Baby Matthew's Dedication

The final Taylor grandchild wore the special dress this past weekend when we had baby Matthew dedicated. We changed things up a bit and had the service at our house surrounded by family and our community/fellowship groups. It was really special to have Elder Rob Truss perform the ceremony. Sweet Matthew, it becomes more and more apparent to me that you are just on loan to me for a short time. May God use me to help you learn about Him. Amen!

Precious Matthew - he's 10 months now!

The Mezgers

Lots of kids - about 25 - were here. They all get along great.

Schooler, Matt and Davis

Schooler and Adam Zimel

The ceremony. . . 

The Ripleys

This is Mimi and Grandpa's Christmas card photo!

The Taylors

Sam, Josh, Alivia and Bentley

We love the Underwood boys!

Matt's 40th Birthday

The pictures speak for themselves. Matt took some guy friends from the 'Hood to Carrizo Springs to our family ranch in deep South Texas. (We are talking basically Mexico.) They shot a lot of ammo, killed some wildlife, blew up stuff, and ate some good food. All in all, it was a great man-bonding

Happy 40th Birthday to the favorite man in my life.

STUDS - I mean from L->R - Scott, Jon, Matt, Truss, Davis, Don, Schooler, and Larry. I surprised them with these shirts and sunglasses. It makes for an AWESOME pic!

Matt organized everything. He even had two friends from PDX come for the weekend

Nothing says Texas like an semi automatic weapon and cake

Beautiful Photos by JillBee

I'm so excited about these photos. Jill did such an amazing job capturing our family. The one of the four kids is my favorite. I will be using a few of these for our Christmas card (designed by JillBee as well) so stay tuned!

We took all of the shots at Bull Creek Park

I think the background is really interesting and pretty in all of the shots

At this point I am thinking "There is no way we are going to get any good shots"

And then. . .

She sends me. . . 

These precious shots of the children!

Sigh. . . Oh my goodness that face. . . that head. . . those cheeks. 

Will found a frog while we were there!

I cannot believe she got ALL of them to look at the camera!

This is my favorite family shot. . .if only John wasn't looking like a crazy man!

Matthew's 9 Month Appointment

All went well. He charmed the pants off the nurse when he did not cry or even yell when she gave him his Hepatitis B shot. Amazing.

Here are his stats:
Height: 28.5 inches (50%)
Weight: 22 pounds (70%)
Head Circumference: 46 cm (70%)

We need a bigger tub

Halloween 2012

We gathered at our house for the traditional Papa Murphy's pizza. Aunt Emily was in Cuba this year so her dad was in town to help out.

Alivia as the American Girl Doll, Felicity, from Colonial times. And Avery as a tiger.

Still not sure what this gal was. . . something from YoGabbaGabba? 

Will as Luke Skywalker from Star Wars

This stinker refused to wear his costume

Sigh. . .this cutie went to bed too early to even fool with a costume

Proof that Loye (aka Papa) was present on Halloween at my house!

Grandpa and Matthew

Matthew is almost 9 months old!