Travis & Sadi

Winter 2010

2011-11-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

The sun decided to appear a few days and so we took advantage and got some fresh winter air. This little monkey was so excited to run around and play.

Girl's night with Lex. Yes, this is what she wanted to do. Jump off the couch and take silly pictures. So that's what we did. I have to admit it we did laugh pretty hard. So here's to being 14 again...

Christmas Day 2010

2011-11-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. We were all spoiled. Especially this little one. Santa came to visit. There was no hesitation when it came to ripping into those packages. Taiya was in heaven. And we loved every minute of watching her. What a fun day. We loved spending the day together and seeing many of our loved ones.

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-11-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky that our families both live so close together. Even though we switch the sides of the family that we spend Christmas Eve with, we are usually able to make it to both for a little while. This year was a treat, Taiya got to do the nativity with both families. What a cute little shepard and donkey she made. We had a great night with all our family!

Christmas Festivities 2010

2011-11-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

We love Christmas. Especially Christmas with this little love. What a little ball of Christmas joy. She sure makes life wonderful!

We sure love our tradition of making cookies with the Thompsons a couple days before Christmas. Tay was all about it this year. She loved helping daddy roll out the dough and cut the cookies out. But her favorite part was tasting the frosting. Little sugar addict. She definitely gets that from her mom.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-11-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Still playing catch up. Like always. Thanksgiving 2010. We have so much to be thankful for. Our blessings are countless. Each other. Taiya. Family. Our health. The gospel. Job. Food. Shelter.

Elite Cruise 2010... Part 2

2011-04-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

Last stop:
{Puerta Villarta} We took a 45 minute tax ride up the mountain and went zip lining!! There were about 10 different zip lines and each one got higher and higher. The tallest one was about 650 feet and the fastest was about 50 mph. It was so beautiful and the zip lines were so high you could see everything, I actually got butterflies in my stomach every time before getting on a new line. It was amazing!!

Back on the boat:

We had so much fun going laying out enjoying the sun, going to shows at night, playing 'sardines,' eating, and just hanging out!

We use big words like 'luv' and 'more'...

Playing dodgeball

Outside the dining room

Shel and I were the ones who had to hide... our spot didn't really fit our group.. ha. Oops!

Trav goes through so much pop that they would just bring him out two at a time!

The "GAME":

The boys (aka Travis, Danny, Branson) came up with this game while we were on the boat, that they could "kill" each other (which consists of pretending to slice each other's necks). They each got a certain number of kills per day and if you were killed you had to drop to the ground where ever you were (no matter how embarrassing or public) and pretend to be dead. Of course, people would panic and think something was wrong.. but sometimes it really was hilarious and other times it was kinda embarrassing. But the boys loved it so we just let them be boys.. here are some random "kills..."

Elite Cruise 2010... { Mexican Riviera } Part 1

2011-04-22T00:31:00.001-06:00

The company Trav works for took us all on a cruise in November 2010 to the Mexican Riviera. It was my FIRST cruise, yes, very very first!! And I loved it!! Trav has been on lots of cruises but even he thought this one was definitely one of the best. Thank you so much Elite for such an amazing trip!! Not only was the cruise and boat itself great, but we had so much fun with our friends on the trip- there was about 23 of us total. We decided to road trip it to Cali so we took off a few days early, which ended up being one of the most fun parts of the trip. It was Trav and me, Branson and his wife Shelly, and Danny. It didn't hurt that Danny and Branson are two of Trav's closest friends and that by Day 2 of our trip me and Shelly were BFF's. Ha. Love that girl. So much fun....

Worn out from too much fun...

Awards night

Danny, Branson, and Trav

First stop:

{Cabo San Lucus} We visited Lover's Beach and had the most amazing tacos ever!

Water taxi to Lovers Beach

Me and Shel

Ben and Lisa

Lover's Beach

While in Cabo we had the BEST TACO's we've EVER had here...

El Pastor Tacos.. THE BEST!

Second stop:

{Mazatlan} We did a package where we took a boat ride to an island, have lunch, and then got to do a couple different activities. Horseback riding was a blast and so was banana tubing, especially with the boys bouncing and climbing all over while we were moving!!

Me and Danny's horses totally did their own thing.. no matter how much we tried to get them to go faster!

Where we 'ate and played'....

Todd, Jay, Trav, and Branson

Back on the boat...

Todd and Britt

All we did was eat... and eat.. and eat.

Midnight buffet.. who wants to eat that at midnight or ever??

