Taylor Family Reunion weekend

Friday after work, we headed down to Creston.  The eating, playing, and fun times began quickly!

Friday evening we just stayed in... ordered pizza, and let the kiddos play.  

Saturday, Blair & Ryan got up fairly early and headed down to Mt. Ayr to meet up with the other Taylor men for a morning of golf.  It was a fairly nice morning - a breeze, but then got hot for them!  They had a good time, I believe.  Meanwhile, the rest of us stuck around Mike & JeanAnn's.  Tate, Kayson and Cora played so hard... and so well!  We got all the water games and toys out that they had!  It was a really good day for the kiddos.  After a short nap for Cora, we all then headed down to see Great Great Grandma Ann.  We haven't seen her in a long time... and it was the first time she had met Landry. It was a nice visit...  she's such a great lady, so sharp and with it too!  I love that!  :)

Following, we met up with the rest of the Taylor's - maybe about 80 of them?!?  (We decided the numbers were down a little this year).  Anyway, we just hung out and ate, drank, listened to music and had a really nice time.  It was great to catch up with a few people and we just enjoyed ourselves.  The kids had a great time...  lots more playing!  

Today we all slept in... which was JUST what we all needed!  It's exhausting being away and having such a nice time!  ha!  Today Aunt Maagie and Susan came for a visit... again, so they could meet Landry!  We enjoyed visiting with them... and again, letting the kiddos play some more.  We had a great lunch... then more playing.  We headed out around 3:30... with a quiet ride, as the kids (and myself) snoozed.  

Laundry got done, Ryan mowed, pizza was ordered... and lots of quiet time.  The kids were tired... Kayson watched a movie, and Cora played really nicely.  

Here are some pictures from our nice weekend.  

Oh that ornery face.  :)

Cora loves her Papa Mike.

Art project!  Sun Catchers!

Cora loves Landry!!!

Water table fun!!

Kayson helped set up the water toys.

Our crazy kids with their new goggles!  Hilarious!

Our family at the reunion.  LOVE.

Kayson - 5 1/2 Years Old

Our kid is officially 5 1/2.  We've been saying he's 5 1/2 for months!  It's funny. 

• Clothes - buying 'big boy' clothes - so no more 5T stuff (specifically tops).  He's got a long torso.  Along with that long torso, he's got long, skinny legs.  Shorts are typically XSm or 4/5.  
• Shoes - size 12.
• He loves to be outside... loves baseball...  loves the iPad... loves to play with us (doesn't matter what it is)...  loves to sit with us, and 'cuddle'... loves his sister, even though she drives him crazy at the same time.  
• Talks all the time.  (This is something that will probably never go away from my 'yearly lists')
• His blue eyes are beautiful.  I love them.
• I have no idea on weight or height, but I swear he gets taller every week.  
• He can read words...  and at least tries to sound them out.  It's amazing to me how hard it is to really learn how to read...  but completely intrigued by how he learns and is being taught.  I'm pretty proud.
• He loves LEGOs - like the 3 in 1 type little cars, etc.  He follows the directions perfectly.  
• He's not very aggressive.  (We sometimes call him a wuss!)  Bad parenting?!?!
• Hates to have his toenails cut.  He's ticklish!  :)
• He still has training wheels on his bike.
• He's a great sleeper.  We've cut out naps, unless it's needed (busy morning/busy planned evening... those types of things).  He rarely fights us if we require a nap.  He'll typically sleep a good 2 hours.  And bedtime - he sleeps great.  Sleeps so hard that he still wears a diaper, as he's soaking diapers.  :(  (this is definitely something we are 'worried' about, but also know that he's such a hard sleeper... it's common.)
• Loves fruit.
• He's a routine kid.  He knows when something is 'off', he has a hard time sleeping at other places, and he enjoys the routine we've created. 
• He whines a lot when he's tired.  Talks back too.
• We are told he's a good kid at school.  (Which I have no doubt).

