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!

A little pre-fall adventure

Here in our household, Fall (ie, cooler weather, changing autumn leaves, our anniversary, Halloween) is one of our favorite times of the year. We look forward to a nice drive up the canyon to see the leaves changing color. We anxiously await the day we can put out the pumpkins, witches and other spooky decor, which usually happens sometime in September. We look forward to our annual family Halloween party equipped with the most delicious soups served in bread bowls, donuts and cider, and all kinds of yummy goodies. Here are few pictures of an evening trip to Gardner Village, which is one place that always reminds me of fall. (We were hoping to see a few pumpkins out, but didn't have much luck...)

First day of first

Wow, how time flies... How is my little girl in first grade? Tay is so thrilled to be back in school, especially because she gets to be there all day AND have lunch with her friends everyday. Me on the other hand, it was another sad day for mommy. I know, I know, many of you laugh when I tell you that I've shed a few tears at the start of each school year, but I can't help it. Another milestone has come and gone. And it makes me a little melancholy...

Regardless, I'm sure I'll find plenty to do with my free time... work out, sleep, clean, shop, scrapbook, blog, etc, etc...

Now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure I could get used to this.

She loves her new teacher and being back at school...

Two dollar Tuesday

Taylor's last day of summer before school started happened to fall on $2 Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point, so we headed over there for the afternoon. We spent the first half of the afternoon at the farms, seeing and feeding all the "stinky animals" (according to Taylor), going on a hay ride, and of course visiting the gift shop, which is a must "see" (or rather "buy") for Taylor. We then went to the Dinosaur Museum and wow, did she love that! I don't think she realized how big dinosaurs were, so she was in awe the second we walked in the door. I think digging in the sand for fossils was the favorite part of her afternoon. As we left, I felt a little sad that the long, relaxing days of summer were gone and that we were headed into another year of schedule, schedule, schedule (which by the way, I have tried to keep low key this time around...). On a side note, I have to say that I have SO enjoyed this summer with my little girl. At times it has been go, go, go, but I have loved every minute of it. We have had the best adventures together and I am so grateful to be her mom.

Here are a few pictures...