Adams Canyon

The boys hiked Adams Canyon this weekend. It's a relatively short, moderately difficult hike that we have been hiking for years. My dad took me up Adams for the first time when I was about 12. Skyler and Kent wanted to get out and enjoy the outdoors, so off they went. I stayed home with Taylee, not sure she could handle being in the Baby Bjorn for 2 hours. Maybe next time? No worries, though, I had a nice lunch date with my friend Brianne that afternoon, so I got my playtime too!

Laughing so hard milk came out your nose . . .

Is a much better reason to have food come out your nose than a cleft palate. Unfortunately, we are yet again dealing with milk/squash/green beans coming out of our little ones nose. I called Dr Siddiqi, and he wants us in the office on Tuesday. I honestly don't know what the implications are, but I can only assume her repair is somehow incomplete? We are crossing our fingers that the solution is simple, not too painful, and involves a shorter recovery. Please send your positive vibes our way!

Reunion

We headed to Colorado Springs over the weekend for a family reunion with my side of the family. My grandfather, aunts, cousins, second cousins, third cousins . . . all live in Colorado. I grew up there, until we moved to Utah in 1991. We used to get together regularly, but it seems that as time goes on, it becomes less and less often. This weekend was a good reminder of how important family is, and I plan to make it a much more regular event!! And, now that we have jumped the first travel hurdle with Taylee, it should get easier from here, right?
The plane ride into Denver was pretty nice. We sat together as a family, and Taylee was pretty easy to entertain. The only unfortunate part was her OBSESSION with the back of the gentleman's head in the seat in front of us. She spent much of the flight standing on my lap, trying to attack his hair. She was only succesful one time, for which I was VERY apologetic. ;)
We arrived on Friday and headed straight to my grandpa's house. This wasn't the "official" reunion, but it was a reunion of sorts with my 2 aunts and my 3 cousins (Ryan, Garrett, and Aden), who were essentially my brothers growing up. As well as Ryan's daughter Kaydence (almost 3), and Garrett's little boy Xavier (almost 2). Unfortunately, the hotel and her developing cold/allergies seemed to foul up her sleep (imagine that!), and we were up most of the night on Friday. Fortunately Saturday night went much better, and we got a near normal night of sleep. The plane ride home wasn't quite as smooth, because Taylee was sick and tired and grumpy, and we arrived late at the airport and weren't able to sit together. Ooops. Lesson learned.

Here is Taylee showing Aunt Tota

how she can eat random

household items on command.

Taylee with her cousin Aden,
quite possibly the funniest boy I know

Saturday was the "real" reunion, also at grandpa's. We had ALL the cousins there - for posterity's sake, I am going to list them (sorry!) - Gene, Deb, Dave, Ginger, Char, Tif, Kent, Ryan, Garrett, Taylee, Kaydence, Xavier, Karen, Jeff, Kathy, Christopher, Zachary, Victoria, Greg, Demera, Ramie, Jonah, Brody, Denise, Scott, Zachary, and Ryan's friends Chris and John. Whew! We BBQ'd, played bocce ball, and had a grand old time! My pictures from the event are terrible, because trying to catch active children on camera is nearly impossible. Here are a few of the best.

Aunt Ginger trying to mediate "playtime"

with Taylee and Xavier.

In other words, trying to save Xavier!

Taylee bugs exploring new territory

Ramie, Victoria, Taylee, and Kaydence

My mom, Grandpa, Karen, Greg, and Ramie

Xavier eatin' dirt

My cousins Denise and Zachary

(doesn't he look like a blonde Harry Potter?)

He's the wittiest 12 year old I have ever met . . .

Cute Kaydence with her binks

Taylee isn't sure about all these new people

All in all, the reunion was great! We can't wait to do it again. Thanks Aunt Tota for organizing and putting on all the food. You are loved and appreciated, even if we aren't so good at showing it!

Taylee made herself at home in the hotel

We were little hampsters cruising

around town in our KIA Soul.And, finally, on Father's day, we headed home

Ooops . . .

I forgot to close the toilet lid before

I got in the shower today.

This is what happened . . .

Disclaimer: Elmo and Ernie were thoroughly

disinfected after their little swim!

Hallie in the news

Recently Hallie (my former primary at work) was on the local Reno news! Her mom has posted the story on their website, HelpingHallie.com. Use the link on the right side of my blog to get there, then click on "In The News" on Hallie's website to view the news story. (Sorry, I don't know how to post the story on my blog ;0)

Another First

Taylee had her FIRST french fry tonight. I know it's a silly thing to blog about, but it's a big deal to us. She gags on anything that's not baby food, so she doesn't eat a lot of table food. However, she was digging the fry. Guess she takes after her mommy . . . And where did this monumental occasion take place, you ask? Well, nowhere special. Pace's drive-in. Should have been McDonald's or Burger Bar, or somewhere really cool. Oh well. Beggars can't be choosers. Unfortunately the only photo I got is on my cell phone, and I have NO idea how to get that onto the computer. Any suggestions?

My OTHER obsession!

Ok, I know I'm about a day late and a dollar short, but I have a baby now, what can I say? My priorities have changed a little. My mom and I finally got to go see Sex and the City 2! We are HUGE fans of all things SATC, and this movie was no exception. Yeah, it was a little corny, but it still had all the glitz, glamour, and laughter of the original. I am definitely a fan. I own every season on DVD, as well as the first movie, and I can't wait to purchase this one. And, really, I don't buy movies. This is my exception. I have even re-watched the first one twice. Whoa! Yay for Sex and the City, yay for girls night!

The Road to Recovery

Taylee's recovery from surgery has been a bit bumpy, but it appears we have turned the corner. She is finally acting like herself, eating almost normally (for her!), and not requiring pain medication. We saw Dr. Siddiqi yesterday, he took a look in her mouth and says the repair looks good. Assuming she continues to heal and do well, we won't see him until we visit the entire craniofacial clinic team. Apparently this entails a LONG day where Taylee sees Dr. Siddiqi, the ENT, orthodontist, dentist, and speech therapy. Not sure when this will happen, I am waiting on a phone call from the craniofacial coordinator. I would assume that it won't be for awhile, because we see Dr. Siddiqi and the ENT as surgery follow-up, and really, what can the others do for her at this age? So, we'll see. All in all, life is back to normal! Hurray! Except her sleep schedule - the hospital stay has done that in! Darn it . . .

Memorial Day Fun

After 4 days of being in the hospital, we were ready to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. On Monday we went miniature golfing with Grandma and Grandpa Judson. This was our first visit to Boondock's. What a fun place! We can't way to go back and do all their activities! Taylee did really well, especially considering she was just out of the hospital. Of course she spent a lot of time in the Baby Bjorn. But, honestly, who can't use a little extra snuggling? I think it may have actually improved my golf game. Can't wait to do it again.

When Taylee Met Tavin

Our good friends Lana and Danny came over to barbecue with us last weekend. They brought their cutie pie Tavin. Tavin is six months old, and quite the charmer! Look at those beautiful eyes! While Tavin was here he had to suffer the indignity of sitting in Taylee's girlie highchair. Hope he will someday forgive us . . . He did get his first experience with a sippy cup at our house. He took to it like a champ!

Taylee and Tavin weren't sure what to make of each other. They mostly just looked at each other, and quickly went their seperate ways. Primarily into their mommy's arms. Someday, they are going to be fabulous playmates!