Fun with Friends {November 2010}

2011-04-09T15:59:00.000-06:00

We have the greatest friends ever. Seriously. Our friends, Tiff and Derek and Tas and Jake, have kids within a couple months of Taiya- which makes hanging out that much more fun!! Tiff and Derek's other two kids, are so good with Tay too. She loves it! Taiya has a blast when their together and talks about them for days after she has seen them.

Ollie & Tay enjoying the dog bed

Tay is STILL obsessed with lotion. We are constantly trying to keep her from eating it and chapstick!

Cute Ollie

Jens and Taiya.. (she uses her bottom teeth to open EVERYTHING)

Jake & Trav

Ollie's little True Religions are so dang cute!

The boys watching a game or a fight.. I can't remember...

Tiff & Derek

Annual Halloween Party

2011-04-07T16:32:00.000-06:00

Our good friends Jaime and Mark throw a Halloween party every year. This year they did a murder mystery dinner and with our invitations they sent descriptons of who our characters were that we had to dress like, act like, and talk like the entire night. They did such an amazing job with planning and decorating. We had a blast! Thanks guys!

Travis was a golfer and I was a hairstylist (outfit not complete yet...)

Jaime getting everything ready

Cute prego Jess

Trav, DWebb, and Beth

Bloody eyeballs

Halloween 2010

2011-04-07T15:30:00.000-06:00

Taiya love love LOVED Halloween this year. She ate so much candy (probably way more than I will ever know about), but that's what happens when you live with grandparents and aunts and uncles.. they spoil they baby! She even loved her costume, which she wanted to wear around the house for days after. We had a great get together with the Thompson on the Sunday before Halloween and then we had a blast trick-or-treating on Saturday night! We sure love our cute little witch...

Princess Livy & Witch Tay

Sweet Claire girl Cute Cole the policeman

We love our cousins!

Grandma & Grandpa Thompson

Cheeeeeeeeeeesey smile with daddy

Trick-or-treating at Grandma & Grandpa's

So happy about her "treat"

Grandma Judy and Taiya were cute matching witches!

Trick-or-treating at Grandma & Grandpa Great

Daddy teasing his little girl

Fall BBQ with our Besties!

2011-02-03T23:26:00.001-07:00

We love Derek & Tiff. And Dys. And Jens. And Blakely. Trav's family is best friends with Derek's family and so they just grew up together. Practically family doesn't cut it, they are family. I got lucky and was adopted in when Trav and I got married. We seriously love these guys. We kind of have a standing Saturday night 'hang out' planned... Tiff & Derek are so good to have us over and this time I made sure to bring my camera to capture some of these memories. This is back in the middle of October, they had us over for a BBQ and we enjoyed summer yummy steak, salad, and twice baked potatoes. Tiff is an amazing cook... really! They spoil us and feed us all the time. Oh and Taiya loves being around the kids... Jensyn is like her 2nd little mommy. It's so cute to watch. Even Dys watches out for her. Love this family...

Cancun 2010

2011-02-03T23:04:00.001-07:00

Travis and I ended up taking an unexpected trip to Cancun at the end of September. We had been planning on going around our anniversary in February but found ridiculously cheap vacation packages and so we decided to just go for it! We saw the Riu Palace when we were in Cancun on our honeymoon and decided that when we went back we were going to stay there. We seriously spent all of our time relaxing on the beach and in the pool, drinking strawberry pina colada's, and eating way way too much food since it was all-inclusive! Other than to sleep, I pretty much lived in my swimsuit.. never know when you might want to go jump in the water.We had a great time, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

We went to Carlos & Charlie's on our honeymoon, and so we had to come back!

Travis was so sick of me taking pictures... so he started ignoring the camera.. ha.

Mmmm... yummy carmel and pralines goodness. Our favorite.

Travis's favorite thing about the hotel. I can't even count how many he had per day!

My favorite spot to layout and read! I could be found in this same spot pretty much all week.

Strawberry Pina Colada... Heavenly.

Swing Swing Swing {September 2010}

2011-02-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

My mom got Taiya a baby swing for their swing set and she LOVES it. The second we pull up to my parents she points to the swing and cries until someone takes her to the swing set. We had to take a family snap shot for some family history thing and so we did it in the backyard. Of course Taiya saw the swing and so I had to snap a couple cute pics of our happy little babe...

LABOR DAY. Weekend. Camping.

2011-01-31T00:16:00.001-07:00

I love love love going camping. We don't get to go often enough. Nothing compares to being in the mountains, sitting around a campfire, and totally relaxing. We had tons of fun going camping with my family over Labor Day weekend. Lots of playing games, four-wheeling, playing in the dirt, and throw up. That's right, Taiya got the flu while we were up there.. a horrible, so sad, miserable, case of the flu. Lucky for Travis he had already left to come home (couldn't waste those BYU tickets) and so I had to helplessly watch my poor baby have the worse night of her life to date. It broke my heart. She was so miserable and there was nothing I could do but hold her. She got sick our last night there, but we still had a great weekend, and can't wait to get back to the mountains!

