It’s been quite a while since the last entry and Christmas, along with the holidays, is now behind us. We tried to stay busy and change things up a bit in an effort to divert our attention away from past Christmas memories and traditions. We certainly don’t want to (and won’t) forget about the wonderful times we shared with Peyton in years past but this year we really needed to do things different to try and take a little sting out of what is usually a very joyous time of year. Peyton loved Christmas very much and that made this year that much more difficult to get through. But get through it we did and we are now focused forward into 2009 and what we believe will be a much better year.
Our trip to the Polar Express was fun (see new pics). I think everyone, including my 17 year old niece, Bailey, enjoyed themselves. There was plenty of snow on the ground and it was quite chilly, both of which added to the occasion. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railroad hotel in Williams (AZ) after riding the Polar Express to the North Pole and back. The train ride was lots of fun with hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and Christmas caroling along the way. Once we arrived at the North Pole Santa boarded the train and made his way through each passenger car handing out sleigh bells to all the kids. Weston was glued to the window while riding on the train, looking out and waiting to see the North Pole and Santa. We were all wearing our PJ’s (as is customary), including dad! There was a brief moment on the train when JoDee and I looked at each other and knew what the other was thinking – then we began to cry. We managed to catch ourselves and recover quickly so that we did not spoil the experience for Weston and Bailey. Yes we were sad because we knew how much Peyton would have loved it but we were happy to be there with Weston and his cousin.
After departing from Williams we stopped for a brief visit in Flagstaff and to play in the snow. We dropped in on the Halstead’s and while we were there it began to snow – quite hard I might add. After frolicking in the snow for about an hour we decided we needed to hit the road or get stuck overnight from the snow storm that had arrived. We said our good-byes and headed south toward Mesa where we arrived safe and sound on the Monday night before Christmas. On Christmas Eve grandma and grandpa stopped by Aunt Becky and Uncle Bruce’s for an early Christmas exchange before they headed to Tucson. They joined us for a special Christmas Eve dinner at a place called Organ Stop Pizza. It is an amazing place with a HUGE organ built throughout the walls and building. Weston was in awe as he watched and sang along to the Christmas carols that were played.
Christmas morning was quite exciting as Weston discovered that Santa had visited in the night, ate his cookies and milk, and deposited several new presents for him (including a new bike). He was such fun to watch as he opened one gift after another. He and Bailey took turns opening their gifts and we managed to stretch it out for at least 30 minutes. Weston scored pretty well and was quite happy with all of his loot. Along with his bike and other toys we gave him some baseball equipment to get him ready for tee-ball this year. The weather cooperated for a few days and we took his stuff over to the ball field where he broke-in his new baseball bat. There were a few park maintenance workers who watched and then commented that he was “a natural”. He really loves baseball and I really enjoy playing with him. As the weather warms up we’ll get out more and by the start of the season he should be ready to go.
New Year’s was mellow and Weston stayed with his Grammy, Pa and the entire clan of Zadareky cousins while momma and I joined Aunt Maggie and Uncle Jeff for dinner. We ended up at home by 10:30 and couldn’t stay awake long enough to ring in the new year. I guess that happens when you get past a certain age??? Christmas has all been put away and JoDee has been busy getting the house clean and straightened up. Weston went back to preschool yesterday and we are trying to get into some kind of rhythm (whatever that means!). We are still trying to be “all right” with our new reality. Peyton will always be in our hearts and never far from our thoughts but we know we must continue to look forward, stay positive, and focus on what we’ve been given. Our journey continues and as it unfolds I’ll stop by now and again to give updates. We still read the guestbook every day and appreciate all the kind thoughts, comments and prayers. We truly are blessed.
Happy New Year to all and may God’s blessings be plentiful the coming year.
Walter, JoDee, Peyton and Weston
