The Boulder 5

Yes, I was lucky enough to avoid the "Freshman 15" when I first started college, but I have yet to find a solution for the "Boulder 5". Each time we arrive in Boulder, I make a silent vow to myself, promising that I won't eat all day, every day. Yeah right. Those of you who have been to Boulder and smelled the freshly baked bread, the homemade peach pie, and the apple cobbler baking in the oven know that avoiding this dreaded five pounds is not a reality. You might as well throw away the scale and live it up...

In September, we headed down south to visit my amazing grandparents. And when I say amazing, I mean amazing. Both of them are in their late 80's and I am truly in awe of the life they lived and the things I've seen them accomplish, even as they approach their 90's. They are each such an example to me of someone that lives life to the fullest and realizes the important things in life. I treasure each moment I get to spend with them. I love you grandma and grandpa!

Playing in the creek...

Sweet baby A
Taylor helping dad mow the lawns
Fishin' with the family...

Uncle Shaun

Uncle Rommel

Enjoying a peach off the tree

A step back in time

While blogging about Taylor's sixth birthday, I did a little reminiscing back to some of her other birthdays as well. What great memories and photos of my little girl. Thought I'd share a few pictures...

2004

2005

(Oh how I love this photo and her expression! I just wanna pick her up and squeeze her!)

Not sure what to think with all that frosting on her hands...

2006

2007

2008

(The Year of the Forced-Photo-Smile)



2009 (Regular smile has returned...)


Love you baby girl!

Six going on 16, part three

Last but not least, we had a family get-together to celebrate Tay's special day. Between gifts from mom and dad, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and 18 friends, I think Taylor is officially on toy overload. I do believe that Santa will be bypassing our home this year in lieu of a Maui beach...just as long as I can convince the husband...

Giving Mike and Karlee hugs

Six going on 16, part two

This was the first year that Taylor decided she really wanted to have a friends' birthday party, and really, the first year I've wanted to have one too. On her fifth birthday, we gave her the option of a friends' party or Disney World, and she obviously chose the latter of the two. This year she had her mind set on The Little Gym, so we booked the place, sent invites, ordered a cake, and had a great time!

And with EIGHTEEN kids (yes, I said 18, that was not a typo), the afternoon went surprisingly well. Probably had to do with the fact there were 18 kids at The Little Gym, and not at my house...

Six going on 16, part one

I know I've said this many times, but wow! I can't believe Taylor just turned six. Time really needs to slow down a bit. Taylor is such a joy to have in our family and we are so grateful for her. Since her birthday fell on a school day, we were up early to celebrate. After having a special pancake breakfast, accompanied with candles and singing, she opened a few presents. You would have thought her new Barbie Dreamhouse would have been the favorite, but the sponge and duck bath soap was the real hit of the morning. Guess I need to remember to keep it simple. You'd think I would have learned from her first Christmas when we went overboard on gifts and the only thing she liked was a cardboard box and ribbons...

Another fav this year... a glitter ball



After a fun day of school, I took her to Kneaders for a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, one of her favorite meals (must have got that from her mama)

Special balloons from Aunt Christy and Alexa

The popular sponge and bath soap (She wanted me to take a photo, that's how excited she was. This girl seriously cracks me up!)

Grandma Betty was a real hit when she arrived with some exciting gifts, namely a cat encyclopedia(which she looks at daily), a kitty pencil case, and a darling pink tutu outfit(pictured below)Later that night, we took Taylor out to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (her choice for delicious mac n' cheese).

The birthday outfit (Thanks Gma Betty!)

After we got home from dinner, we had a few more suprises for her. Her new Tiona doll and nightgown were a hit, as you can see from the pictures below. Yes, I know, we spoil her. Not rotten, but we do spoil. That's what happens with an only child. Especially when she's so dang cute.

Happy Sweet Six Taylor! We love you!