The Taylor Family

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

This year, we decided to dress up as a family for our neighborhood Halloween Bash. Introducing the WIZARD of OZ!!!

Our baby is 5

2011-10-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

For Kate's 5th birthday she requested a Magical Unicorn Tea Party - and that is exactly what we did. We played "hot potato" with a unicorn pillow pet, pin the horn on the unicorn and broke open a very stubborn unicorn pinata. The house was decorated in everything purple, pink and turquoise. With lots of tulle! Kate's loved it and said it was the best birthday ever.
5 things that make Kate so very special:
1. She is sweet and salty and the perfect combination of both
2. She loves her family and constantly tells us how much
3. Even though she talks like she is 14, she still loves to cuddle and snuggle!
4. She walks on her toes and has a bounce in her step everywhere she goes - so full of life
5. She still sucks her thumb, but has a smile that will light up a room.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby - and remember you promised, no matter how big you get, you will always be my baby!

first day of school

2011-08-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

The girls started school together this year on August 8th. Emma is beginning 3rd grade and is excited to see all of her friends and meet her new teacher. Kate is starting PreK this year at Emma's school and is on "cloud 9" that she gets to go to BIG school with her sister!!!

Kate and her PreK teacher Mrs. Miller. It is Mrs. Miller's first day at Sonoran Heights too, so she and Kate have something in common!

Emma and her new teacher, Mr. B. He just moved from Colorado and Emma says he is going to be a tough teacher (which mom and dad love) and that he likes to have parties to reward the kids.

an american girl birthday

2011-08-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

Emma had so much fun at her 8th birthday. She and mommy took 4 of her BFF's for an American girl slumber party at the Pointe Tapitio Resort. They swam in the pool, went down the fun water slide, destroyed the hotel room with American girl "stuff" everywhere, went for Cold Stone Ice cream and watched Hoodwinked! The girls finally fell asleep around 11 pm and we got up the next morning and had a wonderful brunch at the Point in Time Restaurant. The girls all loved the large buffet!

Happy Birthday my sweet Emma Grace - you certainly are an ALL AMERICAN GIRL! Love you!

San Diego Vacation

2011-06-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time in San Diego on our family vacation. We went to the beach, Knotts' Soak City, played bingo, dodge ball, tie-dyed towels, made crafts, rode bikes, visited with friends, ate wonderful food, and just hung out. It was all so much fun. Emma and her friend Landon did the talent show one night and took "first" place. Emma sang "Just the good 'ol boys" by Waylan Jennings (Dukes of Hazard Theme Song), while Landon danced in the back ground. Kate, cousin Sydney and friend Charlie also had a special time on stage. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.

summer = sleepovers

2011-05-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is the perfect time for sleepovers. Lily and Ava are sisters and are getting ready to move the other side of town, so of course, we had to a have a girl night before the big move. Cousin Sydney also stayed for the fun! Lots of dress up, bracelet making, baking and movies!

So much fun.

Spring Fever

2011-05-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and what better way to enjoy it then Softball. Emma played for the Colorado Rams this season. It was her first time playing softball and she loved it. She was a great at batting, even with coach-pitch style. She loved running the bases and being part of a team. To our surprise..one of her friends Abby was also on the team. The girls had a blast. Thanks Coach Mike and Coach Frank for a great season!

Happy Easter

2011-05-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter over at my sister's house. The kids had fun during the egg hunt.

happiest place on earth

2011-03-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

I always remember loving Disneyland as a kid. The roller coasters, rides, characters and the millions of sweet treats. But I never really understood why they called it a magical place. Until now. Watching the smiles on your children's faces as they hug a princess, or fly down the largest roller coaster or can't decide what to do next.... IS the most MAGICAL feeling in the entire world. Yes - we finally did it. We surprised the girls and took a family trip to Disneyland. They had no idea until we were about to board the plane where we were going. Our friend Maryann met us at the airport with special Disney surprises for the girls and we video taped their response (as you can imagine a lot of screaming, yelling, jumping up and down and hugs and kisses). Words and pictures simply can not express the amazing time we had. Even Tim, who hates to fight the crowds (and of course we were there on the busiest weekend ever) could not stop smiling! :-)

Merry Christmas

2011-01-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Santa found our house, the girls were so excited!

Some of Kate's favorite presents: Lanie, her American Girl doll, the puppy doctor kit, the new camera (from Momo), her gumball machine (from Gigi), and her Tangled Tower (from papa & nini)

Some of Emma's favorite presents were: Emily, her American Girl doll, her MP3 player loaded with Taylor Swift songs, her bracklet making kit (from Momo), the real diamond earrings (from papa & nini), and many games (digi, scrabble, etc.)

