Beach baby!!

We just got home yesterday from a wonderful vacation in sunny Florida. We went to Orlando, Fl to visit one of our best friends Luke, Amy and Noah. We started our trip on July 7th, this was Payton's first plane ride and she was a great traveler. She slept half way and talk and sat on our laps the second half.

Amy and Noah were there to pick us up in the crazy thunderstorm. Wednesday we went to the outlet mall to do some shopping. Amy and I haven't gotten to do that together since they moved. We had a great time and Payton of course made out the best. Mitch and I got a couple of things. Thursday we got up and packed up the car and headed for the beach. We traveled about 2 hours to Siesta Key. We rented the cutest little house a 1/2 a block from the beach. We were a little worried when we got there is was raining and continue to rain the remainder of the evening. We lucked out though the next day was partly cloudy and we spent all day at the beach. Payton had a great time, she loved the sand and had a ball bull dosing all of the sandcastles that Mitch built. She loved the water too, played in layed on her belly and let the waves crash into her. They were small waves since we were on the Gulf side. She even took a nap under the umbrella next to Noah. Nap time

The beach baby and mom
Daddy's girl
Payton with her Auntie Amystud Noah
Both of the kids did great. Amy and Noah had to stay inside a little bit more but that is only expected with a 7 week old baby.

beach photo opp

Besides being close to the beach we were also close to a strip mall around the corner with awesome restaurants. Amy and I had the best crab legs ever one night. Even Noah got close enough to taste them.

After dinner back at Amy and Luke's place, the mommies and their angels

Possibly husband and wife someday. An older woman!!

The last day we went to a park close to the house and it had tons of swings, slides, and a water spray area. Payton ended up being the only one for about 30 min, just enough time to have all the fun she needed. She loved it, even though she got it in the face a couple of times.

We had a wonderful trip and had so much fun with the Helm's. We are looking forward to our next trip whenever that might be.

Happy 4th

This year the 4th didn't really go as planned. Originally Payton was going to get to be in her first parade. Our Neighborhood does a 4th of July parade. We unfortunately were driving home from the ER. Since it was a Saturday and a holiday there were no doctors offices open and we had to take Payton to the ER after being up every 45 min. all night long screaming in pain. She had been extremely cranky the day before and not the happy go lucky Payton she usually is. We thought she was just getting in her "eye" teeth. After surviving the sleepless night we took her first thing in the morning because I decided it must be her ears. She did have an ear infection and she had an infection in her mouth and down her throat, which explained the lack of appetite, which we originally again thought was just teething. Poor baby had a very ruff day. It is amazing how much your heart aches when your little one is in pain and you can't make it better or even sometime figure out exactly what it is.
We spent a little bit of time at mom's house to celebrate Mema's birthday and grill out with everyone. Payton did OK after getting all of her meds into her. We only lasted a couple of hours and then took her back home and tried to just get her to rest. I worked that night and Mitch was left at home to man the house and look after the sicky. Maybe next year the 4th might be a little more exciting celebrating our Independence day.