Showing posts with label Kirsten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kirsten. Show all posts
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Trainer for a Day!
Today Kirsten's Brownie troop went on a very exciting trip to the Clearwater Aquarium. The girls got to be animal trainers for the day. They had such a great time!
Kirsten and Kalee were very excited.
The girls learned about turtles, otters, and dolphins. They studies the anatomy of the animals and then got to interact with each of them. The playful otters were happy to show off for their snacks!
The huge excitement of the day was when the girls got to train the dolphins. They each got to feed and pet a dolphin! (I was quite jealous.)
The dolphin said thank you with a HUGE splash!
It was really fun to see Winter the dolphin. Winter is the only living dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Winter was injured by a fishing line and has made an amazing recovery at the Clearwater Aquarium... very cool.
Kirsten and Kalee were very excited.
The girls learned about turtles, otters, and dolphins. They studies the anatomy of the animals and then got to interact with each of them. The playful otters were happy to show off for their snacks!
The huge excitement of the day was when the girls got to train the dolphins. They each got to feed and pet a dolphin! (I was quite jealous.)
The dolphin said thank you with a HUGE splash!
It was really fun to see Winter the dolphin. Winter is the only living dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Winter was injured by a fishing line and has made an amazing recovery at the Clearwater Aquarium... very cool.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Gold Medal Goes To...
Kirsten Taylor! I guess it's not actually gold... maybe pewter? BUT Kirsten won the first place metal for her gymnastics class!
Here is our little gymnast with her very proud father.
Everyone in the class received a trophy. The medals were reserved for the first, second, and third place gymnasts. (This is not the group that Kirsten is usually in. Her class was rained out tonight. We had the choice of joining another class for Awards night or waiting until next week. Since Brian was off today we joined this class... we didn't want him to miss Kirsten's big moment! Her class is much larger. She has 27 children ages 6-11 in her class... first place was QUITE an accomplishment!)
Kirsten's friend Johnna was the third place medal winner. I love how thrilled the girls look in this picture.
After the award ceremony Brian took the twins home to relax (they worked very hard trying to escape our grasps and get onto the gymnastics mats to join the big kids!). Johnna and her mom invited Kirsten and I for an ice cream celebration!
My girl is an super student, a great girl scout, a marvelous musician, and a great gymnast! Who has time to sleep?
Here is our little gymnast with her very proud father.
Everyone in the class received a trophy. The medals were reserved for the first, second, and third place gymnasts. (This is not the group that Kirsten is usually in. Her class was rained out tonight. We had the choice of joining another class for Awards night or waiting until next week. Since Brian was off today we joined this class... we didn't want him to miss Kirsten's big moment! Her class is much larger. She has 27 children ages 6-11 in her class... first place was QUITE an accomplishment!)
Kirsten's friend Johnna was the third place medal winner. I love how thrilled the girls look in this picture.
After the award ceremony Brian took the twins home to relax (they worked very hard trying to escape our grasps and get onto the gymnastics mats to join the big kids!). Johnna and her mom invited Kirsten and I for an ice cream celebration!
My girl is an super student, a great girl scout, a marvelous musician, and a great gymnast! Who has time to sleep?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My Little Star Doesn't Twinkle... She Shines!
Shore Acres Elementary had their Spring Concert last night. I must say that Kirsten performed the BEST rendition of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' I've ever heard! 
It's hard to tell who was more proud... Kirsten or her family! (I think it was us!) 
If a teacher's job is to educate and inspire it is easy to see why Mrs. Zeoli is the Music Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County! 
**I've been trying to upload a video of Kirsten playing for almost an hour and it won't work... UGH! I'll keep trying. If you'd like to hear her beautiful violin skills check back later tonight!**
It's hard to tell who was more proud... Kirsten or her family! (I think it was us!) 
If a teacher's job is to educate and inspire it is easy to see why Mrs. Zeoli is the Music Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County! 
**I've been trying to upload a video of Kirsten playing for almost an hour and it won't work... UGH! I'll keep trying. If you'd like to hear her beautiful violin skills check back later tonight!**
Monday, May 18, 2009
My Virtuous Kids
Honesty is a virtue right? (Like patience... that's the one I need to work on!)
