Cassie Jo and Payton

Ward Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had our Ward Christmas Party which was amazing! The primary children played out the Nativity Scene. It was so cute the kids enjoyed dressing up and performing for their parents. Payton was a shepherd with his little ears poking out! After they showed The Nativity Story movie to the song Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant. It was so special, the spirit was so strong. Then the surprise of Santa. The children were so excited and lined right up to sit on his lap. Payton didn't know what to ask for so you can see him scratching his head and putting finger on his chin to help him apparently!! It was a great night and really helped us all to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas!

Cowboy Christmas!

2011-12-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

We went over with some family friends and had a cowboy Christmas! The kids rode horses, had treats and hot chocolate, and then Santa came to surprise them! It was pretty fun!

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Party

2011-12-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Payton's kindergarten class had their Thanksgiving party. It was really cute they went around to 3 different stations. 1 station they played a BINGO game, another 1 they made a TURKEY, and the last 1 they read a story. After they had gone to all three stations they had a Thanksgiving DINNER together as a class.

Colby's 24th Birthday

2011-12-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Colby's turned 24 this year! Happy Birthday Colby!

Payton THE Hunter

2011-12-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Payton got a BB gun for his birthday from his Dad. He is a pretty good shot as you can see by the downed Pepsi cans!

Happy 6TH Birthday PAYTON!!!

2011-12-01T13:37:00.002-07:00

Payton turned 6 years old this year! I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He has been such a great little boy. He is definitely all boy he loves sports, outdoors, playing in the dirt, trucks, etc. He is so active and outgoing. He has the biggest heart and is so sweet. I am so proud of you Payton and love you so much!

Cougar Tails

2011-12-01T13:09:00.001-07:00

Well we had a cougar right here in our little valley. It turns out is liked to eat goats!! After one of the neighbors goats went missing the hound dogs followed the trail and soon found the cougar. The guys got the cougar up in a tree and it was getting pretty nervous. So they called fish and game and were told to shoot it. It was a pretty eventful day here in the old valley!

Flag Football

2011-12-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Payton played flag football this year and loved it. He made his first touch down zigging and zagging in and out of the other players all the way down to the end zone. He loves it so much and says he is ready for tackle now!

Tour of Utah

2011-12-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

The Tour of Utah had one of their stops up here in Ogden Valley. It was really cool we sat on the deck and watched them ride by. It was really awesome to see how fast they were going and how much control and strength they had to endure the long ride.

Ogden Pioneer Day's Rodeo

2011-08-03T00:29:00.001-06:00

Ogden Pioneer's Day Rodeo: This year was Payton's first year that he could ride in the rodeo doing the Mutton Bustin'. He was pretty nervous because he has never done it before. He stayed on for a few seconds but not long enough to get a trophy. Now that he knows it is a competition he wants to go back next year and win! The rodeo was really fun and a great family tradition that goes back to when I was a little girl! I am happy that Payton already loves this tradition!

Pioneer Day

2011-08-02T23:48:00.001-06:00

We had a very fun 24th of July! We made homemade pizza's on the grill, the kids jumped on the trampoline with the sprinkler, Papa read them books, we had a camp fire and roasted marshmallow's, and then lit of fireworks. It was a great family fun filled day!

Happy Birthday PAPA!

2011-08-02T23:12:00.002-06:00

I don't know who is more excited for his birthday . . . Papa or the Grandkids!

Happily Ever After . . .

2011-08-02T23:05:00.000-06:00

Stake Girls Camp 2011: We had girls camp at the Heber Valley Stake Camp. It was so amazing and special. The girls got to do lots of activities that brought them closer to each other and our Savior Jesus Christ. There was some fun workshops, the rope ladder and zip line, the hike, skits, amazing speakers, (Kris Belcher, President Taggart, and his wife Erin) and testimony meeting. We had such a great time and really came together as a ward and a stake.

Summer T-Ball

2011-08-02T22:05:00.000-06:00

Payton had his 2 year of T-ball. Payton's team was the Cardinals even though he would have preferred to be the Angels. He had fun but said he is ready for "coach pitch." Gotta love havin' a little boy!

Summer Workin'

2011-08-02T21:46:00.002-06:00

Payton Pre-School Graduation

2011-08-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

Payton had his Pre-school graduation now he is ready for Kindergarten!

