Payton is 11!

 My sweet Payton you turned 11 last year! (five months ago) I've been slacking on the blogging this last year what a wild year it has been for us all. I have enjoyed seeing you grow. You've been the easiest girl a mom could have asked for. You're still the sweetest babe I know. You still cry when you're mad, you still hug mom when I get upset, you cry when your brothers argue with you or make you mad. You're still the crier in the family which to me, I absolutely love. I'd rather you show your emotions in crying than yelling. Even just yesterday Royce got you so mad you yelled "Royce why are you so annoying". Then ran off to the bathroom to cry. You have a beautiful forgiving heart. You love deeply.  You are so kind and loving to everyone. I wish nothing more that you remain the sweet, soft, beautiful soul you are. 

You are your daddies best girl. I remember he use to sit you on his lap, after a bath, and he'd comb your hair. He would go as slow as possible, you could tell he was soaking up every minute. He absolutely adores you. He couldn't be more proud of the young lady you've become. Yesterday he and I were talking in our room. I walked out of the room he followed a minute after and seen you sitting at the table he was like "holy crap Payton I thought you were your mom"! You giggled. I know you secretly love when people say we are twins. Having a daughter look just like me makes me feel so lucky. 

2020 Was such a wild year. You were in fourth grade when the pandemic hit. I wanted to blog that entire year but to be honest I had no energy. 2020 was soul sucking for us all. Though there are so many things we celebrated, there were many things we hated. We were quarantined, you had to leave school for a week which then ended up being the rest of the school year. You kids were stuck at home! For me, I loved every second you guys were with me but you poor kids got over homeschooling a week in. After two weeks I was over it. Of course we made the best of it. We didn't go anywhere for an entire month. I don't imagine you guys having to deal with another pandemic like you did at 10 years old. We didn't see family for a month. You kids hadn't gone into a store in over a month. For three months we homeschooled. Matter of fact this week last year was the last "normal" week before shut downs, quarantines, and mask mandates. An entire year of nothing but Covid 19, masks, and quarantines. Now being in fifth grade you still have to wear masks to school. Of course having to wear a mask everyday for a full year you needed a mask to match every outfit. You make the best of every hurdle. Still today you rise to every occasion with as positive attitude. I couldn't be more proud of you during this annoying, confusing, frustrating time in your life. Fingers crossed we get back to normal this year! 

Due to Covid we weren't able to do much. No sports, no gymnastics, no swimming. It has been a boring year! For your 11th birthday you were super bummed because we weren't able to have a big family party like your use to. So Dad and I wanted to make sure you had a fun friends party. We gathered up a hand full of friends, and crashed your favorite hotel in Logan. There were of course restrictions so swimming was limited to ten people at a time and only for an hour.  But you being you and us being us we still made it the "best birthday". Avery, Mallory, Kendrey, Sammy, and Brylee spoiled you with gifts. Dad bought all of the ice cream, cake and pizza, We squeezed into our room and partied all night! Although it wasn't the party you dreamed of it was a good Covid 11th Birthday.

Paytons new American Doll, Payton. 

Halloween is only four days after your birthday so the entire week was full of parties. At this point parties that had more than 10 people was basically against the law, So we won't mention how many people were at our FIRST backyard Halloween party. You and I were skeletons (mommy heart still loving that you wanted to match me!!) Your Aunt Randi, Uncle Matt, and the kids stayed with us for the weekend. Watching baby Ellie was the highlight of your year. After the party the crew I won't mention ;) took off for trick or treating around Mendon. You had the best Halloween. You had enough candy to last till Christmas! 

Speaking of Christmas the one and only (ok not only) thing you wanted was an ipad pen. (eye roll) Your face was worth it. You kids woke up at 3 am!!! I'd be lying if I said I didn't get mad inside. You kids walked into mom and dads room singing a song letting us know Santa arrived! I checked the clocked and said NOPE!! I sent you kids back to bed. Which of course you didn't do. The four of you stayed in the front room til 6 then back in our room saying "its time its time"!! So I finally said OK. Dad on the other hand, he's always harder to convince to get out of bed! I was able to get shower and get ready for the day by the time dad was able to get out of bed. The patients it took for you kids to wait was tough. I can't wait for the day you call saying "THEY WOKE UP AT 3 AM!" The day was magical. You gathered all of your gifts and had to take a picture. 

Welcome to the family MOOSE!! Gavin begged for a puppy for his birthday. I would only agree to a small dog. You are welcome kids. Moose is every one of you kids' best friend. Every morning I put him on each of your beds so he can lick you guys awake. It's his favorite time of the day. You can see how excited he gets knowing it's time to wake the kids up. You adore Moose. Every day you use the highest pitched voice yelling "moosey". He knows it's you because you use that voice to get him to come inside, or when ever you walk into the same room as him. He runs right to you. The bond the two of you have is special. Him eating all of your toys and pooping and peeing in your room kind of ruined that for a hot minute. Luckily that only lasted a solid month before being best friends again! 

Daddy Daughter date! It's a yearly thing. I love knowing you still love going out with dad. I remember the dates and school shopping dates my dad took me on. They are some of my favorite memories. One day you'll look back knowing Dad truly cherished the special dates you two had. 

5th Grade! Girl I could has sworn you promised me to never grow up? What happened? Just yesterday we had PTC. I really dreaded fifth grade for you because it was so difficult for Royce. But little lady you have done an impeccable job!! I am thrilled for you. You are really making an effort to do your very best. You struggle with tests but all I care about is the effort! It's always your best. You are kind to everyone. You are surrounded by good friends and you are simply my favorite girl to watch during recess. During lunch and recess you run up to me for a hug and a quick check in. You'll never know how special that is for me.

The best kids ever! 

 Payton you are my favorite baby girl! I'm not the only one who adores you at school, your teacher Mrs. Andersen loves you. You always make sure to remind her how special she is to you. Between drawings and paintings you warm her heart. Thank you for showing your love to the people that mean a lot to you!! That's something special.

Your style this year is the cutest! 

You NEEDED a halloween shirt! 

Being the crazy year that is is and the challenges we have gone through you have come out of it stronger and somehow sweeter! You set your mind to something and run with it. You are admirable. Both Dad and I are beyond proud of the young lady you've become. Don't give up on yourself! Be the beautiful girl you are. I love you always! 

xoxo momma 

Your smile lights my world. 

Payton doing her thing. Being a little mommy. 

Still loves her babies which calls for all of the accessories. 

Brylee and P had to match for Valentine’s Day! (2021) 

Paytons best friend moved to Preston. It hurts her deeply but we try to get them together as much as possible. 

Thank you for holding me when I have bad days. I had to grab my phone real quick for this picture. Then I set it back down to enjoy every second of this hug. 

New glasses make you look even more perfect.
(Crazy hair day at school) 

Sweet sweet P. You are my light to my day. My moon to my night. My compass when I am lost.