tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358146622024-03-07T00:19:37.894-08:00Taylored LifeElizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-27894485080301869862017-08-14T22:44:00.000-07:002017-08-14T22:44:30.171-07:00Back to School<p>School started for our kids today. I can't believe how quickly the summer came and went. We spent most of our time relaxing at home, playing games, swimming, and gathering with friends. The kids had a wide variety of camps this year. They did camps for Lego robotics and Minecraft; outdoor adventures with kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and biking; ice skating; water parks; amusement parks; and more...I wish I could take the summers off!</p><p>Although none of us were quite ready for summer to end this year, Jackson and Audrey were excited to get back to school to see their friends. We took our traditional first day of school pictures before walking to school this morning. Jackson's ideas for what he wants to be when he grows up continue to evolve. This year he's narrowed it down to either a video game or robot designer, and if that doesn't work out, he'll be an animal tamer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8aQ2iwlfkuZz1Omz9rEN0XalDXzqAlDRt1tqAcG-WLzQ2EpWYT9ylBOudOiJtD2sjm40AsA3Ds5bJA56EjFFJrApiXgP00e7ITBTxYruQVylgMxm9mxy6Z5QOpHGiwABkg5_/s1600/First+Day+of+School-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8aQ2iwlfkuZz1Omz9rEN0XalDXzqAlDRt1tqAcG-WLzQ2EpWYT9ylBOudOiJtD2sjm40AsA3Ds5bJA56EjFFJrApiXgP00e7ITBTxYruQVylgMxm9mxy6Z5QOpHGiwABkg5_/s400/First+Day+of+School-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" data-original-width="1237" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><p>Audrey wants to be a mom that can work from home when she grows up. To help make some money she wants to be a dog breeder. She says that would mean she gets to play with puppies all the time! She also wants to be an artist for fun...specifically doing sketches like her Pop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c7Pe06Yt9Jw108JRciPqlMf17K4ohius4lRUR_pyqFYJ_rTZxEHIZtDg2c6HxZcNz2xDonIMtA1ECobOVseFq2OrpqpBVsgJmtx-i7j4Wpc8XrwsUxtGZSwb800G6sqwgbom/s1600/First+Day+of+School-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c7Pe06Yt9Jw108JRciPqlMf17K4ohius4lRUR_pyqFYJ_rTZxEHIZtDg2c6HxZcNz2xDonIMtA1ECobOVseFq2OrpqpBVsgJmtx-i7j4Wpc8XrwsUxtGZSwb800G6sqwgbom/s400/First+Day+of+School-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" data-original-width="1237" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><p>Both kids had a great first day. When asked about the good and bad parts of their day, both kids mentioned how nice their teachers were and listed the friends they were thankful to have in their classes. The only bad part of either of their days was simply that their teachers were strict...a good sign in my mind! I'm certainly grateful for these two smiling faces!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mLtEv0TtL-j5cPryG6NNDW-iIu4L_9shyphenhyphenBdUflbbc2Dezd8ds1lWtRvboxNmEX_mFHph-n6rBbNNI2jjWu2Nz1kinWFgE0GsJvIiOMyGG0kWbdy2jQAp_OLENJygoUJfJeIz/s1600/First+Day+of+School-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mLtEv0TtL-j5cPryG6NNDW-iIu4L_9shyphenhyphenBdUflbbc2Dezd8ds1lWtRvboxNmEX_mFHph-n6rBbNNI2jjWu2Nz1kinWFgE0GsJvIiOMyGG0kWbdy2jQAp_OLENJygoUJfJeIz/s400/First+Day+of+School-3.jpg" width="309" height="400" data-original-width="1237" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><p>There are a few more pictures from the morning in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2017/School/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-18912777481200959352017-06-17T18:29:00.003-07:002017-06-17T18:29:47.866-07:00Happy New Year!...just a little late<p>Now that we're a little more than half way through the year, let me share how we celebrated the beginning of 2017. It was a fun-filled evening with my dad and the Tims family. We did an hourly scavenger hunt, which led to cans of silly string in the backyard at one point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEificiXDozBQTFDxDFCPdo9PgFezABbGYY_EtxlItcnxWHqAUwcR_N1ujRM3jZN0KntLxqXBYayOE50YqWxRYnC_KVwhHcH2bkBkIyec0QIFcVnfYmoF6NvcwvF48h1k0dRJFjA/s1600/New+Years-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEificiXDozBQTFDxDFCPdo9PgFezABbGYY_EtxlItcnxWHqAUwcR_N1ujRM3jZN0KntLxqXBYayOE50YqWxRYnC_KVwhHcH2bkBkIyec0QIFcVnfYmoF6NvcwvF48h1k0dRJFjA/s400/New+Years-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>In between the surprises, we played lots of games. Of course, the final clue led to confetti poppers and noise makers with some sparkling apple cider for the kids to toast.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41bA1mKVwfD840nNpsFOKFaj4EHVi0Hv2Q3BXXJvcmkx4r-jMR2-Sj4xhtgRUh0EW4HkE3i8N1TitHqG7Zo43Cbj-arKxlA6exd6XmqDAsnVGlDgnwx1dQ5k73248NrOZ8JKe/s1600/New+Years-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41bA1mKVwfD840nNpsFOKFaj4EHVi0Hv2Q3BXXJvcmkx4r-jMR2-Sj4xhtgRUh0EW4HkE3i8N1TitHqG7Zo43Cbj-arKxlA6exd6XmqDAsnVGlDgnwx1dQ5k73248NrOZ8JKe/s400/New+Years-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>We couldn't ask for a better way to ring in the New Year than with some of our favorite people and a lot of fun!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-81931855177718057912017-05-07T21:14:00.000-07:002017-05-07T21:16:46.929-07:00Christmas Memories<p>Do you still remember Christmas? I'm terribly behind on blog updates, so five months later I'm trying to remember what we did. I'm glad we got a few pictures to help us remember!</p><p>Christmas always begins shortly after we return home from Thanksgiving when we pick out our tree. This year was no different. Although, it was raining this time. Of course, that didn't slow us down! We still had fun hiking through the farm to find just the right tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMLxbAp3ljaf8J1zIfzUI8_5Wi84Ke9K59dzOQNwdwb0VS5TjU5-28UIzpJa7j0ks3fuyoHZSW2gZjYf7iVJdcG_tZ09-lND7ozWO0rTYpr76ls9bHa60ccGC-7HSY3xKU9Lv/s1600/Christmas-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMLxbAp3ljaf8J1zIfzUI8_5Wi84Ke9K59dzOQNwdwb0VS5TjU5-28UIzpJa7j0ks3fuyoHZSW2gZjYf7iVJdcG_tZ09-lND7ozWO0rTYpr76ls9bHa60ccGC-7HSY3xKU9Lv/s400/Christmas-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Nana was the first visitor to arrive for the holidays. Needless to say, they were excited to see her and loved their gifts!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPhUQEeDiRUy6_fJZW8SfKKAnF5ULcIduZnPhVtrD7l-704aDq1Cwi6fgsr-y2qti4ZzvTRBh8jwmIXOzTy_v6eU5gb9A9EaNjjvBQFRzF2_Tv_F6ebtURFJlQVGdeFWmFAp_/s1600/Christmas-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPhUQEeDiRUy6_fJZW8SfKKAnF5ULcIduZnPhVtrD7l-704aDq1Cwi6fgsr-y2qti4ZzvTRBh8jwmIXOzTy_v6eU5gb9A9EaNjjvBQFRzF2_Tv_F6ebtURFJlQVGdeFWmFAp_/s400/Christmas-6.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Grandmother and the Rodriguez family, minus Uncle Philip, were the next to arrive. Jackson and Audrey were so excited to spend some time with their cousins!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7dNFkNqOUVSQRzyznvAunTuGL6_2aTAcZ2LWUOq21lCWQTC8wervyhOJCLd10mK2GBuAYOiG-6E3seyMr5j-NFDI06-CyYclh-DIWhBrVqH_t8PKvhSla-xRUnL27EzYpzfM/s1600/Christmas-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7dNFkNqOUVSQRzyznvAunTuGL6_2aTAcZ2LWUOq21lCWQTC8wervyhOJCLd10mK2GBuAYOiG-6E3seyMr5j-NFDI06-CyYclh-DIWhBrVqH_t8PKvhSla-xRUnL27EzYpzfM/s400/Christmas-4.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>I love the next set of pictures from a visit to the park down the street because they show a little of everyone's personality. Audrey is our little monkey and loves to swing around whenever she gets the chance. Jackson is our little sweetheart and was picking flowers for his mom. Mitchell was determined to do things his way in his own time, and when he did, he conquered all!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPAviVpHI8G7UgBaqOqwRIlHQCDp14WAW8r30Tdbg8Ow9uWsFV0r9OqBRV2daSTJjpz6wkPUfL_XlOuLsiDinpMKnEMYII_hG6WkyXeE3uuSELPFQLIH80jaxhhQcjiDDRhvJ/s1600/Christmas-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPAviVpHI8G7UgBaqOqwRIlHQCDp14WAW8r30Tdbg8Ow9uWsFV0r9OqBRV2daSTJjpz6wkPUfL_XlOuLsiDinpMKnEMYII_hG6WkyXeE3uuSELPFQLIH80jaxhhQcjiDDRhvJ/s400/Christmas-5.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>The San Jose Tech Museum was on our list of adventures during their visit. They enjoyed building roller coasters, flying an astronaut jet pack, and experiencing earthquakes. They also got to enjoy the Christmas festival in the park, which included lots of fun rides! Audrey also squeezed in a little dress-up time while they were here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc4fS8AgDOBblp34P6YOMmocdwNBe4dxmepaMuNVGFam_uuai4y4l_O3BAzG5ti2uGxAcKczQLnoG5Og4bxOHAzxoftOYaVU3VP5Oh6XZbM8a_nKzL5Ohj1JVNsvHmwxYYVpa/s1600/Christmas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc4fS8AgDOBblp34P6YOMmocdwNBe4dxmepaMuNVGFam_uuai4y4l_O3BAzG5ti2uGxAcKczQLnoG5Og4bxOHAzxoftOYaVU3VP5Oh6XZbM8a_nKzL5Ohj1JVNsvHmwxYYVpa/s400/Christmas-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Of course, we also enjoyed some down time around the house and exchanged a few gifts. There was a lot of imaginary play as well as board games. It was a lot of fun to watch Jackson and Mitchell playing chess.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycY_8-aQDRH6pJoXxzV_60dNpswmUiZSUug9rMK3VPemfbpjwYH_u-ugP2QYEkOeM960UJPPXP3qlIxFgpm5rOHT-EPuQ56lSjLXuoAwZcNGNCuqJ9LBGSOJtQgB2fSams4fe/s1600/Christmas-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycY_8-aQDRH6pJoXxzV_60dNpswmUiZSUug9rMK3VPemfbpjwYH_u-ugP2QYEkOeM960UJPPXP3qlIxFgpm5rOHT-EPuQ56lSjLXuoAwZcNGNCuqJ9LBGSOJtQgB2fSams4fe/s400/Christmas-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Before we knew it, our first round of visitors were gone and Christmas was here! Our family had the privilege of lighting the advent candle at our church on Christmas Eve. We've been so blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful community of believers in the middle of a very diverse area, so it was an honor to light the candle that evening.</p><p>Santa brought us all a few gifts that evening, and of course, we all got way more than we needed. The kids were fun to watch in their excitement!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOx5ReWT2JOs5tAmgXh_mVzUzjzTTSwvZPxtWglWLeNbEJWTU56ThaBMaAEjeBbtDSQFNpVswrQotgrKaQkjFxUpEs_0xPTSG4I5iI4XAOAkQjiCdksgMeS-WzeTMzF-3lBDV/s1600/Christmas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOx5ReWT2JOs5tAmgXh_mVzUzjzTTSwvZPxtWglWLeNbEJWTU56ThaBMaAEjeBbtDSQFNpVswrQotgrKaQkjFxUpEs_0xPTSG4I5iI4XAOAkQjiCdksgMeS-WzeTMzF-3lBDV/s400/Christmas-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Pop was our next visitor to arrive, and of course he came bearing more gifts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR6wMX8hQ0GHMlte8dpqs9sPGlVitgkmFQ3upAeqURdCUvQ9fcWSwgsz5zpFJwD2PM-sApwTt0dTaa_Tw4MEQqPx322El_grdil-9d1ayrJqWlx5AXupSzY5KBn-KkjPyDmdj/s1600/Christmas-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR6wMX8hQ0GHMlte8dpqs9sPGlVitgkmFQ3upAeqURdCUvQ9fcWSwgsz5zpFJwD2PM-sApwTt0dTaa_Tw4MEQqPx322El_grdil-9d1ayrJqWlx5AXupSzY5KBn-KkjPyDmdj/s400/Christmas-3.