Brave

Something I always want to remember about Adalyn is not necessarily the number of trips to the instacare that we have taken, but how incredibly brave she has been through every one.  Even when she was very little she hardly cried during shots.  Our most recent trip to the instacare was last night to fix the cut she got on her chin after slipping on some wooden stairs.

She needed stitches and never once cried, flinched, or even moved when she was told to stay still.  I think it was harder for me to watch them stitch her up than it was for her to get the stitches put in! I always try to make things easier for her in these situations, but her ability to stay strong makes things much easier on me!  I love her brave, understanding soul!

I think next trip to the instacare I am going to ask for a punch pass: come in 9 times and get the 10th time free! Have to love it!

Payne Family Reunion

The Payne Reunion was held in Colorado this year.  Gavin and Becky graciously allowed all of us to stay in their home and we had an eventful and fun filled weekend.  It started with our 8 hour drive there...

Half way there we stopped at one of our favorite spots, Glenwood Springs, CO.  They have a fun little Adventure Park that we stopped and played at.  They have a tram that takes you up a mountain to the adventure park and the girls just loved it.

On the first day of the reunion we all headed to Estes Park to walk/hike around the lake...

 This group wanted to take a steeper hike than the walk around the lake.  As soon as Adalyn saw them head off she eagerly followed.  I told her that it was going to be harder and she responded with, "I can do it. I am a big girl. Remember mom?"

 And she was right.  She kept right up with the other kids and wasn't afraid to climb as high as them.

 The kids found a chipmunk friend to feed.  It kept them entertained for quite some time.

That night we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant, Heaven Dragon. YUM!

The next day we went to a playground/water park/river...

Devin holding the newest member of the Payne family, Maggie...

 That night most of us headed to a Rockies vs. Angels game while Grandma and Becky stayed home with the little ones...

On Saturday, the men took the kids on The Amazing Race that Grandpa had prepared for them.  Meanwhile, Grandma had prepared a shopping/lunch trip for the women...

We had such a wonderful time!  Adalyn and Quincy were so sad to leave their cousins.  Thanks so much to Gavin and Becky for letting us invade your home.  And a special thanks to Mom and Dad for putting it all together and showing us such a great time!

Wayment Cabin Trip

Over Memorial weekend we went to my parent's cabin for a weekend with my family.  Unfortunately, the weather did not want to cooperate with us.  It was cold and rainy for the majority of the time, so this is what we spent most of our time doing...

                                                           (Photos courtesy of Adalyn)

In the random spurts of clear skies, we all hurried and grabbed our sweaters and ran out to do this...

Even though the weather wasn't the best we definitely had some quality family time!