Weekend in Shreveport

We just got back from an incredible weekend in Shreveport visiting my friend Red and her husband Brian. I really loved Shreveport - the food, the homes, the beautiful trees. But the best part was getting a weekend away with my dear friends from college. I hope we make it an annual event. Red is due with her first baby boy (Baker) in November. Thanks Red for a great weekend! Brian, those steaks were incredible!

Father's Day Weekend

Happy Father's Day to my dear husband, Matt. He is the best father I know and I am blessed to be married to him. To celebrate, I gave him this crazy soda making machine that carbonates any liquid. It is hilarious. He has been making homemade soda water (all different flavors) all day long. We spent Saturday night at the lake the with entire Taylor clan which is also always very fun. Alivia rode in the kayak for the first time with Pa and had a really good time. Matt got out his good camera and took a few action shots of me on the wakeboard (yahhooo!)

VBS 2009 - Fear Not!

Alivia went to her first Vacation Bible School at Covenant Presbyterian last year and we all loved it. We still sing the music in the car. This year was just as great. One of the best parts is seeing so many friends during the drop off and pick ups. Alivia was in the same class as her "best friend" Aubrey. Alivia insisted on wearing the VBS t-shirt every day! One day after VBS she came home and said, "Mommy, I had a good day, but a hard day and I am really really tired. .  ." and headed off to bed for a 3 hour nap.

Swimmin' the Summer Away

Alivia has been taking swimming lessons through the City at our nearby pool. Her teacher is Mr. Larry and is simply the most patient man on earth. 

Although the class is very slow moving and basic, it has been a great intro. I think she may need some one on one classes after these are done, but one thing at a time. She is in the class with her bud, Caroline. 

The greatest hurdle I hope she can pass these next 2 weeks is putting her face under the water.

Cousin Avery

Alivia and Avery have really started playing well together. I am so glad we see them so often. Avery is exactly a year younger than Alivia so Alivia gets to run the show most of the time. I pray that they will be lifelong friends.

Will - 18 months

Recently some of my friends have been giving sweet updates on what their kids are up to at various ages and stages. So I thought I would do one for Will. He has really become a toddler recently and no longer a baby.

1) He loves to brush his teeth! The moment he sees a toothbrush he will say "teef, teef" and want to have toothpaste put on it. (We'll have to remind him of this in 10 years)

2) He is getting his lower incisors. Finally!

3) He is learning how to get his way - and has had his first few tantrums. Yikes. The video shows a typical response.

4) He still loves his pacifier and his "bunnies" which actually are not bunnies at all but various loveys that he keeps in his crib.

5) He loves to sleep. (Praise the Lord!)

6) He is a snuggler and mama's boy. One of his favorite sayings is "Hold me!"

7) He still has lots and lots of rolls - I love them.

8) He is quick to smile and laugh although has not been doing so for the camera lately.

9) He started talking early and has not stopped. 

10) His favorite word is "No" with a vigorous head shake.

I love you Will! You are a blessing to our family.

Weekend in The Woodlands

We spent a fun weekend in The Woodlands visiting my friend Penny and her family and also Erin and Brandon. Alivia loved all of the boys and kept up with them pretty well. Will just enjoyed watching all the action. He was a little sidelined by some ear issues. 

Erin and Brandon's pool was really nice and provided some fun for all the kids.

Penny is expecting Baby BOY #3 this fall!