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>The best gift we received from everyone was the time we got to spend with them. It's always a magical time, not because of the stuff, but because of the reminder of God's love...through His son and our family.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-47410029229811598272017-01-08T17:28:00.000-08:002017-01-08T17:28:28.065-08:00Giving Thanks<p>We have so much to be thankful for in our lives. Family and friends, of course, are at the top of the list. By the end of November, Ross and I were especially grateful to have a little time together as a family at home. Between the two of us we spent almost the entire month of November traveling. That didn't slow things down though. The kids had lots of play dates, wrap up of the soccer season, a few Cub Scout events, parties celebrating friends' birthdays, and a trip to Louisiana for Thanksgiving!</p><p>Back in September Jackson won the Raingutter Regatta for his Den. At the November Pack Meeting the winners from each Den were awarded "The Golden Duck." Jackson had been eagerly awaiting his award since that day. He thought it was pretty funny that the award was a rubber duck on a plaque with his name on it. He loved it! He also received his Bobcat rank the same day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBFUOdAoMZf_Un0a4lzo7fJKWt877pqrbsVyk1UD3-b5hJvyBzQAQMBd0KF7PYN9J9z4ce98eriOfMkliViQfeU-YHx3DJWdQaZzSMuBFACnutpS7QVC0pYp1C3PwHOR8DY8c/s1600/November-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBFUOdAoMZf_Un0a4lzo7fJKWt877pqrbsVyk1UD3-b5hJvyBzQAQMBd0KF7PYN9J9z4ce98eriOfMkliViQfeU-YHx3DJWdQaZzSMuBFACnutpS7QVC0pYp1C3PwHOR8DY8c/s400/November-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Audrey has two best friends these days, Charlotte and Chole. Charlotte's little sister, Clara, celebrated her birthday in November, and their dad captured a couple of cute pictures of them at the party that I couldn't resist sharing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSzM7UkjHqZb_tLWBB4kcg0HyDW5G-4ytLI5TAb6tymKtYQkNkvXSHbiaBCqjLz2dXtxgkVWJJ_GRvNI4znG2ECO4MVLXT7jaw1H5DVxvcoWH4aeV8TDNq1oBbv0TtjrZz3Oj/s1600/November-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSzM7UkjHqZb_tLWBB4kcg0HyDW5G-4ytLI5TAb6tymKtYQkNkvXSHbiaBCqjLz2dXtxgkVWJJ_GRvNI4znG2ECO4MVLXT7jaw1H5DVxvcoWH4aeV8TDNq1oBbv0TtjrZz3Oj/s400/November-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Louisiana catching up with family and eating lots of food! We stayed at a different house almost every night in an effort to spend a little more time with each person. We had a quick visit with Ross' mom, Susan, as well as with my Dad and his wife, Kim and Barbara, and my Aunt and Uncle, Kathy and Mike. It was an extra special treat to see my Aunt and Uncle since they live in Arkansas and made the trip to Shreveport just so we could visit! While we stayed with my Mom, Deana, the kids got to work on some art. They continued working on a canvas that was started during a previous trip. It's so much fun to watch them work and see how differently they approach things like this!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWPM6-wqBfbufvUYGX6LyaPM9F5awiolVNdeldBGXF284QRKQJEvtddXxWNLmGGMnp0wMYseCsXp5zqPEpBTa3R2NQxtrfI3iBv6nX67hID22sZKeIzCH8PRm3ZUD4jX6jIL3/s1600/Thanksgiving-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWPM6-wqBfbufvUYGX6LyaPM9F5awiolVNdeldBGXF284QRKQJEvtddXxWNLmGGMnp0wMYseCsXp5zqPEpBTa3R2NQxtrfI3iBv6nX67hID22sZKeIzCH8PRm3ZUD4jX6jIL3/s400/Thanksgiving-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Our next stop was Ruston where our dear friends, the Tims family, and my grandparents live. We spent the night before Thanksgiving with the Tims watching the kids play while we caught up on life. Such a fun evening!</p><p>Thanksgiving day we eagerly made our way to my grandparents' house to meet the newest member of our family, Ellie, and of course, to see everyone else. My cousin, Meg, and her husband, Matt, made the trip from Connecticut with their almost 6 week old baby. She was so sweet! Can you tell where most of the attention went throughout the day?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN9y2knl-QzrBoONcQwp-XuMfrXFnxqoae3PEvHxWfmo5CYJv_7uZo8fMxtIl3i49j8ysQVnAiqAUjw8BV9PSnzz0RRbJX431rnY0BeML8_qSSJvKps0G65viBxlxzV6qsMpd/s1600/Thanksgiving-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN9y2knl-QzrBoONcQwp-XuMfrXFnxqoae3PEvHxWfmo5CYJv_7uZo8fMxtIl3i49j8ysQVnAiqAUjw8BV9PSnzz0RRbJX431rnY0BeML8_qSSJvKps0G65viBxlxzV6qsMpd/s400/Thanksgiving-3.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Almost everyone from that side of the family was able to make it for Thanksgiving this year. We were just missing Meg's brother, Bud. He had a good excuse though...he has to work that day every year. It's a good thing he loves what he does! It was so wonderful to simply be with everyone. Being an only child means my cousins have always been like brothers and sisters to me. It was so fun to watch all of the 2nd cousins playing together with Great Aunts and Uncles, my cousins, and especially their Great Grandparents. Getting to eat the delicious food my Grandmother makes was the icing on the cake, and she make REALLY good cake!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62qf78uvP0HMxuaXL80uJ7owZrqTfsR1Dki8SjhrgepqW4DHYAfRDgY3Rwq7rDZTcEZF4FW8ngDXqHYVXIFQ5aUFGZoUEvomSBskhNpIOFYwcyAUSGGi2TUr5CNoNKuXazbkh/s1600/Thanksgiving-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62qf78uvP0HMxuaXL80uJ7owZrqTfsR1Dki8SjhrgepqW4DHYAfRDgY3Rwq7rDZTcEZF4FW8ngDXqHYVXIFQ5aUFGZoUEvomSBskhNpIOFYwcyAUSGGi2TUr5CNoNKuXazbkh/s400/Thanksgiving-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures from Thanksgiving in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Thanksgiving/index.html">album</a>!</p>
Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-50999993070350552902017-01-08T14:42:00.000-08:002017-01-08T14:42:09.954-08:00October Fun<p>October was a busy month with school in full swing, lots of after school commitments, and Halloween fun, of course. It was filled with lots of soccer practices and games. We all made new friends in the process. Audrey was all about the social aspect of the season and was always happy to sit on the sidelines to let someone else play because it meant she could talk and be silly. Jackson was an awesome defender for his team and rarely sat out. He also started playing goalie some this season. I don't have many pictures of Jackson playing because we were too busy watching the games. They were exciting to watch!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQdFKUV8H0HtWxVqFLD7CzxiL6jlPoj7PzxIWub9GXMbNPyBRng3HY3135EbO-hS3xnFCL7ekuCpDmYE6yiGR144j-RcV5BkOnQhNZjvx5GHqnwDcAi7EctM1NgxTFZkQGRPZ/s1600/Soccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQdFKUV8H0HtWxVqFLD7CzxiL6jlPoj7PzxIWub9GXMbNPyBRng3HY3135EbO-hS3xnFCL7ekuCpDmYE6yiGR144j-RcV5BkOnQhNZjvx5GHqnwDcAi7EctM1NgxTFZkQGRPZ/s400/Soccer.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>The kids and I had an extra day off in October, so I let them each invite a friend to go with us to Useugi Farm to pick out our pumpkins and have a little fun. We started our adventure in the corn mazes. There were 3 of them. It took a while, but we found our way out! After lunch we went on a hayride and tried a little pumpkin ice cream.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUol_lTCulndA1qjmvLyamG8W_BlZdMTZqhBqQHH8dTeHck3dR6wDaimGlN5n_z0_Ob6nkzx7WUd5aR3WD0u8U970Zj9po7jJLY1e2WaQ-kAGdLwdbzro_j49NjqY_9TtmIhNI/s1600/Halloween-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUol_lTCulndA1qjmvLyamG8W_BlZdMTZqhBqQHH8dTeHck3dR6wDaimGlN5n_z0_Ob6nkzx7WUd5aR3WD0u8U970Zj9po7jJLY1e2WaQ-kAGdLwdbzro_j49NjqY_9TtmIhNI/s400/Halloween-1.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>Then it was time for a few rides. They rode the carousel, 2 trains, and a pony! We wrapped up the fun with some pumpkin blasting. The girls decided to just watch and let the boys have their pumpkins. The boys were ecstatic about blasting a few more pumpkins at various targets. Finally, we picked out a few pumpkins and headed home. It was a long, fun-filled day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGLlY_jvQC5YQHAGRlVKeB4PSqsIJR9h8TBu_Ek4EOULnJsi7-86gPj-mtj3B1AsqzcwfXEhRN79_ckakbg8Cj93w-yRWlpaa7Yne33TfxbyRnuTvtKr46nDfvtYvLdIScRuR/s1600/Halloween-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGLlY_jvQC5YQHAGRlVKeB4PSqsIJR9h8TBu_Ek4EOULnJsi7-86gPj-mtj3B1AsqzcwfXEhRN79_ckakbg8Cj93w-yRWlpaa7Yne33TfxbyRnuTvtKr46nDfvtYvLdIScRuR/s400/Halloween-2.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>I attended a conference just before Halloween, so I missed the class parties and parade. However, I was back in time for the candy-collecting event. This year Jackson was the Green Ninja from Ninjago, and Audrey was her favorite animal, a tiger. Some friends from our church host an annual Halloween party for the kids. We all love getting together to see the kids in their costumes and their excitement when running around the block together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFW3vGh2YWx1DbemoXs84rxvD3-_brWPkk-nd-0QDe-qn-3sBsINT3z7gTc27FG9mKO-QFfRxjB5ynh69lIdamwS5GwAwzE0gTwNIGd_vw_EevDR1HXdVC3t9beTf-6V-Yv_3/s1600/Halloween-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFW3vGh2YWx1DbemoXs84rxvD3-_brWPkk-nd-0QDe-qn-3sBsINT3z7gTc27FG9mKO-QFfRxjB5ynh69lIdamwS5GwAwzE0gTwNIGd_vw_EevDR1HXdVC3t9beTf-6V-Yv_3/s400/Halloween-3.jpg" width="309" height="400" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures from <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Soccer/index.html">Soccer</a> and <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Halloween/index.html">Halloween</a> in the album.</p>
Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-6547582061123837002016-09-18T16:01:00.003-07:002016-09-18T16:01:26.319-07:00Cub Scout Family Camp<p>Going on our first ever Pack Family Camp means it's official. Jackson is a Cub Scout...let us know if you want some popcorn! ;-)</p><p>There were ~60 Cub Scouts and their families on this trip to nearby Chesebrough Scout Reservation. It was a fun adventure! We all got to know the Pack a little better and try some new things. The first event for Jackson's Den was archery. It was a little challenging for our left-eye dominant, but right-handed kid. With a little help, he managed to hit the target several times. Then Ross got a turn and impressed not only his son, but the adults around too.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPKfs2SyWFcTjswl-l57nJHU2ZQpng_dvCXxBq5vfxg0feCk_YuMdY9OY00QTDjqdcD-3KAIlRZq0g-TT0RrXTQpcVNGr0JCl76epxrpUenC6r9CdUDRc2PMKYKA_9NXc6vfm/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPKfs2SyWFcTjswl-l57nJHU2ZQpng_dvCXxBq5vfxg0feCk_YuMdY9OY00QTDjqdcD-3KAIlRZq0g-TT0RrXTQpcVNGr0JCl76epxrpUenC6r9CdUDRc2PMKYKA_9NXc6vfm/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-1.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>Next up, BB guns. This event was a clear favorite for Jackson. The hand-eye coordination was a little more manageable. He was so scared of this event before we got there, but he really enjoyed learning how to safely and properly shoot a gun. He looks pretty cool in his safety glasses too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOyt-umXla8qEZpCpCAkor9fpMM3BJec2SGnZDvPESP63I72ZBJr1O5xOXzzgGG5hhtoegY0SxUa7eAQrE6ZhHO28oFu6CdYAXx1tAx-M46B9gvuUJSmcOO9KxwK7n6VrI_2Q/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOyt-umXla8qEZpCpCAkor9fpMM3BJec2SGnZDvPESP63I72ZBJr1O5xOXzzgGG5hhtoegY0SxUa7eAQrE6ZhHO28oFu6CdYAXx1tAx-M46B9gvuUJSmcOO9KxwK7n6VrI_2Q/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-2.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>We all took a turn at the BB gun range, and Jackson enjoyed it so much, he went twice...once with his Den and once with the family. Ross, once again, wowed the adults and kids that were with us, and I was pretty impressed with myself on this one. Let's just say we're reinforcing the stereotype about people from Texas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43oMS3aeTtoxxldt0TVzii4b4BefFP6s6a7-V4L82Sia5wHPGjHxInCTvqwJ9Ng5b_YP-ctyYe3e_iJFQbL5rBDVk5hdtCgmo4ja2B1bhNZGG96rlEWeZk9miwRpXTVtVnHoY/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43oMS3aeTtoxxldt0TVzii4b4BefFP6s6a7-V4L82Sia5wHPGjHxInCTvqwJ9Ng5b_YP-ctyYe3e_iJFQbL5rBDVk5hdtCgmo4ja2B1bhNZGG96rlEWeZk9miwRpXTVtVnHoY/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-3.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>The highlight of the trip was the Raingutter Regatta though. Each Cub Scout built and decorated his own sail boat and raced it against the other boys in their Den in hopes of winning a Golden Duck. The winner of each Den would race later in the day to earn the highly coveted trophy and be the best in the Pack.</p><p>Jackson was looking forward to the race and was proud of his boat. He eagerly listened to the rules and advice given by the leaders. He did a practice run and then sat back and observed the others' techniques. It was a double-elimination bracket. Jackson won the first bracket and proceeded to the final round for the Den. He won race after race with some really close calls and some clear wins. In the final race his Denmate from the losers bracket beat him, which meant they raced one final time to determine the winner...Jackson won!</p><p>He was so excited, but he was also a really good sport. It was so amazing to see how these kids treated each other with respect despite the competitive desires to win. Audrey was so proud of her big brother if you can't tell from the picture below!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI61XcT99Gso4BfjCl9j6t4TasiqMaQ-WhPDB0mbNEgwQ6DUVuNGHXNfcYp2lHFz6UMlDq1aD0tagLY0kpsbZ0rVV0hhd-cNPIWxyUEZL8Eb3u3czc4AQClPpt27yDdbunh_I/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZI61XcT99Gso4BfjCl9j6t4TasiqMaQ-WhPDB0mbNEgwQ6DUVuNGHXNfcYp2lHFz6UMlDq1aD0tagLY0kpsbZ0rVV0hhd-cNPIWxyUEZL8Eb3u3czc4AQClPpt27yDdbunh_I/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-4.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>The last event of the day before the final series of races was rock climbing. Jackson and Audrey geared up and waited in line to climb. Jackson went first and pretty quickly and easily scaled the wall and rang the bell at the top. A little later it was Audrey's turn. Her agile nature made it easy for her to get to the top, but she just couldn't reach the bell. The entire crowd was cheering her on and willing her to do whatever it would take to ring the bell. It didn't happen, but she was great about it and had lots of fun anyway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM2rh2-_-mZ5_SD_B4paEsZuQ3_Vtw4WnRT3dTNNy95mgBl_0NA3-HS2A7m1npmULP7oZQv0MN2oqsIf01t4jn6xtld6MmExNYsWG9VHiP-b3viet7VWSD_fl8pJrvnJAQBhP/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM2rh2-_-mZ5_SD_B4paEsZuQ3_Vtw4WnRT3dTNNy95mgBl_0NA3-HS2A7m1npmULP7oZQv0MN2oqsIf01t4jn6xtld6MmExNYsWG9VHiP-b3viet7VWSD_fl8pJrvnJAQBhP/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-5.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>There was a little extra time left when the kids were done, so they let the adults that were interested climb too. It didn't take much convincing for me to go, and I'm glad I did. It was a lot of fun and gave me some flashbacks to a fun climbing trip in high school.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7khrZgBDZ1_7t0lB0uWSnmqBU31wRtwK1J9ifpagMoDhNtoWhx38vNKOVJXCRpVyH-Vg12RqCYpRLD99oZ4dY-YVRM0FIiCX6Ikx2sJ4MVpEDzC0GblxjHi5Qpx9c995sWPMx/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7khrZgBDZ1_7t0lB0uWSnmqBU31wRtwK1J9ifpagMoDhNtoWhx38vNKOVJXCRpVyH-Vg12RqCYpRLD99oZ4dY-YVRM0FIiCX6Ikx2sJ4MVpEDzC0GblxjHi5Qpx9c995sWPMx/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-6.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>The big moment finally arrived, the Raingutter Regatta Finals! Jackson was in the zone. He was punching his hand as he mentally prepared for the final rounds...it was pretty cute! Jackson won quite a few races in the first round before moving to the loser's bracket where he got another shot at the trophy. He did so great! He didn't win the overall event, but he did REALLY well! If you check out the pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Cub%20Scouts/Family%20Camp/index.html">album</a> you'll see some examples of the great sportsmanship they practiced.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHvg8LqiqQ8EgrzY57-qjln-drAzz9tY_S6CRH6alGs1pVKrJ1gqgP2BVKnWDDOt-JCKr0m9AADfDEXDGTk3M1fd9mlhc800AJS1jHEQNddsHTLwgqR74mfGj5H-NI4_hkyhm/s1600/Pack415FamilyCamp-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHvg8LqiqQ8EgrzY57-qjln-drAzz9tY_S6CRH6alGs1pVKrJ1gqgP2BVKnWDDOt-JCKr0m9AADfDEXDGTk3M1fd9mlhc800AJS1jHEQNddsHTLwgqR74mfGj5H-NI4_hkyhm/s400/Pack415FamilyCamp-7.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>That's where my pictures end, but that's not where the camping trip ended. That evening each Den prepared and performed a skit at the big campfire gathering. They also retired 6 American Flags that evening, which was a very humbling experience for them all. Of course, there were roasted marshmallows and campfire stories/games before bed. The next day the boys went for a hike, which rounded out a really fun Cub Scout camping experience!</p?Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-38327291829912311722016-08-18T22:49:00.001-07:002016-08-18T22:49:59.155-07:00Back to School<p>1st and 3rd grade are here! Jackson and Audrey are wrapping up their first week of the 2016-2017 school year, and I'm thankful to say they're off to a good start (knock on wood!). This is their second year at the same elementary school...a first for our kids. It was fun to see Jackson walk up to the school confident and comfortable, and Audrey was adorably excited and nervous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-IwoXEoK9Nb4k8LBuGj14ovnn-eBkb_0e_wTp3vH0tD4TFns_xkwSuEyudXJpgwHsN5lOhoH4q_xjiQBKgjNyxARheZ6VBiEZ8JefVN9iTQrTMofeEbp5N93OWMjgx5A6Vgq/s1600/BacktoSchool-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-IwoXEoK9Nb4k8LBuGj14ovnn-eBkb_0e_wTp3vH0tD4TFns_xkwSuEyudXJpgwHsN5lOhoH4q_xjiQBKgjNyxARheZ6VBiEZ8JefVN9iTQrTMofeEbp5N93OWMjgx5A6Vgq/s400/BacktoSchool-1.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>After waking up and eagerly getting ready for school, we did our 1st day photo shoot. In preparation I asked each of them what they want to be when they grow up. Jackson still wants to be a scientist, but he's also added app maker and robot designer to the list. Audrey wants to be a photographer and a gymnast this year. They both have a wide range of capabilities, so I have no idea what they'll end up doing as adults. I do know that getting some real smiles from these two involves some silliness in the process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfadYdzw6vsPzZK5eIRug0IilOlXKtodJ79lXhn7Gi_MjzTnhi0RkIrP-b0nSSEIvhnuy6Sv5syE5kNgRTwv1VQg0AUdv68zyCbN5HAUpksvwBzJhfOZHF0XF1efxV77-YvL-/s1600/BacktoSchool-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfadYdzw6vsPzZK5eIRug0IilOlXKtodJ79lXhn7Gi_MjzTnhi0RkIrP-b0nSSEIvhnuy6Sv5syE5kNgRTwv1VQg0AUdv68zyCbN5HAUpksvwBzJhfOZHF0XF1efxV77-YvL-/s400/BacktoSchool-2.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>The kids picked their photo spots and asked for some silly, serious, and happy shots. Here's what we got...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sozgc2m048-0O9dHY2LgUfrmqEGJHU2A99VBVBwD2ocLYXqIFEWlweJhz604uyuN5CLe6Qpa9_SgTEcJWmRMIE_sKd1k_zprgACdZ7EQvuyF8L1y7849tIjrxJnoyUvC142n/s1600/BacktoSchool-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Sozgc2m048-0O9dHY2LgUfrmqEGJHU2A99VBVBwD2ocLYXqIFEWlweJhz604uyuN5CLe6Qpa9_SgTEcJWmRMIE_sKd1k_zprgACdZ7EQvuyF8L1y7849tIjrxJnoyUvC142n/s400/BacktoSchool-3.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>I love these kids! They are so much fun!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-40509015366950113312016-08-18T21:56:00.000-07:002016-08-18T21:56:56.636-07:00Mountains and Lakes<p>We had such a great week at Pinecrest Lake with some friends from our life group a few weeks ago. We spent a few days in a beautiful cabin and enjoying the great outdoors. All of it was amazing! The kids loved playing on the "beach" at the lake. We rented a kayak one of the days and took turns checking out the lake. When the adults were done, Audrey decided she wanted a turn, so Ross took her out on the Lake. She did awesome! The boys were busy making their own tide pools, which they thought was a blast.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIysZp-5tf-TmRU0VfT6jAbsbJfkuKbFYVFSchrB6Luy-AmRJhBWl-yxh7wJYI41Rf1gixi1R6JERQN0lARSz-OPXFAjodkg9Jz84hnfOyR8RqSyzKTzRsSelzreX9e4rsQkOp/s1600/PinecrestLake-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIysZp-5tf-TmRU0VfT6jAbsbJfkuKbFYVFSchrB6Luy-AmRJhBWl-yxh7wJYI41Rf1gixi1R6JERQN0lARSz-OPXFAjodkg9Jz84hnfOyR8RqSyzKTzRsSelzreX9e4rsQkOp/s400/PinecrestLake-1.