The girls in their new Christmas day outfits. They picked them out! :-)

Christmas night: Emma, Garet & Kate

We are so blessed in so many way and we have so much to be thankful for. We wish all of you a wonderful 2011!!!

Uncle Tony's Visit

2011-01-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

The girl's favorite part about this winter break was having their Uncle Tony home from Spain. He was here for 2 weeks and left on Christmas day. He had a chance to see Kate's Holiday Singing Program, participate in Emma Holiday party at school, go for a bike ride, see the zoo lights, play at the park, and spend time just goofing around. The kids absolutely adore him!

Uncle Tony and all his nieces and nephews : Emma and Elea (back row), Kate, Tommy and Uncle Tony (middle row), Sydney, Carter and Travy (front row)
Brothers and Sisters

All the kids painted Uncle Tony a beautiful piece of pottery for his new home. They each put their hand print on it and little Carter put his footprint.

Tony brought all the kids special items from the town he lives in Taull. Here is a picture of the girls and their ponchos. Too cute!

An of course, he could not get out of town with a special Tea Party!!!!

Christmas @ Aunt Betsy's

2011-01-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

We always have Christmas with the Taylor/Granger side of the family the week before Christmas at Aunt Betsy's house.

Here are my little fashion queen's. Emma has now decided she want to be a fashion designer when she grows up! Some of the outfits she picks out are quite interesting. :-)

All the cousins: Kylan, Trevor (back row), Emma, Kate and Charlie (middle row), Garet and Ryan (front row)

Best Friend Forever and Ever (BFFE)

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Emma and her cousin Elea are too cute together!

Family Pictures

2011-01-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our family photo session. Our friend, Melissa Jensen, was the photographer and is so talented. I just can't believe how big our girls are getting!

All I want for Christmas...

2010-11-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth! :-) Emma lost both of her front teeth within 2 weeks of each other. She looks so beautiful and talks so cute. Eating has been a little bit of a challenge and she gets embarrassed when anyone asks her about them. It is hard to get her to smile for a camera, but when she does, her little face just lights up a room.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Introducing the most beautiful ladybug and Hannah Montana/Taylor Swift.

Halloween Party

2010-11-06T16:03:00.001-07:00

Our neighborhood had a very fun Halloween Party the week before Halloween.

Daddy's favorite player - #9

2010-10-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Kate started playing t-ball this season. It has been quite interesting. She is on the "superhero's" team (the kids picked it). She loves that she got #9 since that is also Tony Romo's number and now know that she is by far Daddy's favorite player. However...she is not playing that much. With each practice and game she participates a little more, but is certainly not loving it. Tim has been so sweet and patient with her.
Kate and cousin Tommy are on the same team and Uncle Travis is the coach. Tommy is a natural and when told, "Tommy, you need to let the other kids get the ball too.", he replies with, "but I am just faster then they are!" :-) He is too cute.

Kate lives for the end of practice or a game, because that is when they hand out the snacks! :-)

Ladybug Picnic

2010-10-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

For Kate's 4th Birthday party, she wanted to have a ladybug picnic in the park. It was still too hot in the valley, so we decided to have the party up in Prescott and our family was kind enough to drive up. We had it at a beautiful park. We played pin the ladybug on the flower.

Made fun crafts.
Made individual bug boxes and went on a ladybug hunt.

Our friend Melody, who has started her own business, Desideri Delights, make the cake and cupcakes. They turned out beautiful. Kate asked for banana cake and Melody made it happen. It was delicious.

A walk around the sun

2010-10-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

At the Montessori School where Kate goes, each year for a child's birthday the put a sun in the center of the room and the child holds a globe and walks around the sun one time for every year they have been born. They also show pictures of themselves during each year and talk about what they were able to do when they were that age.
Kate as a infant. She was cute and cuddly and not able to walk or talk or eat on her own.

Kate turned 4 years old on 10/10/10. She can walk and run and jump. She talks up a storm and has a wonderful vocabulary. She loves to eat veggies and fruit and steak and chicken (her words not mine):-)

These are Kate's teachers. Ms. Nicole and Ms. Daniella.

3 silly girls

2010-10-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

2nd Grade

2010-08-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Emma started 2nd Grade today. We went clothes shopping for school clothes last Friday...boy...I never knew 7 year old could have such opinions about what they are going to wear. I mean...I am paying for it. Well....she did find some adorable things that we could both agree on. :-) And here is what she chose for her first day of 2nd grade. The shoes are my favorite. Unfortunately they did not come in my size. :-)
I know I am her mom....but isn't she just BEAUTIFUL!