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-08-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to the most special Mom in the entire world. I have the best Mom ever. My mom is such an amazing woman. She is my best friend. Someone that I can go to with anything that I can always count on. I am so grateful for everything that my Mom does for me and my family. Mom I love you so much and am so grateful that you are my Mom!

Easter 2011

2011-07-31T23:59:00.000-06:00

Easter this year was really fun! We had a fun family dinner and fun Easter activities. We took some fun pictures of the grand kids together all dressed up in their Easter outfits. We usually do a Easter egg hunt but this year we ended up getting a fun cowboy boot pinata. The kids loved it. It was filled with lots of yummy treats. Here is quick review of our Easter! I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and for the sacrifice He made for me so that I can be with Payton and my family for time and all eternity.

Payton Soccer Spring 2011

2011-07-31T23:37:00.001-06:00

Ogden Temple

2011-07-31T23:06:00.000-06:00

Mom and I went to the Ogden Temple before it closed like I am sure many of you did. We decided to do initiatorys. It was such a peaceful calming feeling. As I was there I just thought about how it has changed my families life for time and all eternity. My parents were married in the Ogden Temple in 1976. My brother and I were sealed to my parents in the Ogden Temple. The Ogden Temple is a very special place for our family. It just made my testimony stronger and confirmed that the temples are God's work and will help us to return home to live with Him someday!

Sledding 2011 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

Payton could not be happier to have Papa here to go sledding with. It has been one year since my Dad's heart attack and as you can see he is doing pretty well. Payton has the time of his life going on sled after sled after sled up and down the hill over and over again with Papa. They are best buddies!

Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride

2011-01-11T00:51:00.000-07:00

We went on a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride! Colby is helping lead the rides up at Red Cliff Ranch. It was really fun to go on a sleigh ride. It was so calm, peaceful, quite, beautiful, and COLD up there! The kids had a blast riding on the sleigh. After the sleigh ride we went and had lunch at Red Cliff Cafe with a warm fire and hot chocolate! Thanks Papa for taking us and Thanks Colby for the ride!

End of Christmas 2010

2011-01-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas Tree gets so dry because of our wood burning fireplace that we use to heat our house. It barely made it to Christmas so as soon a Christmas came we had to get it out of the house. We wanted to see how easy and fast it went up in flames. So we took it out back and lit one small branch on fire and within 4 minutes it was completely burnt with nothing left but a few branches at the bottom that were in the snow!

meRrY CHrIsTmaS!!

2011-01-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Justin!

2011-01-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

It was my nephew Justin's 2nd Birthday on December 19, 2010: He had a Spider Man birthday if you couldn't tell from the pictures! He was so cute and slowly opened each present and wouldn't continue to the next present until all of the wrapping paper was in the garbage bag from the previous present!

Payton's Pre-School Christmas Program

2011-01-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Payton had his Christmas Program for pre-school. He sang all of the songs and seemed to be having fun. He would get distracted when he looked for his Dad and I so that he could wave and smile! Santa Claus came on the last song and all of the kids were so excited. Payton sat on his lap and just told Santa "I just want a surprise Santa!!"

Payton's 5yr Old Pictures

2011-01-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

My Cousin Stephanie took Payton's 5yr pictures. Payton was such a ham! He had a different pose, attitude, expression, etc. for every picture. He did whatever she asked him to do. If you can't tell Payton loves getting his picture taken. Thanks so much Steph you did such an Awesome job!

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-10T22:43:00.002-07:00

Happy 23rd Birthday Colby

2011-01-10T22:41:00.002-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2010

2011-01-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Frightmares at Lagoon

2011-01-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I took Payton to Frightmares at Lagoon. This was his first time at Lagoon and he absolutely loved it. He wanted to ride every ride and begged to go on the big ones. Since he wasn't tall enough for them he decided that from this day forward he is growing out his hair into an "afro" so that he will be tall enough for the rides next year!

Happy 5TH Birthday Payton

2011-01-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

For Payton's 5th Birthday on October 7, 2010 we went to Discovery Gateway. Payton and his friend Anden had so much fun playing together. They went through and tried all of the different activities. After we were done at Discovery Gateway we let them go and run through the Fountain . . . honestly that was probably their favorite part!!