Finally getting some rest after being up sick all night :(

More End of Summer Fun {August 2010}

2011-01-30T22:42:00.002-07:00

I have never ever been this far behind on my blog. I seriously need to get going.. I mean its not even the same year anymore. Grrrr. Here we go, back to end of summer 2010...

Playing with cousin Livy and buddy Carson

(check out those girl's thighs... oh I love that chubba whubba)

Carson & his mommy

Cousin Dax taking a nap in the shade

Nothing beats a picnic

Check out this babe's tan lines...

Lava Hot Springs... Family Reunion

2010-12-15T01:11:00.001-07:00

Every year we have a family reunion in August at Lava Hot Springs with my dad's family. We look forward to this all year, we get to finally catch up with all our family that we often only get to see once a year. My most favorite part of the whole trip is getting to see my grandma and grandpa. I love these two so much, and since they live in Idaho, I don't get to see them near as much as I wish. They are both in their 90's so time is precious, I'm so grateful to them and love them so much. They absolutely adore Taiya, and I hope that they hang in there long enough that she can be old enough to remember them. But just to make sure, I took an extra lot of pictures.

We have a blast with our cousins swimming, tubing down the river, going to the hot pools at night, and just catching up.

Taiya with my cute cousins Kyler and Kennedy (and their friends)

Showing off our battle wounds from tubing down the river.

Last days of summer... end of { August }

2010-12-14T23:20:00.002-07:00

We took advantage of the last few weeks in August... lots of water, sun, and fun. Taiya loved her new spash pool that she got from grandma and grandpa thompson for her birthday.. and so did Aunt Lexi! Taiya also loved the swing set, and would even throw fits when ever it was time to stop swinging! Little miss independent wanted to go down the slide all by herself and even figured out how to climb several feet up the slide. This little girl never fails to amaze us...

{More}... BEAR LAKE

2010-12-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Yes. I'm still posting pictures from August. Oh well. What can say.. well guess one of my new year's resolutions is going to be to be better about keeping my blog updated. First I better get all caught up.. here goes...

More pictures from our annual Bear Lake trip with the Thompsons. We had an amazing time, as if you can't tell by all the pictures...

Hating the sand on her feet

Loving the waves

Learning to surf behind the boat

Kenners was Taiya's 2nd little mommy... it was so cute!

Annual Bear Lake trip

2010-11-07T23:16:00.001-07:00

This year was we were really excited for Bear Lake because Taiya could actually play in the water and we knew she was going to love it! We look forward to this trip all year and literally count the days (and months) until it finally get here. We had a great time, as always!!! And of course here are a zillion pictures so that we don't forget a single moment!

{ Taiya loved: }

Being on the boat

Splashing in the water

Riding the four wheeler

Taste of sunscreen

{Taiya hated: }

Sand sticking to her feet

Sun in her eyes

Taiya's First Birthday

2010-11-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our beautiful baby girl! You turned one year old on August 1, 2010. Would you please stop growing!?! Mommy and daddy want to keep you at this age for ever and always. Taiya do you have any idea how much you are loved? I can't even put it into words. Thanks for making our lives full of laughter and smiles... we love you little one!

We had an amazing summer backyard birthday party for Taiya on Sunday, August 1st. Lots of family and friends came over to celebrate. Thanks everyone for sharing this special day with us!

{End of} July pictures.

2010-09-21T10:49:00.000-06:00

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.

2010-09-20T22:43:00.001-06:00

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.

2010-09-20T21:56:00.003-06:00

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...

2010-09-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-09-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

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

2010-09-20T21:06:00.000-06:00

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.

... JUNE ...

2010-08-22T21:17:00.006-06:00

Here is what we were up to during the month of June...

- Taiya loves swimming -

- Taiya and Josie: Silly girls love their straws -

- Lots of playing with daddy -

- Taste of Chicago -

One of Chicago's most well known events is The Taste. The 10 day event consists of restaurants setting up booths and selling some of their most popular menu items. The city's best and most popular restaurants participate. It is the best way to get to try lots of different types of food and we loved it. We ate until we were beyond sick! It was also so hot that day that we ended up having to take Taiya's clothes off because she was sweating so bad and couldn't fall asleep in her stroller. Poor baby!

