First Beach Trip with the Surfers!!!

This is the first time this year we have gone to the beach with Adam and Mike. It was a lot fun! Our friends Jay, Dawn and their kids went with us. Kylee, Travis and Averi are all in the same first grade class.

Stacey dug this hole for Wade, but Jacob used it as his swimming pool!

Here are the kids and the ladies!

Sorry guys for not getting any shots of you. You were way to far out in the water for my camera!!

Austin Called Last Night!!

It was the most exciting thing-you couldn't even believe our excitement! We were getting gas and my phone rang. I looked to see who it was and yelled. "It's Austin, it's Austin!" as I was jumping. Mike yelled, "well answer it, answer it" I did, and yelled, "Austin Michael Peyton".
He is now in Delta Company using M4 instead of M16. He is just below the Special Forces. He said he is getting worked. He was very upbeat.
I didn't want to talk to long because I didn't know how much time he had, so I passed it to Mike. They talked for about 15 minutes. The Drill Sergeant came in and he put the phone by his side and Mike heard him yell, "Yes Drill Sergeant Sir." It was great to hear it (or hear someone else yell at him:] He is looking forward to receiving pictures of Erica and his family.
This week we will be getting his address so everyone can start writing letters. We are so PROUD of him and excited for him to be accomplishing something he has wanted to do since he was 5 years old.

Peyton Kids Update!

Tyler got his trumpet today!!!!!! So the practicing begins. He is so excited.

Kylee was Student of the Week this past week!!!!

She had to bring fun photos of her life and explain them to the class! The teacher said her favorite one was with all the cousins-she loves being with all of them!
Kylee likes me to walk her to class and wait until the teacher opens the door before I can leave. I give her and the other students high-fives as they walk into class! Slowly she is getting more confident. Maybe another week or so and I will be able to just drop her off at the gate.

Then you have Jacob and his BIG BROWN eyes!

I just want to play or do something!

AUSTIN UPDATE: So far we have gotten three letters from Austin. One to us, one to Tyler and then today we got one for Kylee and Jacob. He wasn't doing to good for a while because they weren't allowing him to start his training for MP (military police) since he wasn't 18. So he had to sit in reception (a huge room) all day and read and NO talking, he said it was "like a prison, literally." So he was bummed. Well, they let him start this week. He started his combat trianing and is hiking with an 80lb backpack. He asked us to do a family challenge--eat under two minutes a FULL plate of food with NO fork! We will try it or at least not eating with a fork=]

Today was Kylee's and Tyler's first day back to school!

Kylee is now in the 1st grade. She is excited but more nervous. Her tummy was bothering her all morning, then we got to school. The tears started pouring out. I kept it together as my heart was breaking for her. The parents were able to go into the class for a little bit, so that helped. She was picked to color the chart for having perfect attendance that helped a little to. She was very teary when I left but was keeping it together. Of course as soon as I walked out the door I started crying. So we will see if she comes home happy:)

Tyler is now in the 4th grade. He is very excited to start school this year. He finally gets to join the band. He is going to play the trumpet. He gets to do a mission (all parents favorite thing to do or help with), and do a science project. It will be a busy year.

Dealing with Austin Gone!

I was a major wreck on Sunday after Austin left. Then we found out he probably won't be home until Feb. and that seems forever away to me.

I was tired of crying and being sad, when I know Austin is doing what he needs to do. So I got into a cake fight with my good friend Ali, who was also willing to dish it out.

Surprise!! Happy 18th, Erica, and Leaving Day, Austin!

Sunday, the 26th was Erica's 18th birthday so a couple of us decided to kidnap her early in morning, dress her up and take her to breakfast. Austin was suppose to be in on it, but plans changed. Erica spent the night and Austin was still sound asleep so we (Ali and Erica's friend Kelly) decided to dress them both up!

In the above picture of Erica you will see a picture of Austin, she didn't realize it was there, I thought it was cute.
Erica was a little more willing to wake up then Austin!!!

I have some great outfits from Tyler's dance recitals and of course they were a little tight on these two but they managed!
(Tyler in second grade had to dress up like his favorite character from a book. He was the wolf from, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, so that is why I have a hat with ears).

Austin looks like a sad animal!

They ended up being good sports about it. Austin felt so stupid, that is why the glasses stayed on. Do they look like they are having fun the restaurant or what?

Ali and I had fun doing this with them. What a way to start a crazy day.

These two are to cute! Just look at them, they just want to be close one another. Erica has been there for Austin in so many ways. She is one he is able to open up to about anything, and I am so grateful for her coming into his life and ours. We love having her around, and it better stay that way when Austin is in Boot Camp.

Happy Birthday, Erica!!!!

Once again a picture of these two guys--they're so close!!!

They day continues keep posted for more.........

Austin's New Life!

Austin's knowledge of the Bible and his strength in the Lord has grown so much in the past three years! He has become an amazing young man. He wanted to get baptized before he left--which made July 26th, 2009 an even more memorable day!!!

On the right of Austin in his youth leader ,Kevin. Kevin talked a few minutes about Austin and how great it is to see how far he has come in his walk with the Lord. Austin had a lot of questions and doubts at first. Through studying, prayer and faith he has become a strong christian young man.

Now for the waiting and the knock on the door:( I am not sure if Austin was posing for this picture or if he was really scared, sad, or anxious (maybe all of them).

Big hug from the kids! And the nice big bear hug from dad--Mike is so proud of Austin and is excited he gets to finally go do the one thing he has talked about since elementary school.

One more hug for Erica!

One last look:( Then is in the car. I told everyone to make silly faces as he drives away so he doesn't remember all sad faces:/

Now we wait for letters and phone calls. He has his phone for about a week until he turns it in. I will keep everyone posted of his progress:)