My sweet children have their faults... but telling the truth has never been one of them. I remember the day when Kirsten was four and I picked up my adorable, tiny little girl at pre-k. She looked up at me with her huge blue eyes and immediately said "You are NOT going to be happy when you hear about my day!". She was right.
Then there was the time she bit another child. As I listened (horrified) to the teacher explain she couldn't give out details about the situation due to privacy issues Kirsten spoke up. "It was Patrick. I bit Patrick REALLY hard because he tried to push me off the swing."
Danny is quickly following his sister's lead with complete honesty.
While the boys were in the tub this morning I made the mistake of turning my head for a moment to brush my teeth. Matt immediately started screaming. I whipped my head around to see Matt's hair and face SOAKED. Danny held up his little cup stating "Matt wet. Matt wet, me cup. Me cup now (shrug) Matt wet."
The boys also go to bed with water in a bottle each night. (We're working on it! ...Do you sense my guilt that my almost 2 year olds still get bottles? But it's just WATER...) A few minutes after going to bed there is often a scream. 99% of the time when I open the door to their room Matt is crying and Danny holds up the bottle saying "Here Mama! Matt night night here! Here Matt."
Angelic? No. Honest? Yes.
My sweet children have their faults... but telling the truth has never been one of them. I remember the day when Kirsten was four and I picked up my adorable, tiny little girl at pre-k. She looked up at me with her huge blue eyes and immediately said "You are NOT going to be happy when you hear about my day!". She was right.
Then there was the time she bit another child. As I listened (horrified) to the teacher explain she couldn't give out details about the situation due to privacy issues Kirsten spoke up. "It was Patrick. I bit Patrick REALLY hard because he tried to push me off the swing."
Danny is quickly following his sister's lead with complete honesty.
While the boys were in the tub this morning I made the mistake of turning my head for a moment to brush my teeth. Matt immediately started screaming. I whipped my head around to see Matt's hair and face SOAKED. Danny held up his little cup stating "Matt wet. Matt wet, me cup. Me cup now (shrug) Matt wet."
The boys also go to bed with water in a bottle each night. (We're working on it! ...Do you sense my guilt that my almost 2 year olds still get bottles? But it's just WATER...) A few minutes after going to bed there is often a scream. 99% of the time when I open the door to their room Matt is crying and Danny holds up the bottle saying "Here Mama! Matt night night here! Here Matt."
Angelic? No. Honest? Yes.
Monday, May 11, 2009
All About Mom
This survey has been sent to me several times. Since it is Mother's Day weekend it seemed a good time to ask Kirsten these questions about Mom.
Answered by Kirsten Grace, age 7
1. What is something mom always says to you?
"I love you no matter what."
2. What makes mom happy?
Monster (energy drinks)
3. What makes mom mad?
"When you throw fits."
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
"By playing with my brothers and saying she'll get them guitar undies... 'Rock on!'"
5. What was your mom like as a child?
"The big sister of Aunt Maureen."
6. How old is your mom?
"19"
7. How tall is your mom?
"I think like 9 feet..."
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
"Play with me."
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
"Lie around in bed."
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
"Being in a magazine."
11. What is your mom really good at?
"Resting."
12. What is your mom not good at?
"Swimming"
13. What does your mom do for a job?
"Teach children"
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
"Ummm.... chicken and cheese? She doesn't eat too much."
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
"That she can be a super Mommy and love as much as anyone in the world."
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Rainbow Mommy"
17. What do you and your mom do together?
"Shop"
18. How are you and your mom the same?
"We both have blue eyes, and long hair, and love Daddy."
19. How are you and your mom different?
"She is wearing a bra and I'm not wearing a bra because I'm not old enough."
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
"Every time I get in trouble she says 'I know you're in trouble but I love you no matter what'."
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
"Probably he kisses good."
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
"At home"
23. What is the best thing about your mom?
"She loves me so much and I love her back"
Answered by Kirsten Grace, age 7
1. What is something mom always says to you?
"I love you no matter what."
