October 2012

Cactus Ranch has a fun program for the kids on their birthday month. They get to go to the library and pick a brand new book out. The book is then dedicated to the school from Jillian, her picture taken, displayed in the hall, and on her birthday they give her a shout-out and show the picture on the morning news. Of-course, Jillian picked the only book about bats. She has always loved bats.

The weather in ATX in Oct is still pretty warm but the mornings and evenings are really nice. For date night Jeff and I went on a boat tour of downtown Austin that finished by watching the bats fly.

At General Conference they announced an age reduction for missionaries. Coco was pretty excited about it.

Jeff has been growing out this hair. He says he wants to try and get it long enough to donate.

Jillian had been coming home from school in tears. She complained of headaches and just being so tired. My friends encouraged me to take her to the optometrist.  Sure enough she was straining to read up close. They have seemed to help but I sure hope she grows out of them like her daddy did.

With Halloween here there was a lot of costume parties. Jeff and I got to dress up as the Jock/Cheerleader couple for a Mystery Dinner Party.  I borrowed a uniform from my babysitter that night and had a blast acting crazy.

Coco is really loving the cooler weather and the big swing outside.  

My dear Grandma Pete passed away and got to join Grandpa in heaven. I just really love all these pictures of her. To this day the girls still pray for her and Grandpa. 

Camille had a fun party at her preschool. They all dressed up and sang a few songs for the parents.

Jillian turned 6 at the end of the month. She had a fun costume party.

She had a pumpkin cake and mummy cupcakes.

We did the traditional balloon launch.

And had to have a pinata, as always.

I really love her as my oldest. She strives to be obedient and works hard at being a good friend. She's very artistic, thoughtful, and athletic. She is my shadow when she's home and loves to be involved in all things I am. She is reserved around new people and lacks a little self confidence when it comes to new things, although she always proves more than capable. I'm so proud of the sweet girl that she is.  She's the perfect #1 in our little growing family.

We carved pumpkins a few days before Halloween. Jill choose the bat and Camille wanted the ghost.

We did a Superhero theme for Halloween. We had Wonder women, Cat women, and The Hulk. The kids literally ran from house to house with the capes flying. It was good times.

September 2012

Our first September in Texas brought football fever. We all got to go to a couple Texas games. The stadium and whole atmosphere is amazing.

Camille had her first day of Preschool and of-course it was a breeze. She didn't quit understand why it didn't last as long or as many days as Jillian's school.

As the girls get older and are off to school I see them drifting apart a little. I really hate it. I have actually seriously considered home school and have talked to several people that do it. We will stick with public for now, but I'm happy to know my options. I cherish after school moments.

Jillian has always been very coordinated and really enjoys sports. She got on a great soccer team with friends and excellent coaches. I hope to stay with this group as long as we can. 

Our garden produced all summer and ended it's run with a delicious watermelon. It was awesome.

I love breastfeeding my babies. Unfortunately, I start to run out of milk around 6-8 months. Bottle feeding isn't all bad. I enjoy the freedom it gives me and Jeff likes to get to hold and feed the babies...maybe a little too much.  

My life and future.

Although Camille is less enthusiastic about soccer I know she likes to be outside and run around.

With school in full swing, I often missed Jillian so much I had to go pull her out early. She didn't mind.

Pure awesome.

August 2012

August in Texas is HOT. We spend as much time in-doors as we can, and when you're outdoors you better be wet. We frequent splash pads and pools in the summer months.

The girls were still adjusting to having a brother in the house. They tried playing with him the best they could. It often ending like this:

Hayley and her family stopped by to visit and see ATX. We took them to our favorite Mexican restaurant downtown, Big Top Candy Shop and then finished the night watching the bats fly. It was a fun visit.

Camille and Jill were invited to a horse party. Both were in heaven. I still dream of owning a horse some day.

Coco boy got his first hair cut.

We love going to RR Express games but sometimes it's a little boring. My minime and me passed time at one game making twin faces.

We also had a visit from Jeff's youngest brother Ross. Stan was living with us, so it was a Taylor Boy reunion. Ross was headed out to the Philippines on his mission in just two weeks.

Jeff and Stan were really busy working so me and the kids took Ross to our favorite Austin spot: Krause Springs. It's a natural spring that pools, and waterfalls, on private property that is just gorgeous. We swam and explored all day.

On the 21st I turned 30.  I was actually really looking forward to it.  I've been so happy and loving my life that this milestone felt like one more wonderful happy day. A day to celebrate. My dear friends took me to lunch, Jeff and the kids took me to a steak dinner, and when we got home....there was a surprise party for me. It was the greatest day!

Jillian started school...I was a bit of an emotional wreck all week. On Thursday they had the Welcome Walk, all the teachers came and did a home visit to each student. I LOVED IT. Jillian's teacher was Mrs. Estes. I think it really helped Jillian not be so nervous for Monday.

(Coco tangent)

Really, could he be any cuter?

The first day of school started with all smiles. We drove near the school and then me and Camille walked Jill in.  When it was time to say bye the smiles were gone. This picture cracks me up. I really wish we had half day kinder. Full day is so long to be away from my little 5 year old. I hated it just as much as she did.

 

Camille got to go meet her Preschool teacher, Ms. Shelley. She was in our ward and did it out of her home. Camille had no nerves or hesitation. She's my out-going one.

July 2012

In July we made two trips to Jeff's home town San Angelo.  The first one was for speed boat races.  We stayed with one of his best friends Colin. This was the sunset at the dock of his lake front property.

We got to dance the night away to a private concert.  We all had a great weekend.

The second trip was for a memorial for a friend of his that died a few years ago, Sean Sparks. We visited with Seans' family and friends and had a good time reminiscing. This time was stayed in a hotel and the girls loved it.

Of-course we celebrated Independence Day.  The girls got fancy hair, face paint, red-white snacks, parade candy, and carnival rides.

We attended a BBQ with some new friends and hit up the towns firework show. Exhausting but fun day.

Jeff has been working very hard so any time we get to spend together as a family is cherished. We've been to many Round Rock Express games and really enjoy going on family walks to explore to local landscape.

Stanley moved in with us in June and we all really love having family near. The girls especially love when he plays with them. 

I've been learning my way around by way of splash pad locations. Poor Coco gets pretty tired of it.

The girls gym had a parents day and we got to see what they've been working on. Both of my girls really amaze me with their strength and coordination.

Austin always has something going on. We got to attend an outdoor play at an amphitheater with friends from the ward. It was The Sound of Music, and it was absolutely spectacular. This is now a family tradition.

We sure are loving this Texas summer.