The little things...

Cheese!

Brandon used his money to buy a stand for his sight words!  He is so cute and a little nerdy...

B's 6th birthday party

Brandon, Renee, and Roger

Raymond Wayne, Mason, Alli

Just taking it all in....

Sarah and Alli helping to read the birthday card.

Post party fun, showing off his new work gloves

and the science experiments continue....

Mixing colors and doing acid-base experiments...

Brandon wanted to celebrate his 6th birthday with family and friends this year at Peter Piper Pizza, so that's what we did.  He picked a few of his "closest" friends from the kinder class and fortunately they were able attend.  He had a blast running around and playing games, eating pizza, and opening gifts of course!!!  Brandon requested I make strawberry cupcakes with vanilla frosting this year but the little stinker never did end up eating one, but I was honored that he wanted me to make them!
As soon as we got home from the party the boys were determined to start a science experiment, so we spend the better part of the afternoon mixing colors and doing acid-base reactions.  I have to admit I love science and I think we have passed that on to the boys, especially Brandon.  I also think Brandon gets his love of crafting and "organizing" from me....he was so excited for all his gifts however the 3 drawer organizer full of art supplies/office stuff was probably his favorite!!!  Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us!!!!

evening downtime

a physic's set creation

I still love this pose!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

The birthday boy wore his crown from Mrs Stephenson's class all day long!

Happy 6th birthday Brandon!!!

Thanks Aunt Gail for the volcano making set!

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my birthday boy

 Happy Birthday to my big Brandon.  He got to celebrate his birthday and the 100th day of school today with his classmates!  Then we went to dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen, followed by opening presents.  Brandon was so excited over the gifts he received!  He insisted that Daddy help him get started on building with the physics kit we got him....my little engineer-in-training!

Evening routines

Yes, we still love our wubbies

Our evenings are getting better, our routines more expected by the boys.  They love to be read to before bed, especially Mason.  There have been a few busy nights that he will remind me that we forgot to read and will arrive next to me with his arms loaded down with books!!!

"Momma, take my picture"

Mason loves to lounge in the tub after Brandon has gotten out....

Mason has become quite fond of getting his picture taken, usually asking me to go get the camera so he can see himself on screen!  Brandon on the other hand has become quite modest and will not allow a bath picture at this time.  He has even taken to getting dressed behind closed doors and never in front of anyone except Mom or Dad! 

Daddy time

The boys really love to play with Daddy, especially after a long week of work and school.  Tonight we brought out our erector sets from Aunt Gail and started rebuilding with Daddy's help of course. 

Payne pups....

I just could resist taking a photo of our pups, aren't they so cute???

Snowy New Year's day

The kids made a midnight snowman

What our grass looked like after the kids played in the snow last night!

Our sledding adventure begins in Oracle, AZ

Loving the snow.....

We spent New Year's Eve playing cards with the Thome Family this year, which was exciting since our usual New Year's eve involves going to bed early.  The kids spent the evening playing gamees, creating, and finally playing in the snow just before midnight!  The kids were so excited to see snow in our backyard!!!  All the kiddos made it past midnight except Mason, poor little guy had just couldn't hold out. It's so rough to be the little guy.
New Year's day we all trekked up to Oracle to sled and play in the snow!  This was the boys first adventure with sledding but I am pretty sure they loved it.  Notice Mommy is not in any pictures???  As usual, I am the one capturing the moments, which is a good thing this time because I am not too sure my surgeon would have appreciated me sledding or slipping and falling for that matter!