2. What makes mom happy?
Monster (energy drinks)
3. What makes mom mad?
"When you throw fits."
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
"By playing with my brothers and saying she'll get them guitar undies... 'Rock on!'"
5. What was your mom like as a child?
"The big sister of Aunt Maureen."
6. How old is your mom?
"19"
7. How tall is your mom?
"I think like 9 feet..."
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
"Play with me."
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
"Lie around in bed."
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
"Being in a magazine."
11. What is your mom really good at?
"Resting."
12. What is your mom not good at?
"Swimming"
13. What does your mom do for a job?
"Teach children"
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
"Ummm.... chicken and cheese? She doesn't eat too much."
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
"That she can be a super Mommy and love as much as anyone in the world."
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Rainbow Mommy"
17. What do you and your mom do together?
"Shop"
18. How are you and your mom the same?
"We both have blue eyes, and long hair, and love Daddy."
19. How are you and your mom different?
"She is wearing a bra and I'm not wearing a bra because I'm not old enough."
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
"Every time I get in trouble she says 'I know you're in trouble but I love you no matter what'."
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
"Probably he kisses good."
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
"At home"
23. What is the best thing about your mom?
"She loves me so much and I love her back"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Since It's Not April Anymore...
My Little Sweeties,
I am a bit behind. I have good excuses! Illnesses, Weddings, Communions, and general lack of sleep... what better excuse could there be for being behind on blogging? So, my dear children, there are no April Letters from Mommy... instead I'm just going to make a general list of April 2009 moments/milestones I don't want to forget.
Kirsten
- You were adorably excited about the Easter Bunny. He "woke you up" in the middle of the night and we had no choice but to explore your basket in the darkness
- At an Easter Egg hunt we had pictures taken with the Bunny. After catching a glimpse of his neck and zipper you whispered that this was "NOT a real bunny" but "a human!". You were thoughtful enough to make sure that none of the little kids heard you, but concerned enough to need to discuss it immediately. I explained why the bunny would need helpers, and the benefits of the impersonators and you were satisfied. After all "no human could hide eggs around the whole world in one night!". I love you.
-You are doing really well with your violin lessons and earned a spot in the school's Spring Concert. This is a very big deal.
-You excel in gymnastics. Your new trick is one-handed cartwheel (aerials?) and you somehow convinced Uncle Jeff to do them with you on the beach at Uncle Greg's wedding.
-You danced ALL night at the wedding. ALL night. As I was getting ready to leave I looked up to see you leading the Conga Line. You had a major case of Flower Girl envy, but you handled it like a champ.
-You are becoming a bit of a fussy eater. All of a sudden you demand the crust be cut off of all your sandwiches. I find this both very endearing and very frustrating.
-You began taking a shower before school each morning this month. It seems to make a HUGE difference in your mood in the morning. You are a lot like Daddy in that you could stay in a hot shower for hours!
-You are still amazing with your brothers. You love them so much. You've been teaching them to say their prayers and you still pick them up (which they love!) 100 times a day even though they weigh about 60% of what you weigh each.
-You were precious, and fun, and exhausting this month. I don't think you'll ever be described as an "easy child" but you are often described as "amazing", "charismatic", and "beautiful".
- I love you more than you will ever know.
Matthew
-You are growing up much too fast! You pretty much forced me into taking your crib apart and are now in a big boy bed. You fall out of our bed regularly and like to knock on the door to your room when you want me to come get you.
-You really enjoyed hunting for eggs this Easter. I couldn't believe how quickly you caught on! By noon on Easter you were taking eggs out of your basket, hiding them around the living room, and then hunting for them. It was really, really cute.
-You still love to jump on the couch and run through the blinds. You often enjoy your moment of naughtiness and then happily put yourself in time out (with a very satisfied look on your face). It seems as if you are thinking "totally worth it".
-You cover your mouth and say "Excuse Me!" in an adorable voice whenever you burp, sneeze, or cough. Cute.
-You love to be tickled and often tickle yourself. Super-cute.
-You love hats, glasses, and props of any kind.
-You love water... at the beach, in the tub... anywhere you can find it.
