December 2009

December has been busy of course, and super fun! Somehow we managed to be organized enough this year, even with a third kiddo at home, to do everything on our holiday list so far and not feel too rushed or stressed. Let's hope it continues to go as smoothly.
It has been amazing to experience Christmastime through the eyes of our children - the only word for it is "magical."

Photos from December happenings are still on the camera - those will be posted as soon as we can get them uploaded to the computer. Lots of fun stuff this month so far - visits from family, house decorating, lights, bedtime stories with Mrs. Claus and pictures with Santa, AND Matthew's Baptism! So check back for photos from those fun times!

November 2009

Sometimes we have to make our own "Fall" colors in Florida. Here's our rendition. Our little scarecrow family. Even found a 3rd baby scarecrow to add to the bunch this year - couldn't let Matthew feel left out!



Honestly though, the weather here does change a bit from season to season - you just have to pay close attention to notice it! Changed enough this month to allow Gregg and Kevin some kite-flying time. Kevin was super excited! and Zac thought it was hilarious! :)

Halloween 2009

Even though Matthew was only 4 weeks old, we had a really fun Halloween! Brandon, Christy, & Kaleigh came to visit that day. Brandon didn't protest holding Matthew most of the afternoon/evening, and Christy gave out candy at the house with Kaleigh while Gregg and I took Kevin and Zac around the block trick-or-treating. Thanks so much guys! We had a great time! Our neighborhood tops the list for places to trick-or-treat in central Florida - it's amazing how many kids come around! We learned our lesson from years passed and had plenty of candy this time. The best part by far though was showing off our little men. Kevin was dressed as a sailor, and Zac a pirate (home-made, I must brag). They got a lot of attention - I have to say, they were pretty cute! :) Kevin is at an awesome age this year for the holidays - just turned 3 in September. He loved everything about Halloween - the pumpkins, scarecrows, lights, costumes, candy...even the "monsters" - lucky for us he's young enough to not understand scary, he says they're funny - I'm sure next year will be a different story. Anyway, it's a Halloween we won't soon forget!

Matthew's first weeks

We all enjoyed bonding time with Matthew during his first weeks at home. What a blessing he has been! such a sweet baby. And the "big" brothers love him already!

As parents, this newborn experience feels different than the other two. We are enjoying this time more than we did with Kevin & Zac - we think because we are less anxious, more experienced..not to mention distracted with two other little ones! Everything is going well. :)

October 2009

In early October, Gregg's family came to meet the newest member of the Taylor family. A couple weeks later, Amy's sister visited again, this time with Laney & Abbey. Matthew was content to be held by anyone who showed interest during both visits. Grammy & Papa (Amy's parents) stayed for a couple weeks following Matthew's arrival - thanks Mom & Dad again...for everything!

Kevin's 3rd Birthday!

Wow! 3 years old. Even at 9 months pregnant, Amy just couldn't let this milestone pass by without a celebration. We really tested the limits of our house and yard this September for Kevin's 3rd birthday party. Actually, we probably surpassed it's limits, but it was still a good time. Kevin & Zac learned how to swim this summer - every morning on our way to lessons Kevin would say "Mommy, I swim like a big fish, and Zacky swims like a little fish!" - too cute. So we decided on an under the sea/splash party for his birthday. We got the smallest blow up water slide we could find and barely fit it in the backyard. Added a little splash table for the smallest guests. Amy made a clown fish cake and beach cupcakes. There were goofy fish glasses and treasure chests for goodies. Kevin even got a live fish as his gift. But the favorite gift had to be his first scooter from Grammy & Papa. They traveled to be here, and Wendy, Laney & Abbey made the trip too. Cory and family joined in the celebrating. Thank you all for helping to make Kevin's 3rd birthday such a memorable one! We hope you had fun!

Laney & Abbey's Birthday Party

Laney & Abbey (Amy's nieces) both celebrate their birthdays in September. This was Laney's 6th and Abbey's 4th birthday. They had their party at Jaxon's Ice Cream Parlor! Gotta love that home-made ice cream, yum!