Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Snow Day!






After several nearby snowfalls, Austin FINALLY got its own today! The kids were beyond excited. We tried to build a snowman, but eventually had more fun eating the snow and throwing snowballs in the water that always collects on our driveway. Ahhhh, a real taste of wintertime. I love it!


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Paige's Baptism











Today we celebrated Paige's baptism at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was an angel and looked so pretty in the gown. All of the kids have worn the same gown and afterwards Mia monograms the inside with their name and date of the baptism. Afterwards we went to Mimi and Grandpa's house for a great brunch.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

A Day at the Ranch










The whole Taylor clan was headed out to the Ranch on Saturday, so the Risingers decided to tag along. Will had never been out there and it has been a few years since Alivia had been as well. We had a blast! I think it will get even more fun as the kids get older. It is so nice to get away from TV and telephones and just get outside. We walked around the property and marveled at how full the river and tanks were. The highlight was when I caught a frog and showed the kids. They were thrilled. We had to drag Will away from the tank - he just stood there for the longest time. . . until he walked right in!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Date night!



Matt and I had a fun overnight date night thanks to Mimi and Pa. We took the kids over to them on Friday after naps and picked them up 24 hours later. We went to eat at Fleming's in The Domain (yummy!), then went to a movie, slept in, went out to eat breakfast, ran a few errands and topped it off with a nap. Heaven!

I am 29 weeks preggo at this point! (More pics later)


Friday, January 29, 2010

4 Year Check Up

Alivia had a great check up today with Dr. Dawson. Her hearing and vision were checked and she was even able to give a urine sample when asked (I was incredibly impressed!). She received one shot and after some preparation, did not even cry. Overall, she got a clean bill of health. Praise God!

Height 41" (75%)
Weight 38 lbs (75%)

Dr. Dawson says she is on track to be about 5' 7" or so. Her mild asthma has really been so much better since we started the once a day steroid inhaler.

Parent Teacher Conference



Matt and I were both able to meet with Ms. Jami, Alivia's preschool teacher. Alivia got great reviews and Jami laughingly referred to Alivia as her "teacher's assistant." She gave us a nice typed sheet that summed up her thoughts. I thought I would type them here:

"Alivia is an enthusiastic child who enjoys almost all activities at preschool. In the classroom, she most often engages in fantasy play with other children - including doctor and babies. She likes to dress up. Alivia also enjoys the sensory table, books, games and puzzles. Alivia always maximizes time and supplies during classroom art projects. She enjoys show and tell and music class. She is sometimes participatory in Spanish and chapel. When outdoors, Alivia enjoys playing in the sandbox and riding tricycles. She does not always want to stay outdoors for the time allotted.

Alivia plays well with boys and girls. Her most common classroom playmates are Aubrey, Samuel, Audrey and Eliza Claire. Alivia has absorbed the classroom routines and rules. She is mostly independent in hand-washing, packing and unpacking her lunch and snack. She is learning to put on her outerwear. Alivia is always attentive in line and during circle and letter-wall time.

Alivia can recognize her name and the letters of her name and the alphabet. She uses a small grip and is learning to write the letters of her name. She is developing her scissor skills.

Alivia always has a smile on her face. She is independent and self-confident."

WOW! What a great little girl. I love you so much, Alivia and am honored God has entrusted me to care for you.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Baby Boy Bedding!


One of my most favorite things to do to get ready for my babies is figure out what bedding I want to get. I have used a local store for the last two kids, but decided to use a different place this time. I have decided to go with an antique aeronautical theme. . . here is a sneak peek of what the bumper and valence fabric will be - there will be some fun accent colors and fabrics used in both as well. I can't wait to see it! When it finally arrives (in about 6 weeks), it will definitely make it all seem more real.