-Yo love music and are positively obsessed with guitars. You are the cutest, most charming, beautiful child I've ever seen. I love you.
Daniel
-You have become such a little person this month! You have all these ideas, and such a personality! You are speaking in sentences almost all the time and I love, love, love to hear you talk.
-You love to play "boat" in a laundry basket. You often try to capsize the boat when Matt is in it so you can have it to yourself. (Little stinker)
-You got crazy excited about Grandpa's Birthday Cake. I was surprised you even really knew what it was, but the entire day you were talking about cake and yelling "Yea! Grandpa!! Grandpa! Cake!"
-You enjoy taking baths and hog the faucet. I have to leave the water dripping the entire time you are in there or face your wrath.
-You've become very silly recently and think it is hilarious to joke about biting. You bite your toys and tease them about it "Ha! Bear Bear I bite! I bite you Bear Bear!". You'll also come to me with fake tears, make me kiss your boo boo, and tell me "Bear Bear bite. NO BITE Bear Bear!".
-You refuse to stay in your bed. It's a losing battle. You are in bed with Matt all the time. (It sounds very sweet... and sometime it is... but often you are terrorizing poor Matt... stealing his water, his blankie, his pillow...).
-You love, love, love birds. Seriously you LOVE birds.
-You've come up with some funny expressions recently. You think it's funny when I call you "my baby" but you often hug me saying "Mama... my baby" and positively MELT MY HEART. I love you so.
And so, my sweets, I love you. April 2009 was not an easy month. We were so busy and so exhausted... and we managed to create so many precious memories. I love each of you so much. You are everything to me. Everything.
I am a bit behind. I have good excuses! Illnesses, Weddings, Communions, and general lack of sleep... what better excuse could there be for being behind on blogging? So, my dear children, there are no April Letters from Mommy... instead I'm just going to make a general list of April 2009 moments/milestones I don't want to forget.
Kirsten
- You were adorably excited about the Easter Bunny. He "woke you up" in the middle of the night and we had no choice but to explore your basket in the darkness
- At an Easter Egg hunt we had pictures taken with the Bunny. After catching a glimpse of his neck and zipper you whispered that this was "NOT a real bunny" but "a human!". You were thoughtful enough to make sure that none of the little kids heard you, but concerned enough to need to discuss it immediately. I explained why the bunny would need helpers, and the benefits of the impersonators and you were satisfied. After all "no human could hide eggs around the whole world in one night!". I love you.
-You are doing really well with your violin lessons and earned a spot in the school's Spring Concert. This is a very big deal.
-You excel in gymnastics. Your new trick is one-handed cartwheel (aerials?) and you somehow convinced Uncle Jeff to do them with you on the beach at Uncle Greg's wedding.
-You danced ALL night at the wedding. ALL night. As I was getting ready to leave I looked up to see you leading the Conga Line. You had a major case of Flower Girl envy, but you handled it like a champ.
-You are becoming a bit of a fussy eater. All of a sudden you demand the crust be cut off of all your sandwiches. I find this both very endearing and very frustrating.
-You began taking a shower before school each morning this month. It seems to make a HUGE difference in your mood in the morning. You are a lot like Daddy in that you could stay in a hot shower for hours!
-You are still amazing with your brothers. You love them so much. You've been teaching them to say their prayers and you still pick them up (which they love!) 100 times a day even though they weigh about 60% of what you weigh each.
-You were precious, and fun, and exhausting this month. I don't think you'll ever be described as an "easy child" but you are often described as "amazing", "charismatic", and "beautiful".
- I love you more than you will ever know.
Matthew
-You are growing up much too fast! You pretty much forced me into taking your crib apart and are now in a big boy bed. You fall out of our bed regularly and like to knock on the door to your room when you want me to come get you.
-You really enjoyed hunting for eggs this Easter. I couldn't believe how quickly you caught on! By noon on Easter you were taking eggs out of your basket, hiding them around the living room, and then hunting for them. It was really, really cute.
-You still love to jump on the couch and run through the blinds. You often enjoy your moment of naughtiness and then happily put yourself in time out (with a very satisfied look on your face). It seems as if you are thinking "totally worth it".
