October 2013

Ever since I started a family, October seems to be one of the busiest times of year. This one was no exception. Amy and her boyfriend were able to come visit us for a night. George has family in Dallas and they were up there for a long weekend. I was excited to spend time with them but wished it was longer. Hopefully they'll be back soon so we can show them around our little town.

Jill and Camille started fall soccer. Jillian has moved up to a bigger age group and with it, a bigger field. Jill has been on the same team each season. We love these coaches and Jill really loves soccer.

Camille enjoys soccer too but it's more of a social thing for her right now. She says she doesn't want to play next season but if her friends are playing I'm sure she will.

Sarah, Caitlin, and Becky drove over from AZ to spend their fall break with us. It was great to get these sibs together again.  

Here's the Taylor grand boy's.

We all made a trip to San Antonio. We saw the River walk,

and the Alamo.

I let the girls skip a few days of school, but not all week. The cousins went to school lunch one day to see the girls.

We all went to a UT Volleyball game. We have gone to the games a lot this year and always have a great time there.

We also showed them a few of our family favorite spots, like Twin Lakes. We had a great week and tears were shed when it ended. I hate being away from family.

With the rest of the Taylor's living in AZ, we are so happy and lucky to have Stan in TX with us. Coco and him have a special bond.

Jill turned 7 this year. We had a fun party for her with many of her new church, and neighborhood friends. We did crafts, played red rover and bingo, had a pinata,

a donut cake (as requested),

and of-course did our traditional balloon launch.

Jillian is a very special girl. She has grown up to be an amazing big sister, great friend, and very kind spirit. She struggles with math in school and is a bit of a perfectionist. She has always been shy but is working on it and has improved greatly in this past year. She's very excited to meet her new little sibling and is always trying to make sure I feel okay. She is the perfect fit for our family as a #1 child. We love her so much.

On her actually birthday we had our neighbors (who are basically family at this point), the Rattray's, over for a small celebration. Can't wait to see what another year with this sweet girl brings.

One of Jeff's greatest friends, Brandon, was married at the end of the month. Jeff, Coco, and I flew over to UT for the wedding, while the girls stayed with the Rattray's for the weekend.

They got married in the SLC temple. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I will always have a very special spot in my heart for Brandon. We went through the temple for the first time together and Jeff was his escort. The next day Jeff and I were married. Brandon was part of the most important days of my life. He has also, always been a wonderful example and friend to Jeff. I love that man and am so happy for him and his new wife. Hopefully, I can get to know her and maybe not be the only girl going on buddy trips anymore.

Here's Jeff, Nate, and Brandon. My three favorite dudes.

With all the busyness of Oct, I wasn't too creative for the kids outfits for Halloween. They were both witches. We went up to our old neighborhood and trick-or-treated with friends. It was a long fun night.

Jeff was dressed as Duck Dynasty member, and Coco as Batman. I was lame and didn't get have a costume. Oh-well, maybe next year when I'm not pregnant.