Had to have the backpack with the peace signs on it. All the folders inside had to match (peace, love, etc.) and then of course 2 pocket folders with dogs on them and a blue pencil box.

It was also her cousin's Garet's first day of Pre-K. They just looked so cute together. And the smiles just give away their excitement!

Emma and her teacher, Mrs. Hope. She came home today and said that Mrs. Hope is the best teacher ever. And, "did I know that everyone has an invisible bucket? Each day you have a choice to either be a bucket giver or a bucket dipper. Bucket givers do good things for others and spread happiness and a bucket dipper is someone who is mean and bullies others. I am a bucket giver." Gosh....I love Mrs. Hope already too!

7 years old

2010-08-09T20:32:00.001-07:00

Our precious Emma Grace is 7 years old. She celebrated with a week of events. Everyday, starting on Monday, she got to open a present. Friday night we had a girly pj party, Saturday we did an Emma day (breakfast for breakfast, breakfast for lunch and breakfast for dinner), plus throw in a movie and swimming. Sunday we invited 8 of her best friends to the pottery painting place, Color Me Mine, for a ICarly birthday party. She had so much fun and just loved every minute of it.

7 things about Emma:
Favorite Color: BLUE
Favorite Food: BREAKFAST
Favorite Restaurant: NICK'S DINER
Favorite Singer: HANNAH MONTANA
Favorite Animal: DOGS
Favorite School Subject: MATH
Favorite Person in the World: DADDY :-)

(from left to right) Charlies, Lily, Jake, Chase, Emma, Shea, Landon, Brooke & Ryanne

4th of July

2010-08-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

We spent this Independence Day up in Prescott. We have now parked our 5th Wheel Trailer up there for the summer. It is our little "home away from home" or "heat escape". We went to the big 4th of July parade, launched water balloons, had a glow-light parade of our own and hung out with good friends.

Summer Fun

2010-07-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our summer vacation in San Diego. We had so many visitors this year and the girls just loved it. We went to Sea World, Soak City and many trips to the beach. The kids even built a lemonade stand - which was just precious. They actually made $8.25 and used it at the local arcade.

Our girls on the beach - loving each other :-)

Katie Kate just having fun!

Emma and cousin Elea

Cousin Garet

Katie and cousin Sydney at Sea World

Baby cousin Carter and his "fangs". Too cute. His other top teeth broke through while we were there. No more little vampire.

The girls, Sydney, Carter and our friends Landon and Charlie. The kids had a blast tie-dying t-shirts this year (which has become a tradition). They just did not want to stop playing long enough to get their picture taken in them.

Happy "Daddy" Day

2010-06-29T16:10:00.001-07:00

Emma and Kate are the luckiest little girls in the world. Why? Because they have the BEST Daddy anyone could ever ask for. Both are completely "Daddy girls" and he loves every minute of it. We celebrated Father's Day in San Diego this year. What a perfect place to be. I just wish my dad and Tim's dad could have been there with us. To Kenny and Jack - we love you and thank you for everything you have done for us and our families.

Tim and Uncle John with their Daddy Awards the girls all made for them.

Cousin Sydney and the beautiful coozie craft she made for her Daddy John.

BIG 60

2010-06-01T18:33:00.001-07:00

Gigi turned the BIG 60 in April. We celebrated with a girls trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley. Gigi and her friend Barbara had a great time exploring the city, we went to an amazing show "Beach Blanket Babylon", took a day tour to 4 wineries and ate lots of yummy food. It was a blast. Happy Birthday Gigi. You are 60 and sensational.

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Easter is my FAVORITE holiday! We certainly had a very busy Easter this year. We started off on Saturday with a neighborhood potluck and egg hunt. We went to church on Sunday morning, had brunch at my sisters house, came home took naps and then ended the day at Tim's parents. Whew!!! Here are a few fun pictures that capture the spirit of the day - just plain fun with lots of smiles.

My babies - how long do you think I can keep dressing them alike - I love it, but soon they will probably say "no way".

Daddy's girl

BFF - Best Friends Forever - Kate and Cousin Sydney

Baby cousin Carter and Papa Jack

Snow much fun

2010-03-31T21:01:00.001-07:00

At the end of Spring Break week, we decided to take a trip up north to play in the snow one last time. We rented a cabin with my sister and her family. It was the most adorable place and newly remodeled. The girls had a blast. Emma wanted to bring a friend with us, since her other cousins are not her age. She choose Shea, a very dear, sweet and just delightful little girl.

