipholte - Peyton ate her own side of guacamole - she told us that Mommy and Grammy could share another one.  Too funny.  We shopped for shoes at Famous Footwear.  Peyton found some flip flops with lights in them - and most of all, no back straps - that she really wanted, but not in her size.  Long story, but we ordered them online.  That evening while Grandpa and I were staying with Peyton and Garrison while Amanda and Chad went out to dinner, she wante dto go to the mailbox to see if they were there yet - she is so sweet.

Great Labor Day Weekend - family memories.

Ron's 60 and Olathe Weekend

Last Sunday, 8/19/2012, Grandpa, Grammy and Grammaw went to Olathe to spend the day with Amanda and the kids - Chad was playing golf in a tournament - missed seeing him.  It was a beautiful day, so outside play was the order of the day.  We did some packing too and enjoyed spending the day together.  Garrison decided he should steer Peyton's car.

Ron turned 60 on 8/24 - I had a party for him for his golf buddies and wives at the Siegers - brisket, pulled pork, honeymoon potatoes, etc. and German Chocolate Cake.  We had a fun evening laughing and telling funny stories.  The balloons are from his decorations at the bank - the girls really did his office up good and gave him a golf cake.

Deanna Rose Farms 2012

While Daddy was in Iowa playing in a golf tournament, Grammy spent the day in Olathe with Amanda, Peyton and Garrison.  Fun day at Deanna Rose Farms - Peyton rode a pony for the first time there (finally old enough) and had a great time.  Garrison and Peyton both liked seeing the ducks, geese, cows, etc. - Peyton thought the Bison's name was Bison!  Too funny.  We shopped at Kohl's and had lunch at Chipolte - yummy - guacamole all around.  We ran some other errands and ended our journey at Dairy Queen for ice cream.  A great day!

Summer Birthdays 2012

Our fun weekend began Friday afternoon when Amanda, Peyton and Garrison arrived for a couple of days! Grammaw Mintun had already arrived with chocolate pudding for dessert - we all enjoyed taco salads for dinner before an evening of play.
Saturday morning the 6 of us headed to the Lake of the Ozarks to Mark and Mary's condo for a summer birthday celebration - a fish fry!  Aunt Mary had prepared a delicious meal topped off with a chocolate mousse cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (yum).  After happy birthday was sung, Grandpa, Grammy, Amanda, Peyton and Garrison headed to the pool for some fun in the water.  Visiting followed before we loaded up the van to motor back to Clinton.  It was a great family day.  Cousin Tom was there as well and enjoyed celebrating his birthday a little early.  We missed Joe who was working in St. Louis.

Sunday was a relaxing day with Grammaw coming over early and staying for lunch.  Everything from arts and crafts to polishing toenails (Grammy's were quite beautiful that Peyton polished) to dancing (Grammaw and Peyton) while Amanda played the piano - it was a great day.  Garrison really enjoyed Grammy's green bean casserole while Peyton preferred the corn-on-the cob with the new holders from Aunt Mary!

Mary sent tomatoes and peppers back to Clinton to be made into salsa which was accomplished Sunday afternoon - yummy!

Not much else happening - a great family weekend full of precious memories.