- Loves Bath time -

- Kickin' Back -

Even Taiya's stroller canopy usually becomes a foot rest.

- Sunscreen -

I don't know what it is but Taiya loves the taste of sunscreen. Yucky! This time she actually got some out before I could grab it. Ha

- Just like mommy -

Taiya loves to do whatever I'm doing or being just like me. She wants me to put make-up on her (we pretend), she wants jewlery like mom, and even sunglasses if I'm wearing some. Terrible pic- but its all about the memory right :)

- Taste of Chicago. Again -

I loved The Taste of Chicago so much that when my friend Jess mentioned that she hadn't been, I was all for going again. Me, Jess, and her friend Bri went and took our 3 little girls with us. We had a great time! Thanks to Bri for taking all these fun pictures...

Jess & Josie and Me & Tay

Bri and cute Rilo

...Memorial Day...

2010-07-18T23:28:00.000-06:00

Trav only had to work a part day on Memorial Day so we took advantage of it and grabbed some dinner at Potbelly (I was totally craving a strawberry oreo shake), and then headed to the park to play and relax.

Back to Chicago... Enjoying. Playing. Summertime!

2010-07-18T23:17:00.001-06:00

Pictures from the last week and a half of May. I'm going to get caught up to date. Really I am..... Someday. Back to Chicago, back to just us and our little world. It revolves around a cute little ball of squishy-ness called Taiya.

{Watching the baby geese}

{Playing on a blanket and watching the sunset}

{Loving the pool. Every day.}

{Messy little girl. Shredded string cheese and juice... EVERYWHERE}

{Taiya LOVES her daddy}

{10. Months. Already}

More {FUN} In Utah

2010-07-17T09:20:00.003-06:00

Even though our trip home wasn't very long, we tried to spend lots of time with family and even got to see some of our other favorite people. Here are a few of the other things we did...

-Breakfast with Er Bear-

-Hanging out with Grandma & Grandpa and Tess. She was not into having her picture taken this day. Stinker :)-

-Sunday afternoon spent jumping on the tramp with Lexi and feeding the ducks... Taiya LoVeS the tramp!-

-Lexi is amazing at everything. Literally. Lucky girl. We sure love you.-

-Feeding the ducks at the canal... actually more like trying to find ducks to feed.

They kept flying away from us.-

-Morning cuddles with daddy-

Super Cute Blog Headers

2010-07-15T14:07:00.000-06:00

My friend Bri just made me the cutest new blog header, which I LOVE! She is amazing. I actually loved both of her final revisions so much that I'll probably switch it up and you will get to see them both. To get yourself one of these darling headers go here. Or if you just want to check out her blog which is so fun- tons of adorable design ideas and other random goodies like the cute skirt I won. You can see it all here.

Trip back to Utah... May 21st {thru} May 28th... Picnic at the Park

2010-07-12T15:25:00.000-06:00

Due to the funeral, we had to make a last minute trip home. Although the circumstances for going home were far from ideal, we were grateful for the time we got to spend with our family and friends. Tay and I were able to stay several days longer than Trav since he had to get back to work. One of the days we had a fun picnic at the park with Grandma Pennie and Lexi...

Grandpa Pete

2010-07-03T10:23:00.003-06:00

Travis's sweet Grandpa Pete passed away on May 13th. I can't begin to put into words the type of person he was or how much he will be missed. He was the grandpa that many only dream about, what an incredible man. Grandpa Pete was an amazing example and touched the lives of so many people. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great-grand kids so much. And they all adored him. I am so grateful that Taiya was able to meet Grandpa Pete and spend some precious time with him. I just wish she would be able to remember. I guess that's what pictures are for. And daddies. He will make sure to tell her all about her Grandpa Pete. The pictures, the memories, the stories- will all be treasured.

We know Grandpa Pete finally returned home and is in the arms of the love of his life. How excited they must be to see eachother after 18 years. We know he is so happy, but he is sure loved and missed here!

{Exploring. Chicago} Brenan comes to visit...

2010-06-23T22:15:00.006-06:00

My brother Brenan came out to visit for a few days and we had a blast exploring the city while poor trav had to work. Brenan was so sweet and patient to let me and Taiya tag along. We had so much fun with him!

I love that there is a river right in the middle of the city. This city is amazing!

Getting ready to head up to the top of the Sears (now called Willis) Tower.

Fearless.

This is the sky box, which is glass on all sides including the floor. Taiya was loving it.

In front of Chicago Union Station metra.

View from the end of Navy Pier.