Here is a picture of Mr. Carter Man. Known by Auntie Fabulous as 'Bubba Bear". He is so cute and cuddly.

Kate and cousin Sydney, as always, were connected at the hip all weekend. Look at these two little snow bunnies!

We all went sleding and had a wonderful time! Emma did the most runs of anyone!!!

Luck of the Irish

2010-03-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Career Day

2010-03-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Kate's school had Career Day. What do you want to be when you grow up? "A teacher", Kate said. And...so a teacher she was. Daddy had the idea of taking out the lenses in the glasses and she just loved them. In fact, she wears them all the time now.

Love, Love & Tea Parties

2010-03-13T15:54:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Tea Parties. We could not let a year go by without having one. We invited Nana over to Gigi's and had a wonderful time. 3 different kinds of teas, yummy muffins and fresh fruit.

Build a ...

2010-01-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

On New Year's Day we took the kids to Build-a-Bear. It was their first time and you would have thought they won the lottery. Emma could not sleep the night before, she was so excited.

Emma decided to build a pony - which she named "Hannah Montana" and dressed it with rock star clothes, a microphone and sunglasses.

Kate choose a bunny rabbit. She quickly decided it was going to be a cheerleader and picked out a Dallas Cowboys cheerleading outfit (all on her own - Daddy says). She named her bunny "Cuddly Bunny".

And cousin Syndey also selected a bunny, dressed in princess clothes which she named Mrs. Bunny.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

We spend New Year's Eve with all our friends. The girls had a blast playing board games and the Wii. Aunt Mel and Daddy even had a boxing match. Everyone made it to midnight and rang in the new year. 2009 was a great year and we have so much to be thankful for. I hope that 2010 continues to bring health and happiness to all of our loved ones.

Aunt Mel, Uncle John, Sydney and Baby Carter

Emma and Mommy and our funny faces

Winter Vacation

2010-01-01T17:16:00.001-08:00

The girls and I have had such a fun time on our winter vacation (2 weeks). We have been to the pottery painting shop, finished Christmas shopping, and of course had both sides of our family over on Christmas day.

We turned Emma bedroom into a Hannah Montana room with a new queen bed and HM bedspread and Katie now has Emma's old bed. Here is a picture of her with her new sheets and matching pajamas.
We went to the Arizona Natural History Museum (known as the dinosaur museum) with our neighbors. The kids loved it. Here is a picture of them with Rex, the dinosaur from Night at the Museum (a movie they loved).

After the museum we had lunch at Rainforest Cafe where the girls had dinosaur chicken nuggets and we had a lava cake for dessert. Kate was a little scared at the thunderstorms in the restaurant, but Emma loved all the moving animals.

We went to the movies and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks (so very cute) and ran a ton of errands. We also went to the Wildlife Zoo with Aunt Mel, Sydney and Carter. Here is a picture of the friend Emma made. :-)
I wish I could win the lottery and not have to work again, but have enough money to stay at home with my girls and just play!!! I have love every minute of our time together.

Santa was here!!!

2010-01-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

The girls were so excited to see what Santa brought. Gigi spent the night and they could not wait to go in and wake her up. Santa was very generous this year. He brought Daddy and new TV and heater for his "man cave garage", mommy got a wine fridge, Emma is now a rock star with her new guitar and drum set and Kate got a Hanny Manny Repair Kit.

It was too funny that our little sweet girls wanted tools and a bb gun (which Emma got from mom & dad).

The begining

2010-01-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

Our holiday festivities began with Tim's Aunt Betsy's house. The girls looked so cute and had a fun time with all their cousins.

Our witches

2009-11-01T14:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween! Emma and Kate both wanted to be "good" witches this year. Of course, what ever Emma wants to be....Kate wants to be. They looked so cute. We had all our family friends and neighbors over a chili cook off, salad, cornbread and some "sugar-free" desserts. The girls donated the candy they collected and each got $5. We went to the dollar store and they each picked out 5 fun items.

Cousin Sydney Lyn - the little ballerina

Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat - Troop #1086 is so SWEET!! Emma's girl scout troop went to the pumpkin patch. They all made their shirts and even Kate had a shirt. Her shirt said "girl scout in training".

Our baby is 3

2009-10-15T21:36:00.000-07:00

My gosh how fast they grow up. Kate turned 3 on October 10th. It seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. She is such a sweet girl with the most amazing personality. She loves purses, cell phones and playing dress up and house with her sister. She is always walking around talking on a phone to her employees at Target (where she says she works). She makes water slides there! :-) She is a true blessing to our family and I thank God for her each and every day! Happy birthday my sweet Katie Kate Kate.

