Funny Kids

While uploading photos from this weekend, I stumbled across these pix I took a couple weeks ago of my silly kids. I love that Taylee is Skyler's mini me. Too cute.

And I was trying to teach Taylee the art of the self-portrait. Her attempts didn't work out so well . . .

To Top it all Off . . .

So, to end this weekend of fun, we headed to Park City on Monday and hit the Utah Olympic Park. Is anybody else amazed that it has been nearly 10 years since the 2002 Olympics here in SLC? ? Crazy!!
My mom, Aunt Tota, Skyler, Ryan, and Kaydence took a spin on the Alpine Slide. A first for both Skyler and Kaydence. Way fun!

After the Alpine Slide, the big kids (myself, Kent, Ryan, and Skyler), got to take a trip on the 'Extreme Zip Line!'

We finished off the day with dinner at Five Guys (and the neighboring Cafe Rio for me!). All in all, it was a perfect end to a great weekend! We should do this every year . . .

Family Fun!

We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend. My aunt Char (Tota to those in the know), my cousin Ryan and his cutie tootie Kaydence came out for a long weekend visit. This gives us a great excuse to go do all the fun stuff our little hometown has to offer!
I was surprised and thrilled to find that Taylee and Kaydence were fast friends. Taylee is a tough gal to impress, but Kaydence charmed her quickly. It may have helped that she came bearing gifts for Taylee. New snuggly jammies for the upcoming winter (which we are NOT looking forward to!), and a new wild girl cup with a swirly straw. These girls were hot stuff with their new cups! Thanks for all the new swag!
Anyways, shortly after their arrival we met up at the park to feed the ducks, which was a real hit, especially with the ducks! They LOVED our bread and actually got really aggressive. We had to make a quick escape to avoid losing a finger or two!
On Friday, while I was working and Kent was camping with the kiddos, my mom took Tota, Ry, and Kaydence to the zoo. The animals were a bit sleepy and lame, but they still had fun. Plus they scored a couple stuffed monkeys, so the day was a hit in Kaydence's book! And Taylee didn't make out too bad either, with her own monkey. (which now shares her bed, by the way!) Thanks Tota!
Upon their return from camping on Saturday, we headed straight to Boondocks. Sadly, I forgot my camera, but rest assured, we had a great time on the go-carts, bumper boats, and mini golf.
The fun continued on Sunday at the Aquatic Center, which is always a hit with my family. I think Kaydence really helped Taylee find her inner fins too!

We barbecued some yummy ribs at our house that night, and Skyler entertained us with his football acrobatics.

Here is Taylee imitating her big brother's antics . . .

I had to post this photo because I think it is pretty cool. I was snapping a picture of Taylee and Skyler stuck his hand in front of my camera. Not sure how it happened, but Skyler's hand became see through!

And, of course, what's a day of fun in the sun without a bubble bath to top it off?!

Camping in the Uinta's

Kent's family had a bit of a family reunion over Labor Day weekend in the Uinta's. Because I had family visiting from Colorado, he opted to go up for only one night. I had to work that night, so Kent and Skyler had the honor of taking Taylee on her first camping trip! Some parts went well, some not so well.

The eating parts went well.

Who doesn't love camping food?

Smores and Toasted Marshmallows?
Yummy!

The sleeping part, not so good. Kent ended up with Taylee inside his sleeping bag. She slept well, but as you might imagine,

Kent didn't get much sleep, to say the least!

The fishing proved to be pretty fun.

And quite succesful if you consider minnows a good catch!
Taylee taking a paw to the face and a paw to the chest and being knocked over by a BIG dog, not so good. Neither was the fish hook in her knee.But, adventures are what camping is all about. And all in all, they had a pretty darn good time!

Toy Story

I was busy this afternoon making peanut butter bars for a family party tonight. I was so pleased that Taylee was being so good and letting me work uninterrupted in the kitchen. I figured it was because she was busy with her little project. She was running back and forth from her bedroom to the dining room table, stashing toys under the table. I figured it was worth the mess just to get my baking done.

When I went to put her down for a nap, I found she had a much bigger project going on. This is what she was really doing while I was baking!

She sure looks like a spoiled little girl from these photos!

P.S. Jen - I changed some of the settings in my comments section. Maybe this will allow you to post comments? Let me know if it helps.

How old?!

Last week Kent took me to St. George to celebrate my birthday. We had a nice relaxing vacation away. We started with a little golf at Dixie Red Hills.You can't tell me that this view isn't impressive?!

He showered me with gifts . . .

He took me to not one, but TWO shows at Tuacahn. For a guy who doesn't like musicals, he was

a darn good sport about sitting through both Grease, and Little Mermaid!

I only caught him dozing once or twice . . . ;)

We returned home to even more birthday fun. Nana and Poppie took us all out to Olive Garden for my birthday. YUMMY!