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div>When we weren't at the lake, we were busy eating, playing games, and looking at the stars and planets and rocket boosters reentering the atmosphere. It was incredible! We saw Saturn and Mars through their telescope. We saw a few shooting stars, and then we saw this huge mass entering the Earth's atmosphere and breaking apart across the sky, which we later learned was a Chinese rocket booster. Pretty cool for a couple of space geeks.</p><p>We were back at the lake each day, so we did a little boating, fishing, and hiking while we were there too. It was a great way to spend one of the last weeks of summer. Great friends and great experiences make wonderful memories!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSmiQ6WefB74ScGsVINO5DBmOrvkb6or2vWcuD1allsGTqciZe22mlx_0gTMSIjs5xRBOsw_HjXKvoEq6yK57Ek8wKeArNB2hxC2uf7kG0MPTWnvm0AWcO5nGLc2qL9HxsYOk/s1600/PinecrestLake-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSmiQ6WefB74ScGsVINO5DBmOrvkb6or2vWcuD1allsGTqciZe22mlx_0gTMSIjs5xRBOsw_HjXKvoEq6yK57Ek8wKeArNB2hxC2uf7kG0MPTWnvm0AWcO5nGLc2qL9HxsYOk/s400/PinecrestLake-2.jpg" width="400" height="309" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Pinecrest%20Lake/index.html">album</a> as usual!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-85688515983302917962016-07-29T23:36:00.000-07:002016-07-29T23:36:34.986-07:004th of July in Texas<p>We spent the week of the 4th of July in Texas again this year. Our first few days were spent in Leakey with the Rodriguez family. We shot fireworks on the 4th. Jackson and Mitchell helped with the display. They both had a blast and only got minor injuries. Really they both just got sparked enough to learn to be careful. We also floated the Frio river, played on the ranch, and celebrated Taylor's first birthday! Everyone was excited. I enjoyed watching Audrey drink in the smell of the cake, Mitchell help his little brother blow out his candles, and Jackson grin from ear to ear watching his baby cousin investigate cake for the first time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj6tYvTU0ygBqkPM_TKTF7q-OHMjWjA_VPQTSD8dC5nMz9cIPwXHhj7OmMN7hzZkgLe4bmhC-bVh4OnJSpB0rbb80QCz926J3spEY94lb5P9dWBxBNArIfOae9cyOZygTsCu8/s1600/4thofJuly-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj6tYvTU0ygBqkPM_TKTF7q-OHMjWjA_VPQTSD8dC5nMz9cIPwXHhj7OmMN7hzZkgLe4bmhC-bVh4OnJSpB0rbb80QCz926J3spEY94lb5P9dWBxBNArIfOae9cyOZygTsCu8/s400/4thofJuly-1.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>It didn't take long for Taylor to dig into the cake and enjoy driving Mickey around on the icing while singing the hot dog song.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvoetWKRM-dyh83J4StyIA5TSzdso0U8rDXUf0liWb4zLddz-H764KMdIjSoqFlQZdXu__88UrMI0IzCVOdDObNzpzl7Aic0AVQNlApUa81iCISZyJ7_VDnj50fyeYGNfXGCW/s1600/4thofJuly-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvoetWKRM-dyh83J4StyIA5TSzdso0U8rDXUf0liWb4zLddz-H764KMdIjSoqFlQZdXu__88UrMI0IzCVOdDObNzpzl7Aic0AVQNlApUa81iCISZyJ7_VDnj50fyeYGNfXGCW/s400/4thofJuly-2.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>Taylor loved his presents and playing with family. There were lots of giggles and laughter, especially when Mickey did his songs and dances.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n0vcV-p8beMbCH6nhdHC7OISLkzvrtogFhz97ddMf3gRnUqzJ5M0Coqwdzh5GJwGRePXobxSqEvsDthD91FFz0uaKrRcN1qYKhV9-Tw7EiIAuAGv5tJxgZ0qlZL9W7tVh-2G/s1600/4thofJuly-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n0vcV-p8beMbCH6nhdHC7OISLkzvrtogFhz97ddMf3gRnUqzJ5M0Coqwdzh5GJwGRePXobxSqEvsDthD91FFz0uaKrRcN1qYKhV9-Tw7EiIAuAGv5tJxgZ0qlZL9W7tVh-2G/s400/4thofJuly-4.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>If that wasn't enough fun, both kids became go-kart drivers while we were there. Not something that was easy for me to watch! Mitchell taught them to drive...he can't reach the brake, which means they only know one speed, fast. Audrey almost crashed once, and when we had her stop so we could talk to her about how to be safe, we pointed out that she almost crashed. Her response was, "But I didn't!" We all couldn't keep ourselves from laughing since she said it with a huge grin on her face. Watch out world when this one gets her license!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzp1MW1PsUnJhML5gZAc77V5gm7v7H5Vp6RH0a65LY8HYIFqjXzWdKMCrtG2XDQp_f9P7bJO7CDzUz-KDfGiWx7fb_THdLb8MyWYNEh-iLFgdAafGUBpH4QWQ64MZl4_YZJ9Zg/s1600/4thofJuly-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzp1MW1PsUnJhML5gZAc77V5gm7v7H5Vp6RH0a65LY8HYIFqjXzWdKMCrtG2XDQp_f9P7bJO7CDzUz-KDfGiWx7fb_THdLb8MyWYNEh-iLFgdAafGUBpH4QWQ64MZl4_YZJ9Zg/s400/4thofJuly-3.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>We spent the remainder of the week in Fredericksburg with my Dad and the Money family. We went swimming and checked out the local farmers market and their vineyard. The kids loved playing together, and we had a wonderful time visiting and helping out however we could.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFvBwDCeP7QF_7glbe4l2xQX9Bbc_GSCrDsQPJ_eDgdwqE34NzLse28WKgGddjUS7oU_Nc_zV6M-poLU_n8-ij7-MQ_yELWglQRu8qdE4CkQdr8YlYTSNhDp4umvF-YFWmDzE/s1600/4thofJuly-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFvBwDCeP7QF_7glbe4l2xQX9Bbc_GSCrDsQPJ_eDgdwqE34NzLse28WKgGddjUS7oU_Nc_zV6M-poLU_n8-ij7-MQ_yELWglQRu8qdE4CkQdr8YlYTSNhDp4umvF-YFWmDzE/s400/4thofJuly-5.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>We wrapped up our visit to Texas with a visit to one of our all-time favorite restaurants in Austin, Trudy's. It was even better than we remembered! Great way to end a great week!</p><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/4th%20of%20July/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-15935903908614563372016-07-05T15:55:00.000-07:002016-07-05T15:55:18.581-07:00Spring Baseball<p>Yes, I know it's summer. Yes, I'm always behind on my posts these days, but I want to capture these moments so I don't forget! This spring Jackson played baseball. The opening day ceremony was really neat. All of the teams stood around the field, said the pledge, and sang the national anthem. Then their special needs team, with the help of their mentors, threw the opening pitch. It was a great way to start the season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYSdcTEbTI5DSNmaEZx_EwjkyNrU5r_QzgFS1Fz_REQtjtljG44hrBldr0Ps01QVonIsK1wt7PCWQsvcoNnka3nPjh2k3kFAxFU-PyI1aLXiUCj6aqoFQhDDL5hFJ0iWV5Nzf/s1600/SpringBaseball-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYSdcTEbTI5DSNmaEZx_EwjkyNrU5r_QzgFS1Fz_REQtjtljG44hrBldr0Ps01QVonIsK1wt7PCWQsvcoNnka3nPjh2k3kFAxFU-PyI1aLXiUCj6aqoFQhDDL5hFJ0iWV5Nzf/s400/SpringBaseball-1.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>The season was a tough one for Jackson's team, the A's. We had a new team that had several first time players. I was amazed at how much they improved over the course of the season though. In addition to learning the basics of the game, they started player pitch part way through the season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfgFrYyg8CyuP3fhKz11sitoU_RGoZ7SYqA3UEWDV7nj4I2yjWVWamuPEpK926tphxDNR8kxiy1oga3mkby3V1xwx4oFMwrMpLWxPUxkdDlrShyphenhyphen9u5LGctxy5Jo2kK85iRBio/s1600/SpringBaseball-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfgFrYyg8CyuP3fhKz11sitoU_RGoZ7SYqA3UEWDV7nj4I2yjWVWamuPEpK926tphxDNR8kxiy1oga3mkby3V1xwx4oFMwrMpLWxPUxkdDlrShyphenhyphen9u5LGctxy5Jo2kK85iRBio/s400/SpringBaseball-2.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>Jackson was persistent and resilient during practices and games. He steadily improved throughout the season, and most importantly, he enjoyed playing!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xj6jxdFz8B2OMKi5CD7dweMOj1QN9iY4qGOy_cTtCH7TLACVJO7GWYBz4ag7Dk8lyQbYZ6xE7VY6eHfRLyAPdzb7Rgr_WgmfqLPd7uWFg3Q_nlNFzGKqia7iciPfJCbXTmKI/s1600/SpringBaseball-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xj6jxdFz8B2OMKi5CD7dweMOj1QN9iY4qGOy_cTtCH7TLACVJO7GWYBz4ag7Dk8lyQbYZ6xE7VY6eHfRLyAPdzb7Rgr_WgmfqLPd7uWFg3Q_nlNFzGKqia7iciPfJCbXTmKI/s400/SpringBaseball-3.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Baseball/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-91168683942838509722016-07-05T13:13:00.001-07:002016-07-05T13:15:38.332-07:00Memorial Day Weekend<p>The annual Stone Family Reunion took place over Memorial Day Weekend. We made the trip from CA to be with everyone. It's always so fun to catch up and see what has changed and what has stayed the same each year.</p><p>We started with a visit with E's grandparents and mom, as well as a visit to the Mudbug Festival where we enjoyed some crawfish, art displays, and good music.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenjYrc1CM8QRFDgsnqAQbQmEbs99eBXwAdoKriv5ixebTVh5guI7hcXOM0HEHq9cBcc3m6vpNAMQn0i9qYQ9nzPr05Ls6Dv9cocztmdRkWkv1BsnFPnDGsbbUPzlIcRBxwXc0/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenjYrc1CM8QRFDgsnqAQbQmEbs99eBXwAdoKriv5ixebTVh5guI7hcXOM0HEHq9cBcc3m6vpNAMQn0i9qYQ9nzPr05Ls6Dv9cocztmdRkWkv1BsnFPnDGsbbUPzlIcRBxwXc0/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-1.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>We always have three hosted events during the weekend. Aunt Dottie has everyone to her house for an evening of BBQ and fun. Susan hosts brunch the next morning, and we wrap up at Uncle Ronnie's for swimming, karaoke, and fajitas. I only took pictures at Susan's house this year, which means I captured the annual puppet show organized by Aunt Carol. The younger generation loves this part of the weekend!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgFikJ2Hfm3kc5xvUcapjzFrreN4oskvRxMbkqSvMmBizEAhk5w3qC2IMy01DACwF-wLL8XgYsxq3VIKfW1xghOCnvda5xdJQ67HAr22vLcEC2t-kX8sBVzjmaTi7QAgxMwnL/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgFikJ2Hfm3kc5xvUcapjzFrreN4oskvRxMbkqSvMmBizEAhk5w3qC2IMy01DACwF-wLL8XgYsxq3VIKfW1xghOCnvda5xdJQ67HAr22vLcEC2t-kX8sBVzjmaTi7QAgxMwnL/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-2.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>We managed to get a large group picture this year, and we had almost everyone there!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDg4-s5cLFJmy_v8pSNUQQC2LuPtErR1lVA1rYlZPTG0rbMmVigowYNB4l8zei-UfpsJ75rRRmvUnlpzkFI3B6Q9r-Rnx5k0B-ElFjn4kxNvzko5ymWcP451c03ltT7A-rHCu/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDg4-s5cLFJmy_v8pSNUQQC2LuPtErR1lVA1rYlZPTG0rbMmVigowYNB4l8zei-UfpsJ75rRRmvUnlpzkFI3B6Q9r-Rnx5k0B-ElFjn4kxNvzko5ymWcP451c03ltT7A-rHCu/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-3.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>I also played with a new-to-me lens while we were there. There were lots of beautiful flowers to take pictures of!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FLJ5_64UHfOuXVDjRZ6KDH3wr9w3bOfGpEIiq383ZSlJUSRAVB_uZx37nwAEmLvxI4PiorBrlicGOOBwzZz8GiTYeK29rDyKaeGzSKdBcOqiG6WNksfY_zaUolliblz7UeUj/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FLJ5_64UHfOuXVDjRZ6KDH3wr9w3bOfGpEIiq383ZSlJUSRAVB_uZx37nwAEmLvxI4PiorBrlicGOOBwzZz8GiTYeK29rDyKaeGzSKdBcOqiG6WNksfY_zaUolliblz7UeUj/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-4.