Supper Time

This is solely a post for a reminder of how our supper time is every single night.  :)

• I haven't sat through an entire supper in probably 5 years.  The kids are always wanting something (even if we feel we have everything covered before I sit down!)  I'm constantly up and down during meals.  I'm guessing this is normal!??!
• Cora typically always puts food on her arms/hands/hair, etc... so I'm constantly getting up and getting wet rags to wipe her down.
• Cora hasn't ate a supper for us for about 4 days (minus the McDonald's she had Monday night!)
• Kayson typically hasn't ate very well either - he does a lot of whining at supper time.  He thinks that stretching will pause the fact that we tell him to eat.  He'll also pull out the tears if he really doesn't want to eat - sure sign that the kid is exhausted.  That's so common lately.
• Both kids could just eat a yogurt for supper and be happy.  Not acceptable.  :)
• If we don't give Cora what she wants, she throws her sippy cup... and then will gently put her plate on the table...  saying "All done". 
• Kayson will (because we've taught him) to throw away his napkin and anything else, and bring his plate, silverware and cup to the sink.  He usually needs a reminder, but he'll do it. 
• Cora has recently started eating fruits.  Thank god!  She'll now do mandarin oranges, pears, pineapple, mixed fruit and strawberries.   Still no veggies for this girl.

Private Swim Lessons (Day 5)

Friday was Kayson's last day of swim lessons...  and really, I'm disappointed the week is over for him.  I think he was FINALLY getting it.  I overheard some mothers at lessons saying they were coming back for week 2.  And I thought to myself - why didn't we think of that?!  By the time week 1 is over, the child is somewhat getting it...  oh well.  I've put our name on a waiting list there... and have contacted some other places too.  We'll see what we can do. 

But anyway, Kayson at least laughed and did the things the instructor asked him to.  Success.  

Lots more praying on this!!

a smile. :)

Pool Time

Saturday was a great day!
Kayson went to a birthday party for a friend...  meanwhile, Cora and I went to Target for some things, then we stopped at Daddy's work for a bit.  Then back to pick up Buster.  He had a good time, told me all about the party!
We grilled for lunch (enjoying the beautiful day)...then the kids took naps.  Yes, Kayson too - he needed it after his busy morning.  Once the kids were up, we headed to the aquatic center.  It was a warm day, and I was getting antsy!!  
We really enjoyed ourselves...  Cora loved it, Kayson, of course, was hesitant, but he had a good time.  We just want him comfortable!!!

Our beach baby.  :)

We got home around supper time... and just played outside.  It was such a nice night.  We got a fire going, and our neighbor, Jess, came over.  Cora was in bed around 8:20... and Kayson stayed up with us for awhile - finally calling it quits at 10pm.  :)  (Thank god for weekends...  by the way, he slept until 10 am this morning!!!)  Anyway, Ryan, Jess and I really enjoyed ourselves... just talking!  

Today has been by far the laziest day I've had in a long time... and now I'm regretting it!  I have so much on my list to do around here, and I didn't do one thing.  GRRR!  But we've enjoyed a lot of quiet time, so I guess that's ok!!

Private Swim Lessons (Update)

Well...  Monday went well.  Tuesday went really well.  Today - Not so much.  When I picked K up from school, I was told he had a rough day of not listening...  Him and I talked about it, he said he was tired, and that another little girl tattled on him.  He tried explaining to me what happened, but it was a mess of a story.  I just told him that "It's OK - let's just have a good time at lessons!"  He said "OK".  

He got in the water just fine... did a few of the 'things'... then all of the sudden, he's bawling.  Nothing happened.  He just wanted to go home.  The teacher did so well with him... impressed, especially since she doesn't know anything about him.  Anyway, I talked to him for a second and told him we were staying because that's what we do...  he continued to cry and whine.  Again, the teacher tried stuff and he did a few other things, but not much besides crying and rubbing his eyes.  

30 minutes later, we left.  He cried and cried on the way to the car... then says "I have to go to the bathroom bad!"  UH.  I asked him if that was why he was crying during class...  Yes.  Oh my goodness.  Then I had to step back and just try to talk with him...  we stopped at a QT so he could pee...  then he was quiet.  We picked sister up, then he fell asleep on the way home.   I got him inside and he asked if he could go to bed.  I told him he could rest for awhile.  That was at 5:15.  It's now 8:30 and he hasn't moved.  I tried waking him up 3 times to eat and just get up...  nothing.  I just was able to get a pair of shorts on him and a diaper.  So he's out... and hopefully for the night.  

So...  we have a tired kid.  And I hope to God that he does better at lessons tomorrow.  

I'm exhausted too. 

