Baking Cookies

First Snow/Santa's Visit

The girls make the most of the first "snow"!

Princess Tea Party

1st Annual Christmas Princesses Tea Party at Great Grandma Shirl's house. All 15 of the little princesses were in attendance!

Too Big!

Barrett and I went to Peyton's preschool and Barrett was the Mystery Reader for the class. Peyton was so surprised and all smiles. She told all her friends with pride "That's My Sister!" Barrett read like a pro -- it was a proud moment for Mommy!

Celebrating Seven!

Oh Christmas Tree

Pumpkin Patch

1st day of 1st grade

New school supplies - check

New backpack - check

Teacher of her choice - check

Best buddy in her class - check

ONE CUTE FIRST GRADER- check, check

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Perfecting the Lake jump....

The Bip Fairy came last night...

Once Peyton turned four she knew the time was nearing that she had to give up her beloved Bippy. She only sees Bippy at night time, but is really hooked! Four is the limit at the Laspe household (and you don't have to tell me that this is much too long!). We held off even longer for our Gulf Shores vacation to make for a more tolerable car ride. So time was up!

Last night was a full moon -- and that is when the Bip Fairy makes her visits. It was an emotional evening. All day, Peyton talked about how she knew what the night would bring and she seemed okay with it. But then when it was time to say goodbye to her dear friend and place him on the windowsill, she became very sad. And then...I became very sad. It was hard to see her hurting like that over something so special to her. And then, for me, it became about her officially becoming a big girl. She is my baby and I could only think about how cute and cuddly and calm she became when she popped that bippy in her mouth. I cried right along with her and reminded her of what a big girl she was becoming, how proud I was of her and that everything was going to be okay.

She actually fell asleep quickly once the long goodbyes were over (every family member and every stuffed animal in her bed had to bid farewell). And this morning when she awoke the Bip Fairy had left her a beautiful fairy barbie it its place that she's been playing with all morning.

So long Bippy, buddy. You will be missed -- but I hope the cherished good slumber of this household did not sail to the moon right along with you!

Gulf Shores 2009

1st steps on the beach...

...treasure hunts

...playing in the sand

and playing in the ocean...




...shopping at the gift shops

and dancing at LuLu's...

...beautiful sunsets and beautiful family...