Thanksgiving Fun

We had a great time seeing family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday. We drove up for Denver to see the Weavers and the Eklunds. Both dear friends from college days. We also stopped by to see my Grandma Taylor and Aunt Merry and Uncle Joel Taylor in Co. Springs. Here are some pics:

Halloween Fun!

Our little girl is growing up

We are discovering that Autumn is saying more than we previously thought. It just isn't very clear so you really have to pay attention. The last couple of weeks though she is going through a language explosion and no longer seems afraid to try new words. Here are her latesest... Taylor is "aiya", dog is "gog", stinky and sticky are a couple of favorites but sound the same at "ticky or tinky", "moon", "more", "mine", "cookie" and a bunch more that are getting close to sounding like something.

Autumn took another big step in growing up tonight. After their bath she wanted to "pee pee" on the big potty. I sat her up there for awhile and she actually went! Taylor and I celebrated with her and she was very proud of her big achievement.

The Pumpkin Process

First you have to pick the pumpkin...









Then you have to get the "goop" out...








Then you have to draw on the pumpkin...

This is the face Taylor wanted me to draw on the pumpkin:





Then you have to cut out the face...

The Diaper

Today Taylor successfully changed Autumn's diaper by himself. Now if I could just get him to focus on the poopy ones, I think we'd be in good shape. I'll probably be able to bribe him with some money...

Halloween Masks from Grandma Jolene

Coming to terms with mortality

Taylor got some fish for his birthday. Today the first one died. He is having a hard time understanding what "death" means. Earlier today I told him that we had to throw it away. He was not pleased to hear this. He said, "But I love my fish, and my fish loves me!" Heartbreaking words for a Dad to hear. We told him that tomorrow we'll have to flush it down the toilet. We'll see how that goes...

On a different note, tonight we were sitting around the kid's toy kitchen and Taylor said, "I'm usually a good cook, but sometimes I pick my nose." I'm glad to hear he understands that finding a booger in my soup would not be my preference.

Taylor's New Favorite Activity

Taylor and the Ants

Taylor is a big fan of little creatures and insects. This morning Kim found a lot of ants under the sink and told Taylor about it. Taylor was very excited to see them. Soon there after, much to his horror, Mommy got out a big can of bug spray and sprayed them all dead. Taylor completely lost it. He didn't want his little friends disposed of in such an inhuman and barbaric way.

Kim was comforting him after the incident and he said, "Mommy, you're not taking care of God's creatures"

Kim said, "Oh, Taylor"

Taylor said, "You know I'm right"

A new place to lay your head

Kim told me that she found Autumn in this interesting spot the other day. It's a wonder any of our kids make it past age 4.

The Nest

Both our kids are pretty snuggly and they like to make "nests" to lay in. This was one of their more creative attempts.

Pretty Girl!

Taylor the Hairdresser

I'm not sure how excited about this I am, but here are the pictures... At least they had fun.

T-Rex and T-Rex

Taylor got a new T-Rex from Nanna - After he opened it he kept saying over and over again, "This is SO cool!!"
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Autumn and her Babies

As of right now, these two little ones are Autumn's best friends: "Baby" and "Lambie".

Taylor Turns 4

Yesterday, Taylor turned 4 years old. We had our new friends, the Kellys, come over to celebrate with us. Taylor is very excited about his new fish tank that he got for his birthday. He named the fish, Nemo, Skippy John Jones, Calou, Flower and Fidou.

At this point he is fiercely protective of his newfound friends and it quick to unleash his fury upon his curious baby sister if she dares come near. Also, he doesn't quite understand yet why he can't pet the fish. Needless to say, we have low expectations for the life span of these poor little creatures who we have subjected to a very curious and ambitious little boy. Maybe we should have bought him a kitty!

We are very thankful to God for his sustaining of Taylor's life through these last 4 years! He is truly a blessing to us.

This Morning's Conversation

Dad: It's garbage day today. We need to take out the garbage.

Taylor: Yeah, cause it's Friday

Mom: How did you know that it's Friday?

Taylor: Cause I'm so smart.

`Light in the darkness

Last night Taylor and I went in to brush his teeth before bed. The lights were completely off so it was pitch black as we walked to the bathroom. Taylor said, "I wish Jesus were in this room". Why? "because then He would be a light". Oh, how precious is the faith of a child!

Saturday morning fun

What more could you ask for on a Saturday morning than a picnic with "Bob the Builder"? The kids like to have "picnics" sometimes as a special treat.

The Doctor is in!

Popsicles in the shade

On these hot summer days in Nashville, Taylor and Autumn enjoy eating their popsicles in the shade of this tree in our backyard. (I couldn't get Taylor to look at me for this pic...sorry)

The Diaper Helmet

As you can see from the previous post and this one, sometimes the kids like to be creative with their undergarmets.

Taylor Rocks the Drums

Taylor insisted that we all wear our "rockstar hats". Autumn and I were quick to oblige him.