Private Swim Lessons (Day 1)

We got Kayson into some private swim lessons this week.  I think we were pretty lucky to get in, as I had contacted the gal early last week - she was booked, then got an email on Friday saying she had an opening this week.  We booked it.  It's every day from 4-4:30.  It worked out - I pick Kayson up, we go to lessons, then pick up sister.  

Anyway, as usual, Kayson is pretty hesitant with the water...  BUT his instructor is great, so I'm hoping to see some improvement this week!  I like watching him, BUT it also makes me an absolute nervous wreck.  I'm not a swimmer, I hate water in my face and I hate knowing that I couldn't save my son if I tried.  SO...  it just makes me nervous.  So seeing him struggle with having water in his face and blowing bubbles and all the 'stuff' that goes along with swimming, bothers me.  I hate it so much.  I just hope he learns and LOVES it.  I want him to love it and be comfortable and like his Dad with water.  I'll be doing lots of praying about this!

I thought I would post about how things were on Day 1 - and compare to Day 5.  We shall see!!

I have more pictures, but they won't upload!

Pictures

So...  I've been looking at the pictures we have on our walls for months now - how Cora's 1 year picture is the most recent (and she has NO hair and looks like such a baby!)... and how Kayson looks so different too (he was almost 5).  And from 5 to 5 1/2, he's changed a lot!

So with that... I decided to find someone to take their pictures.  A lot of our friends have spent a fortune getting pictures taken and they've been AMAZING...  but I decided to got a cheaper route and try a gal I found on Facebook.  We met her Saturday morning... she was very nice, friendly, good with the kids... but the kids weren't all that great.  Well - Kayson was good... he does well.  So I'm sure I have some good ones to choose of him.  Cora on the other hand... YIKES.  I'll be thrilled if I have one that I like of her.  She's so darn busy... wouldn't sit with brother (which she will for me!), wouldn't sit still for 2 seconds, wouldn't look a the camera.  Double yikes!  We'll see how they turn out.  I'm already anxious.  ha.  I'm hoping I'm jinxing myself and they'll be AWESOME!  :)

Before we left, this was the picture I got.  Sweet.  Just wish it was outside, with a better background.  ha. 

Father's Day

It's been a pretty darn good day.  We all slept in...  Cora (til about 7:50), and Ryan and Kayson til about 8:45.  Yea them.  We layed around for awhile... then finally got ourselves up and at 'em!
We headed to Nevada for lunch and lots of playing time.  Lunch was great, then we just let the kids play.  Blair and Martina have a great little open area behind them... and a little playground.  The kids loved it!  Then we got out the water sprinklers...  then brought ourselves inside for tractor playing too.  Those kids are BUSY!  

It was great to see everyone... and even Grandma Janis joined us, which was nice.  It was the first time she had seen Landry, so she got lots of snuggle time with her, which was special for her I'm sure.  

We got home around 5:15...  and the kids were wiped out.  They did sleep on the way home, but they were still wiped out after that short nap.  Cora was pretty much a bear.  Anyway, we ate quick, then I actually put Cora down early.  She struggled, but I honestly think it was because she was over-tired.  I hate that feeling, and felt sorry for her.  She's also been tugging at her ear... so...  I just hope she sleeps well and tomorrow is a new 'normal' day for her!

I think Ryan had a great Daddy's Day.  He's a great father to these kiddos... and I'm blessed to have him in my life. 

All the Taylor Daddy's and their kids.  Awesome picture.

K using Tate's tractor!

See-Saw fun!

 

Bubbles!