Payton's 5th Birthday Family Celebration

2011-01-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Family Pictures September 2010

2011-01-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMS

2011-01-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Gram's 54th Birthday September 19, 2010

We surprised Grams with Family Pictures for her birthday

We had a campfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmellows.

We lit sparklers and celebrated a very special Mom and Grams!

September 7, 2010 First Day of School

2011-01-10T19:11:00.003-07:00

Last American Cowboys!!!!

2010-09-04T19:11:00.002-06:00

Papa and Payton "the Cowboys" with their horses, spurs, and hats! Payton wants to be just like Papa but I don't know if he is going to give up the basketball shirt and shorts!!

"Spares" Just My Size

2010-09-04T17:36:00.000-06:00

Payton wants to be just like Papa! So Papa made some of his spurs a little smaller and fit them to Payton's boots. After that Payton just kept begging Papa to ride a horse! So here is Payton with his spurs which he calls "spares" riding one of the horses while she eats!

Jurassic Park!! . . . Ok Just Dinosaur Park

2010-09-04T16:12:00.000-06:00

Payton and I went to the Dinosaur Park with our friends Mindy, Jarett, and Maelee. They had so much fun seeing all of the dinosaurs. Jarett was so cute and would repeat all of the names of the dinosaurs like he was Payton's tour guide! Maelee's favorite part was probably the Cheetos'!!! And Payton just had fun being out and about with friends and Mom! Fun Summer Day!

Payton's 1st Soccer Season

2010-09-04T15:11:00.000-06:00

Payton started his first season of AYSO Soccer! He loves it and is really pretty good . . . and even if he wasn't I would probably say that since you know he is mine!!!!! GO Team GO!!

Summer BBQ

2010-09-04T14:32:00.000-06:00

Summer is coming to an end and we had the 2nd Annual Rhees Ranch BBQ!!!!

Brady and Jena Stoker

2010-09-04T13:09:00.000-06:00

Our friends Brady and Jena got married today. It was a very beautiful wedding they both looked amazing! My brother Colby was the best man and did a great job . . . well he had a little trouble getting the rings off the pillow but came through in the end! Payton loved the wedding! He had a crush on Jena and would just follow her around and take pictures of her on HIS camera! He even got a hug and kiss from her . . . watch out Brady here comes Payton!!!

GiRlS jUsT waNt To HAvE fUn!!

2010-09-04T11:09:00.001-06:00

Me and some of my friends from work decided that we need to just have some good old girl time!!! So we went laughed, danced, ate, and just had some fun together!

built FORD tough!

2010-07-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

Payton wanted to pull the horse trailer with his truck! He is such a little cowboy workin' on the farm with his truck, hat, and horses!

Rhees Family BBQ

2010-07-29T22:43:00.000-06:00

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo

2010-07-29T21:35:00.000-06:00

We went to the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo on the 24th of July! The best part for Payton was definitely the motor cross guys, he was so excited and happy that every muscle in his body would tense up every time they jumped! Also the cotton candy was the best treat for Payton and PAPA!!

Farmer's Daughter & Tater

2010-07-23T00:18:00.000-06:00

My Dad had me mow the field with the tractor! I made sure that it looked perfect not a blade of grass out of place. If I do say so myself it looks pretty good! I could work at a golf course! Payton had fun too!

Payton and Daisy

2010-07-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

Payton absolutely loves our little dog Daisy. They really are the best of friends. They do everything together as you can tell! According to Payton they are the same age as well. Doggies really are a little boys best friend!

Farmer's Market

2010-07-22T22:54:00.000-06:00

Payton and I went to the Farmer's Market on 25th Street in Ogden. It was fun walking around seeing all of the different booths. Payton's favorite part was the tractors of course! We got some lunch and just sat under a tree and enjoyed the warm weather and the fun surroundings!

The OCA Races

2010-07-22T21:41:00.003-06:00

We went to the Races at OCA on July 10, 2010: It was my friend Chalene's sons first race on his bike. We all went out to support him. He did awesome and looked like a pro. Payton had a ton of fun running back and forth watching the bikers and cheering for Gage. His favorite thing was probably playing in the dirt with the play motorcyles though. Payton honestly came out of the races completely covered from head to toe in dirt . . . but he had fun so that is all that mattered!!!

