Lots and Lots of news!!!!!

WOWZA!  Boy has it been a long time since I have posted last.  SHEESH!  We have been crazy busy and have had some really big changes in our lives in the last month (I do have an excuse for not updating the blog.....having no internet for 3 + weeks will do that). 

1- First and foremost........WE MOVED BACK TO ST. GEORGE!  Taylor got a great job offer here and we couldn't say no.  It has been an adjustment for me and I was extremely sad to leave northern utah but was excited to be close to family and friends again.  Taylor is loving his job and is working with some GREAT guys.  We didn't plan on moving back to St. George for years and years and years so it was quite the shock when he received a job offer.  Never say never right?  Taylor got a call on a Wednesday night with an offer and they asked if he could be to work the following monday.  OH MY GOSH.....just about KILLED me.  Got the house packed and everything done and ready to go in 3 days.  Eeeek!  Let's just say that the thought of moving again makes me wanna cry.  We are soooo grateful for my family who came to help and get us out of our house and moved back home.  My parents came up on Friday and packed up the box van full of furniture etc. then Taylor and my dad drove it to St. George and got in at 4:30 in the morning, unpacked it, slept for a few hrs., then drove right back up north and loaded us up again.  It was a crazy situation but we are happy to be done and home.

2- Secondly.....I AM PREGNANT with baby nugget numba 4!  We are super excited and CAN'T wait until we find out what we are having.  I am currently 12 weeks along.  I am counting down the days until the day comes when I feel something other than headaches, nausea, and the never ending tiredness.

I have lots and lots of pictures to share and need to update the blog soon.  Just hold your horses and keep checking back!!!

Catching up on May and part of June

It's time to catch up on what we have been up to.  Put your feet up and relax.....it might take you awhile.

Double click on collages to get a better look.

Headstands

I taught the girls how to do headstands and they picked up on it really fast and haven't stopped doing them since.  We have practiced handstands outside on the grass a few times as well but of course headstands next to a wall or door is easier.  Taylor and I have even taken the kids out and tried teaching them cartwheels and we were both impressed that we were able to still do them.

Hair bows

Got creative and made the girls some new hair bows.

"Everybody Clean-up"

Taylor and Tayson vacuuming the house for me.  Had to be documented since it doesn't happen very often.

"I LOVE BEING A MOM"

Kamryn left me this sweet little not one day while playing with chalk.  It made me smile! 

"Shishy"

I got the kids some fish or "Shishy" as Tayson would say, for the first time ever.  We of course named them Dory, Nemo, and Crush (even though they look nothing like them).

Spokane Washington Trip

We went to Spokane with Taylor's parents in May for Taylor's Graduation.  We spent a few days site-seeing and playing since we probably won't ever go back (at least not for a long long long time).  We visited our favorite hot spots.....Couer D' Alene Lake, Spokane River falls and Riverfront Park, and Green Bluff. 

Spokane River Falls and Riverfront Park

Spokane Temple

Lake Couer D' Alene

One LAST Hurrah!

The night before Graduation all of the Law Group of friends got together and had a little party.  All the guys presented an award to an assigned guy and had a little something funny to say.  Taylor received the "Adidas Superstar" or in other words the "One Shoe All Occasions" award for always wearing the same shoe in EVERYTHING he did.  The women presented their husbands with a booklet filled with all the guys memories and a DVD/slide show of the last 3 years together.  It was a great night and it was such a great way to end this little adventure.  We are really missing all our friends, parties, softball games, flag football games, basketball games, play dates, and conversations with these people.  We were truly blessed to have such amazing friends throughout the last 3 years and Heavenly Father knew exactly where we needed to be for Law School.  LOVE AND MISS ALL OF YOU!

Graduation

Taylor walked with his original graduating class in May.  He officially graduated in December but it just never felt OFFICIAL to me so we decided we better go to Graduation and walk with his best buds.  It was such a GREAT feeling to cheer on my man and get school behind us.  I am very proud of him and myself.