This & That

• We've had beautiful weather the last couple days...  Tonight we really enjoyed the outside.  We even ate outside!
• We had a 'small' mis-hap with a load of laundry tonight.  I started whites - washed them, then put them in dryer (without looking at them), and after they were dry, I realized that something bright orange was stained over 80% of the clothes.  After digging through all the clothes and spraying the heck out of them, we saw that something was in a pocket of Cora's clothes.  We think that's where it at least started...  but we don't know what it was.  What a mess!  Most of the clothes have turned out ok, but there are a few tops (of course fairly new ones) that still have a small stain.  *sigh*  (that's all I can do)
• I'm taking tomorrow off to spend the day with Martina, Blair, Tate and Landry.  I'm really looking forward to it.  They are moving to Sioux City in less than 5 weeks (Blair accepted an Asst. Principal position there), so I'm really wanting to spend as much time as we can with them.  I'm thrilled, very happy for Blair - finding a great job and a great start to his career, but selfishly, I'm very sad too.  Kayson and Tate have become SO close and are so much fun together... and now Miss Landry being here.  I can only see Cora and her becoming close friends too.  And I love having another 'sister' in Martina.  It just makes me sad that they won't be a quick hour drive away!!  
• Cora decided tonight would be fun to draw dry-erase markers all over her arms.  She literally looked like she tried to cut herself. 
• Cora's really starting to talk - a lot.  She repeats everything... she knows a ton... and just is really having conversations with us.  I love it!!
• K and C are just growing up so fast.  I watched them both tonight - and Kayson is just a big kid now.  No more baby in him.  And with Cora talking so much, she's just changing and isn't our baby anymore.  So bittersweet.
• I love having fresh flowers on our dining room table.  I buy them every two weeks when I get groceries.  Silly?  Maybe, but they are pretty.  :)

Ignore Cora's mismatched outfit!!

Weekend

Friday
My weekend started around 11:00 on Friday morning.  Kayson's class at daycare was having a Preschool celebration lunch - pizza, juice and cake.  It was a great little hour with the kiddos - a hot hour (the sun was blazing on us!), but it was great.
Following that, I got my oil changed/tires rotated... then I did come home and logged back into work. I did a few hours, then I was off again...  starting the weekend.

Me, K and Riley  (sweaty messes!)

K and his girlfriends!  Riley, Ella & Adalyn

the official Diploma!

Friday night we just stayed in...  we had a spur of the moment gathering with a few neighbors (including the fire pit), it was a beautiful evening.

Saturday
We did our house stuff Saturday - groceries, laundry and cleaning up.  (However, I look around now - and you can't tell I did anything!)  I've got to go through toys again!!!

Saturday evening Ryan and I went out.  Miss Courtney from Cora's room stayed with the kiddos.  Ryan and I met up with a few people from my work - had a few drinks, then went to the I-Cubs game.  I am NOT a baseball fan, but I tried really hard to watch (for about 4 innings), then my A.D.D totally kicked in!  BUT it was fun at the same time - great conversation, and awesome weather.  We did go out for another drink after the game too.  It was a nice night out... and glad Ryan got to meet some of the crazies that I work with.  ha.

Sunday
Kayson slept in like a champ - Cora, not so much...  we had Kayson's little friend, Riley, over for a play date this morning.  They did really well together until about 2 hours in.  Then the 'mouthing' started, but it was short-lived and they were sad to see each other leave.  A quick lunch was had... then we forced a nap for K (of course for C too).

My parents came to visit - they haven't been here in a long time...  so we visited outside on the patio for a long time... then the kiddos woke, and we played.   I made supper, then Kayson had a TBall game at 6.  It was nice to have my parents come watch him.  Now he's had both sets of grandparents watch him.  Lucky little boy.

Bedtime came early tonight... it's been a fairly busy weekend (and just getting them to bed later), they need the extra snoozes!

It was nice weekend. 

Seriously, those blue eyes.  Melt me.

Fun play date!

Grandma Cheryl & Papa Paul

Reading books - what she does best! (and quietly!)

Pre-School Graduation

Kayson has attended Koalaty Time daycare center for 5 years.  It's crazy to really think that!!  He's grown up there - he's learned SO much there - he spends SO much time there too!  We've been so blessed and are very thankful for the teachers, the support, the awesome curriculum (prepping them for Kindergarten) and the whole center for helping 'raise' him (and Cora too!)  It's funny to think that those teachers really are with our kids more than we are on the weekdays.  Sad, but true.  And I guess we are darn lucky to have chosen a great place for our kids to learn. 

For months, Kayson's been talking about 'graduation'.  He's been singing songs, and telling us all sorts of things about this night.  But about a week ago, he stopped telling us stuff... I was asking questions, and he finally said to me - "it's a surprise Mom!"  Okay okay!  (I don't think there was anything really 'surprising', but it's still sweet!)