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-07-22T20:45:00.004-06:00

July 8, 2010 Dad turned 54. Happy Birthday Dad we love you!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-05T15:15:00.002-06:00

Liberty Days 2010: We spent the day in Liberty for their celebration. Payton got to drive his truck in the parade again which he loved then he did a few of the activities; chicken catch, sawdust find, and stick horse derby. He got to eat snow cones, suckers, and get his face painted. He then got to go and spend the afternoon and night with his Daddy. My friends Chalene and Ryan came up for breakfast and the fireworks. We had a blast dancing and watching the fireworks. The fireworks were AWESOME! Happy 4Th of July!

Father's Day 2010

2010-07-05T15:08:00.006-06:00

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing special Dad in the whole world! My Dad is definitely one of my best friends. I am so grateful that he is here for us to celebrate him as our Dad. We are so blessed and lucky to still have him in our life. Dad I love you so much Happy Father's Day!

teNis MAtcH

2010-07-05T15:04:00.003-06:00

Payton loves to play tennis so he set up his net in the backyard and challenged me to a match!!! Yeah I am pretty good . . . LOL! Okay really Payton being 4yrs old won me!

We Will Miss You Grandpa

2010-06-04T18:50:00.007-06:00

Grandpa Rhees passed away on June 1st at the Ogden Veteran's Home with his family surrounding him. We just had the opportunity to celebrate Grandpa's 88th birthday a week before he passed away. Grandpa was such an amazing man. He made sure that as grandchildren, we all knew we were very important to him. I have so many special memories with him. He and Grandma always made it to every special event in my life as well as just being apart of my everyday life. They had an amazing kind of love the kind that only happens in fairy tales. They were and will continue to be amazing examples to me. I am so happy that they are together for time and all eternity. I will miss them both and will love them forever!

Payton Pre-School Graduation

2010-05-21T20:15:00.008-06:00

Payton had his first graduation! I hope that the next 13 years are this easy!!! Payton is old for his age so he will get to do this again next year! He had so much fun in pre-school and made lots of new friends. Payton loved his teacher Ambure she made learning fun for them. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Martinez and Grandma and Grandpa Rhees for coming to my graduation!

Payton's 1st T-Ball Season

2010-05-21T19:38:00.005-06:00

1st T-Ball Game

2nd T-Ball Game
Payton started T-Ball this year and he loves it!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-21T18:44:00.007-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to the most Amazing Mom in the World!! Love You Mom!

Papa and Payton Kite Flying

2010-05-21T17:45:00.007-06:00

My Dad bought Payton a kite on one of the first warm days of the year! It took them a few trial and error tries but they finally got the hang of it and got the dragon up in the air!

Hard Workin Men!

2010-04-24T15:11:00.003-06:00

April 17 2010: Dad and Payton went up to help Colby with his yard. Payton loves being one of the boys working hard in the yard!

HaPpY 26th tO CaSsIe Jo:)

2010-04-24T15:04:00.004-06:00

Well I am officially closer to 30 then 20!!! I just turned 26 on April 6, 2010! I had a great birthday even though I am getting up there in the years! It was a busy weekend because it was General Conference, Easter, and my birthday! Saturday my Mom and Dad took me to lunch and shopping and on Sunday my Sister and her family and my Brother came over. We did the Easter thing and then we had cheese cake for my birthday cake (blew out 26 candles!!!) and opened presents! Thanks so much to my family for making my birthday so special and great! Love you all!

Easter 2010

2010-04-24T15:01:00.004-06:00

HaPpY eAsTeR 2010: For Easter we had an Easter Egg Hunt in the snow, decorated eggs, and Payton found his Easter basket that the Easter Bunny hid!

Easter Cleats

2010-04-24T14:58:00.003-06:00

Payton got Baseball Cleats from his Dad for Easter and as you can see he hasn't taken them off since he got them. He has played, eaten, worked, and slept in them!! Thanks Phil

The Funny Little Sleeper!!!