This is more for laughs than anything. So I when trav and I were at Navy Pier before I made him take a pic of me jumping and he was way way embarrassed. I thought it was so funny (that he was so embarrassed) so I kept having him take pics.. of course we never got one. I seriously cannot jump high to save my life. So I had to take another one this time just for Trav. I'm about a whole one inch off the ground! Yay! Ha

Chicago dogs are to die for. Seriously. So yummy!

Coolest amplitheather ever. Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

The "Bean"

Buckingham Fountain

Outside Wrigley Field

This little boy was the most amazing drummer!

We met the owner of the Cubs! We were sitting in our seats and he came and asked us how we were liking the game and if it was Taiya's first time. We didn't realize who he was until he walked away and the people next to us said that he was the new owner. Right after he walked away he got swarmed with people wanting to take his picture! Pretty cool!

It got pretty cold, but Brenan kept Tay all toasty warm!

Waiting for the metra.

Brenan's favorite team is the Bulls. Always has been.

Famous Chicago dawgs. Mmmmm...

The long walk home in the rain from the metra.

{My First} Mother's Day

2010-06-23T21:38:00.000-06:00

I had an amazing "first" Mother's Day. I got to spend it with my two loves. Taiya and Trav. I love being a mom more than anything in this world. This little girl is my sunshine and my joy. I can't describe how much I love her. She is my best little buddy. She loves doing whatever mommy is doing. I love sharing all my little moments with her. Oh I just love her. I feel so blessed to be a mom. Thank you to this little sweetheart for making me one. I had a great day, we were all together. And a thanks to my sweet husband who spoiled me with yummy french toast with strawberries (always a favorite) and some new perfume.

Grandpa Andy comes to visit

2010-06-23T21:27:00.001-06:00

We were so lucky that Grandpa Andy had to come out to Chicago for some business, or so he said. We think he just wanted to come see us... which sure made us happy :) We also went into the city for the first time and had lots of fun checking out Navy Pier. What a great weekend!

Chicago {Taiya: 9 months old}

2010-06-09T14:48:00.004-06:00

The end of April we made the 3 hour drive from Indiana to Chicago, which will be our home for the next few months. We are living in a northern suburb and loving it! More about our Chi Town adventures...

... 9 month pictures ...

Always on standing on her tip toes.

Loves playing with her tongue.

She hates crawling on hard surfaces.. so she walks on her hands and feet...

Miss Attitude

...What Taiya started doing at 9 months...

She loves clap for herself.

Little miss jumper.

Love those cute dimples.

Mommy and baby cuddles.

Cutest little tootsies.

Poor baby. So tired she fell asleep sitting up.

One of the best parts of being in Chicago is that my friend Jess is out here for the summer too. She is living about 30 minutes away (which is a long ways when you don't have a car) but we our doing our best to get together weekly. Our girls also love playing together- at least Taiya loves to follow Josie around and wants to do everything she does.

We went to lunch here. The strawberry oreo shake was to die for. I'm obsessed.

{Happy} Happy Birthday Trav!

2010-06-08T15:51:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday Travy!

...We celebrated with...

I sure love this boy. He is such an amazing husband and the best dad ever. He takes such good care of us.

And keeps us laughing. Always. Taiya is so lucky. So am I.

Happy Birthday Trav!

More Indiana

2010-06-08T14:45:00.001-06:00

April. Indiana. Continued...

Walking around furniture.

Perfect height to see out the window.

Loves to bang on the window and wave at people.

Read lots of stories.

{Stuck}. We had to scoot the couches together because Taiya kept trying to get the lamp cord. But it sure didn't stop her from trying...

Went on lots of nice long walks.

Such a happy girl.

This little girl has one volume... LOUD! Everything she says and does is full of volume and energy!

...Mini photo shoot...

{April} 2010. Indiana.

2010-06-01T15:34:00.004-06:00

Back tracking to April. We moved to Indiana for a month for Trav's work. Our adventures...

By our 2nd day there, Taiya was crawling like a pro.

Yeah. Uh. Trouble.

On my flight to Indy the airlines broke our stroller and so we bought this cheap one til we got a new one. Taiya loves this stroller. She sits up and can see everything, what a change from the infant seat.

Our apartment complex was right on a cute little lake. Out for a little sunday walk. It looks like trav is pushing a doll stroller, it might be a bit too short for him. Oops.

Feeding the ducks. I don't think they actually got any bread.

Feeling so big!

Toes and bread. She must have been pretty hungry!

Taiya loves...

...giving daddy...

...kisses!

{Touched.} This story touched me so deep. I had to share.

