{End of} July pictures.

So a couple of my blog entries are a little out of order. Oh well. We actually went to Naperville with Jess and Josie and Bri and Rilo the week before we went to the zoo. We went to the zoo just a couple days before flying home. Anyways though, we had lunch in Naperville and went through the riverwalk which is the cutest little path that goes along the river and around a small lake that has paddleboats. There are lots of restauraunts and little shops too. It was beautiful and we had lots of fun, thanks again to Bri for taking these pictures!

Taiya and Josie have become best buds... they love giving hugs to eachother even though it usually means they both fall to the ground after!



Obsessed. With Chicago Food. Hot dogs. Pizza. YUM.

Chicago food is amazing.  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The city is especially known for its deep dish pizza and hot dogs. Which I fell in love with. Seriously. Mmmm. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. My favorites in each category are...

"The Malnati's Chicago Classic" from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria





"Maxwell Street Style Polish" from Portillo's

This is NOT a picture of a Maxwell Steet Polish. Unfortunately, I never took a picture of one. But trust me, they are SO YUMMY. This is a Chicago dog, which is also super good though!

July. July. July. More July.



July was such a fun month! With Taiya walking, everything changed. Suddenly going to the park, zoo, and pool became a totally new experience. She loves being able to explore and be more independent. Here are some more pictures of what we did during this month...

~ Audrey & Taiya ~
Our friend Lisa and her little girl Audrey, were visiting her husband out in Chicago and we had a really fun time between taking the girls shopping and going to Naperville. The girls were so cute together, they even held hands while they rode in their strollers. Oh, and Taiya had her first sucker, which is LOVED.

~ Swimming ~

Jess and Josie made their usual weekly trip to come visit us. Only this time we went swimming and the girls had a blast...


~ Playtime ~
Lots of playing. And spending time with mom and dad.

Taiya loves the iPad. She knows exactly what games are for her and what they do. When she wakes up in the morning, the first thing she wants is dad's iPad. Ha.

Since we didn't have a car, we did lots of walking. This is what happened sometimes...

Taiya loves having stories read to her. I think we read at least 10 a day.

I took this picture but I just kept looking at her while she was sleeping and I couldn't believe how big my baby has gotten. I just wanted to capture her like this and freeze this moment forever. I sure love this little girl.

~ Brookfield Zoo ~
We went with Jess and Josie and some of the girls from her husband's office to the zoo. The girls loved all the animals but I think their favorite part was the splash pad!

I had to post this one. Ha.

...WALKING...



On Sunday, July 11th at exactly 11 months and 11 days, Taiya Belle decided to start walking!!! She had taken a little step here or there for a couple weeks but only with lots of pursuading. But we got home from church and she just stood up and walked about four steps before falling, all by herself. We couldn't believe it. By the end of the day she was walking about 6 steps in a row! We are sooo proud of her. My baby seems so much more like a big girl now. I love just watching her waddle around!

Celebrating July 4th...

We had a great 4th of July in Chicago even though it ended up raining so we didn't go see fireworks where we had originally planned to see them. We still enjoyed a yummy dinner at Jimmy's Grill, some Red Mango {our fav}, and watched the fireworks from the Naperville riverwalk.

Taiya had a bunch of 4th of July outfits... thanks to her grandma, so we had to take some pictures to show her red, white, and blue spirit!



{Eleven. Month. Old} Pictures



Still trying to catch up. Back to July. On July 1st, our little firework turned 11 months old. That is only one month away from a year :( I hate that my baby is growing up so fast. I love all the fun things she is doing... she is so smart and sweet.

{Taiya}:
Loves reading. She will bring you a book and want to sit in your lap and have you read.
Says "WHOA." It's so cute. And totally has the sound of complete amazement to it.
Loves the taste of sunscreen. Yes, its true. She will lick it off her skin if your not careful.
Blows kisses. But makes a smooch sound at the end. Ha
Loves fruit. Any kind. Would eat only blueberries for every meal if she could.
Walks holding on to her push toy.
"Dances" when music comes on.
Such a little fish. LOVES. LOVES. LOVES the water.
Is so good at sharing. But is such a little indian giver :)
Still is super ticklish and has the cutest little giggle ever.