2010-04-24T14:54:00.004-06:00

Payton Shoveling Snow

2010-04-24T14:23:00.003-06:00

March 31, 2010: Of course as you know it was Spring for like 5 minutes and then it decided to snow! I didn't realize how much it had snowed so I asked Payton to go and shovel me a path to the wood so that I could get wood to build a fire! I really didn't think I needed a path I was just trying to give him something to do because he is constantly asking what he can do and how he can help. The next thing I knew he had shoveled quite a bit of snow all the way around the house! He thought it was so fun to use his shovel and help Mom out!! Good little guy! Happy Spring!!!

March 27, 2010 Tree Trimming

2010-04-24T14:12:00.002-06:00

Payton helped Papa trim the trees for the spring. Payton had to watch at first to see how to do it and then he climbed right up there on the ladder with his own clippers and trimmed away!

Cowboys!!!

2010-04-24T13:58:00.005-06:00

Payton loves to be just like Papa in his gloves, boots, and cowboy hat~! "Partners!!!"

Emily's 4th Birthday!

2010-04-24T13:53:00.005-06:00

HaPpY 4th BiRtHdAy EmIlY!!! It was my niece's 4th Birthday March 22, 2010. As you can see she loves being a girl with all of her princess stuff. She is the cutest little girl ever! She has such a cute smile and the funnest personality! I love her so much! Her and Payton are the best of buddies as well!

March 13, 2010: Papa and Payton

2010-04-24T13:27:00.003-06:00

wOrK hArD, pLaY hArD, nAp HaRd!!!

Colby's Snowmobile

2010-04-24T13:23:00.002-06:00

March 12, 2010: Colby got a new Snowmobile so he took Payton on a ride. Payton loved it and told me that if I wanted I could get him one!!!

Ogden Train Show

2010-03-07T21:19:00.008-07:00

My Sister and her husband Kent took their daughter Emily and Payton to the Ogden Train Show. The kids had so much fun going inside the trains, taking a small train ride, and getting a few train trinkets. Kent loves trains so he had just as much fun as the kids if not more!

Winter Series Rodeo

2010-03-07T21:09:00.004-07:00

We went to the Rodeo at Golden Spike cause we love rodeos!!! We sat so close that we felt like we were part of the rodeo, dirt flying on us, face to face with the horses, and Payton even got to go and chase a chicken. He didn't really run after the chicken he was just excited to be able to run around in the arena with the million other kids!

Jarett's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-03-07T20:43:00.005-07:00

It was my friend's little boys Birthday Party. Jarett turned 2 and had a great birthday party. His cute mom Mindy made him the cutest "Little Tow" birthday cake and in the end Jarett was all blue! He was cute opening his presents in his diaper. His little sister also had fun watching him eat his cake and open presents. She enjoyed some cake herself! Payton had fun with the other kids just playing being boys!

King of The Snow Hill

2010-03-07T20:07:00.006-07:00

Every Boy Needs To Be King of The Hill

Dad's Heart Attack

2010-01-19T20:06:00.008-07:00

Well we have had a busy blessed 2010!! It all started on New Year's Eve. Dad had a busy New Year's Eve Day. He went to the Temple and had the most amazing experience he has ever had. He ran a few errands and then came home and fed his and the neighbor's animals. After that he had a very light dinner (salad) then he came in and started talking to me. Then all of a sudden he put his hand to his chest and sat down on my bed then all of a sudden he fell back on my bed. I at first thought that he was kidding but I couldn't get him to respond. I yelled for Mom and she came running down. She kind of slapped him around and I called 911. We got him down to my bedroom floor and I held 911 to my ear and started CPR. I did CPR for 8 minutes until the Paramedics got there . . . and yes that was the longest 8 minutes of my life! The Paramedics had to shock him to bring him back and then they called life flight. On his way to the helicopter a few men in our ward gave him a blessing and life flight got him down to McKay Dee Hospital in 4 minutes and we drove down as fast as we could. Our Bishop (Bishop Mike Rhodes) was there to meet Dad and he gave him another blessing with a hospital worker. They lost him again at the hospital and so they shocked him again. They did a double bi-pass that night and Dad was in ICU for 2 days then they moved him up to the Cardio floor for 5 days. Dad came home on Thursday January 7, 2010. Dad is doing so great and they are so impressed with his recovery they didn't expect it at all. They said the CPR kept the oxygen to his brain and that helped his brain function to be what it is today. We are so blessed and lucky and love him more than anything in this world. Heavenly Father and the prayers and love are what helped us through this. Thank you to everyone!