2010-05-13T14:22:00.000-06:00

I came across this Stephanie Nielson's blog through my "blog browsing," her story and testimony really hit me hard. I had to share it. I can't stop watching this video. What courage. What an amazing mother. She reminded me what a priviledge being a mom is. How blessed I am. I have been given so much. "Where much is given, much is expected." What a pleasure it is to have the responsibility to "teach and enrich" the lives of our beautiful little children. I want to be the best mom I can. I'm not perfect. But I want to be better. A better teacher. A better example. It is so easy to take things for granted and get caught up in the daily routines of life. I don't want to be that person. I want to treasure every moment. With my daughter. With my husband. All the little joys of life. That is who I want to be. Enjoy every moment. Be grateful to Father in Heaven for all that he has blessed me with. Be grateful for the life I have been given. You can read Stephanie's blog here.

Taiya Belle {8 months old}

2010-04-17T14:02:00.002-06:00

Where did the time go? I swear it was just yesterday that I was holding this little girl in my arms for the first time. And now she is 8 1/2 months old! Don't get me wrong, I am loving this stage she is in, she is absolutely hilarious and keeps us laughing constantly. She is so mischievious, and smart, and active, and smiley... to say I love her doesn't even describe it. But time just keeps going by... that's just part of life. I want to make sure to treasure every little moment with her, and taking pictures is one of the ways I do that. Taiya has started doing so many new things since we got back from Seattle. So please bear with me, here are some things that have happened since then...

8 months old

Happy Birthday Carter! Playing with my aunts and cousins!

Playing with Grandpa Andy

First band aid. Poor little baby. I accidentally scratched her and made her bleed. I felt terrible.

Uncle Brenan can always get a gigle out of her!

Practicing walking with Aunt Lex

Standing up so big!

Yes that's right!! She crawled!! It wasn't far but at least she got the idea!

So my friend Jess is super crafty and always has the cutest ideas! Well we had a craft night and made these darling skirts for our little girls.. this is mine. And the flower can be safety pinned on the skirt but its also on an alligator clip so it can go on a headband too. I am so proud of myself! Ha. The tutorial can be found at freshlypicked.blogspot.com.

Easter Fun

2010-04-13T21:39:00.003-06:00

We had lots of fun this year preparing for all the funstuff Easter brings. We had a blast dying Easter Eggs and dipping rice krispie eggs into chocolate (have you seen the commercial?? the credit goes to pennie for wanting to give it a try) with our Thompson side of the family.

Yes, I'm letting Taiya eat a rice krispie treat. She wanted a taste SOOO BAD. So I caved :)

Notice: See the top left pic where I'm holding an egg dipped in chocolate? Well I wasn't really paying attention and I accidentally dipped my egg instead of my rice krispie into the chocolate. OOPS! But hey I still got to lick the chocolate off!

A week later we had tons of fun dying easter eggs with Grandma Judy and Tessa.

Easter morning at Gma & Gpa Feld's. Thanks Easter Bunny for spoiling us!

Aunt Lexi helped Taiya find her Easter basket at Gma & Gpa Thompson's. The Easter bunny spoiled her there too!

Travis was out of town and we really missed him, but thankfully we stayed really busy all day long. Later that afternoon, we headed over to the Newbolds for dinner and an easter egg hunt. We had a great Easter, we are so thankful to have such wonderful family!!

Seattle, March Madness, & 7 month milestones

2010-04-12T23:01:00.012-06:00

We spent a few weeks in Seattle during March for Trav's work and fell in love with this beautiful city. Trav has been working 60+ hour weeks and so we didn't get to explore much but here is what we did do...

Taiya turned 7 months old on the day we flew out to Seattle.

Famous fish market

Walking to the market

Inside Pike's Market... They have fresh fish, fresh flowers, and lots of fresh seafood everywhere!!

The streets outside the market are also lined with lots of cute little stores that sell everything from fresh fish and chips to cheesecake and homeade cookies.

View looking out over the Puget Sound

We ate dinner on the pier a couple times

One of the best dinners was at the Crab Pot

This is the first time Taiya figured out how to get up from her belly onto her knees!

She loves having her back, her belly, her face, and her arms tickled!

While we were in Seattle I had plenty of extra time on my hands and so I decided to read and practice more photography and photoshop... so excuse the bizillion pictures of Taiya... I'm practicing ;)

Tie Chair. Love this thing. Fits in the diaper bag and saves us from having to haul a high chair around. Buy one at http://www.tiechair.com/

Favorite spot. To watch the rain... every day.

Taiya loves helping with the laundry... especially unfolding it!

We also took a ferry out to Bainbridge Island. The view of the city from the water was stunning!

Bainbridge is the cutest little town! Its just tiny but it looks like something out of a storybook.

