Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa Ferrell and Happy Early Birthday Peyton!

Ryan's parents came to visit us for the afternoon to celebrate Peyton's birthday and to say goodbye to us for the next 11 months. They are leaving on Monday to go to China to teach English at a University near Beijing. Peyton was so excited to go out to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants, Rain Forest Cafe. She invited her cousin Aurora and Uncle Scott to come along and celebrate with her. She loves all of the crazy animals and noises that go on while you are eating. She even got to have a balloon made for her by a balloon artist.


After dinner Grandma and Grandpa got the girls a little treat to top off their meal. We had a great time and we will miss them so much. Thanks for the fun visit. We can't wait to see you in 11 months.

Happy Anniversary!

10 years ago today Ryan and I were married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. I can't believe it has already been 10 years. The time has gone by so quickly. This morning I told Peyton that mommy and daddy got married 10 years ago today and she looked at our wedding picture that is hanging on our wall and said, "Mommy, you look exactly the same but daddy doesn't." I'm not sure Ryan appreciated that comment but I sure did. We were able to celebrate by going out to dinner to one of our favorite places, The Melting Pot. We had a great time eating (way too much) and talking. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband that has put up with me for the past 10 years (my family will agree with that). He has taught me so much and has been so loving and patient. Ryan, thanks for being a great husband. I love you.

Second Grade Family Picnic

Peyton's school had a family picnic last night for everyone to get to know the teachers and parents. The girls had a great time playing at the park and running around with their friends. They didn't even want to stop and eat. We had a fun time just being together.

A Day at the water park

Peyton had the day off from school yesterday so we decided to go to Knott's Soak City and enjoy a day at the water park.

Peyton and Hailey were so excited to go and couldn't contain their energy. They decided to play like they were Santa's sleigh to pass the time before we left.

Peyton loved all of the water slides but Hailey preferred to just play in the water.

We were happy that Ryan was able to spend a few hours with us there. He doesn't usually like being out in the sun for so long but he did manage to have fun on the slides and in the wave pool.

Grandma and Grandpa Cardon Visit

My parents were able to come visit us for a week and we had so much fun with them. We went on lots of walks, bike rides, played at the park, went swimming a few times, went to the beach, and ate lots of great food. They were able to pick Peyton up from school a few times and she loved that. Hailey enjoyed climbing on Grandpa and making Jamba Juices with Grandma. We are so glad that they were able to come spend so much time with us and we hope that they come again soon.

Peyton and Hailey made a bed for Grandpa to sleep on with them.

Grandma watched a movie with the girls.

Peyton with Grandma and Grandpa before she went to school.

Hailey with Grandma and Grandpa before they had to leave.

Peyton's Last Swim Meet

Peyton had her last swim meet yesterday and she was so excited because Grandma Cardon was in town to see her swim. She did the backstroke in the medley relay and her team got 3rd place. She also did the butterfly again and did her strokes right again for the second week in a row. She then did backstroke and freestyle and did really well. She had the most fun playing in the baby pool with Hailey during her breaks. She really enjoyed swim team this year and is so excited to do it again next summer. I am really proud of her for working so hard and improving so much over the summer. Now we have a month break and then soccer starts.

Peyton is doing the backstroke in this video. She is in the middle lane. She has been working really hard to make sure her arms reach back far and she is doing a great job.

First Day of Second Grade

Yes, you read the title correctly. Peyton started school today. She only had a month off so summer break flew by fast and I can't believe another school year has begun. She was a little nervous to meet her new teacher today but she was so excited to see all of her friends again. Her new teachers name is Mrs. Ehlert and she seems very nice. Peyton said she had a good day so I will take her word for it. I can't believe she is in second grade. She is growing up so fast.