EnJoYiNg ThE sNoW!!!

2010-01-19T19:59:00.006-07:00

Papa took the front end loader of his tractor and smoothed out the hill for Payton and then Papa would hold Payton on the sled and gently let him slide down. Payton had so much fun and got more brave each time!

After the sleigh riding Payton and Papa decided to have a little snow fight as you can see Payton lost!! But he had fun and was a good sport!!!!!

Christmas Day 2009

2010-01-19T01:00:00.008-07:00

Christmas Morning it was just Colby, Mom, Dad, and Me. Payton spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning with his Dad. Even though Payton wasn't with me it was still a good Christmas Morning. Mom and Dad always seem to make it special!

Christmas Day we all went up to Logan after we got Payton to go up to Kent and Angie's (My sister and her husband!!) It was so fun to just be with family. Justin my nephew just loved to lay on the sled and spin in circles!

After we to home from Logan Payton and I did finally celebrate Christmas together. He got to open all of his presents from me and Santa. He had so much and was so grateful and appreciative. He would say that he loved each gift with so much enthusiasm and happiness!! When we were all done he put on his first roller skates and picked up his snow shovel and went to work!!!! It was a great Christmas and I have the greatest little boy in the whole world . . . well I have the greatest family in the whole world! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-19T00:26:00.005-07:00

We had a great Christmas Eve at our house! Payton and Gram's made sugar cookies for Santa! Payton did a good job and of course enjoyed the frosting by the spoon full. Payton put cookies and hot chocolate out for Santa. After sugar cookie time we let him open a present, and to stick with our family tradition one of them was pajamas and then Papa had a surprise for him which was a play tool set. He is Papa's little helper so he was so excited to be a "worker guy" as he says with Papa!

jUsTin'S 1sT bIrtHdaY!!

2010-01-19T00:02:00.004-07:00

It was my nephew Justin's 1st Birthday on December 19, 2009: He is at such a fun age and has such a fun personality! He is already all boy! He got lots of trucks and boy toys for his birthday! We thought for sure he would dive right into his cake but he just looked at it then he would dip his finger just barely in the frosting look at his finger and then lick his finger. He stayed nice and clean and just enjoyed his 1st birthday cake! (Yes I took a lick of his cake!!!!! If he wasn't going to then I figured I would!!!!) And as you can see by this last picture he partied like a rock star and was ready to hit the sack!

Winter Storm and Christmas Tree

2010-01-18T23:22:00.006-07:00

We had a very eventful day today! We had a great big snow storm so Payton and Papa went out and plowed and snow blowed. Papa let Payton run the snowblower all by himself. Payton thought he was so big!!! After a hard working day we helped Grams put up their Christmas tree. Payton is quite the decorator and all of the ornaments he put on were at the bottom on the tree in one small section! But really that is what Christmas is . . . . children!! My mom made a new tree skirt for the tree this year. She did an amazing job and it looks awesome under our broken top leaning Christmas tree! Yes this may be the last year for this particular Christmas tree but it is ours and we love it!

Getting Ready for Santa

2010-01-18T22:57:00.003-07:00

After we saw Santa at the General Store we came home and got ready for Santa! We came home and decorated the little trees in our room, then Payton wrote a letter to Santa, (well I wrote it he drew pictures and told me what he wanted!!) and then he put his letter in this little green mailbox for Santa to get! Payton was so excited and adorable!

Christmas at the General Store

2010-01-18T22:41:00.004-07:00

Payton, Gram's and I went over to the General Store to see Santa. They delivered Santa Clause in a fire truck so of course Payton loved that! Payton loved it and he was so nervous that he forgot to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas! It was pretty cold but we had fun drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the excitement and anticipation of seeing Santa!

Thanksgiving 2009 at the Rhees'

2010-01-18T22:26:00.004-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving at the Rhees home! It was basically like a Sunday Dinner except a lot more food!!! But it was very nice to think of all of the things that I am grateful for. I am truly so grateful for my family and the wonderful blessings that they bring into my life. They make me a better person just by being around them. I thank my Lord and Savior for all of the many wonderful blessings that I have in my life. I thank Heavenly Father for my amazing perfect Payton! I love him more than anything and I hope that he will always know that! Thank you for my blessings!