Idaho Falls Temple

Made a pit stop at the Idaho Falls Temple on our way back from Graduation.  We love this Temple and the Water falls that surround it.

Taylor's Swearing In Ceremony

Taylor was sworn in as an OFFICIAL Attorney early in May.  It was such a NEAT experience and such a relief for him to finally become an attorney.  Taylor's good friend Gage was sworn in on the same day (this is the kid that went to Gonzaga as well and both Taylor and Gage studied for the BAR exam together) as well as his childhood friend Anthony Mcmullin (who also took the BAR exam with Taylor and Gage).

Preschool Graduation

Kamryn graduated preschool with flying colors and we couldn't be prouder.  She had a cute little part in their preschool play and she was a little Latino girl singing her numbers in Spanish.  TOO CUTE!  We have decided that we will put Kamryn through 1 more year of preschool and hold off for kindergarten.  She is a little disappointed she doesn't get to go to kindergarten but I think it will be fun for her and Brynlee to go through 1 year of preschool together, it will be nice for her to be the oldest in her class vs. the youngest, not having to wait a year to date and drive after her friends will come easier for her than waiting a year, also her and Brynlee will only be 1 year behind each other in school.  There were a lot of benefits to waiting another year and I hope I made the right decision.  It was a tough decision for me and still is tough because I felt as though I was determining her future.....determining who her friends would and wouldn't be, who she would and wouldn't date and so on and so forth.  It's funny what 1 little decision can do to a mother and how much 1 can contemplate and make sure they are making the right decision.  I guess this is the first of many many more to come.  YAY FOR MOTHERHOOD!

Memorial Day

We went up to Logan for Memorial Day and spent an hour or so at the Smithfield Cemetery where my grandfather, aunts, and most recently my uncle Pd and their graves are with my Grandma, uncle Matt, Pd's fiance Hailey, aunt and uncle Mike and Karen, and cousins.  After the Cemetery we went to Mike and Karen's and had a BBQ, rode 4-wheelers, rode Karen's horses, and visited.  The kids were excited to ride the horses and we all had a great day just hanging out.

While in Logan we stopped by the Logan Temple.  I have a soft spot for the Logan Temple.  It is such a pretty temple and I couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Las Vegas Vacation
We rewarded ourselves with a mini vacation to Vegas for getting through all these years of school but most importantly getting through Law School.  We went with one of Taylor's buddies Cort Crandall from high school and his wife Kristen.  We had such a good time.  We did a lot of shopping, dining out, sleeping, laying out, and walking the strip and doing the typical tourist stuff.  The HIGHLIGHTS of the trip were going to The Lion King, eating at the Bellagio buffet, and laying out in the sun.  Taylor surprised me with tickets to The Lion King and we sat on the front row.  He got both of our tickets for $69.00 a piece FRONT ROW!  SMOKIN' DEAL!  Can't wait to have another vacation and hope it comes SOON!  A special thanks to my mom who watched the kids for a few days.

Sand dunes

Before we ended our St. George/Vegas trip we went to the Snow Canyon Sand dunes with Grandma and Grandpa Tano.  Uncle Bryce and Aunt Kara buried Kamryn and Brynlee.  Tayson slided down the hill while Kamryn and Brynlee rolled down the hill, and the girls made a heart with an arrow going through it in the sand with their feet with Grandpa.

This girl LOVES peanut butter!!!!

Can you guess what he is doing?

Dance Pictures

Dance Recital

The girls had their dance recital for the first time together.  Kamryn has been in dance classes since she was 2, and this was Brynlee's first year in dance.  It was fun to have the 2 of them together in a class and much easier for me as well.  The girls did great at their recital.  Kamryn lead the other girls through the dance and Brynlee was jumping and trying to catch the feathers that had fallen off her tutu, after she had failed to catch them she decided to bend down and lick them off of the stage.  The crowd was laughing and clapping for her and thought it was the funniest thing ever.  Both Taylor and I were hysterically laughing.  It was the BEST!  After the recital we took the girls to get an ice-cream cone to celebrate.  We sure have some cute little dancers on our hands!