The very best part of the island though was Mora's Creamery. They had the best (homeade) ice cream either of us have ever had. Mmmmm... amazing! Their Swiss Chocolate ice cream is to die for- and I don't even like chocolate ice cream!!!

The ride back on the ferry.

More practice :)

Taiya is so into drawstrings, buttons, zippers, and especially jewelry!!

This little girl still loves playing peek-a-boo... she never wants to stop. She kept playing with her pj shirt so I finally tied it around her head to distract her. She sure thought that was funny!

Trav drove home and Taiya and I flew home on the 18th. This is flight #4 for this little girl... good thing she is such a good little passenger!

Trav got to go to the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games that were in Salt Lake this year. He had a great time!! Sorry no pics... boys don't think about that kind of stuff usually.

Moments from the month of February

2010-04-12T13:10:00.007-06:00

Our sweet 6 month old (already???)

She hates having her clothes pulled over her head... so I left it. She seems perfectly content.

Taiya can only figure out how to tip it up to get juice out when she is laying down.

Such a smiley girl... especially if she knows food is coming!

Oliver & Taiya... way more interested in their books than each other.

YES. This is all food that she spit. Who knew it was possible to spit onto your own head?!

I just had to post this. Check out that cottage cheese bum!! Love it!

Playing dress up while out shopping with mom. Can't you tell she it totally enjoying it? ha

Liking the bathtub a little more every day

Moving boxes. Free at Walmart. Available after 1 AM. I was pushing this and trying to keep it balanced all by myself... I'm sure I was pretty entertaining to watch! And this was only one of several trips...

Toss?!? What are toss pillows? I meant to write "throw" pillows. Toss. Throw. Same thing. Travis just thought it was so funny...

Moving. We rented the condo and moved out the end of February. We figured since we will be traveling so much for the next while, we don't really need it...

We had a pretty exhausting month.

Eating solids... {6 1/2 months old}

2010-04-12T11:05:00.001-06:00

{6 months} Taiya Pictures

2010-02-23T22:15:00.002-07:00

Many faces of a six month old...

Taiya Belle reached the six month mark on February 1st. Has that much time really gone by? Wow. I can't remember life without her, this little girl is our sunshine!!

Since I absolutely love photography... Travis suprised me (so sweet!!) with some photography classes for Christmas. I have learned so much! So I decided to attempt to take Taiya's 6 month pictures on my own- as if I don't take enough pictures already. I have to say I am quite proud of myself... I still have tons and tons to learn about photography and photoshop but this is step one...

{Our happpily ever after}... 2 down, eternity to go!

2010-02-13T00:20:00.006-07:00

February 1st marked two years of love, laughs, learning, and oh yeah... marriage.

Who would have thought that when I went to this concert

with my girlfriends, that I would run into this adorable boy.

And that he would get my number and within a couple weeks we would go on our first date. And see each other the next night. And the next. And the next. And the next. Who would have known?

That we would both fall. Hard. And fast. Two months and one week later he would ask a very important question...

And I would say YES!

Then on February 1, 2008 we promised forever.

And ever.

We shared the most amazing day with our loved ones. A day that we will never forget...

It was the first day of our happily ever after. Many more have came, and many more will come. I am so happy to know that we forever!!!

Two years later things couldn't be better. I think I am the luckiest girl in the world. Trav thank you so much for being so patient with me and for being such a great husband and dad. Thanks for making me laugh every day-- about 50x a day. I love laughing with you. As long as I can keep laughing with you, I know we can make it through anything. You always brighten my day. And everyone else's. I think it is that contagious laugh of yours. Once you start, everyone else joins in.

There are a million things I love about you. I love the kind of person that you are. I love the way you take care of our little family. I love the way you want to protect me and Taiya. I love your sweet side. And the teasing. Yes, I know I complain, but I really do love every minute of it. I love that you notice every single thing I say-- if I say something "wrong" then you won't let me here the end of it. And I know that we will be laughing about it for days. I love the way you always know when I need a hug or some cuddling. I love the way you don't know the words to a song but you still sing at the top of your lungs just to make me laugh. I love the way you are the greatest dad. I love the way you care about everyone. And there are so many more things I love.. I just love you trav!

We had a great anniversay... the whole day to ourselves, thanks to all the grandparents. We got massages, went to dinner at Teppanyaki (we love that place), and went to see Avatar in 3-D. It was so nice to spend the day together having fun and relaxing. Wow, two years...

Lots of "Firsts"....

2010-01-31T23:17:00.002-07:00

Please please little girl, stop growing so quickly!!! I can't believe all that has happened in the past 3 weeks...