Happy 31st Sis and 22nd Colby

2010-01-18T22:14:00.007-07:00

Angie's little guy Justin does the cutest little nose scrunch so I had to throw in a picture!

Angie turned 31 on October 28, 2009: She got clothes and some awesome table runners for the holidays that my mom made. Colby turned 22 on November 8, 2009: He had a great birthday he received a few pictures to decorate his house with! As you can see Payton helped Colby with his cake! We love Angie and Colby so much and are so grateful that they are part of our lives! They both are such amazing special people and we are lucky to have them! Love you both and hope you have a great 31st and 22nd year!

Grandpa Lynn and Payton's Pony Ride

2010-01-18T21:55:00.006-07:00

Payton's other Grandpa came over and gave Payton a ride on his little pony. Payton loved it so much! The pony was just his size. Payton love's Grandpa Lynn! And yes my little cowboy in his Bear's Jersey, cowboy hat, and yellow rubber boots! He loves his sports and being a cowboy so why not put them together?!!!

Batman says "Happy Halloween!"

2009-11-02T21:13:00.003-07:00

Payton was Batman for Halloween this year. . . not that you couldn't tell! Payton went trick or treating with his cousin's and Daddy. Payton had a lot of fun and got a lot of candy!

Halloween Town High

2009-11-02T21:06:00.004-07:00

In honor of Halloween I thought I would post some pictures of the movie I was in on the Disney Channel called Halloween Town High. These are just pictures of what it took to become a cat and some of the cast memebers! It was a great time and an awesome experience!

Family Pictures - Minus Colby:(

2009-11-02T19:46:00.012-07:00

Thanks Stephanie for the great pictures!

My Mom and Dad are so cute

They are the best of friends!

Colby was home sick! So he wasn't in any of our family pictures! Colby we love you and these are not the same without you!

Payton (3 1/2), Emily (3), Justin (5 months)

Payton's Birthday at Chucky Cheese

2009-10-17T21:19:00.004-06:00

We spent the Saturday after Payton's birthday at Chucky Cheese. He loved it so much! He had so much fun playing all of the games and riding the rides with his cousin Emmi. He danced and sang with Chucky Cheese for his birthday. He got a cake and blew out 4 candles. He opened his presents and cashed in his tickets for prizes and treats. He had a great day thanks to Grams and Papa!

Payton's 4th Birthday!!

2009-10-17T20:38:00.004-06:00

October 7, 2009: I can't believe it Payton just had his 4th birthday! We had such a fun day together. We first went and got his 4 year old check-up. Payton has always been small from day one and to this day he still is. He weighs 30lbs (7th%) and 38inchs (10th%)! After the doctor we went over to Snowcrest to say hello to Grams and the kids in the classroom sang "Happy Birthday" to Payton. He loved it and felt so special. Then Payton and I went to Toads and miniature golfed and played the arcade games. It was a fun filled packed day and then he got to have a birthday party with his dad that night! Happy Birthday Payton thanks for being such a great little boy! I Love You~!

1st Day of Pre-School

2009-10-17T20:19:00.002-06:00

July 11, 2009: Payton had his first day of pre-school. He loves his class and the teachers. He comes home with lots of fun activities and stories!

Swimming Lessons

2009-10-17T19:51:00.003-06:00

July 2009: Payton had his first set of swimming lessons. He got to do swimming lessons with his cousin Tess so that eased his fears a little bit. He did pretty good. He had a little bit of a hard time jumping off into the water to the teacher, but finally his fears subsided and he did it! He had a lot of fun and learned a lot. He was so proud of himself when he was done!

Powder Mountain Race

2009-10-17T19:19:00.005-06:00

August 29, 2009: We went up to the Powder Mtn. BMX race to watch one of my friends brother's compete. Payton of course loved the motorcycles and decided that he wants a motorcycle and one that doesn't need batteries so that it doesn't run out!

Summer BBQ!

2009-10-17T18:32:00.006-06:00

August 21, 2009: We had a bbq this summer with all of my friends from work and their families. We had lots of fun horse riding, riding in the bucket of the tractor, having yummy dutch oven dinner my mom made. I don't know who had more fun the kids or the adults!!!