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLbrb7UCvK30ucG7vvqfhZDClsvWibiTZSeX24JYgzNHwApevkY2Ed9KYWbgaaWNlfVs_EOo-7j0jDzpc-YFrZopOisuObL4-rJjqybchv_akwD9me7_LdLuXgNPTP0c1kwKt/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLbrb7UCvK30ucG7vvqfhZDClsvWibiTZSeX24JYgzNHwApevkY2Ed9KYWbgaaWNlfVs_EOo-7j0jDzpc-YFrZopOisuObL4-rJjqybchv_akwD9me7_LdLuXgNPTP0c1kwKt/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-5.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOevPtPLQIDwskUMuAcE3IdKYa5sPdawyDXcfCsxcMRE8El-3qFsvh5Q4uBZunU3f1RAuvfMHiW-gOPsF8M3HlHTdleITL5zIUicHbEycP3CzJqITNiCHGGpAT2WS3qgNXi8tL/s1600/MemorialDayWeekend-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOevPtPLQIDwskUMuAcE3IdKYa5sPdawyDXcfCsxcMRE8El-3qFsvh5Q4uBZunU3f1RAuvfMHiW-gOPsF8M3HlHTdleITL5zIUicHbEycP3CzJqITNiCHGGpAT2WS3qgNXi8tL/s400/MemorialDayWeekend-6.jpg" width="400" height="320" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Memorial%20Day%20Weekend/index.html">album</a>!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-3135021266359143912016-03-27T18:24:00.001-07:002016-03-27T18:24:56.813-07:00Lovely Easter Day<p>Jackson and Audrey awoke early this morning eager to hunt for eggs and see what was in their baskets. We had to slow them down so they weren't simply a blur in pictures...it didn't really work. They had lots of fun anyway and were excited about all of the candy, of course. We spent the morning playing games and enjoying some time together before church.</p><p>After the church service, we made our way to our friend's house for lunch and an Easter egg hunt. The dads hid the eggs outside while the mom's kept the kids corralled inside. When the eggs were all hidden, the kids gathered at the door and eagerly waited to hear the word "go!" Then they were off! They had lots of fun searching high and low, and eating candy again. They also love the food and playing with their friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3c6Fse8tysJ3XVTad7S0cGuiOLaaiIcHbEcD-spJEJJeAmjILnpjimgnxDnKLiJdaStG9pc-7UF9fwFloDtHenxu5Y-gR6Kx6Y5mCE-ZZb3u-VTp3iNBIezGQ3zVA-Zf1I09/s1600/Easter-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3c6Fse8tysJ3XVTad7S0cGuiOLaaiIcHbEcD-spJEJJeAmjILnpjimgnxDnKLiJdaStG9pc-7UF9fwFloDtHenxu5Y-gR6Kx6Y5mCE-ZZb3u-VTp3iNBIezGQ3zVA-Zf1I09/s400/Easter-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>When we got home I convinced the kids to do a mini photo shoot in the backyard. Audrey was first and loved posing and smiling for the camera.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryLnR3H9P4HAMRrXdl1SLnjjbNuzu81sLwbOeq-oUGosh4B6OE_3s63zHP92pzV8nzYm5J0Zu7oU1MF4inffNKgMyaVgpkoa5QRREcApDZb0WnalLrTB-gzY15Vef0Cal0Mg7/s1600/Easter-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryLnR3H9P4HAMRrXdl1SLnjjbNuzu81sLwbOeq-oUGosh4B6OE_3s63zHP92pzV8nzYm5J0Zu7oU1MF4inffNKgMyaVgpkoa5QRREcApDZb0WnalLrTB-gzY15Vef0Cal0Mg7/s400/Easter-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>Jackson was next. He's always a great helper with picking spots for pictures and posing. He especially loved taking the picture above with Audrey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhAOR80fKVjldwICJi1-9DwBAPKQvFIVlN8jenASjOHdKU1H5DxDf3G_FSHXNRqQFtSB0yiLMutPNshInlsYQqo076kXIfRj3zMO_BHnXc3a2FM2nGdOo7gd373oErzCFYPWc/s1600/Easter-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhAOR80fKVjldwICJi1-9DwBAPKQvFIVlN8jenASjOHdKU1H5DxDf3G_FSHXNRqQFtSB0yiLMutPNshInlsYQqo076kXIfRj3zMO_BHnXc3a2FM2nGdOo7gd373oErzCFYPWc/s400/Easter-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>It was a beautiful Easter day both because of the weather and the people we got to spend it with. There are more pictures in the <a href="http://tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Easter/index.html">album</a></p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-30708473457103708452016-03-12T21:40:00.000-08:002016-03-12T21:41:20.781-08:00Audrey is 6!<p>Six years ago when this beautiful little girl was born I almost died. The first few hours of her life I remember being so scared I wouldn't get to see her grow up, and now she's 6! I will never forget the peace I felt the moment they finally let me hold her. I'll never forget the joy I could see in her eyes in the weeks and months to follow. Audrey has a special light inside her that she can't contain. She brings love and joy to everyone around her. Her smile and laugh and that sparkle in her eyes are contagious.</p><p>Thursday was Audrey's birthday, and we celebrated with cake and presents and lots of phone calls from family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8d7hrIk9pdj3lSOHHV88IrVIxPOq6E40GU63K7hNZosoJCGBWEtYHeWARnbfxXMWPqqa3Sj9MYTs2-PYzc3rjy2-4z8Jv1rVojB0fVREkRiIBWaG1pe-z6iPFPWeoh2umO2K/s1600/AMT6thBday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8d7hrIk9pdj3lSOHHV88IrVIxPOq6E40GU63K7hNZosoJCGBWEtYHeWARnbfxXMWPqqa3Sj9MYTs2-PYzc3rjy2-4z8Jv1rVojB0fVREkRiIBWaG1pe-z6iPFPWeoh2umO2K/s400/AMT6thBday-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Today we continued the celebration with a few of Audrey's closest friends. Audrey chose to have a trampoline party. I wondered to myself if she was going to be happy with her choice, but I don't know why. She LOVED it! She loves to bounce around, climb on things, and swing from anything hanging in the air. This place let her do all of those things with some of her favorite people!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi2HudPA3XKLEO27XVPDARcQFJUKt3tSy3q66_Dg1zx_LtS8qWw874fQqYeeNCVf_rhEm-JqRZlCPJmCNHmXvJdPzUv5QHwodSHbSN_fpCg0gAbRPDoGKv6Vy5Ss6IKNCGwGF/s1600/AMT6thBday-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi2HudPA3XKLEO27XVPDARcQFJUKt3tSy3q66_Dg1zx_LtS8qWw874fQqYeeNCVf_rhEm-JqRZlCPJmCNHmXvJdPzUv5QHwodSHbSN_fpCg0gAbRPDoGKv6Vy5Ss6IKNCGwGF/s400/AMT6thBday-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>Audrey invited friends from school, her best friend from pre-K4, and friends from our church to celebrate with us. It took a long time to decide, but she settled on Strawberry Shortcake decorations and cake. It was between that and Care Bears because she liked the toys on those cakes the best, and they didn't have Power Rangers. I love that she's so well rounded. ;-)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7Zxon1gTgI0rIJt5jKDfVtIyhAW2QFXenFuh_H2r-FeVrdr61gi7SET2He7C-8rnUbGNNx-iSQPG7HP7MPKb9BSE3K20pE1kJAWWvn10AwuN8n2QnGJc8i_rKmjA58zRlrcq/s1600/AMT6thBday-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7Zxon1gTgI0rIJt5jKDfVtIyhAW2QFXenFuh_H2r-FeVrdr61gi7SET2He7C-8rnUbGNNx-iSQPG7HP7MPKb9BSE3K20pE1kJAWWvn10AwuN8n2QnGJc8i_rKmjA58zRlrcq/s400/AMT6thBday-4.jpg" /></a></div><p>The most fun occurred after everyone was done with pizza and cake. We had about 15 minutes of jump time remaining, and Ross was ready to be a kid again! Unfortunately, I am sick, so I didn't join in. I really wanted to though!</p><p>Ross won the most fun dad of the year award for his running and jumping and playing with the kids. I loved watching his face just as much as the kids. They all had so much fun!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvOAtJQBcaB03zS-uM9Rr7Et7oYk9v4SRaOBGa53T8IkuCKJ9jgCIrMOjtgZAi8E3XYsx1TV5tvwaC0ZvbBaXQtxJnc8DUyLRengvfdZ_no_VzEyNxmtiKFGPYLEkjH-pTHyC/s1600/AMT6thBday-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvOAtJQBcaB03zS-uM9Rr7Et7oYk9v4SRaOBGa53T8IkuCKJ9jgCIrMOjtgZAi8E3XYsx1TV5tvwaC0ZvbBaXQtxJnc8DUyLRengvfdZ_no_VzEyNxmtiKFGPYLEkjH-pTHyC/s400/AMT6thBday-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>Audrey smiled and laughed and had lots of sparkle in her eyes today. It was a wonderful way to celebrate six years of her being in our lives!</p><p>There are more pictures of the fun in the <a href="http://tayloredtruth.com/album3/2016/Audrey's%206th%20B-day/index.html">album</a>!</p>
Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-48277134232187522562016-02-07T18:45:00.000-08:002016-02-07T18:45:54.518-08:00Meg and Matt Visit!<p>Have I mentioned how much fun we had over the holidays? To top it all off, Meg and Matt came to visit us just after New Years! Matt had some school business to attend to, but we got to take advantage of having Meg around for an entire week!!! We kicked off our time together by visiting one of our favorite local vineyards, Martin Ranch. Not only did we enjoy a picnic and good wine, but we worked on our rock-skipping skills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiDzUigz17DFSZEpaLbu9iWA-2Ls8Go-0aEDeuJYfXtwtokJ7PT8PiVn_ZJQuNJkSmrpC1nfvVAbsJUX4v18NhJx7qMGEQpYJdGKtJ5WUK5VMvcFou0-ZCJaNLh_Y3eMZKX7w/s1600/MegVisit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiDzUigz17DFSZEpaLbu9iWA-2Ls8Go-0aEDeuJYfXtwtokJ7PT8PiVn_ZJQuNJkSmrpC1nfvVAbsJUX4v18NhJx7qMGEQpYJdGKtJ5WUK5VMvcFou0-ZCJaNLh_Y3eMZKX7w/s400/MegVisit.jpg" /></a></div><p>Ross was at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas most of the time they were here, so Meg and I got to have some good, girl time when the kids were asleep or away. When they weren't, Meg was amazing with the kids. She read and played with them while I fixed their dinners. She helped them get ready for school in the mornings and helped tuck them in at night. They got lots of attention and love! Matt joined us toward the end of the week, and they decided he was hilarious. They simply adore them both!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsBPoZ9Mu0Yjz_wQB79oZ5NGwVKsMfRa2SFdPUICmRZB_F3oQ17f3S2Ksw-dxY6d8_oAUeij4QJCTdqmHvkW64Zh7VXL7T7SmpdVse2SOTkOxcmGCqgz5k8SoaqOQoOmQIPhg/s1600/20160104_193459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsBPoZ9Mu0Yjz_wQB79oZ5NGwVKsMfRa2SFdPUICmRZB_F3oQ17f3S2Ksw-dxY6d8_oAUeij4QJCTdqmHvkW64Zh7VXL7T7SmpdVse2SOTkOxcmGCqgz5k8SoaqOQoOmQIPhg/s400/20160104_193459.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Aj7m5YR218T8flgNW_1Dao6udrKJkfAxw29xPcR65JQx36FqvXXzuhILM9nAvhGx6NbUfvSVNIGfLxgbUbuwx76vYqIX1tuAIxui3pbXcMiJvZj78i37IgIYu3RGpUMy8n8/s1600/20160102_110431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Aj7m5YR218T8flgNW_1Dao6udrKJkfAxw29xPcR65JQx36FqvXXzuhILM9nAvhGx6NbUfvSVNIGfLxgbUbuwx76vYqIX1tuAIxui3pbXcMiJvZj78i37IgIYu3RGpUMy8n8/s400/20160102_110431.jpg" /></a></div><p>We hope to see them again soon!!!</p>
Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-89869437689823515642016-02-07T18:07:00.002-08:002016-02-07T18:07:58.547-08:00Christmas & New Years with Pop<p>It's Super Bowl Sunday, and I'm home sick while the rest of the family is having fun at our friends' house. I decided to make the most of the down time and finally finish my Christmas blogging!</p><p>My dad, also known as Pop around here, arrived the day before the Rodriguez/Taylor family went home. After they left, we exchanged gifts. There were lots of smiles and laughter as we enjoyed spoiling each other a little. Audrey LOVES stuffed animals, so you can see how excited she was to get this penguin Beenie Boo. I love how sweetly she was sharing it with Jackson too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDRvA3_0WyfDFQ1GW9j0H_u-RE6nmS6QcUwVuYars98jHaLewkwkNTMDIh-k6yNOQkSHlRSxNKXMO8H9rqdCZM_fdZBfPy7CqFZ0rSMX80BLxp6pTVjr48dqvXrrVd1AowYfl/s1600/PopXmas-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDRvA3_0WyfDFQ1GW9j0H_u-RE6nmS6QcUwVuYars98jHaLewkwkNTMDIh-k6yNOQkSHlRSxNKXMO8H9rqdCZM_fdZBfPy7CqFZ0rSMX80BLxp6pTVjr48dqvXrrVd1AowYfl/s400/PopXmas-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>We spent the a lot of our time together just hanging out, playing games, and doing a little hiking nearby. It rained almost everyday over the break, so we were grateful to spend a little time outside!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZNxKozIeOV_beKVhuK8sW4n7kraAMHtQM3mHauHzNf3VbPUCw4ic2f1NzKN7kyeVk1tSg6vLxkwMmMQmjs7tkf_XmxYOUpVQhPELHpK-F9-zykPNOcN-xgNrIPYAJWXKCVME/s1600/PopXmas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZNxKozIeOV_beKVhuK8sW4n7kraAMHtQM3mHauHzNf3VbPUCw4ic2f1NzKN7kyeVk1tSg6vLxkwMmMQmjs7tkf_XmxYOUpVQhPELHpK-F9-zykPNOcN-xgNrIPYAJWXKCVME/s400/PopXmas-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>On one of the rainy days we made our way into San Francisco to visit the Exploratorium. Everyone had fun playing and learning. I didn't get a picture of it, but one of the favorites was an exhibit that showed you what you would look like if you had a perfectly symmetrical face by flipping an image of half your face. Some people didn't look much different at all, and others looked really funny! We also made tornados, learned about engines, danced to some cool colored videos, and so much more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokd97co9vG47GOQfMz2UptydX_XFHB3IN_BhbNWniAM1yE8dO8G-2yww3QO5E7vs7F_FfMsplzajGY9-8VxN3hUv2D2KMOfQKc-CG6ZzhFlXWSawjy9INrKCt9aT3439e939b/s1600/PopXmas-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokd97co9vG47GOQfMz2UptydX_XFHB3IN_BhbNWniAM1yE8dO8G-2yww3QO5E7vs7F_FfMsplzajGY9-8VxN3hUv2D2KMOfQKc-CG6ZzhFlXWSawjy9INrKCt9aT3439e939b/s400/PopXmas-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>For New Year's Eve, I threw together a last minute party for the kids. We hung balloons displaying the hourly countdown. We sped up the count down by starting at 6 PM and celebrating every half hour. At each "hour" the kids would pop a balloon and open a bag of clues, which eventually led to surprises and games. It was a fun way to pass the time, have some good conversations about everyone's values and perspectives on life, and to laugh and play the night away! We were disappointed to learn we couldn't watch the ball drop at midnight Eastern time, so we found an online countdown and put the kids to bed. The adults played more games and did a traditional cheers at midnight.</p><p>My dad also spent some time sketching with the kids while he was here, giving them tips, and inspiring them to try new things. After he left, I asked Jackson what his New Year's resolutions/goals might be for the year. He said he wanted to exercise more, practice being a good doctor, and become a good sketcher. I think Pop left an impression!</p><p>There are a few more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Christmas/Pop%20Xmas/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-38614916997709753102016-01-25T22:07:00.000-08:002016-01-25T22:07:15.921-08:00Christmas with the Taylor/Rodriguez Family<p>We had the most wonderful Christmas season this year! We had family at our house for 3 weeks straight with a maximum of 10 people sleeping at our house at one point, which might sound overwhelming to some, but it was SO much fun and such a blessing in so many ways. Living in California with most of our family in Louisiana and Texas, but also spread from Connecticut to California, means it's harder to get together. Having so many people willing to travel to spend time with us was amazing!</p><p>The same day my mom left town, Susan, Leslie, Philip, Mitchell, and Taylor arrived! Baby Taylor was often the center of attention, providing lots of entertainment and smiles. He has the most infectious laugh, which the kids enjoyed getting him to do by playing peek-a-boo. They also discovered how much Taylor loves to listen to singing. Any time he would fuss, they would start singing him Christmas songs and lullabies, which quickly calmed him down. The kids were also entertained by playing with fun Star Wars apps on Uncle Philip's phone!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedoMIQ8G4KJ9UaWmLc5q8Gl3LCFL9jYzaloUKKycihQXrlWQYmxszhniAOgV4py9hsRmAJpniZ68ULrkiHppeB1SxGKQ93UGNZuWIH_RTf_FMRNiey_GUvWEYK3KxWqIuek3a/s1600/TaylorXmas-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedoMIQ8G4KJ9UaWmLc5q8Gl3LCFL9jYzaloUKKycihQXrlWQYmxszhniAOgV4py9hsRmAJpniZ68ULrkiHppeB1SxGKQ93UGNZuWIH_RTf_FMRNiey_GUvWEYK3KxWqIuek3a/s400/TaylorXmas-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Their first full day here was mostly spent hanging out. However, Audrey had a gymnastics camp to attend, so Leslie and Philip took Mitchell and Jackson to see the new Star Wars movie. This was Jackson's second viewing of the movie...we went as a family for Ross' b-day while my mom was in town.</p><p>We spent most of Christmas Eve visiting, preparing food, decorating cookies, and playing. We got a few pics of the kids before we left for church. They did amazingly well in the service and loved lighting candles and singing "Silent Night." When we got home the kids all put on their matching Moosletoe pajamas, and Jackson led everyone in singing a few more Christmas carols.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OvKfKzJN1SIYCHB_6SPdZXYBMfK4uxDM-47O45PiDVs3U5ICTBbTNL3_UYwSa9lhUCs43Sl_rbUgYm9NEWp-TxlFTNfJhFDcNBlpmL7dc4_ibbMhXayt27Vd5Q1ZeNThCPoF/s1600/TaylorXmas-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OvKfKzJN1SIYCHB_6SPdZXYBMfK4uxDM-47O45PiDVs3U5ICTBbTNL3_UYwSa9lhUCs43Sl_rbUgYm9NEWp-TxlFTNfJhFDcNBlpmL7dc4_ibbMhXayt27Vd5Q1ZeNThCPoF/s400/TaylorXmas-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>After a few more group photos under the tree, the kids laid out their cookies for Santa. Jackson read everyone a book, and they snuggled into bed, anxiously waiting to see what Santa might bring!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3I5DtEUbvzhjl1AAcopHn5ob540KG8JAfU2Ly55QuD_KXcUTsSv6DNNi9jgMHIuF_qgWMVckwgAeu_qKcRG-aZhVwyETeQumhOSHCxPPnTLNIgi8MKlGSV0MvPazs3QOYmQH/s1600/TaylorXmas-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3I5DtEUbvzhjl1AAcopHn5ob540KG8JAfU2Ly55QuD_KXcUTsSv6DNNi9jgMHIuF_qgWMVckwgAeu_qKcRG-aZhVwyETeQumhOSHCxPPnTLNIgi8MKlGSV0MvPazs3QOYmQH/s400/TaylorXmas-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>Christmas morning came early and was over quick! Jackson and Audrey were both beyond excited to find their most wished for presents under the tree. They both asked for Bitty Babies because they both LOVE taking care of babies! Then the chaos of gift unwrapping began. Before we knew it, we were done and had piles of paper and presents everywhere! We took a short break for cinnamon rolls and our traditional egg casserole somewhere in the midst of the gift exchange.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8uElv0w_iqi1yHnawmr-yRvU1sL93n85-lCI8wv_eLhZ7AlKAHjI6oiHi2TutXoXxhLiqBVL1XPrbjccf96veoqYLr3MkyJAuhnnz8V3U5xQvmy2kjRGKOo5J9wxk4y2ltpK/s1600/TaylorXmas-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8uElv0w_iqi1yHnawmr-yRvU1sL93n85-lCI8wv_eLhZ7AlKAHjI6oiHi2TutXoXxhLiqBVL1XPrbjccf96veoqYLr3MkyJAuhnnz8V3U5xQvmy2kjRGKOo5J9wxk4y2ltpK/s400/TaylorXmas-4.jpg" /></a></div><p>It rained most days during their visit, so we were grateful for a break on Christmas day. We took advantage of it by driving to Woodside, CA for a hike. It felt great to be in the beautiful outdoors! Even Taylor wore himself out, and fell asleep in my arms by the end of the trek. After our hike, I drove Leslie, Philip, Mitchell, and Audrey along the "skyline" where we enjoyed some picturesque views of the Bay Area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDCjwYlo5qL2PZ0d-HQ5BRDpvtRlNuuFJSwApz0akM7sn8meNk3w5SFp6RmDDPnATMUOr2vnBt3Q0XJtgODtSzALmVI93w1FO0CO5JFb7b43HG1lsTnlbEWb68hr329R243lV/s1600/TaylorXmas-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDCjwYlo5qL2PZ0d-HQ5BRDpvtRlNuuFJSwApz0akM7sn8meNk3w5SFp6RmDDPnATMUOr2vnBt3Q0XJtgODtSzALmVI93w1FO0CO5JFb7b43HG1lsTnlbEWb68hr329R243lV/s400/TaylorXmas-5.jpg" /></a></div><p>The next day we made our way to the <a href="http://www.dellossofamilyfarm.com/">Dell'Osso Family Farm</a> for a little winter delight. We started the adventure with some snow tubing. It was a blast! We had tickets that let us go down the slides as many times as we wanted for 90 minutes. Mitchell wasn't much of a fan, but Jackson and Audrey didn't want to stop! They rode with us on double tubes, as well as by themselves in single tubes where they could spin in circles. Every ride ended with a huge grin and often some belly laughs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTNAug4e2pI3v83viQSPsqxczMdp9UkAySMsyY2ef6VqB6rpEIf0zOE4s-YgMOrPOM8wLExJOeGW367wt2DvaKfNcFbYhFq5uqrfDSslAIYehDIs0amdenOV21dKo_lyOKFNl/s1600/TaylorXmas-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTNAug4e2pI3v83viQSPsqxczMdp9UkAySMsyY2ef6VqB6rpEIf0zOE4s-YgMOrPOM8wLExJOeGW367wt2DvaKfNcFbYhFq5uqrfDSslAIYehDIs0amdenOV21dKo_lyOKFNl/s400/TaylorXmas-6.jpg" /></a></div><p>While we were busy tubing, Mitchell and Leslie did some ice skating, which Mitchell loved! We all did a little snowball throwing, and the kids did some pillow jumping and roller coaster riding. I'd say it was a successful day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Uoc6DQbgp4-BQEQHUDUBqlRrOxdDyHM83fC7ayOO2IkA-cDUajkMeEiQtstGl7TeGlBkobs1S8qOARXkIrhjZ-QS6TcnxhpooknwYKy02kKk_zYh6LJFe793Ohxj-kQ2GJZ/s1600/TaylorXmas-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Uoc6DQbgp4-BQEQHUDUBqlRrOxdDyHM83fC7ayOO2IkA-cDUajkMeEiQtstGl7TeGlBkobs1S8qOARXkIrhjZ-QS6TcnxhpooknwYKy02kKk_zYh6LJFe793Ohxj-kQ2GJZ/s400/TaylorXmas-7.jpg" /></a></div><p>My dad joined us that evening, and the Taylor/Rodriguez family headed home the next day. We were sad to see them go, but we enjoyed every moment they were here! There are several more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Christmas/Taylor%20Family%20Xmas/index.html">album</a>!