Anyway, the 'ceremony' was great... the teachers really did a great job at preparing those kids.  They sang four songs and I swear Kayson knew EVERY.WORD.  And I could hear him too!  (we have loud kids!)  ha.  I got a little chocked up during one of the songs they sang - "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift.  Check it out if you've never heard it.  Tear jerker!  ha.  It's pretty sweet!!

Following, the kids ran around like crazy wanting their pictures taken with everyone.  To be honest, this is the part I love - I saw Kayson IN his element (being wild, being with his friends, and laughing).  I LOVE that.  He's made SO many wonderful friends at KT... it's amazing!!  We've gotten to know some of those kids pretty well, and even some parents.  It's just a lot of memories for this little boy... and I really hope he remembers.  (I guess this is one of the many reasons I blog - so we can re-read this down the road and look at pictures too.)

It was a great little night.  

Our little graduate!!!

Thanks for coming Grandma!

with Riley Miller - his 'girlfriend' for 5 years!  :)

Our little singing machine!!

Love!

with his awesome teachers - Jenny & Rocky

Baby Taylor #2

Blair and Martina welcomed baby #2 to the world today.  Landry Jean was born this morning at 9:55 am, weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 oz., 19 3/4" long.  TEENY TINY!  :)  BUT beautiful.  She's got wonderful skin coloring and just the tiniest features.  I think her nose is Martina's (which is Tater's)...  and she's just perfect.  

We made the trip to Ames tonight (thinking we'd just stay for a short bit), but we did stay longer than I thought...which was nice.  The kids did well, so we just stuck around.  We, unfortunately, got home late (after 9), so it was a rush for bath and bed... but they've crashed.  

Anyway, we are completely blessed and thrilled to have another Taylor in the family...  Martina and I talked a little today and we already are planning shopping trips with the four girls and many, MANY girl nights.  I really hope that Cora and Landry grow up to be close friends.  So sweet.

Congrats to Blair, Martina and Tate!!

Ooops... can't even see Landry!  ha.

Uncle Ryan!

Kayson did really well!

There she is - perfect!

7 Years Later

Here we are...  7 Years later.  Two children and happiness. 

I'm truly very lucky and couldn't ask for more from Ryan or my kiddos.  Happy Anniversary to us!

Weekend

I am so bummed the weekend is over!  Gosh, they go too fast... and the 4 day work week took forever.

Friday evening we just stayed in...  enjoyed the kiddos and the fire pit.  We had Lex, a neighbor, stop by for a beer... and we just enjoyed the night.

Saturday morning I got groceries... and we played and played in the morning. Shortly after lunch, we had two crabby kids.  Cora went down well (but didn't sleep very long), and Kayson fought us, but ended up taking a nice nap.  He didn't want to sleep - so kept asking me to wake him at 2:30.  (He layed down around 1:40).  Since he can't tell time yet, I can kind of fib some things... but soon we won't be able to do that!  I woke him around 3.  ha.

My sister, Trish, and her family came for a visit... they got here around 2:30 or so...  and we were instantly outside.  Once the kids were up, we really took advantage of the great weather.  The patio is getting it's use!!  Hope, Eden and Logan really played hard with the kids...  even Uncle Greg - doing some soccer.  We got a sprinkler out as well, so they were all worn out!  We ordered Olive Garden in (everyone's favorite!) and then we had another fire pit night.  More playing and lots of laughs... such a great time.  My family left around 9pm, which was late for them, but I totally loved it.  I am thrilled they came and spent so much time with us. (seems like that just doesn't happen often enough).

Anyway, this morning - the kiddos slept in!  Kayson - 8:30... and Miss Cora - 9:15!!  I could get used to this!!  Of course, as I say this... I was up around 7ish...  tossing and turning.  I've realized that I just can't lay in bed that long.  My back really starts to hurt and ache...  so, I got up and enjoyed some breakfast and quiet.

We played hard again today... but since we had so much fresh air yesterday (and some pink shoulders!), we decided to stay inside a little more today.  We went to the mall and the kids played... we had lunch... and walked a little.  Cora took a nice nap... Kayson had quiet time with a movie.  It was a really nice day.

Tonight I went out for a quick dinner with my neighbor friends...  a nice ending to the weekend.

I have a ton of pictures from the weekend... lots of fun.

Kayson trying to get ME wet.

Oh Cora May.

Cora & Hope

Soccer with the 'big' boys (Uncle Greg & Logan)