Future Engineer

Patrick was combining computers last week. I like to ask him about them, but to be honest, I don't have the attention span for it. Patrick is great at explaining complicated things in laymans terms -afterall, if you can't explain it to a 5th grader, than you don't really understand it right? Anyhow, Payson was "helping" and completely fascinated. So maybe Payson will follow in Daddy's footsteps. Patrick always said while I was pregnant that he wanted a little person that he could teach and train, and to make the baby just like himself! So, he got a little boy who looks just like him, loves to talk all the time (also like Patrick :) and interested in how EVERYTHING works! Indeed Payson is our Mini-P.

Or, maybe a train engineer?

Payson's Golden Birthday

Payson celebrated his 1st birthday and -it being October 1st- his golden birthday!! We sent out football invites, had football cake, took pictures as a football player and wore our new cougar football shirts. His baby guests weighed in for the team roster and played with inflatable footballs. Patrick & Erica showed off the new backyard "oasis" that finished justin time -and Payson received a blow-up pool & slide that will take up most of the grass space!

The MVP -Star QB - Payson Lewis!!


Happy Birthday dear Payson...
No interest in cake until I gave him a fork -he's obviously very clean and sophisticated with his eating habits.

Wall of Fame -Payson's amazing shots throughout the year month-by-month.
Backyard Fun:
Payson loves running on the pavers and gravel -but NOT the grass. And if I put him on it, he freezes, looks concerned, then cries to be "saved."

See my tomato plants? They've gotten HUGE!

LOVES his new pool -and we haven't even filled it with water yet.

Perfect weather and an inviting backyard lead to Patrick smokin' us up some burgers and pork chops.

Latest Randomness

I love looking at the pictures I take -Is this how I imagined my life to be? Who knows? But I love it -every minute of it!! Well, maybe most minutes of it ;)

Patrick likes his toy Payson. It's all about reactions. Watching Payson is fascinating, especially after putting ice in his mouth -and then [not pictured] down his diaper!

Payson and Erica had fun on the trampoline at the Burns', while Patrick was glued to the BYU football game. Thanks to Tevo we watched it in record time too! Anytime you looked away, you missed a play. Payson did have time to try on one of the twins Spiderman outfits (why the cape?? -who knows!).

Patrick & Payson practice their football plays. Hut, Tackle, Get the fumble!

Payson & Kenzi have snacks. Kenzi was very kind in "sharing" -eg putting all of her snacks onto Payson's tray one by one until she was "all done"! We are excited to have the Hoenes's as our new neighbors.

Payson love his blankey (one of many!) and the toilet -and Patrick's Blackberry. Now it is all Payson's fault that Patrick is unorganized...

GNO = Bunko!!

Some of us girleez in the ward are starting a bunko group. A simple "parlour" dice game, way too many yummy treats and snacks (I went home feeling like it was Thanksgiving...), no kids, and sooo much fun!! It's nice to get out and be immature and crazy and laugh a whole lot!

Thanks to Julie Quinn for organizing, hosting, and the cute prizes!

I don't know how to rotate this clip but it's just to hilarious to not blog, maybe even more funny sideways. Kali Hoenes couldn't stop dancing to the music, or maybe it was her unborn child kicking...

Up Hill Madness

I ran an 8 mile race on Labor Day through Saguaro National Park. I was all pumped for a beautiful run through rolling, cactus filled hills. I knew the elevation change was tough... but I was ambitious about my goal time anyhow. So, sadly I didn't run it as fast as I wanted, but I did get 3rd in my age group -yea! - with a time of 1:05:15.

The elevation change map. My two biggest fans woke up at the crack of dawn to come cheer me on! Patrick is so supportive of my running.

Here are my friends I ran the race with. Mindy, Margie, & Emily

"Aaaaaah -what have you done!?!"

So just a few minutes before I was ready to take Kent home, with a very uneventful and successful morning babysitting, he did this to my carpet...

Any ideas for getting nail polish out of carpet anyone?? It seems that I learn how un-babyproof my home is everytime I have another child over!

Here's a picture of Kent and Payson having a grand ol' time together. This toy is a hit with every kid -I bought it for a few bucks at a garage sale and still haven't needed to put in new batteries -I love it!!

Payson's Faves

I try to take pictures of Payson every few days catching him in one of his favorite acts. These are what I have from the last month or two.

Crawling, Jumping, Standing on the bed! One of the MOST exciting things to him! It's hilarious, but he tends to not understand the edge -as he comes close to it all the time giving Patrick & I mini heart attacks. He has fallen off, and doesn't land on his feet (no cat-like reflexes yet I guess), and does cry, and doesn't learn as he instantly wants back on.

The broom. If only he could use it properly!!

Someone else's toys. The toys are "greener" in the other nurseries. This is a snap from Vesper Dalton's 3rd birthday party. She lives in NW Tucson, we get together with the Dalton's regularly. Favorite topics of conversation include the Stephanie Meyer books & politics (Andrea "the liberal" -gasp- vs Patrick) & DIY from Chad the handyman husband of the year.

Shower time any time. Water optional. Clothes optional. Scrubbing behind the ears optional.


After tediously pulling bag after bag out- Success! The cardboard box is empty and now can be scraped across the tile; back & forth, back & forth. Cool noise huh Mom?

If it has wheels... I LOVE IT!! The stroller (in or out) is one of Payson's favorite toys.

I see a goldfish.

Lipstick anyone? This shade does nothing for my eyes.

Loves doing laundry? Attacking the laundry and trying to eat the smelly socks is more accurate.



Loves jumping to lights & music in his Jumparoo. (We like it because it makes him tired!)