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-85373537083407657122015-12-29T23:55:00.000-08:002015-12-29T23:55:13.861-08:00Christmas with Nana<p>My mom came for an early visit for Christmas. She held down the fort while we took the kids to see the new Star Wars movie on Ross' birthday. It was awesome! We wrapped up the birthday celebration watching the Cowboys lose another game this season at a great new restaurant in the area. Despite the loss, I think Ross still had a good day.</p><p>We celebrated Christmas with Nana the next day. We exchanged gifts and visited Santa at a house down the street from us. There were lots of lights, hot chocolate, cookies, and presents, as well as laughter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFlHcfvw9vVtDR-Df1JTw4QZWPZt3u7UEEgh77Vligt9n7IU37v93Jmr3KOHOXvCtllvzuu3b2Qigx5qC9ySwvt9Fx7Aflz7dkVjBclDmx-SKK1TO3Lxhr-SWdiX9sRozlQOI/s1600/NanaXmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFlHcfvw9vVtDR-Df1JTw4QZWPZt3u7UEEgh77Vligt9n7IU37v93Jmr3KOHOXvCtllvzuu3b2Qigx5qC9ySwvt9Fx7Aflz7dkVjBclDmx-SKK1TO3Lxhr-SWdiX9sRozlQOI/s400/NanaXmas.jpg" /></a></div><p>Her last day here we had a great time just hanging out and playing!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-41651897745398280172015-12-29T22:18:00.000-08:002015-12-29T22:18:07.111-08:00The Perfect Tree...for this year<p>There are quite a few tree farms near us in CA, so we took advantage of the opportunity and cut down our first Christmas tree as a family this year! It was fun to walk through the farm and find just the right tree for us...or so we thought. We found a tree with the perfect shape. We cut it down, took it home, and then remembered we have shorter ceilings than we remembered! After removing a little from the top and a little from the bottom, we had the perfect Dr. Seuss tree. I love it! We also got a smaller tree for the kids. It's a little bigger than we've gotten in the past, but they were still able to carry it, decorate it, and make our house a fun celebration of Christmas!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-9yFXfQ8j6CtWj1z6ir6fSEXXFoGMRWxEYe5Cz8y1dA8HETMYK5Nfp5yC9mcydsphkboRsVhLZa0llxHD7A_lZh958E4bHu90SABhLl68FlYDZYAUqYlggirNTdRjB-ewH-5/s1600/ChristmasTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-9yFXfQ8j6CtWj1z6ir6fSEXXFoGMRWxEYe5Cz8y1dA8HETMYK5Nfp5yC9mcydsphkboRsVhLZa0llxHD7A_lZh958E4bHu90SABhLl68FlYDZYAUqYlggirNTdRjB-ewH-5/s400/ChristmasTree.jpg" /></a></div><p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-52138152797989818452015-12-02T22:05:00.000-08:002015-12-02T22:06:39.257-08:00Thanksgiving in Leakey<p>We traveled to Texas for the week of Thanksgiving this year. The trip started off with an exciting ride around the ranch...until the Polaris died. Then we had fun attempting to push it back to the house. We eventually gave up, but both kids did their best to help! We ended up walking back and towing it later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFpdrmBKL5BWxSphjxO3TKYQacLNqnk_aK0Ll9R3qU0lJqTaXzW9IU7u-CxGomOeinWW444eyORx616FG70kKrhLENpYMsSbmSc2MkxF_B-FSgVL6xv1qSUC6ay6VcoX80GC/s1600/Thanksgiving-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFpdrmBKL5BWxSphjxO3TKYQacLNqnk_aK0Ll9R3qU0lJqTaXzW9IU7u-CxGomOeinWW444eyORx616FG70kKrhLENpYMsSbmSc2MkxF_B-FSgVL6xv1qSUC6ay6VcoX80GC/s400/Thanksgiving-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Tuesday was our nephew's birthday. Mitchell turned 6 while we were there, so we got to join him at school for a little celebration with his friends!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtg9ZmWWBf2qBXma2DPkFMhhRKEeXsQ34RKDaMK0SkIsUdVMkZya7qSBahvU7lHlPGtGA_45r6XEyePeyaHCnAj18eszrgUubbxehHC-6HNCZCYfKdqCtB3Lvo9kq5c1DrUZF/s1600/Thanksgiving-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtg9ZmWWBf2qBXma2DPkFMhhRKEeXsQ34RKDaMK0SkIsUdVMkZya7qSBahvU7lHlPGtGA_45r6XEyePeyaHCnAj18eszrgUubbxehHC-6HNCZCYfKdqCtB3Lvo9kq5c1DrUZF/s400/Thanksgiving-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>We also got to meet our newest nephew, Taylor! He is 4 months old now, and he is so sweet and wonderful! We all loved getting to hold him, play with him, and make him laugh and smile. Both Jackson and Audrey were amazing with him. They really love both of their cousins!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhyphenhyphenBICcQ9K1I5OK3VM55j3dC7a8Ph1GDURAghQqpN10smh1G_zvFaZv5pmUODM3wmflLSRNBdSgm8p5fNuKgD2tkEM3-_PgW0Q_5F8ayiyiwtkPd7cAsUj-ouK18hmL7YnHDz/s1600/Thanksgiving-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhyphenhyphenBICcQ9K1I5OK3VM55j3dC7a8Ph1GDURAghQqpN10smh1G_zvFaZv5pmUODM3wmflLSRNBdSgm8p5fNuKgD2tkEM3-_PgW0Q_5F8ayiyiwtkPd7cAsUj-ouK18hmL7YnHDz/s400/Thanksgiving-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>Despite a little chill in the air, the kids decided to play in the river. They got a little wet and had a ton of fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWvY3bnmUspthqFvbHLv_4aNSiHJ2e84yAr92TY9q22be2m_nq8C053kPVFJSJ1A-yWaWgPMSxZjXwS1pOfeI_tDJUTNFGRQs-533cwsEZxlpKmkwUAg_Z_l4b52SoWKxbThJ/s1600/Thanksgiving-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWvY3bnmUspthqFvbHLv_4aNSiHJ2e84yAr92TY9q22be2m_nq8C053kPVFJSJ1A-yWaWgPMSxZjXwS1pOfeI_tDJUTNFGRQs-533cwsEZxlpKmkwUAg_Z_l4b52SoWKxbThJ/s400/Thanksgiving-4.jpg" /></a></div><p>It was a wonderful way to spend our Thanksgiving week!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94XaVN_ixv0c69_LaDiOKQpzyjLhsMptwEiU_8H0DnQUe28LLdoWW27QhJsGrdRokErUKqoIn-4wFKPb2LqgQnU3I4GWMrkMv-3mF_jYv1T_BqaNq2Z-5FnnJijPfy5qGYX_e/s1600/Thanksgiving-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94XaVN_ixv0c69_LaDiOKQpzyjLhsMptwEiU_8H0DnQUe28LLdoWW27QhJsGrdRokErUKqoIn-4wFKPb2LqgQnU3I4GWMrkMv-3mF_jYv1T_BqaNq2Z-5FnnJijPfy5qGYX_e/s400/Thanksgiving-5.jpg" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Thanksgiving/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-23317167527985926882015-11-16T23:26:00.001-08:002015-11-16T23:26:53.054-08:00Fall Soccer Season<p>Both Jackson and Audrey played soccer this Fall. They had a blast. Audrey was very competitive this season and loved the games her coach played to teach new skills. He involved the parents too, which made it fun for everyone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn6aXgAA2R5aFP-QXNU8TQ9esFUkoRxr9S3OKbkxrzVBftqhyq5X0RIykH5nzO_ZIJFqlRotW2yYzR9753E2bIuOcfms2He2mDzH95hyphenhyphencPn2wLMYMK04lAYSa9uNkJJwBmmzL/s1600/Soccer-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn6aXgAA2R5aFP-QXNU8TQ9esFUkoRxr9S3OKbkxrzVBftqhyq5X0RIykH5nzO_ZIJFqlRotW2yYzR9753E2bIuOcfms2He2mDzH95hyphenhyphencPn2wLMYMK04lAYSa9uNkJJwBmmzL/s400/Soccer-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Jackson had a great season too. He loves to play defense, and he did a great job watching the field and figuring out where to go and what to do. Of course, he still likes to play around on the field a little too. It's starting to look like real soccer though and was so much fun to watch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtDoDK7ER4MeK1JTYQJQV46UVa5ozPJBD9rhhPnFJ_fPxy-ppn7c-HDFsW4AVns5i6bsOXJsL78npOZR7_t3pQIFfbk7g38MMPbhzy3GYv-BxsJDuOeV9BmmG7EsBPThM7H9z/s1600/Soccer-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtDoDK7ER4MeK1JTYQJQV46UVa5ozPJBD9rhhPnFJ_fPxy-ppn7c-HDFsW4AVns5i6bsOXJsL78npOZR7_t3pQIFfbk7g38MMPbhzy3GYv-BxsJDuOeV9BmmG7EsBPThM7H9z/s400/Soccer-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Fall%20Soccer/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-38818776447232214442015-11-16T22:53:00.000-08:002015-11-16T22:53:52.802-08:00Halloween Fun<p>We had a fun Halloween with friends. The fun began on Friday with a costume parade at school. Audrey was a cheerleader, and Jackson was the transformer, Optimus Prime.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBMSlloqpYaT9d3J-IZDX_midtV057FVO4MQo-iQbBnLeCWiib4W2FitnMyhZTmjYTK7iT0zDHmGqnsdQ_x8rsQWnsR0TY359BkzyyfxC4JiSkrJMn8_rjD-Uy5APDN7zH25N/s1600/Halloween-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBMSlloqpYaT9d3J-IZDX_midtV057FVO4MQo-iQbBnLeCWiib4W2FitnMyhZTmjYTK7iT0zDHmGqnsdQ_x8rsQWnsR0TY359BkzyyfxC4JiSkrJMn8_rjD-Uy5APDN7zH25N/s400/Halloween-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Then each class had a party. I'm the room mom for both classes, which meant I was responsible for organizing the parties. Fortunately, we have a great group of parents to help out since I can't be in two places at once! I stayed in Jackson's class for this celebration and helped the kids make slime and play halloween bingo. They loved it!</p><p>After the parties ended, the Monster Mash fall festival began. There were game booths, dancing, face painting, raffles, and food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH47phmFgoQfAat00c8UKz_v2bEiOPVD7VcVOISr6btHv2XQZgQdCw9N9r7iSHxsyUMbkgM-I3k2iFzgT1zI8dDtgaU1wRspyxMpKZw60HIaNiyW0kl8zM5EulGn1cy99xs2fg/s1600/Halloween-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH47phmFgoQfAat00c8UKz_v2bEiOPVD7VcVOISr6btHv2XQZgQdCw9N9r7iSHxsyUMbkgM-I3k2iFzgT1zI8dDtgaU1wRspyxMpKZw60HIaNiyW0kl8zM5EulGn1cy99xs2fg/s400/Halloween-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>On Halloween, Saturday, we joined our life group friends at one of their houses for a fun party and some great trick-or-treating. I didn't get any pics since it gets dark so early, but their costumes were the same. There are a few more pictures from Friday in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Halloween/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-14387615159316378532015-11-11T15:24:00.000-08:002015-11-11T15:24:24.339-08:00Labor Day Weekend<p>So...I'm still behind on blog posts. Better late than never though! My mom came to visit for Labor Day Weekend. While she was here we spent a day at Half Moon Bay. The weather was perfect! We had lots of fun hiking along and climbing up and down the cliffs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k8EK2LhrsiGmGWZ7lbDkrveVq8JD1XbSP56bpfL1sIhd-fk2by8oKSwNUuz9UTTbdP4fE4lWCm2y0qOMNwtlfJuWt5z7BI9Vrk-PtRIbVe2dBQnS1Yg1GLAF8EmDwgj8m8fs/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k8EK2LhrsiGmGWZ7lbDkrveVq8JD1XbSP56bpfL1sIhd-fk2by8oKSwNUuz9UTTbdP4fE4lWCm2y0qOMNwtlfJuWt5z7BI9Vrk-PtRIbVe2dBQnS1Yg1GLAF8EmDwgj8m8fs/s400/LaborDayWeekend-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>There was a lot of excitement about getting to the beach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5BmO5cqIlkuv3ucgZdvISD3YRk7U69_KUJbapaVGkwiDBkUUdyK50kXbH-KFFquRGlukBFrpChGko0JeLwDFw8skuPkOhA_Sg1lFOFc96ZGQ17rcYAU88AwGda7aHXVLgm6L/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5BmO5cqIlkuv3ucgZdvISD3YRk7U69_KUJbapaVGkwiDBkUUdyK50kXbH-KFFquRGlukBFrpChGko0JeLwDFw8skuPkOhA_Sg1lFOFc96ZGQ17rcYAU88AwGda7aHXVLgm6L/s400/LaborDayWeekend-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>We loved walking along the water and watching the waves crash into the rocks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlokHXBoJoC0Len_eZbuQpFIa6CeazM-J26S2TLk8Q4CksgTtWgWFwiOodLgvYdZjZ-Qf21wifpLPuuFHPyQq6LbIRQVW2S_0Vr3P5umymnsg5HNVfXF4NIcez1teMFomoodA/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlokHXBoJoC0Len_eZbuQpFIa6CeazM-J26S2TLk8Q4CksgTtWgWFwiOodLgvYdZjZ-Qf21wifpLPuuFHPyQq6LbIRQVW2S_0Vr3P5umymnsg5HNVfXF4NIcez1teMFomoodA/s400/LaborDayWeekend-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>The kids were most interested in playing in the sand. There was lots of digging and castle-building.