Funny things to remember

*Tayson loves to help mom clean up.

*The girls got an Igloo tent from Ikea and sleep so well in it and love it.

*Tayson takes after his sisters and doesn't like going to bed and always asks for "5 more minutes".

*Tayson has taken a liking to Taylor's shoes and wears them all the time.

Tayson's 2 year pics

Tayson's 2nd Birthday

Can't believe my little nugget has turned 2.  We started his birthday off by having the traditional breakfast birthday doughnut with a candle in it.  We later made some cake and he got to lick off the cake mix on the spoon.  For lunch we went to Pizza Factory with dad and when we got home Grandma Shelly was waiting for us to have a big party.  We blew up some balloons, put up some streamers, and made a big monkey cake and also made some cute little monkey cupcakes with Grandma.  Later on that night aunt Lindsey Lou came over to have a BBQ which consisted of steak, ribs, chips and dips, pop and much more.  After dinner we opened some presents and Tayson made out like a BANDIT.  He was definitely spoiled (that's what happens when you have 2 sisters and have more girl toys then boy toys).  Grandma Shelly got him a rug that had a little city and streets on it with a choo choo set that goes on top of it as well as some tractors and a Disney Cars look and find book.  Mom and dad got him a Toy Story look and find book, basketball hoop, Toy Story table and chairs, Disney Cars camping chair, Woody shirt, Woody and Buzz figurines, Spiderman backpack, and a Mater car.  Brian and Emily (good friends and co-workers) got him a Woody and Buzz plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon set and fruit snacks.  We didn't take naps on his special day and by the end of the night Tayson was POOPED and CRABBY as all get out and CRASHED in the little chair in our room.  All in all it was a FABULOUS day and can't believe how grown up he is.

Happy May and June!

Until next time...

APRIL 2010

TEA PARTY TIME

We started the month off by having a Tea Party "Disney Princess" and "Fancy Nancy" style.  The girls both love the Disney Princess's and love the series of books called Fancy Nancy.  So what better way to have a Tea Party all dolled up looking like princess's and feeling super fancy.

EASTER

The kids and I made these cute little Easter gifts for Grandma's and Grandpa's.

The night before Easter we decided to color our eggs.  The kids had so much fun and I have so much fun doing these fun family traditions with my cute little family.

Here are our eggs.  Didn't they turn out so stinkin' cute?  I loved them as well as the kids.

We had a few eggs that cracked during the boiling process and Kamryn kept saying "Look mom, the egg is hatching".  haha  She was a little disappointed to find out that it really wasn't hatching.

Easter morning the kids enjoyed going through their Easter baskets and were super excited to see what the Easter bunny had brought them.  Tayson has an obsession with cars right now and especially loves Lightning Mcqueen and Mater so the Easter bunny thought it was fit to get him a Lightning Mcqueen car.  Kamryn has taken a liking to Strawberry Shortcake and so the Easter Bunny brought her a Strawberry Shortcake doll.  Brynlee has been begging for a real Tea Party set and she was so happy to find a Tea set in her basket.

After the first session of conference and after our Easter baskets were found we had a big lunch at our house with a few guests, Taylor's sister Ashley and her husband Mat, and his littlest sister Lindsey joined us.  It was fun to celebrate with family after 2 years of not being able to because we lived in the state of Washington and had way to long of a drive for such a short trip.

Easter Egg Hunt.

Graduation Pictures

I decided since Taylor gets a diploma, I get a picture of the two of us together in his graduation gown.  We both had to be there for each other and support each other during all these school years so the picture has a lot of meaning to me just as Taylor's diploma holds a lot of meaning to him. 

