Peyton's First Fishing Tournament

Yesterday Peyton fished for the first time in a kids fishing tournament.  It was for ages 3-15, so not only did she just make the cut but I am pretty sure she was the youngest kid participating.  We were joined by almost  the entire Whitaker family.  Needless to say we had quite a few expert fishermen along for assistance and some friendly competition.

 The morning started kinda slow.  It was REALLY hot and we weren't catching much.  But while we were waiting we found this adorable baby sea turtle floating on some sea grass by the dock. 

 He couldn't have been more than a week old.  Craig thinks he was displaced by Tropical Storm Debby last week, as he was inland and not near the beach.  We took a few quick photos and put him right back.  He was the cutest little creature I have seen in a long time!

 Here is the first fish caught from our group by Connor.  A man on the dock told us it was a black bass.  That fish started the competition off for our group right away.  Connor was fishing with his Papa, and Peyton was fishing with Unlce Craig and Mike.  The boys were about to get serious!

 Aunt Nicole and I were on bait, drink and snack duty for the day.  Which meant we would say things like, "Anyone need a water?" and then we would find a fan to sit in fromt of for 10 minutes and then take the water to the needy person.  It was a rough job! :)

 Riggin' hooks...

 Fishing...

 Her first fish on the line! 

 And there it is a 30 pound catfish!  Just kidding but it does look big in that picture right?  I believe her first fish was 13 ounces and 14 inches long.  Not bad for a little tike.

After each fish the kids took them in for a weigh in and then they were released.  Kids were running every direction all day.  It was so fun to watch!

 Fish #2

 She caught 7 catfish in total, so evetually I stopped photgraphing each one.  But each time she caught one she was so proud.  She would start screaming, "It's the biggest fish ever!".  People on the docks would clap and cheer as the kids passed by and Peyton would smile so big as she marched her fish to weigh in!

 Connor and his Papa caught the coolest animal by far.  A 29" stingray.  He won an award for most unique fish of the day. 

 Peyton and he fishing buddy, Uncle Craig.  She has been telling us all about their special day.

The tournament so amazing for the kids. No matter what each kid got a prize.  Peyton could have selected any number of prizes when it was her turn, a fishing pole, tackle box or a huge fishing net, but she chose a small pink fishing net.  She had seen them on the table earlier in the day and asked me to get her one.  I explained that they were prizes and that she might win one but we couldn't buy one.  So sure enough my girl remembered that little net and that is what she chose.  We had such a fun day with everyone and I know it is a memory Peyton will keep forever!  Happy Fishing everyone!

TGIF

Have a great weekend!

Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach him how to fish and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend. 

 Hint Hint: We have plans tomorrow morning....

Birthday Interview

A week or so before Peyton's birthday I did a quick interview with her.  I asked her about things she likes and what some of her favorites are.  I am going to do the same interview each year to see how her answers change.  Here are her answers....some of them make me giggle!

Three

This past weekend Peyton turned three.  We celebrated with a small pool party at home.  The pool party would have been amazing had it not been for the beginning of Tropical Storm Debby brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing with her lots of rain and wind.  However, the clouds and drizzle didn't hinder the fun.  Peyton, Liam and their dads played in the pool and splashed til they could splash no more. 

 After a quick change they were ready for cake.  This year Peyton selected Hello Kitty or "Ho Kitty" if you ask her, as her cake topper.

 Here they are patiently waiting for their dads to join us for cake.

 This picture is so funny....Peyton looks so happy and Liam looks so sad.  He probably is thinking of how is second birthday had just passed.

 To continue the birthday festivities we spent Sunday with Grandma, Papa, Granny and Aunt Amanda.  This year Peyton REALLY got the hang of gift opening and was ready to start as soon as we arrived.

 Mike got Peyton a bike helmet, since she always wears his.  When she opened it she said, "I love my helmet Daddy!" and then wore it to open the rest of her gifts.

 And then we finished off the weekend with some more cake..

I can't think of a better to have spent our Sweet Little girl's birthday weekend!

A little bit of everything

Below is how we spent Father's Day weekend.....lots of relaxing and a little bit of fun too!

 Sprinkler running with Aunt Amanda.

 Father's Day dinner at Papa and Grandma's house.

We hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day weekend! Up next, birthday weekend.....

Almost Three

In just nine short days Peyton turns three.  It seems every year it is emotional for me to pass the milestone of another birthday.  This year seems to be sending a wave a sadness over me if I think about it too much (probably because I am pregnant).  But mostly because very soon she won't be my baby anymore.  I know she will always be my baby girl and hold a very special space in my heart as my first but she will be the big sister from here on out. 

Mike and I talk a lot about what a great sister she will be and we can't wait to see her in action with "Baby CJ" as she calls him.  However, I plan to make the most of the next three months with her as our only little one.

She has changed so much in the past year that sometimes I can hardly recognize the baby she was.  Her hair is long and blonde and she is growing taller by the minute.  She has lots to say and tons of opinions.

 She even requested this photo of her bike.  She loves to have her picture taken now and tells me "Mom, check it out, take my picture please".

 I guess these photos from last night are her way of showing me her serious face.  Oh and please don't worry about the band aid.  She bumped her head on the counter and decided she needed a Hello Kitty band aid to help the healing process.  No major damage for those who were worried.

 Even with all her scrapes and bruises, she is still the cutest little, sweetest little girl in the world.

She is smart and curious.

 She is demanding and thoughtful.

She is tough when she needs to be and cuddly at all the right times.

So as she exits the life of a two year and only child we can only imagine the joy and smiles she will continue to bring. But there is one thing I know for sure...she will make us laugh, cry and love her a little more each day!

Her "best friend" turns TWO!

Yesterday we joined the Hassen Family and friends to celebrate Liam's 2nd Birthday.  It was John Deere themed and so much fun!  There were tractors everywhere and plenty of country fun to last the whole day!

 It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Liam's 1st birthday and Peyton's 2nd.  I don't know where the time went. 

 As usual, these two were inseperable.  We couldn't get them to slow down to take a drink much less eat some food.  Finally we managed to get some pretzels and grapes in them and they were so adroable sharing with each other.  Liam would bite the pretzels in half and feed them to Peyton.

 A birthday hug....one of many!!!

 They both enjoyed licking the icing off the tractor wheel cupcakes!

 ...and sharing some more.

 The end of the day brought smiling faces from the dads and sweaty, dirty faces from the kids.  They were both covered in dirt from head to toe.

These country kids sure had a blast! And we all enjoyed celebrating Liam's Second Birthday! 

...Up next, Peyton turns THREE!!!!