-You cover your mouth and say "Excuse Me!" in an adorable voice whenever you burp, sneeze, or cough. Cute.
-You love to be tickled and often tickle yourself. Super-cute.
-You love hats, glasses, and props of any kind.
-You love water... at the beach, in the tub... anywhere you can find it.
-Yo love music and are positively obsessed with guitars. You are the cutest, most charming, beautiful child I've ever seen. I love you.
Daniel
-You have become such a little person this month! You have all these ideas, and such a personality! You are speaking in sentences almost all the time and I love, love, love to hear you talk.
-You love to play "boat" in a laundry basket. You often try to capsize the boat when Matt is in it so you can have it to yourself. (Little stinker)
-You got crazy excited about Grandpa's Birthday Cake. I was surprised you even really knew what it was, but the entire day you were talking about cake and yelling "Yea! Grandpa!! Grandpa! Cake!"
-You enjoy taking baths and hog the faucet. I have to leave the water dripping the entire time you are in there or face your wrath.
-You've become very silly recently and think it is hilarious to joke about biting. You bite your toys and tease them about it "Ha! Bear Bear I bite! I bite you Bear Bear!". You'll also come to me with fake tears, make me kiss your boo boo, and tell me "Bear Bear bite. NO BITE Bear Bear!".
-You refuse to stay in your bed. It's a losing battle. You are in bed with Matt all the time. (It sounds very sweet... and sometime it is... but often you are terrorizing poor Matt... stealing his water, his blankie, his pillow...).
-You love, love, love birds. Seriously you LOVE birds.
-You've come up with some funny expressions recently. You think it's funny when I call you "my baby" but you often hug me saying "Mama... my baby" and positively MELT MY HEART. I love you so.
And so, my sweets, I love you. April 2009 was not an easy month. We were so busy and so exhausted... and we managed to create so many precious memories. I love each of you so much. You are everything to me. Everything.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Kirsten's First Communion
Kirsten celebrated her first Holy Communion last Sunday! It was such a wonderful day. The church service was really, really nice. They did a great job of making it really special for the children and their families. Unfortunatley there were no pictures allowed during the mass... but we more than made up for it during the rest of the day!
Kirsten was thrilled with her new dress and shoes (which her Godparents Aunt Maureen and Grandpa generously bought her)! ...And I was thrilled that she wore part of the veil I wore at my wedding. I told Kirsten on Sunday that she is the daughter I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. She is truly the answer to a prayer and my living, breathing blessing.
Kirsten and her Godmother, Aunt Maureen. Maureen and Ryan brought little Luke for his first trip to St. Pete. We were SO excited that they all came!
Each family was asked to make a banner to decorate the church. Our banner-making expereince was a little stressful. We brought the banner with us to the craft store to measure and managed to lose it there. I had to swallow my pride and go back to the church to ask for another one... (this was due the day of Greg's wedding... that's my excuse.) There was some late-night banner making in the Taylor household! Then the morning of the retreat I was at the doctor with the twins so Grammy took Kirsten up to the church and they FORGOT the banner! So I had to swallow my pride AGAIN during the week and drag the kids up to the church office to turn it in late. Ugh. But isn't it pretty?
My mom was nice enough to host the communion after-party (Thanks again!). The celebrants included Brian's parents, Jeff, Sarah, Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Jimmy, my parents, Maureen, Ryan, and Luke. We had a great time.
Here are all the cousins together for the first time.
Everyone is in love with little Luke.
Look at those eyes!! Isn't his sweater vest the cutest thing ever? I am so in love with that baby!
Me and my girl
This is what happened at the end of the day when I tried to steal a quiet moment alone with Brian. Obviously there is no such thing as a "quiet moment alone" anymore. I wouldn't trade it for the world! We are so incredibly blessed. (If Brian looks a little stressed it's probably because the ENTIRE family is sitting on his lap!)
Kirsten was thrilled with her new dress and shoes (which her Godparents Aunt Maureen and Grandpa generously bought her)! ...And I was thrilled that she wore part of the veil I wore at my wedding. I told Kirsten on Sunday that she is the daughter I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. She is truly the answer to a prayer and my living, breathing blessing.