Lots of "Firsts"...

Taiya was not a fan of her food the first time but after a friend suggested adding cinnamon to it, that totally changed!! Too bad I can't add cinnamon to veggies....

Taiya and I also got to make a quick trip up to Idaho to visit my grandparents while Trav was out of town. We had an amazing time... it was so good to spend some time with them. And of course... Taiya just fell in love with them all over again.

Every day is somthing new...

Taiya and her "someday boyfriend" Oliver Thorne... that is if she doesn't end up being twice his size!

Outsmarting dad! Trav kept rolling her backwards and Taiya was getting annoyed, so she figured out that if she put her arm out it would stop her from falling.

Sitting up like such a big girl

She sure loves her Aunt Lex!

Uncle Brenan takes such good care of this little girl... he even feeds her and puts her jammies on!

My cute cousin Jordan got married on a couple weeks ago and he had a photo booth at the reception, it was the cutest idea! Since Travis was at the Jazz game (couldn't miss watching the Cavs) Taiya and I had lots of fun cheesin' it for the camera! (It was a little tricky to change props and positions while tring to get a baby to smile.)

Happy Holidays and Taiya is 5 months old!

2010-01-07T23:07:00.010-07:00

Happy Holidays from the Thompsons! We had such a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed lots of fun activities with all our family and friends. We are so blessed and grateful to be able to make memories with all of our loved ones this holidiay season. Taiya also turned 5 months old on January 1st! Here our some of our holiday pictures and of course, more Taiya pictures too!

Just can't get enough of these smiles...

Taiya loves hanging out with mom while she gets ready.

The Thompsons have a tradition where they all get together a few days before Christmas and everyone helps make sugar cookies (Kath, Barb, and Jan do most of the "hard work"- thanks you guys) and then frosts and eats them! Its so fun to get together and laugh, eat lots of dough (that's my favorite part of the cookie making process), make silly frosting colors, eat pizza, eat even more cookies, and feel way sick by the end of the day ;) So worth it. Anyways this was Taiya's first year getting to participate in decorating cookies...

Grandma & Grandpa Thompson bought Taiya this darling little Christmas dress!

These winter days can be so cold!

I took total advantage with it being Taiya's first Christmas and had to celebrate the whole month of December with lots of cute little outfits.

Some of my most favorite girls... Jess, Jame, & Erin (Steph we miss you so much and were so sad you weren't able to make it this day). I love our girly lunches and I love these girls!

This poor little girl is teething... notice the shiny, slimy, sweet little face that is covered in drool... I wish those dang teeth would just pop out already so she stop hurting. It makes mommy so sad for her :( But I can't complain because she has been handling it like a champ. Other than not being as smiley as usual, you would never know!

First pair of Christmas pajamas (Christmas Eve)

Christmas morning....

Trying to wake Travis up so we could go see what Santa brought!

Taiya loved this talking puppy, but other than that she mostly just wanted to eat the wrapping paper and packaging.

Getting spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa Felds

Grandma Judy, Tessa, & Taiya

Little Miss Belle

Playing with Grandma Pennie & Lexi (And getting spoiled. Again.)

Family Christmas Photo 2009

She looked so cute in her Christmas dress that I had to snap a few more pictures...

These are the kids that I use to nanny. I just love them to pieces! I miss them like crazy but I feel so lucky that I still get to watch them at least once a month or so. We always have so much fun, like this day when we built a gigantic fort. The kids told me that they were standing in the "attic." Ha

Taiya holding her bottle all by herself!?!? I am so NOT ready for this. It seems like too much of a big girl thing to do. I don't want her to grow up so fast!!!!

We had a blast on New Year's Eve at our friends' Derek & Tiff's party! Thanks so much you guys!! We always have so much fun with you guys! "Back in the olden days......." Haha! Tiff I love you! I laugh everytime I see these pictures cause we are in their bedroom trying to get Taiya to go to sleep but as you can see didn't want to miss any of the party and was not about to go to bed! She was being so silly and cute which makes it almost impossible for us to not play with her!

Toasting in the New Year... I am really looking forward to this next year with my amazing husband. I really do love this stage in our lives and getting to spend so much time with him. I have it so good. Trav I love you so much! I am so lucky to have you and thank you so much for all that you do for our little family!

Taiya at 5 months old....

The past month she..

Figured out how to take her binky out of her mouth and put it back in.

Has her hand in her mouth constantly.

Likes to chew on her tongue.

Lifts her head and feet off the ground when laying on her back trying to sit up.

Makes us fall more and more in love with her every day, if that's even possible.

We love you so much little girl.