Smitten

is this little girl with this baby boy.
Andy and Ashlyn are also big fans of Baby Cannon! This picture makes me laugh. I am the oldest Grandchild and with each new baby cousin that entered our family, I would stand by their bed or by the door begging them to WAKE UP so I could hold them. Looks like the tradition has been passed down.

Cannon sensed their presence quickly and was wide awake in no time.

We are so happy to have Russ, Trisha, and Cannon in California for the next 6 weeks for work. We plan to get as much Cannon time as we can squeeze in.

Look at those eyes!

There is something special and unique about a mother/son relationship.

I just can't get enough of him!!!!

Little Miss Bakerella!

Sooo....here is how it all began. We have an Iphone that is currently having issues being used as a phone. We decided to allow Taylor to have some fun with it and at times when we need her to have some "alone" time (translation, patience is gone, go entertain yourself for a little bit) we give her the phone and allow her to watch downloaded videos like Play House Disney, Veggie Tales, and Charlie & Lola. Recently, we decided the videos needed a more educational element to them so Tyler introduced her to baking tutorials. Who would have ever thought that that would unleash baking madness!!! She is fascinated by them and can watch them for hours. In a week's time we have made: Bear Cookies, A Mermaid Cake, and Pig Pancakes in addition to non-tutorial items like chocolate chip cookies and Cinnamon muffins. Yes, I feel the fat swelling on my body. I decided to buy her some cookie and muffin mixes that say "just add water" in an effort to limit the mess and my involvement. However, those are apparently not fun. They need "water, oil, milk, eggs, and powdered sugar"...the girl knows her ingredients. She now uses words like "dollop" and "finishing touches." It all drives me a little crazy because it is a lot of mess and way too many treats for our family. However, after reading an article about this girl who at age 23 started the Wonderland Bakery in Newport, I have decided to embrace Taylor's new hobby (with a few rules) and help foster her creative self. Today's project: sugar cookie dough that needed to be cooked = frosting, sprinkle craziness!

And sugar overload!

The finished product! Someone come take these off our hands PLEASE!

My idea of camping

involves a Marriott and room service....No? O.K. how about roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the backyard? And going upstairs to sleep in my own bed? Taylor called our evening "Camping Fun." She didn't mind not having a tent, dirt, and night time noises. Actually dirt was very much prevalent during this little adventure after the kids became sticky messes from the marshmallows and then went and jumped on the trampoline....beautiful! Luckily, we weren't far from home and a nice warm bath.
Love. LOVE this little man! Fortunately for him he has 2 somewhat high maintenance sisters because otherwise I would LOVE on him all day!

Off She Goes

Today was Taylor's 1st day of Kindergarten. I have struggled with the decision of whether to start her for the last year. She has a late birthday and will be the youngest in her class. I changed my mind so many times. I am sure our friends and family were SO over my indecisiveness. I was so worried I would make the wrong choice. However, a month ago we decided Yes and we haven't looked back (okay maybe I have a few times).

But we are confident in our decision.

She is ready!

Breakfast choice: Pancakes and Muffins.

Taylor and Ms Karr.

We are so happy Taylor and Tyler are in the same class.

Andy and Ashlyn jumped right in. Too bad I couldn't have left them too.

Reading the book, The Kissing Hand.

Taylor receiving a kissing hand.

I Love this girl so much! I am so proud of her and excited for this new adventure.

It was a successful Kindergarten drop off. She was excited, she was ready, and I only shed a few tears as we were leaving. Andy repeatedly asking me, "Where's Tay Tay?" didn't help.

We love you Taylor!

We are SO excited to watch you grow and learn and have lots of fun this year!

Ready or Not

Hair Cut: Check

New School Clothes: Check

Fun Day Out With Mom: Check

Add Bling To Shoes: Check
And I think we are ready for Kindergarten (at least she is).

Just another day.

All my beach posts are the same. It was a perfect day, the kids loved the sand, the kids loved the water, why don't I live there, blah blah blah. Friday's trip to the beach was no exception except this time, we went with my sister Tracy who was visiting from Vegas. Other than that small difference and maybe 20 funny pictures like the one above, everything else was pretty routine for us. Loving the sand...
loving the sea shells...
loving the water...

Loving cute kids...

Not loving how grown up this girl looks....

Loving that Daddy could join us for dinner and a walk...

And wondering why we don't live here. Actually just down a little way on an island with its own private entrance. If I am dreaming, might as well go big!