Last party at Care Bear College

2009-10-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know this, but our wonderful Nana has finally decided to retire. Care Bear College will closed on October 30th. Nana had taken care of our girls for 6 years, and we have no idea how we are going to replace the loving care, education and fun she brought to the girls lives.

Every year on the girls birthday's we have a little party at Care Bear College to celebrate. Below are a few pictures from our last party :-(.

Kate, Nana & Emma

Emma, Britney, Kate & Jameson (we made sock puppets :-))
Our beautiful birthday girl

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the long Labor Day Weekend by going camping up north in Flagstaff. The girls just love being outside and getting dirty. Tim's sister, Jennifer, and her son Garet joined us and we all had a wonderful time.

New Friends

2009-09-07T16:45:00.001-07:00

1st Grade has been quite the transition for Emma. None of her friends from her kindergarten class are in her class this year, but as you can see, she is quickly making new friends. She is doing wonderful in school and receiving 100% and A+'s on all her work. She still says that 1st Grade is boring and "all we do is work", however her teacher assures me that they still get to have a little fun! :-)

swim lessons

2009-08-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

The girls have been in swim lesson since June. Lisa is their swim instructor and runs her business out of her home. She is wonderful and had taught the girls so much. Emma is working on her various strokes and Kate is now back floating totally on her own.

1st Grade

2009-08-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

WOW - how time flies. Emma started 1st Grade today. Here is her teacher Ms. Williams who seems very nice. They had an opportunity to meet at "Meet the Teacher Night" the week before school started. There are 22 kids in Emma class.

She wanted to take her lunch today in her Hannah Montana lunch box and matching backpack, so of course we had to send her with a special lunch note.

She decided that she wanted to wear her new dress from Aunt Kerri with the matching jelly sandals. She looked so grown up.

gorgeous ears

2009-08-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Emma decided that she was finally brave enough to go and get her ears pierced. We decided to go with a friend of hers from girl scouts, Ryanne. Unfortunately there was only one woman working and she had to have one ear done at a time (I do NOT recommend this). It took me 15 mins to convince her that she could not only have 1 ear pierced. After it was over, she said she was glad she did it and loves her new diamonds.

BEFORE

All smiles before...

DURING (one ear at a time, poor thing)

AFTER

Loose Tooth

2009-08-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

One day its there the next day it isn't. Emma lost her first tooth the day after her birthday party. It came out while we were brushing her teeth. She put it in her special tooth pillow and we left a note for the tooth fairy asking if it would be o.k. if she left the first tooth so mommy could put it in her scrapbook. And she did...plus a special $2 bill. :-)

6 years old

2009-08-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Emma is 6 years old. I just can't believe it. For her birthday party we had a fun Hula Luau at Uncle John and Aunt Mel's house.

Creed Cabin

2009-08-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at Uncle Jack and Aunt Dee Dee's cabin in Flagstaff. It was so fun to see Jason, Cindy, Maddi, Whitney & Jace.

A visit from Spain

2009-07-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

My oldest brother came home for a visit. We decided to take Uncle Tony and his girlfriend Rachel on a family camping trip! We had a wonderful time. It was great to have the entire family there and the kids had so much fun playing with their cousins and of course "crazy" Uncle Tony (he is such a kid at heart)!

Brothers (Tony and Travis)

Rachel and Tony

Elea and Emma

Katie Kate

The Whole Family

Vacation

2009-07-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our 2 week summer vacation to San Diego, CA. We had a blast visiting Shamu and Dolly the Dolphin, playing on the beach and building sand castles and just hangin' out with family and friends. Emma even did the talent show one night. Her special talent was "stacking books". Let me know if you want the details!

Summer Time

2009-07-10T18:14:00.001-07:00

Even though it is over 110 degrees here in Phoenix this time of year....you have got to admit that the heat makes for some amazing sunsets :-)

Fun on the Farm

2009-04-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

The kids just love playing at Nini and Papa's farm. This is a picture of a day at the farm playing with the goats, chickens and geese.
Garet (cousin), Emma and Kate

Easter

2009-04-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Easter is my favorite holiday. I love the meaning behind the celebration. I love that spring time weather. I love the Easter egg hunts. I love the fact that you don't have to cook a formal meal, and can just have a fun BBQ.

The girls love it too! Look at these two sisters... so sweet, so innocent and still loving each other! :-)

This is Katie's "pretty smile"!