Kirsten and her Godmother, Aunt Maureen. Maureen and Ryan brought little Luke for his first trip to St. Pete. We were SO excited that they all came!
Each family was asked to make a banner to decorate the church. Our banner-making expereince was a little stressful. We brought the banner with us to the craft store to measure and managed to lose it there. I had to swallow my pride and go back to the church to ask for another one... (this was due the day of Greg's wedding... that's my excuse.) There was some late-night banner making in the Taylor household! Then the morning of the retreat I was at the doctor with the twins so Grammy took Kirsten up to the church and they FORGOT the banner! So I had to swallow my pride AGAIN during the week and drag the kids up to the church office to turn it in late. Ugh. But isn't it pretty?
My mom was nice enough to host the communion after-party (Thanks again!). The celebrants included Brian's parents, Jeff, Sarah, Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Jimmy, my parents, Maureen, Ryan, and Luke. We had a great time.
Here are all the cousins together for the first time.
Everyone is in love with little Luke.
Look at those eyes!! Isn't his sweater vest the cutest thing ever? I am so in love with that baby!
Me and my girl
This is what happened at the end of the day when I tried to steal a quiet moment alone with Brian. Obviously there is no such thing as a "quiet moment alone" anymore. I wouldn't trade it for the world! We are so incredibly blessed. (If Brian looks a little stressed it's probably because the ENTIRE family is sitting on his lap!)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Happy Part of Our Weekend
The boys are slowly recovering. Friday and Saturday were the worst days and while they are still not 100% (or even close...) they are on the mend.
As I mentioned in the last post, I was unsure if I was going to make it to the wedding at all. Once I decided to go, I had to pack up two sick toddlers (along with pjs, medicines, comfort items etc.) and give Grammy and Grandpa about 500 instructions. I burst into tears on the way to the beach. I was sleep deprived, worried I was going to be late, and conflicted about leaving my boys. HOWEVER, once I got to the beach everything fell into place. I got a great parking space (which is a BIG deal!) and sat down about 5 minutes before the ceremony began. It was just perfect. The weather was beautiful and it was truly a night of celebration. (I'll be adding more photos in a few days since my mad rush out the door did not include extra batteries for my camera. I'll be stealing photos from Brian's parents this weekend!)
Here is the happy couple... Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!
Kirsten got dressed at the beach with Brian and his family. When the ceremony began she turned to me and whispered "I better get out my hankie in case I cry." I almost burst out laughing.
Kirsten and Aunt Chris had a great time together. I'm just so disappointed that Chris and Tyler didn't get a chance to visit with the twins. They are coming back for Thanksgiving... but I don't think that's soon enough (HINT, HINT Chris!)
Kirsten had a touch of "Flower Girl Envy" (okay... it was a lot more than a touch!)... but Amber made her feel very special. Kirsten was DYING to get a picture with the bride who is now "officially Aunt Amber".
We took a walk on the beach at sunset (well, Brian and I walked... Kirsten and Uncle Jeff did cartwheels) and managed to get a nice photo of the healthy members of our family.
Brian and I even got to spend a few minutes together without anyone climbing on us!
Brian made a great toast at the reception, Kirsten danced until almost midnight, and got to lead the conga line. It was a very fun, beautiful wedding. The weather was PERFECT and my babies slept most of the night so I was able to relax. More photos to come!
As I mentioned in the last post, I was unsure if I was going to make it to the wedding at all. Once I decided to go, I had to pack up two sick toddlers (along with pjs, medicines, comfort items etc.) and give Grammy and Grandpa about 500 instructions. I burst into tears on the way to the beach. I was sleep deprived, worried I was going to be late, and conflicted about leaving my boys. HOWEVER, once I got to the beach everything fell into place. I got a great parking space (which is a BIG deal!) and sat down about 5 minutes before the ceremony began. It was just perfect. The weather was beautiful and it was truly a night of celebration. (I'll be adding more photos in a few days since my mad rush out the door did not include extra batteries for my camera. I'll be stealing photos from Brian's parents this weekend!)