This picture is Taylor's favorite and the picture we decided to use and order and give to mom's and dad's and grandma's and grandpa's.

This was my favorite picture but Taylor didn't like this one at all.

This will be the picture Taylor will use as his business/advertising picture.

GOOD NEWS MINUTE

The beginning of April Taylor received a letter from the Utah State Bar stating that he had PASSED the exam.  Woo Hoo!  What a relief!  I don't know what we would have done had he not passed.  It would have been so incredibly difficult and devestating had he not passed.  Fortunately for us HE DID PASS!  It was such a LONG and DIFFICULT 2 months studying for the BAR and things are finally starting to feel like they are paying off.  PHEW!

After receiving our good news Taylor talked with his buddy Gage who Taylor had studied with for 2 months for the BAR, and Gage had passed the exam as well so we all thought it was perfect for us all to go out and celebrate.  Taylor and Gage went to Law School together and the 2 of them were the only ones of our Law group of friends that left Washington together, and moved back to Utah together, graduated early together, and we now live within 10 miles of each other.  Both Taylor and Gage did externships from August-December and officially graduated in December and immediately started studying together for the BAR exam shortly after graduating.  Gage's wife Megan is a doll and we get along really well, it was such a blessing to have so many great friends during Law school and hopefully we all can continue the relationships.

Trip to St. George

We decided to take a trip to St. George last minute to attend Taylor's cousin Jon's wedding and spend my birthday down south.  I had to snap this picture of Brynlee on our drive.  This is how Brynlee sleeps in her carseat.  We know exactly what is going to happen when her arms are folded up above her head.  Too cute!

I got to get together with some of my BESTIES on our little trip.  I always look forward to getting together with my friends when we go south.  It's refreshing to be surrounded by my close friends.  Left: Kellie Stilson, Me, Danielle Cottam, Toni Wade (minus Shay Williams and Marsha Wilson).

Saturday, April 17th, 2010 I turned the BIG 26.  I was delighted to be in St. George and enjoy some warmer weather.  I did a lot of birthday shopping before we went to St. George and got 2 new pairs of pants, lots of clothes and jewelry, but my ulitmate favorite gift were these little beauties.  I LOVE THESE SHOES!  Kinda sassy and fun!

I spent most of my Birthday at Jon and Kylee's wedding (Jon is Taylor's cousin).  The day started off at the Temple, followed by the Luncheon, naps for the kids and a shopping trip for me, later in the evening we attended the reception, and then Taylor and I were off on a date.  We spent my birthday night off by getting some cafe rio and going to the Dixie Red Rock and just sitting at the top of the hill talking and enjoyed overlooking St. George.

Great Grandma North and the kids.

We decided to hike the Diamond Valley Volcano with my family on our last day in St. George.  It didn't look like it was gonna be to bad of a hike, but looks can definitely be deceiving.  I had Tayson on my back half way up the Volcano and was helping Kamryn up as well.  About half way up Kamryn, Tayson, and I decided to stop and let my mom, dad, sisters kate and kara, brother bryce, taylor and brynlee get to the top, and then have someone come back down to help kamryn, tayson, and myself.

These 2 girls were TROOPERS.  Kamryn kept saying to me "I can do it mom" and Brynlee was STOKED to climb "The BIG TALL MOUNTAIN".  They did so well for how UN-PREPARED we were.  I didn't plan on going on a hike since this was a BUSY and QUICK trip.  I did what I could with what I had for the kids.  I didn't pack any sneakers for the girls so they were stuck hiking in Jelly shoes and Princess socks.  Definitely NOT hiking apparell and definitley not a fashion statement.  Poor kids!  They did really really well though.  I was so glad that we hiked the Volcano cause Taylor and I kept saying how bad we wanted to go hiking the next time we were in St. George and I made a pact with myself to actually go out and hike but I didn't think we would have the time to go, and I am so glad we did find the time.