I just can't believe how big Emma is getting. She is such a little lady!
Emma and Papa JackPapa Kenny and Daddy

We are so very blessed!

kate's pretty smile

2009-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

If you ask Katie to show you her "pretty smile"...this is what you get. It just makes you want to giggle. She is so precious.

growing up too fast

2009-02-07T11:52:00.001-08:00

I just can't believe how much she is growing up. This was taken one morning before school this week. Emma loves school and had made so many new friends. I had a chance this week to go and have lunch with her and do a Valentine craft with all the kids. It was a blast.

Santa is here...

2009-01-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning! The girls were so excited that Santa came!

Christmas at Aunt Betsy's

2009-01-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

All the Taylor cousins (Kylan, Trevor, Ryan, Charlie, Garet, Emma and Kate)

80 Years

2009-01-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Grandma Mimi turned 80!!! The family planned a Mickey Mouse celebration, and we all wore coordinating shirts. Grandma refers to each of us as "this is April, my 4th grandchild", or " this is Kate, my 13th great-grandchild". Each of our shirts had our number on the back.

Grandma's children (5+ spouses)

The Grandchildren (13 + spouses)

The Great-Grandchildren (17 and counting) :-)

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2009-01-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Santa came to visit the kids of Care Bear College. Katie was not scared at all. She climbed right up on his lap and told him that she only wanted 1 toy for Christmas!

Christmas Program

2009-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Emma's kindergarten class did a wonderful holiday program. Emma sang three songs and took a BIG BOW after each one! She was the only one bowing.....it was so cute!

blessings

2009-01-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be THANKFUL for! These two little girls are such blessings to our family.

Pirates

2008-11-02T20:30:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh Matey! Mommy and Daddy got a chance to dress up to. Our friend, Robert, had a fun costume party the day after Halloween. Check out all the costumes. Some people were very creative!!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Emma was a Plum Pixie Fairy and of course that meant that Kate had to be a fairy as well! Emma had a blast trick-or-treating, but poor little Kate cried as soon as someone opened the door! All of our family and friends came over to celebrate and pass out candy.

Cousin Sydney was a little "pretty" witch!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-25T22:30:00.001-07:00

The girls had a blast at the pumpkin patch. Although we did not actually buy pumpkins, they did see the animals, slide down the slide, jump in the bounce house, play in the corn, go through the corn maze and ride on the train.

Tinkerbell and Pixie Dust

2008-10-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

Tinkerbell was the theme Kate' picked out for her family birthday party! We had so much fun. The kids played outside at "Emma and Kate's Park" (our backyard swing set), blew bubbles and ate cupcakes. Kate loved opening her presents and was so excited to see the bicycle Papa Jack and Tanya bought her and the motorized car Papa and Nini got her! She started clapping her hands, smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down!

Care Bear College Birthday Party

2008-10-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

We had a special celebration at Care Bear College on Kate's actual birthday. I brought Chic-fil-a for the kids and we ate on Care Bear plates! We sang Happy Birthday, enjoyed frosted cookies, played ring-around-the-rosie and sang songs! Kate loved being the center of attention, but did not want her picture taken that day! :-( Oh....are the terrible two's starting already?

Happy Birthday Katie Kate

2008-10-13T22:39:00.001-07:00

We woke her up by singing "Happy Birthday". She was all smiles the morning of her 2nd birthday! I just can't believe that our "baby" is 2 years old. The times just goes by all to quickly. Kate has started potty training and is doing really well. She speaks in 6-7 word sentences which is amazing! She loves brushing her teeth, coloring (especially on the walls), playing resturant with her big sister, taking baths, riding in the wagon, playing outside, feeding her babydolls and doing anything that Emma is doing! She doesn't like going to bed (always wants to stay up and watch "Little Bill") or getting dressed. She has such a wonderful smile and just says the funniest things all the time! What a true blessing she has been to our family!
We love you Katie Kate Kate!

what a difference 1 year makes

2008-10-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe how much little Katie has grown this past year! Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

ambulance ride

2008-09-29T21:12:00.001-07:00

You will not believe this! Emma and I were wrestling around on the carpet, when I accidentally pushed her back and she hit her head. She cried and in a few minutes became really REALLY tired and said she felt sick to her stomach. We took her to Urgent Care (thinking concussion), where she then vomited 2 times and therefore they told us to go to the ER for a CT scan. They sent us by ambulance! We got there, they completed a CT scan, found nothing - Thank you Lord! The doctor asked about her symptoms again: vomiting (3 times now), fever (102.8 degrees), sore throat, headache, tummy ache. She checks her throat - STREP THROAT! We took an ambulance ride and had a CT scan for STREP THROAT...and got home at 4 am! Too funny! Well...she is finally feeling better - poor little baby!!!

