Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you had a wonderful day of celebrating and giving thanks!

E-i-e-i-o!

Peyton's "Down on the Farm" birthday celebration yesterday was a great time for all! Apart from celebrating a bit on the 16th (post with those pics to follow) yesterday we went all out for her 1st birthday party that was originally scheduled for the 15th. We wanted to give Peyton a little more time at home before being exposed to lots of people so we had postponed her party. Unfortunately, a lot of guests already had plans for the rescheduled date or had fallen victim to the cold and flu season so it was a small but very fun party!

We had lots of balloons, party hats, yummy food and treats, presents and cake and ice cream! Grandma, Papa and Great Grandma enjoyed sharing Peyton's special birthday with us and all of the barnyard friends that joined us in farm animal books, toys and videos we played with throughout the afternoon!

Thanks to everyone for all of the birthday cards and gifts for Peyton! She enjoyed every one and they made her birthday even more fun for her!

Happy 1st Birthday Peyton! We love you! Old MacDonald had a farm...

A Dog's Life

Spike has been enjoying the good life over the past few weeks. Since someone has been home each day Spike hasn't been crated like he typically is when we're at work all day.

Here are some shots of him enjoying his new found freedom although unfortunately it ends in 3 days!


Taking advantage of the comfy accomodations left behind from Papa's nap

Quite content having a large pair of legs to lay in between (Papa's!)

Hey, wake up Buddy, Grandma brought ME that couch!

As you can see, Spike doesn't listen very well- He was happy as can be continuing to chew his bone on the couch that was just his size!

A case of really bad luck :(

That's exactly what the doctors called Peyton's awful bout with Epiglottitis/Croup & Fever Blister viruses. I have been going back and forth deciding whether or not to share these pictures or keep them private but I decided to include them in our online family memories of 2008- as much as I would like to forget this experience forever.

We again want to send our sincerest Thank You to everyone that so lovingly prayed for Peyton's safe recovery and sent their strong support and kind words for our family during this time. It helped us get through every single hour of such an uncertain, heartbreaking time.

Fortunately our story had a very happy ending! Peyton was able to return home last Wednesday, Nov 12th. At this point she is staying at home for one more week, regaining all of her strength and getting back on track to be able to join her friends at school next week. She is doing wonderfully and making us smile all day long with her cute & silly ways!

Night 1 after checking into Edwards Hospital- 11/5/08

Still smiling, even after getting an IV and feeling so sick on Day 2 at the hospital- 11/6/08

In the PICU, intubated with her central IV line and pulse oximeter- 11/7/08

Still recovering in the PICU on the ventilator but also getting formula thru her nose- 11/9/08

Awake and able to be held by Mommy & Daddy- 11/10/08

Happy 4th Birthday Chloe!

Today was a very fun day for Kylie and Chloe. It was Chloe's (daughter of our neighbors and Kylie's good little friend) 4th birthday and she was able to choose one friend to take to her Pooch Parlor Birthday Party at Club Libby Lu at the mall. Well, that friend was Kylie and the 2 girls couldn't have been more excited together as we headed off to the mall this morning!

First on the agenda was to get changed into pretty little dresses so nothing got on their own clothing. Then after getting their fingernails painted and sparkled, lips glossed and eyes shadowed, it was time for hair. As most of you know, Kylie doesn't do hair (AT ALL) so I thought we were really in trouble. But low and behold one of the hairdo choices was "Hannah Montana" which Kylie quickly picked and that one was the Hannah Montana wig- no twisting, spraying or yanking of real hair required :)!

The girls also got to choose an accessory (Kylie a rhinestone studded microphone and Chloe a set of earphones) as well as a stuffed animal complete with outfit, collar and carrying bag of their choice! They were quite the "Rockstars" (as Kylie told me) when all was said and done :). Once all finished with their makeovers, they played "Pass the Pooch" and did the Birthday Dance!

Here are some pictures and videos of the girls having an absolute blast getting their Libby Lu makeovers for Chole's 4th Birthday! And I think Chloe's Mommy and I had more fun watching our little princesses than we could have ever imagined!

Happy Birthday Chloe and thanks for inviting us to share in your fun day!