 

Brynlee and Tayson took turns riding in the backpack/sling.  Tayson rode on mommy's back half the way up, and then Grandpa's back the rest of the way up, and Brynlee got to ride on daddy's back on the way down the Volcano while Tayson sat on my hip the WHOLE WAY DOWN.....can we say "SUPER MOM". hehe  They way up the Volcano was a little brutal and the way down was super easy.  We did take a minor detour on our way down which ultimately made the trip down 10 times longer, but it was fun nonetheless.

Enjoying the BEAUTY at the top of the Volcano.

They way up the Volcano was super slippery with Volcanic rock and it surprised us all at how STEEP it really was.  It was definitley an adventure, but once you finally reach the top it makes the whole trip worth it.  The view was so pretty!  It was a "WAKE UP AND GO" trip so please excuse how NASTY I look.

It was so INCREDIBLY beautiful at the top and it was such a GREAT way to end our trip to St. George.

Baking Time

The kids and I got a little CREATIVE and made some Rainbow Cupcakes.  They turned out pretty dang good "If I do say so myself" and they were pretty tasty too.  The kids thought it was the neatest thing to have Rainbow Cupcakes.

Another Wedding

We attended Marissa's (Taylor's cousin) Luncheon in Bountiful and we decided to make a pit stop at the Bountiful Temple (one of my Top 5 Favorite Temple's).  Marissa got married in the Salt Lake Temple but unfortunatley we were not able to attend due to not having any sitters and Taylor working so we got our Temple fix by stopping at this little beauty.

Playing with cousins Sadie and Kinley at Marissa's (Taylor's cousin) wedding in Bountiful.  These kids get a long really well and had LOADS of fun playing together.  Poor Tays is ALWAYS out-numbered everywhere he goes.

Dress-up Time

Tayson likes to dress up with his big sisters and it sure is a good thing we have a few boy dress-ups for him.  He is one cute little Fire Fighter.

JUST PURE CUTENESS

Brynlee's hair is growing SLOWLY but SURELY.  It is finally long enough to put her hair in sponge curlers.  She was in HEAVEN when we did this and she looked ADORABLE!

A very Happy Un-Birthday to you.

Kamryn got to celebrate her UN-BIRTHDAY with her preschool.  Since her birthday is in August and school hasn't started yet, they decided to celebrate an UN-BIRTHDAY for her.  She had so much fun talking about herself and giving her friends a treat.  She sure loved all the attention and I was so glad that they thought of her and made her feel special.

Put em' up

This is what Tayson does as he tells me to "STOP" doing whatever it is that I am doing.  He pulls out his Buzz Lightyear Lazer gun and chases after me and tells me to "STOP".  Love his serious face!

SOOOO BIG

Tayson is growing up on us.  He is almost 2 years old and I CAN'T believe it.  It's so sad!  Tays is the most even tempered, mild, calm, sweet, relaxed kid I have ever met.  He just chills and hangs out.  He has been my easiest for sure and definitely the one who gets away with EVERYTHING.  Brynlee at 13-14 months old was into and onto EVERYTHING and just as busy as can be.  Tayson at 22 months is just now interested in getting into things and doing things by himself.  I can't believe the difference in each of my children.  It's so fun to watch them progress and learn.  Here is Tays washing his hands on his own, and sneaking some brownies.

Family Home Evening

We have had a quite a few days during the month of April with some fairly warm days.  We tried to do as many activities as we could outdoors as a family.  My parents gave us this little bike trailer for Christmas, and Taylor gave me a bike for our 5th Anniversary last year and we were FINALLY able to put them to use.  Kids LOVED going on a fam bike ride.

Indoor Campout

We are getting the "Summer Fever".  The weather had been HORRID towards the end of April so we decided to get a little taste of summer and do a campout, INDOORS of course.  We ordered some pizza and PIGGED out on the pizza,  some ice cream, and pop.  We topped the night off by watching multiple movies and staying up as long as we could.  Doesn't get much better than that!

                                           Happy April!