London

2008-09-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

My mom and I went to London, England to see a friend of mine get married. We were there for 7 days and had a wonderful time. We did a bit of sight seeing, spent time with good friends and had a blast dancing at the "disco".

Mom and I in front of the "london bridge"

Mom, the bride (Catherine) and I in Cath's backyard
The Happy Couple...Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Steel

Girls Camping Trip

2008-09-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

My sister -in-law, Jennifer, and I took the kids camping for the weekend! Emma and Kate had a blast playing with their cousin Garet. We also went over to Aunt Dee and Uncle Jack's cabin and got to play with a few more cousins (Madison, Whitney and Jace).

School Days

2008-09-05T22:23:00.001-07:00

Emma is loving school! She has become the teacher's pet, she gets on "green" everyday and is making a ton of friends. She takes her lunch Monday - Thursday, but like to be like the big kids and buy her lunch from the cafeteria on Friday. I can not believe the amount of paper this child brings home. Each day she is learning something new and so proud to show off her work when we get home. This month homework has started, we have a homework calendar, note card site words and a reading folder that must be done each night! Don't these teacher realize we also have dinner, baths and chores each night too...how are we suppose to fit homework in? I am so glad she is enjoying school! Or course her baby sister misses her terribly!

BIG DAY - Kindergarten

2008-08-11T21:21:00.001-07:00

I just can't believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was taking her to her first day of daycare and today it was her first day of kindergarten. Emma was so excited and so ready! She walked right in, put her backpack down and started making friends. She kept saying, "bye Mom, bye Dad, have a good day at work". Daddy practically had to drag me out of the classroom. I held it together pretty good until we stood there and watched her from outside the door - then the tears started rolling! She has turned into to such an amazing little girl and I am so very proud of her!
Her teacher, Mrs. VanPelt...

You Taught Me

2008-08-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Nana has been such a special influence on Emma! She has taught her so many things. Here is a poem we gave to Nana on Emma's last days! I hope Nana will always know what she has meant to Emma and to our family.

You Taught Me…

Where o’where has the time gone,

You started looking after me when I was oh so young.

I have learned so many things from my time spent with you,

And the following items name just a few!

You taught me the difference between junk and healthy food,

I learned to eat nicely and keep my mouth closed when I chew.

You taught me not to go potty in my pants,

I can now unbutton my shorts while doing the pee-pee dance.

You taught me to blow my nose in a tissue,

And how to use the crease of my arm when I sneeze, Achooo!

You taught me the importance of taking a rest,

My nap time everyday helped me to grow and be my best.

You taught me to color and stay in the lines,

I learned to follow directions and use my creative mind.

You taught me letters, numbers and how to write my name,

And musical chairs is one of my favorite games.

You taught me to tell time, one past a hare,

And the difference between all the shapes; circles, octagons and squares.

You taught me to be crafty and make fun things,

And I loved all the special songs that I learned to sing.

You taught me to treat animals with special love and care,

I will never forget Stashy-poo, Shadow, Sassy Bird and Suki Bear.

You taught me the importance of Valentine’s Day,

I will always remember the tea party and the lunch that you made.

You taught me about discipline, but you were always fair,

All the kids know that Nana is a tough cookie; mess with her if you dare.

You taught me not to tattle and I tried to obey,

Or a beating with a purple noodle was coming my way.

You taught me to use manners like a true champ,

And if I didn’t go to time out, I got a Care Bear stamp.

You taught me to be caring, sharing and loving,

And I rarely left your house without some good hugging.

As I begin kindergarten and go of to big girl school,

I just want to you know that you’re a true jewel.

You and Care Bear College have made me who I am today!

So…look out world…Emma Grace is coming your way!

I love you Nana,

Emma Grace Taylor

Care Bear College Graduation

2008-08-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace graduated from Care Bear College on Friday! Nana gave her a special certificate and she is just so proud of it. One of the little boys in her class, Chase, made her a special card with two pictures of him, so that she would not forget him and gave her a beautiful necklace and bracelet with Care Bear hearts! It was too sweet!
Can you believe this lunch box made it 5 years?

Party Girl

2008-08-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

The birthday parties continued with a Care Bear College party where we made Rainbow Fish and a family party with cookies and ice cream!

5 years old

2008-08-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace is really 5 years old. Really??? I remember the day we brought her home from the hospital. She has become such a precious princess with a kind and loving heart! She is thoughtful, sweet, funny and the best big sister anyone could ask for. For her birthday she invited 5 little girls over for an Ariel Princess Party. We had a huge waterside in the backyard and played games.

