Reading with Jordan

Taylor has really started to love books, which we are really excited about because there was a span of time she wasn't really interested. Every night she would have us read every single book in her collection if we would! Obviously time doesn't always allow for a complete collection reading so we have been working with her to "read" to herself. I am so impressed with how well she can remember the books and "read" along! We watched our friends little guy Jordan the other day and while Derek and I were working on something else we walked into the living room and found this....

Backyard Camping

As most of your know Derek is a HUGE fan of camping and I am not such a fan! He has been wanting to take Taylor camping for some time, but I just haven't felt ready. She is very busy and I just really feared she'd escape out of the tent in the middle of the night...or not sleep! Derek and his friend Ryan decided we should do a trial run in the backyard, which I totally went for since I got to sleep in my comfy, cozy bed! I was shocked at how quickly both kids went to sleep! Much thanks to Ashley for singing to them :)

Both Taylor and Caleb slept the ENTIRE night! They did wake pretty early, but I guess that means they would be tired enough for naps later the next day??

So I guess this means I might have to give in and allow a camping trip....still not thrilled, but after our backyard camping success I do think the kids (and dads) would have a blast!

Additional pictures from longest blog ever!

The prized ice-fishing catch!

A little family pic before Christmas Mass

Cousin love on Christmas Day!

Fun in Shipshewana...

My computer is running super slow...this is all I have in me tonight! I have said out loud that I am going to try to do better at updating, so hopefully it will happen!!

LONG Delayed Post

I can't believe I haven't posted since Christmas! And not even the actual Christmas... it was our pre-Christmas! So... lesson learned, no more holiday themed wallpaper until I can get back into my blogging swing of things, I can't believe I still had Christmas wallpaper in March!
Here's a picture to start you off, Taylor has changed so much in the last few months it is hard to keep up with everything!











Christmas in Indiana! What a GREAT time we had! Not only was Taylor super excited for the snow...(while there was some) she couldn't wait every morning to get out in it! She would wake up and the first words out of her mouth were "Play in snow now?" (hence her outfit for sledding of pj's, winter coat and boots!) She loved sledding down the hill and over the frozen lake, 3 months later she still discusses it! Derek even embraced the cold weather and did a little ice fishing with my dad. They had a little success and we had fun watching them throw on their winter gear and run, sprinting down to the lake when the flag popped up!





We welcomed our newest nephew Landon on New Years Eve! We were so happy to be there and have the opportunity to meet him before we flew back! Then again, Taylor and I might have been staying put until he arrived if he had decided to wait :) We are just so excited for Erin and Kordell.....but we miss Landon so much already!


We went to see Sesame Street Live on NYE. I was a little nervous thinking Taylor might be a little young for a live show, but she did amazing. She was so focused on the characters (even though she wasn't very familiar with them) and loved EVERY second of it! She particularly loved the song "Movin' Trash"...what can I say, she's my daughter!





January brought a visit from Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bert. I was horrible about taking pictures this time around! We had a great time at the Barrett Jackson car auction, even though I just don't understand the appeal of "old cars" when there are new cars to be purchased! I think Taylor's highlight of this visit was spending an afternoon at Dave & Busters, although I think the adults had just as much fun! There is a great quarters game that makes you feel like you are in Vegas haha.





We also had Taylor's first dentist appointment in January. She was a champ! She wasn't scared and did everything the dentist asked her to, such a proud mommy moment!



Derek took his Valentine's out to dinner at one of our favorite places in the area. El Encanto in Cave Creek has such a great atmosphere. You sit outside along side a pond with an ample amount of ducks swimming around. After dinner you can feed the ducks, this year the ducks were extremely friendly and CLOSE on the deck. I was a bit uncomfortable, however, Derek and Taylor didn't seem to mind!









With our beautiful weather there are of course visits to the horse track! Taylor loves yelling at the horses to "GO, GO, GO" and she loves to see all of the tractors and trucks in between races. Our last visit was dollar day, which meant dollar ice cream cones for Derek and Taylor, not sure who was more excited about that!

Well it seems I was a little long winded and picture heavy...I am unable to upload any more pictures! So I guess there will be another blog with more pictures!

An early Christmas!

We are headed back to IN this year for Christmas so we celebrated early out here! It was really important to us to start some traditions with Taylor and let her experience Santa at home. Taylor and Derek made a chain to count down, everyday when Derek would get home from work she would take him over to rip off the next link and count how many days till Santa would come! We loved building the anticipation with her and listening to her tell us what he would bring!

(Editors note: After Taylor's bath we slick her hair straight back and then while she sleeps it parts itself and dries stacked in the back...there is a certain Grandma (Megan) that can't stand it and hates that I have pictures with it like that...so to all that it bothers, I apologize!)

On Christmas Eve we let her open one present...preselected of course! Derek and I gave her a Children's Bible, we then read the story of the birth of Jesus and were just so touched with how well she listened and how eager she was to hold the Bible and look through it herself. She loved her nativity and using that as props while we read through the story.

Later in the evening we had her put out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. We also asked her if Santa would like some milk with his cookies and she said "NO, Santa wants water". So after we selected the proper cup (she chose a coffee mug) and directed just how much water to put in the mug (about a quarter of a cup), we were ready to leave it for the big guy! Although she did need to help herself to a few of the carrots first!

Christmas morning was so much fun this year. She was so excited when she woke up telling Derek that Santa came .... and that she was a big girl and didn't need his help (which is another topic in itself!). Her face lit up when she saw the tree on and the presents out that Santa had delivered overnight! She was so excited about each present and it just warmed our hearts! We were so bad and only took long videos on Christmas day, we didn't many get pictures. We'll try to get some of the action when we have our next Christmas in Indiana!

We also had a great time celebrating with Derek's family. We did our family Christmas later in the afternoon and judging from the nonexistent walking room in our living room, I'd say everyone had a great time...especially the girls! Thanks so much Bob, Bonnie, Greg, Alyssa and Bea for all the wonderful presents and even more so, for a such a fun day together!

Cookie baking

For the last several years I have been making cookies with two of my very good friends that I worked with at Dial! Cheryl, Jena and I started our first year with big hopes making WAY too many cookies that none of us could even finish! So over the years we have wised up and cut down the list of how many we make (this year just chocolate chip and two kinds of buckeyes)...I do love the cookies, but let's be honest, it is more about the girl time! This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions, even though Jena and I are no longer at Dial, the three of us still have the time to get together and trust me, there is no lapse in conversation!

Love you girls and can't wait till next year! Maybe next year I won't kick Derek and Taylor out so fast and we'll get a group picture!!

Our little ballerina

Taylor has taken a few classes through the City of Phoenix. We've done tumbling, ballet and a wee movement class where we sing and dance! I'd say so far, ballet has been her favorite...and mine to watch! She really enjoys going and putting on her leotard. I like it because it has taught her to wait her turn and listen to directions! Today was her last class for the session, we'll have to do a lot of practicing so she is ready when classes start back up in January!

Here is a video of Taylor and her instructor Miss Susie!

Pony kicks have become her favorite!