New Horse

2009-08-15T00:48:00.002-06:00

We got a new horse! My Dad's old horse decided to continually throw him off! And lets say the horse won the first 8 rounds leaving Dad very black and blue, sore, and swollen. So after Dad got the last ride in he traded him in for a new horse! We already love the new horse a lot. She is fun to ride and Payton and I have been taking advantage of the nice weather and riding!

July 4th and July 24th Fun!!!!

2009-08-15T00:33:00.007-06:00

July 4th: We had a very fun eventful 4th of July! We started a day early doing sparklers and getting ready for the 4th. On the 4th of July Payton got to drive his truck in the Liberty Days parade. He did so good just following the firetruck. In between starting and stopping during the parade he would put his arms up on is steering wheel and relax until they started up again! Payton did a few of the events up at Liberty Days. He chased a chicken, which he did not want to catch he just wanted to chase it. His picture was also in the Valley Newspaper chasing the chicken . . . so cute!!! He did the sawdust find where he searched through sawdust to find treats and prizes. We of course had to get a tattoo because he loves them and of course it had to be some type of sport! We had fun enjoying the day with family and friends!

We went to the Pioneer Day's Rodeo in Ogden! We had so much fun watching all of the events and entertainment. But out of everything Payton's favorite part was watching the motorcycles jump and do tricks. He now thinks that he is going to get a motorcycle and do tricks just like them . . . but if I have any say I am going to keep him safe and sound on the ground on feet!!!!

SUMMER FUN!

2009-07-03T10:22:00.006-06:00

You have got to love summer for the ice cream and sprinklers! Payton's loves chocolate so no matter what it is if it has chocolate he will eat it! Payton enjoyed a yummy chocolatey ice cream treat and of course got messy! Well my clean little guy hates to be messy so of course we had to strip off all his clothes and rinse him off! Now that the clothes are off we better play in the water. Payton has to work his way up to running through the sprinklers. We started out slow with just putting our hands in the water, then we moved to getting a little more wet by making a water slide, and finally we got the courage to run through the sprinklers . . . and as you can tell by his hands it took a lot of courage!

Baseball Fun: Of course having a boy we have to dedicate time to sports! Payton is pretty good and loves to hit the ball and run the bases . . . but don't try and get him out he is not really a good sport! And of course we have to practice our outfield skills of catching and getting someone out! Luckily, we have had a few good days without rain to train for the Majors!

Father's Day: My Dad is the Best! We have so much fun together! I am so lucky to have my Dad as a Dad! This year for Father's Day we gave my Dad an Ipod! At first he wasn't quite sure what to do with it and if he would be able to work it! But he spent the remainder of the afternoon and night figuring it out and now that he has it figured out he is always listening to it!

ShErMaN tHe WoRmAn: Payton found a worm in the garage after one of our many summer storms. I told him that the worm needed to be in the water. Payton didn't want to touch it so he put on a glove and carried it to a puddle. Payton said that the worm loves him so much and that they are best friends. Payton also said that the worm had to go into the ground where he lives but he will come back and visit!

Working On The Ranch!!!!

2009-05-20T20:31:00.000-06:00

Payton spent the entire weekend helping Papa out on the farm. Payton loves to get his work gloves and red rubber boots on and "work" with Papa. Payton will mimic everything he does all the way down to the way he sits! Payton doesn't care what it is he is right there to help even with the horses and cows walking right around him, he has no fear! Payton will be right on Papa's heels with every move he makes. But of course Payton's favorite part is when he gets to ride the tractor with Papa. As soon as he hears the tractor start he stops whatever he is doing and is right there at Papa's side making sure that he doesn't miss the ride! Payton doesn't like to quit working until the sun goes down and even then it questionable . . . Payton is a great "farm hand!!"

JeNeal Martinez Photography

2009-05-20T20:19:00.000-06:00

Payton's Aunt JeNeal is starting her photography business. So we were lucky enough to have her do a few practice shots of Payton and as you can see she doesn't need much practice Thanks JeNeal!

Mother's Day

2009-05-20T19:30:00.000-06:00

For Mother's Day Payton gave me the cutest Precious Moment that says "The Heart of A Mother Is Reflected In Her Child." I couldn't ask for a better little boy. He is so special to me and makes everyday better! I am so grateful and lucky to be his Mom.