Here is the happy couple... Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!
Kirsten got dressed at the beach with Brian and his family. When the ceremony began she turned to me and whispered "I better get out my hankie in case I cry." I almost burst out laughing.
Kirsten and Aunt Chris had a great time together. I'm just so disappointed that Chris and Tyler didn't get a chance to visit with the twins. They are coming back for Thanksgiving... but I don't think that's soon enough (HINT, HINT Chris!)
Kirsten had a touch of "Flower Girl Envy" (okay... it was a lot more than a touch!)... but Amber made her feel very special. Kirsten was DYING to get a picture with the bride who is now "officially Aunt Amber".
We took a walk on the beach at sunset (well, Brian and I walked... Kirsten and Uncle Jeff did cartwheels) and managed to get a nice photo of the healthy members of our family.
Brian and I even got to spend a few minutes together without anyone climbing on us!
Brian made a great toast at the reception, Kirsten danced until almost midnight, and got to lead the conga line. It was a very fun, beautiful wedding. The weather was PERFECT and my babies slept most of the night so I was able to relax. More photos to come!
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Best Sister AND the Best Cousin
Kirsten is beyond excited to have a new baby cousin. Last Saturday morning Maureen called to tell us she was at the hospital and Luke was on the way. I squealed on the phone and then turned to Kirsten to tell her the good news. I continued to talk to my sister for a few minutes. When I hung up I called to Kirsten (in her room) to see what she was doing. She was getting dressed and putting on her shoes to "go see the baby!". So sweet. She was VERY disappointed when I told her: 1.) It would still be several hours until Luke arrived 2.) Children weren't allowed in the hospital 3.) I would be taking her to Orlando later in the week. Poor girl... talk about a let down!
Well, Thursday I got to keep my promise and take Kirsten to meet her new cousin. Kirsten, Grammy, and I took a "girl's day" and drove to Orlando to visit Maureen, Ryan, and Luke. Ironically, both my mom and I only slept for 2 hours on Wednesday night. Under any other circumstances that would have set us up for a terrible day... but there is way too much joy around this little guy's arrival for a little sleep deprivation to get in the way!
Kirsten is TOTALLY in love with her new cousin!
Kirsten and Luke posing for their pictures. (Take note of his chubby little arms... is there anything cuter??)
Kirsten feeding Luke (I have to give credit to Maureen and Ryan for being very relaxed first time parents. They called while we were still in the car to figure out our arrival time so they could schedule Kirsten for one of Luke's feedings.)
Kirsten and Luke with sleepy smiles... Sure at only 5 days old I'm sure you'll say it's just gas making him smile... but I think it's Kirsten's great snuggle!
At about 7:00 Kirsten and Luke were both worn out. They snuggled up together and called it a night!
...Earlier in the day I did a little photo shoot with Luke. My friend Tiffany does monthly pictures with her boys. She has pictures of her "little" Issac on the same blanket every month for his first year. I just don't know why I didn't do more of that kind of stuff with my boys! I'm kicking myself now... so I'll do it with Little Luke! Here are his April Pictures... 5 days old (Next month I'll take a straight picture... sorry Maureen!)
This little peanut is the most precious thing I've ever seen. He is SO perfect. No wonder Kirsten is so in love... such an angel!
Well, Thursday I got to keep my promise and take Kirsten to meet her new cousin. Kirsten, Grammy, and I took a "girl's day" and drove to Orlando to visit Maureen, Ryan, and Luke. Ironically, both my mom and I only slept for 2 hours on Wednesday night. Under any other circumstances that would have set us up for a terrible day... but there is way too much joy around this little guy's arrival for a little sleep deprivation to get in the way!
Kirsten is TOTALLY in love with her new cousin!
Kirsten and Luke posing for their pictures. (Take note of his chubby little arms... is there anything cuter??)
Kirsten feeding Luke (I have to give credit to Maureen and Ryan for being very relaxed first time parents. They called while we were still in the car to figure out our arrival time so they could schedule Kirsten for one of Luke's feedings.)