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAG5sarzpTgIFfyZST_SVOBRPxXyB_pNGyoN5lncmHC5i85rAsObTnGWUahGiUjaRSVTGBZ8gMGddE6SeK37_uoqS4LtoBThl-T3yXg58xVY3tD2i2HRBxHgoFe6lFz-WNQGX/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAG5sarzpTgIFfyZST_SVOBRPxXyB_pNGyoN5lncmHC5i85rAsObTnGWUahGiUjaRSVTGBZ8gMGddE6SeK37_uoqS4LtoBThl-T3yXg58xVY3tD2i2HRBxHgoFe6lFz-WNQGX/s400/LaborDayWeekend-4.jpg" /></a></div><p>As the sun began to set, we made our way to a local restaurant for dinner...a little silliness was involved!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh19Yc_WtDBXONac9Gzj4u4OwCcqQPQse0LkGiBCmuCrpk2hE-qYrzjsFOHKvQAXdr2Zy8XiVCjTCdjzwN7zXr6nDKHIwkrcJHzoPSjYKcCrjMH7jq0NNPMXKV4i8MS7XrGDv/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh19Yc_WtDBXONac9Gzj4u4OwCcqQPQse0LkGiBCmuCrpk2hE-qYrzjsFOHKvQAXdr2Zy8XiVCjTCdjzwN7zXr6nDKHIwkrcJHzoPSjYKcCrjMH7jq0NNPMXKV4i8MS7XrGDv/s400/LaborDayWeekend-5.jpg" /></a></div><p>The next day we visited a park down the street and did a little tree climbing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrw3sVTdiXCl_sK9YG39Pp1gwG6W-c_Zwr7bZCgRygjUgqIJDH9SSTlrl9GTbj76fELtQPMRy9RLSwFbvVbx3vmHnu-00DQDlRuidj2TNY1VzxcEYq99hksTlbZRcLJcg3MqY/s1600/LaborDayWeekend-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrw3sVTdiXCl_sK9YG39Pp1gwG6W-c_Zwr7bZCgRygjUgqIJDH9SSTlrl9GTbj76fELtQPMRy9RLSwFbvVbx3vmHnu-00DQDlRuidj2TNY1VzxcEYq99hksTlbZRcLJcg3MqY/s400/LaborDayWeekend-6.jpg" /></a></div><p>It was a great weekend! There are more pictures in the <a href="http://www.tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Labor%20Day%20Weekend/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-47325360652247858262015-08-24T23:06:00.000-07:002015-08-24T23:06:47.001-07:00Jackson is 7!<p>Back in June, our amazingly sweet and sensitive, often silly, science and reading-loving, always-wants-to-know-the-right-answer, God-loving son turned 7! It has been a year filled with opportunity for growth and learning. With God's love, grace, and mercy Jackson managed a move halfway across the country leaving behind many life-long friendships, three different 1st grade teachers at a new school, a new soccer team, a new martial arts school, a new baseball team where he was named most-improved player of the season, and a new church and life group where he requested to lead the other kids. We all learned a lot throughout the year as we navigated each step of the journey. Some days were really hard, some days were lots of fun, and more often than not, I found myself a little surprised at how much Jackson has learned and grown physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually this year. He's such a great kid!</p><p>We had a small family celebration on Jackson's birthday. Star Wars was the birthday theme this year, but NO ONE had a cake topper! Instead, we found some great Star Wars figures to balance on top of the cake, so they doubled as one of his gifts. He loved them!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdd7EZx8jSUvHR5FiJlxsMuJ5HjqsThCgRioMMdF9othbD3v_aOubkDWvxC1oCWkeKPb466qjGHPSm1QlzLS7rECLCsa_qg5pqAIiHfqfW9Lb0FJy-Hbn7OPfCfRrwSGmwNYz/s1600/JDT7thBday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdd7EZx8jSUvHR5FiJlxsMuJ5HjqsThCgRioMMdF9othbD3v_aOubkDWvxC1oCWkeKPb466qjGHPSm1QlzLS7rECLCsa_qg5pqAIiHfqfW9Lb0FJy-Hbn7OPfCfRrwSGmwNYz/s400/JDT7thBday-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>The following weekend was the big party. Friends from school, soccer, martial arts, baseball, and church were all there! I loved seeing how many great friendships he's formed over the course of the year. We had the party at Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy where he now takes Tae Kwon Do. Since it was a Star Wars theme, light sabers were a must!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZu96Hbdl_-WZKjeE8xPBU5bBPN5I-ZS-BGJV0aiL5UPQuaDba_289wjTugNOksy5GLqrM1CWjZo3r1dfN_OTt4viT92pZteNgITFW_5-U9IoPBbVqHCVk4f6Z7Wt1gJ6GKQw/s1600/JDT7thBday-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZu96Hbdl_-WZKjeE8xPBU5bBPN5I-ZS-BGJV0aiL5UPQuaDba_289wjTugNOksy5GLqrM1CWjZo3r1dfN_OTt4viT92pZteNgITFW_5-U9IoPBbVqHCVk4f6Z7Wt1gJ6GKQw/s400/JDT7thBday-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>The instructors did an incredible job with all of the kids. They did an obstacle course, Jedi training, and an awesome demonstration for the kids. It was a blast!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBcH5mNrGzMnAhcn1ONnoTw36FJjgzDM4iijqwTtki04sKa0-AHflJDcQI3Q0OOHSSZTyV3Jwumzgdh5tAhOL0GXPGGJ0K9N3tbnnuQ0wvAySC4TzTua2RlLt2hTW9d9rqnBn/s1600/JDT7thBday-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBcH5mNrGzMnAhcn1ONnoTw36FJjgzDM4iijqwTtki04sKa0-AHflJDcQI3Q0OOHSSZTyV3Jwumzgdh5tAhOL0GXPGGJ0K9N3tbnnuQ0wvAySC4TzTua2RlLt2hTW9d9rqnBn/s400/JDT7thBday-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>After snacks, singing "Happy Birthday," and having cupcakes, Jackson ended the party by breaking a board. It was a really fun way to celebrate Jackson and everything he brings to our lives!</p><p>I took quite a few pictures, so if you're looking for more, they are in the <a href="http://tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Jackson's%207th%20B-day/index.html">album</a>!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-89330631422781220492015-08-20T23:08:00.000-07:002015-08-20T23:08:15.563-07:00Back to School<p>I know I'm long overdue for an update. I'll fill in more details in some future posts, but since the last update, we've celebrated Jackson's 7th birthday, both kids have lost a few teeth, we've moved to a new house, I've changed jobs at NASA again, and Ross and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. All good things, but we're ready for things to settle down for a while!</p><p>School is officially in session, which has been another big change for both kids. With the move, they are now both at a new school. We'll be wrapping up the first week tomorrow, and I'm happy to report the kids have had a great week!</p><p>Audrey started Kindergarten twice this week...long story short, she was #1 on the wait list to get into our districted school, which meant she started at one school on Monday and moved to her planned school on Tuesday. She's so happy to be at the same school as her big brother now! When we asked her what she wants to be when she grows up the night before school started, she said a "gymnast, swimmer, and doctor!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-4tTXha8KoBTiC2HxUNAhQTndj5ZxlJ1lXQn8I1hn0vRtnSj9UHEMNrqqasUpySODSEkDa1SxGRX0chIhezczNtIYAWp1TzV6HwPJEeyATB48t9Rut2OZWqrvoDw_k2PBQOp/s1600/1stDayofSchool-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-4tTXha8KoBTiC2HxUNAhQTndj5ZxlJ1lXQn8I1hn0vRtnSj9UHEMNrqqasUpySODSEkDa1SxGRX0chIhezczNtIYAWp1TzV6HwPJEeyATB48t9Rut2OZWqrvoDw_k2PBQOp/s400/1stDayofSchool-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Jackson started 2nd grade this week! The transition to another new school has gone well so far. He likes his teacher and is beginning to make new friends. When we asked Jackson what he wants to be when he grows up, he said a "flavor maker because I love science and a doctor because I'm really good at taking care of people."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypMDc9Il3SUa7cRMCK0xZ6a12JyxKHwqnQm6qz0E7uO-Q1dh6WYxPF_FDEsLmUldI6nW6n93gOu3dQo9HnFaS0rxbgkbX5k9Pk_2ogYN-w0qmlkAfEBmAbi2PigCvCj55MIII/s1600/1stDayofSchool-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypMDc9Il3SUa7cRMCK0xZ6a12JyxKHwqnQm6qz0E7uO-Q1dh6WYxPF_FDEsLmUldI6nW6n93gOu3dQo9HnFaS0rxbgkbX5k9Pk_2ogYN-w0qmlkAfEBmAbi2PigCvCj55MIII/s400/1stDayofSchool-3.jpg" /></a></div><p>When I've come to pick them up each afternoon, I've found them playing together every day. I love what great friends they are and hope it is something that will last throughout their lives! They are both silly and sweet, and it's so much fun to see them together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7s3m-AzyuIQMSSHyROwuPDyldCitMfPnXFNEhEBfTJN7tpaa8zw7F84QeGOaKtQUO6p4AqbxAWm4eFbqJufImJP4jAKN4CdbTuXVXZsP8z6sMGF0QyPM6RW3ntei82Z4GS8t/s1600/1stDayofSchool-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7s3m-AzyuIQMSSHyROwuPDyldCitMfPnXFNEhEBfTJN7tpaa8zw7F84QeGOaKtQUO6p4AqbxAWm4eFbqJufImJP4jAKN4CdbTuXVXZsP8z6sMGF0QyPM6RW3ntei82Z4GS8t/s400/1stDayofSchool-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>I had fun taking pics of the kids that morning, so there are a few more in the <a href="http://tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/1st%20Day%20of%20School/index.html">album</a>!</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814662.post-65250829457989372592015-06-08T13:39:00.002-07:002015-06-08T13:39:30.446-07:00Spring Soccer for Audrey<p>Audrey played soccer again this spring. She made lots of great new friends and had a wonderful coach. She went through several phases this season of wanting to play and not wanting to play, but she always wanted to be there. I think she mostly wanted to socialize and be silly!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTwGo9D3gdc0ec3IGbgCpMCm0qy-yiuzGV0UBvcy6XamxNkh91QVahdQnMj787byiL84HSK8RvG_ZYwR0FOClLpbYqMRchcs0Q0mtqljA-CQu0zBeF1khS2wNbPetLB9Pn2kF/s1600/SpringSoccerAMT-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTwGo9D3gdc0ec3IGbgCpMCm0qy-yiuzGV0UBvcy6XamxNkh91QVahdQnMj787byiL84HSK8RvG_ZYwR0FOClLpbYqMRchcs0Q0mtqljA-CQu0zBeF1khS2wNbPetLB9Pn2kF/s400/SpringSoccerAMT-1.jpg" /></a></div><p>Several of the girls on her team will be at her new school next year. Unfortunately, they are almost all a little older, so they will be moving up a level without her in soccer. If Audrey decides to continue though, she'll be back with them the following season!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1RxKibBtN9EodjD3v_O4kNQXiPYepSbjzJ18mSXP5owoFh4_RmqX-WNYaHlCLNIRzSQpNQAsj5vXISwJFDHvyA98BD9_U6P2aU6n17FpvQegk2i78FkUitFUAcPgaqwdu-FD/s1600/SpringSoccerAMT-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1RxKibBtN9EodjD3v_O4kNQXiPYepSbjzJ18mSXP5owoFh4_RmqX-WNYaHlCLNIRzSQpNQAsj5vXISwJFDHvyA98BD9_U6P2aU6n17FpvQegk2i78FkUitFUAcPgaqwdu-FD/s400/SpringSoccerAMT-2.jpg" /></a></div><p>There are more pics of Audrey's awesome team in the <a href="http://tayloredtruth.com/album3/2015/Blue%20Butterfly%20Soccer/index.html">album</a>.</p>Elizabeth Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15314975256137403313noreply@blogger.com0