Then they spoiled me with some new scrubs and a new 56 degree wedge!

It looks like somebody thinks she has an affinity for golf . . .

We can't wait til she is big enough to hit the links with us! Kent and I are so lucky and so grateful to have wonderful parents who take such good care of our little girl, which allows us to get away and know that she is in good hands.

Thanks for all your help Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, and Poppie!

Green Thumb?!

This little cutie pie is pleased to announce that

her mommy grew her very first tomato!

Yes, this is small beans to many of you out there,

but it is truly my very first attempt at

growing anything other than a flower.

Thank heavens for Jennika or this never would have

come to pass. When I bought 2 little six packs of

tomato plants, I brought them home, and was preparing

to plant them. I had a pot, I had plants, I was ready!

Fortunately Jennika stopped by, and when I told

her I was going to put all six plants in one pot,

she had a pretty good laugh. So I said, maybe

like half? Three plants per pot?

Hah. Just one?!

Wow, I was a little off. So, I got a couple more pots,

planted three plants, and sent the rest to grow

and thrive in Mike and Jenn's garden.

Well, indeed, she was right, and I have tomatoes!

Maybe next year I will plant some peppers and

some strawberries. And maybe I will

do a bit of research before I get started!

Unposted post

While creating the slideshow of Taylee's birthday pictures, I found the slideshow I created of our trip to Moab in May with Mark and Amber. Then I found the post I wrote about our trip, neither of which were actually posted. I guess I got sidetracked trying to find a way to upload the slideshow into the post that I wrote. I still don't know how, so here is the post I wrote, and below is the slideshow.

Last weekend Kent and I joined Kent's brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Amber, on a quick trip to Moab. It was just a short getaway, but we had an absolute blast! Most relaxing and enjoyable two days we've had in quite some time. I did miss my baby girl more than I expected, but it made our homecoming that much sweeter. We arrived on Friday mid-day, and immediately hit the trail for Delicate Arch. It was a little rough acclimating after sitting in the car for 4 hours, but we made it to the arch, and enjoyed our $5 footlongs from Subway while gazing upon Delicate Arch. After checking in to our condo - (which was really nice, and worked out to less than $100 per night, per couple!), we relaxed with drinks and headed for our favorite Moab eatery, Pasta Jay's! As always it was delicious. I indulged in Pasta Jay's newest addition - Margaritas!! It turned into quite the party! We awoke surprisingly refreshed on Saturday morning, and hit the road for Arches Nat'l Park again. We cruised all the way to the end of the road and went for another hike, the Devil's Garden trail, which allowed us viewing of Landscape Arch, the fallen Wall Arch, Navajo Arch, and Double O Arch. It was certainly a worthy hike. We got back to town tired and hungry and went straight to lunch at the Moab Brewery. Yummy! We spent a bit in the room cleaning up and preparing for our 5:30 tee time at the Moab Golf Club. Kent, Mark, and I golfed nine holes, and Amber indulged in a little photography session. A good time was had by all. It was possibly the slowest nine holes we have ever played, as the threesome in front of us had to make frequent stops for their two small dogs to use the potty. Seriously?! Never seen dogs on the golf course before. Guess there is a first time for everything . . . By the time we were done it was well after eight, and we headed to meet my dad and his comrades (who just happened to be visiting Moab as well!) at the Branding Iron for dinner. This meal was the only disapointment of the trip, food-wise. Company-wise, we had a great time. We were practically the only people in the restaurant, which was probably a good thing, as we were NOT quiet! Sadly, Sunday brought our return home. We left Moab at 85 degrees, and hit SLC at 45 degrees. Ouch! We did take the opportunity to see Gemini Bridges before leaving town. If you've never had the opportunity to see it, it is well worth a visit! Anyways, we came home to a cold and rainy mothers day, but also to a little girl who was very glad to see her mommy and daddy. Thanks for watching our girl Nana and Grandma & Grandpa Judson! We had a great get-away!

Moab 2011

Click here to view these pictures larger

2 Year Check-up

Taylee had her two year check-up this week. I told Kent that now that she has passed her check-up with flying colors, she is 'officially' two! He thinks I am silly. Dr. Strasser was pleased with all aspects of Taylee's development, especially with her developing speech. Last time she saw her (at 18 months), Taylee was using only a few words. When Dr. Stasser asked if Taylee uses 2-3 word phrases, we were pleased to report that she is occasionally using full sentences of 4 or more words! I guess this means she is caught up?! In fact, I may make next weeks visit to the speech therapist at Primary's our last. At least for now. I suspect that Taylee may eventually need further therapy to help refine her pronunciation. She still has a tendency to push her sound thru her nose (apparently a typical cleft palate characteristic). But for now, I am so thrilled that my daughter talks! A lot! So, the official stats:

Height 34.5 inches = 77th %
Weight 24 lbs 6 oz = 21st %
OFC 46.9 cm = 34th %