4th of July

2008-07-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

From Campland we could see six different fireworks shows! Sea World's was the biggest! The kids had a ball. And of course, my camera quit on me that day. But here is a picture of Emma and her friend Landon and then little cousin Sydney! I will load some of Kate shortly!

shamu

2008-07-07T14:19:00.001-07:00

Check out the looks on these girls' faces as they saw Shamu! Kate was just wow'd! She kept giggling and clapping her hands. Emma just loves Sea World and all the animals! I think her favorite is still Dolly the Dolphin.

Katie and her friend Charlie (Landon's baby brother)
Emma and her friend Landon

a day at the beach

2008-07-07T13:46:00.001-07:00

The girls had a blast this year in San Diego! They were surrounded by family and friends and just loved playing in the ocean!

Emma and her friend Landon
Cousin Sydney (the beautiful redhead)

Little Katie Kate (look at those legs) :-)

SNOW...in May?

2008-05-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yes... can you believe it? We went camping to Woods Canyon Lake over Memorial Day Weekend and had about a foot of snow! Emma loved it, but Kate was not too sure! It finally warmed up the last two days of our trip.

coloring...

2008-05-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Katie loves to color, especially with markers! We can't tell which has more design...the paper or her! Good thing these are washable!

soccer

2008-05-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

emma had a blast playing on the soccer team with her cousin travis. uncle travis was the assistant coach. emma liked the practices the best because they got to play freeze tag. At the game she was really more interested in looking for ladybugs in the grass and recruiting her friends on the team to help her. last weekend as the last game, emma played goalie and made a great save.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

Kate Madelyn looking so cute in her piggy tails!Emma Grace (aka Super Doper Egg Hunter)

Cousin Garet saying "Cheese"

Big Papa (Great Grandpa) and Kate

Yancy Family Easter Celebration

2008-03-24T20:57:00.001-07:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Be My Valentine!

2008-03-24T20:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day to our little movie stars!

Backyard

2008-03-24T20:33:00.001-07:00

The girls just love to play in the backyard. Swinging, playing in the play house or on the swing set and running races in the grass with Daddy!

Merry Christmas

2008-01-16T21:58:00.001-08:00

From our family to yours....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Family Pictures

2008-01-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

We had some pictures taken Tim's parents for Christmas. Here are a few!
Emma, Garet and Kate
One of miss sassy Emma Grace!

Polar Express

2008-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas we took the Polar Express to the north pole to see Santa! The girls had a blast and each received a special silver bell from Old St. Nick. It was really cold in Williams and even snowed while we where there!

Uncle Tony's Visit

2008-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to have Uncle Tony here for Thanksgiving (all the way from Spain). He brought the girls beautiful flamenco dresses with matching shoes. They just love them! All the kids just adore Uncle Tony and want to know when he is coming back!! :-)

Emma and Elea

Uncle Tony and all his nieces and nephews!

The siblings!!!
The family!

Trick or Treat

2007-11-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

Sisters! Strawberry Shortcake and Apple Dumplin'Strawberry Shortcake and Gigi

Superman (friend Landon) and Strawberry
Little Ladybug (cousin Sydney)

Farmer John (cousin Garet)

Strawberry strutin' her stuff!

Apple Dumplin' just loves chocolate!!!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-11-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

The girls had a blast at the Pumpkin Patch this year!! Here is Emma, Kate and their cousin Baby Sydney. Sydney is almost as big at little Kate!The Taylor Family!

The girls loved riding the barrel train!

SO BIG!

2007-11-03T23:34:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Kate's 1st Birthday with all her family! She just loved her cake, as you can see!

Kate's 1st Birthday @ Care Bear College

2007-11-03T23:14:00.001-07:00

Almost One...

2007-10-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Kate is going to be 1 year old in 9 short days! I just can't believe it. My baby!!! She is such a little doll!

Labor Day Weekend - Woods Canyon Lake

2007-09-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Emma's 4th Birthday Party

2007-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Our little Emma Grace just turned 4 years old. We had a "My Little Pony" party at the house and invited many friends and family members! She even got to ride on a real pony! His name was Little Joe and Emma just loved him! You can see that little Miss Kate was having a ball too! Boy how time flys!

2007-07-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

We just recently took a summer vacation to San Diego. We stayed at Campland on the Bay and had an absolute ball. The girls loved the beach, Sea World and just hanging out at the trailer! We took so many pictures, but here are a few of my favorites!