Payton entered this world on Novemeber 3, 2004. His little life was hectic from a very young age. I can remember when I started keeping him. Picking him up in the morning and playing with him all day. Shopping for clothes, food, toys and diapers for our house. His first word was said at our home. His first steps were taken across my living room. All of us loved having him there. Michael was more than happy to be his godfather. 

His little sister was born October 25, 2005. The first time we met her was Christmas of the same year. Michael drove all over finding formula for her since she didn't have any. She was so tiny. Of course Payton ran all over the house!

Then came Valentine's Day of 2006. The day their little lives changed forever. Payton was admitted into the hospital after ingesting methamphetamines. I can remember holding him at the hospital and walking the halls with him..the both of us crying. His skin was raw and red from the drugs. The next day he was released into CPS custody. He and Katie were in foster care for two months while we had many background checks done on us. In May the children were placed with us.

Payton was the most curious child ever!! He wanted to understand everything. Even things well beyond his years. Looking back I think he was trying to discover all he could in the time he had. His fascination with being a "spacernaut" since he didn't just want to go to the moon was so grown. And his love of anything to do with dinosaurs. With a tear in my eye I can see him holding his grown up dinosaur book, wanting to be read it again.