Kirsten and Luke with sleepy smiles... Sure at only 5 days old I'm sure you'll say it's just gas making him smile... but I think it's Kirsten's great snuggle!
At about 7:00 Kirsten and Luke were both worn out. They snuggled up together and called it a night!
...Earlier in the day I did a little photo shoot with Luke. My friend Tiffany does monthly pictures with her boys. She has pictures of her "little" Issac on the same blanket every month for his first year. I just don't know why I didn't do more of that kind of stuff with my boys! I'm kicking myself now... so I'll do it with Little Luke! Here are his April Pictures... 5 days old (Next month I'll take a straight picture... sorry Maureen!)
This little peanut is the most precious thing I've ever seen. He is SO perfect. No wonder Kirsten is so in love... such an angel!
Dear Kirsten,
Well, my sweet girl, you lost another tooth this month. You were thrilled and I want to laugh each time I look at your "jack 'o lantern smile". This month you have been very busy with Brownies, gymnastics, and violin lessons.
You are still the best big sister around. You love to teach the boys things and you are so proud when they copy you. Danny has perfected his somersaults and is your little gymnast in training. Your brothers have been experimenting with temper tantrums lately and it is killing you! A couple of weeks ago the boys threw all their Cheerios on the floor. I showed them how to pick them up but they refused. I wouldn't allow them to do anything else until they cleaned up and they had HUGE tantrums. First you tried to show them what to do, then you tried to give them incentives and cheer them on. After twenty minutes of screaming and crying you asked me "Can't I please just do it for them??". It was so hard for you to watch them upset and not be able to "fix" it. When they finally cleaned up you clapped and cheered SO LOUD.
You are doing great in school and get "greens" almost everyday. It's still hard for you to stay calm in the early evenings but you're working on it. I recently told you you needed to come help me with something and you told me "I just want to be a big girl and make my own decisions. I don't mean decisions like 'eat candy everyday' just decisions like 'keep reading and not go help you right now'... cuz I AM a big girl you know!" ...It was VERY hard not to laugh but you were very serious. Another moment I don't want to forget occurred at the beginning of March. You tripped on something in the twins' room and were looking for some sympathy. You were limping around and telling me (with fake tears) that your leg was "broken". A few minutes later I opened the back door to let the boys go out to play... you ran past me and I caught you saying "oh no... not if your leg is broken sweetie". You gave me QUITE the look and declared "That is just an expression! Of course my leg is not really broken!".
You wrote your teacher, Mrs. Booker, a letter last week. I REALLY wanted to make a copy of it... but you had it sealed up long before I had a chance. I wish I could remember how you spelled each word.. it was SO cute. The letter read:
Dear Mrs. Booker,
You are the best teacher in the world because you clean up our whole classroom everyday when the kids go home. That is so nice of you! It's like when my mom has to stay up until 9:30 because my brothers mess up our whole house. Did your kids do that when they were 1 or 2?
Love,
Your Favorite Student Kirsten Taylor
A couple of months ago you asked, very seriously, when you brothers were going to "learn English". As they've been learning to talk I do a lot of interpreting for you (i.e "Did you hear him say 'Sissy'?" "He said 'Thank you'!"). It was as if you thought their poor articulation was actually Chinese. (SO CUTE!) This month you finally agree that is "sounds like they are starting to learn English".
I think you may be the most joyful person I've ever met. You take true delight in the simplest things. You went to an ice skating birthday party this month. There were little metal "guides" for the children to use to help you get the feel of the ice and keep from falling down. You went around the rink twice to get used to it. I expected you to dump the guide after that... boy was I wrong! You figured out that you could skate VERY VERY fast when you didn't have to worry about falling. You started racing around the rink and then began doing tricks as if you were in the Olympics. It was hysterical! You still can't keep a secret (it's just TOO exciting for you!) and you gave the birthday girl half a dozen "hints" about her gift in the first five minutes of the party :) You sing in the shower, wear VERY sparkly shoes everywhere you go, and never stop moving!
I love you more everyday. I truly do love you with all my heart, sweet girl.
Love,
Mommy
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