Sailor for a Day

My big bro, the Navy Chief, had a "Family Day" on his ship at the beginning of March. My mom mentioned the trip to me and told me she would love for me to come and join her on the ship for a day. I laughed it off and told her there was no way I could make that happen....between leaving three kids for several days and a last minute plane ticket.

But, if you read my birthday post, you know that my incredible husband DID make it happen. He surprised me with a plane ticket to meet up with my mom and brother in San Diego for five days....all.by.my.self! I had a terrific time! It was so refreshing to spend time just being a sister and daughter. I relished the time I had just visiting with my brother and getting to know him again. This is the pool house he has been renting. Such a cool little bachelor pad! Mom and I both reminded him to be sober when leaving, or he may end up IN the pool! Besides spending a day on the ship, we also had a day of just hanging out in San Diego together. We decided to tour an old submarine. Behind mom and Andy are the torpedos....pretty cool. Friday was the day we spent out on the ship. It was so cool to get an idea of what Chief Edwards and the others do on the ship all day. I can't imagine living in a "steal" environment all the time! I need me so color!

I love this flag. This huge flag is the war flag. This is what they fly when they are out to sea. It gave me chills! I was so proud to be with Chief Edwards! Andy is in charge of 70 something people on the ship and seems to be well known and respected. Very cool! This is the deck mom and I spent most of our time on. It was a long day. A fun day. A cold day. A day full of patriotism and sun. Sun.....awww the sun! Oh how I love the sun....and the nice sun burn I received as well! The shooter guys got to show off shooting the machine gun. That was cool! Watch out world! I arrived in San Diego late Wednesday night. Andy had to work all day Thursday and mom didn't get into town until later Thursday night. So I got to....I mean....."had to" spend the entire day Thursday by myself. All alone. Just me!

And what did I do? I slept in until 10. I laid in bed and watched a movie from 11-1. I got up and got dressed, then went for a short jog to find some lunch. Then a short job back. I took a shower, got cleaned up, then laid in bed and read a great book. Then treated myself to a pedicure. Andy and his girlfriend picked me up for dinner and treated me to Olive Garden. It was a PERFECT day. I soaked in every moment of it!

I am so thankful for this trip. Spending time with just my mom and brother, having no responsibilities, was amazing. I enjoyed every moment of it. And although I was ready to see my kids and hubby, it was still hard to say good-bye to Andy and my mom and this unique opportunity we had to spend a few days together!

Payton Turns Three!

My "little girl" is getting so big! I can't believe three years have already gone by, yet in some ways, they have been very long and challenging! This goofy picture of Payton, with her tongue out, pretty much sums up PART of her cute personality. At three years old, Payton is hilarious! She is always goofing around, singing, dancing, making up words, laughing, and just being funny!

Payton is a tom-boy/princess all wrapped up in one bundle. The girl loves to play in the dirt, smash bugs, hold worms, and be messy. Yet, she is almost never seen without a baby, the baby's blanket, a purse or two, and any other "essential" for that moment.
This year Payton picked Chuck-E-Cheese for her party. Since I was heading out of town to spend a few days with my brother, her choice was perfect....no big preparations, and no clean up! Faith, Sydney, Diego, Xavier, Hunter, Liam, Ethan, Marquel, Hannah, and the rest of the parents all joined us for a great night.
Unfortunately, Darron and I both forgot our camera so a few pictures on our phone was all we managed to get.

Earlier I mentioned being goofy was PART of Payton's personality. The other part of her personality is the one that has given me so many gray hairs at such a young age! Payton is a very strong-willed, opionated, easily frustrated little girl. She can be silly and laughing one minute, then throwing a major fit the next minute. She is very snuggly and loving, and most people only see the happy, sweet side of our little "Pei Wei." But boy can she keep us on her toes when she's just with family!! Payton is the type of child that should come with their own "How to survive raising this child" handbook!

My mom continually tells me she is just like I was as a child! Sorry mom!!

I have no doubt God has big plans for Payton. She has so many great qualities and when she's not being onry, she has a very magnetic personality. I'm just praying we can reign in that strong personality so she will choose to use it for serving the Lord!

Payton, even with all my gray hair, I love you so much baby girl! And I can't imagine life without you.....it sure would get boring!