Creative Fun

We've done several things over the last few days that have tapped into Taylor's creative side.  She's becoming quite the entertainer!

Friday we went to St. Charles to enjoy the holiday festivities.  They have an 1800's main street that has been kept up - the shops are filled with interesting things and they had people dressed in period costumes (which Taylor was not the least bit interested in!)  

On the way home she stopped to serenade passers-by with Christmas carols (Taylor's Versions).  She had many people stop and comment (we should have had a tip bucket!)

Taylor - Belting it out!

Yesterday we decorated the gingerbread house that Mimi brought for us!  We had a great time making it beautiful.

Mimi & Taylor - working hard!

The finished product.

This morning, Taylor and Pop-Pop had a dancing moment - They strutted their stuff to some hoe-down tunes!

Looks like they're having a good time!

More Pictures

Ok, Ok... I know this is picture overload but I figure you can enjoy them if you want to!  Sorry there are so many.  We've had a very relaxing and fun day (as I hope all of you have as well.)  Tonight we went to Santa's Wonderland, a drive through light spectacular!  It was fun, especially for Taylor who got a bird's-eye view!

PopPop put Taylor down for her afternoon nap (his first time putting her to sleep!)  Looks like They both got some napping in!!

A couple of fun family pictures after dinner!

This is how Taylor got to see the light display!

At the end of the "road" we got out to take a picture with Santa but Taylor would not have anything to do with him.  In fact, we couldn't get near him!  So, we decided to take a family picture instead.

And, for all of you who read our blog anonymously... We'd love to hear from you!  Please feel free to leave a comment now and then!

A Hike in the Woods

This morning, Taylor joined PopPop and Daddy for a hike in one of the beautiful parks near our house.  They had a blast and collected lots of neat things to bring home and share.  

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and/or friends!  We are so thankful for all God has done for us this past year, we've truly been blessed.  We hope you'll remember God's blessings as well, this Thanksgiving day and every day!

Love to you all!

Taylor & Family!

Carousel Riding

After bible study we spent the afternoon at the park.  Taylor rode the carousel with Mimi & PopPop, went to the butterfly house and played on the playscape.

More Fun with Mimi & PopPop

This morning we went to the local park to get some energy out.  Taylor enjoyed the beautiful fall weather, but our southern visitors were short-lived out in the brisk cool air!  Nothing a trip to the coffee shop didn't fix!

monkeying around

"Let me help you up, PopPop..."

Pretending to be airplanes!

Christmas Came Early

Since we'll be spending Christmas with my family this year, Mimi & PopPop decided to give Taylor an early present.  (So they could see the fun).  The real fun was watching Eric & Charles put the thing together!  After long hours and modifications, we have a perfect present that awaited Taylor as she came down the stairs yesterday AM.  

We've been having a great time with our new kitchen, and the adults have been eatin' good!!  :-)

More Pictures

This evening we went to the park and played on the playground.  Then we took a little Taylor-guided tour of some historic houses that have been relocated to the grounds.

Standing on the porch of one of the old houses with her "tour-guide stick".

For the Birds...

Today we went to the World Bird Sanctuary and saw eagles, owls and other large birds... we also had a fun time driving through lone elk park and looking for bison and elk.  No elk spotted today, but we did see some bison up close and personal!  Taylor's favorite part was running after daddy and PopPop on the trail.  

Taylor with Mimi and Daddy!

"Wait for me, PopPop!"

Visiting with Mimi & PopPop

Mimi & PopPop have come to stay with us for Thanksgiving!  We're very excited and are trying to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!  Last night we went to Kimmswick... an old rail town south of STL.  We enjoyed a horse drawn trolly ride, hot chocolate and walking around outside, enjoying the sights.  We even got to visit with Santa!

Not too sure about Mr. Clause!

This & That

These are some random pictures I've just downloaded off my camera...  We're having a good week and getting ready for Mimi & PopPop to come visit!  Taylor informed me several times today that "I'll clean the whole house, mommy"... I may take her up on it! (smile)

A cute picture from MI - during Grammy's garage sale!

A picture from the green room - Taylor and I were in a commercial for daddy's work.  We'll let you know when it will be on TV!

After a long day of hanging out at daddy's work and shooting - we were not very agreeable!  

Not happy, but safely in her car seat!

When Gramps Babysits...

Mom & I had a baby shower for my good friend Karrie on Saturday, so Gramps got to babysit!  Look what fun they had in the yard!

Looking cute in Gramps' hat

So many fun leaves in Gramps' yard!  (The neighbors wish they were actually raking them!)

Grandma's Greeting

Grandma Cloutman is having surgery tomorrow... We're all praying for her and wishing her well!

October Marathon Pictures

Back in October, Taylor and I went to Chicago to meet Jen for her birthday and to cheer on her parents as they ran the marathon.  We had a great time, but forgot our camera so we had to wait for Jen to send us the pictures (which she FINALLY did... thanks Jen!)  :-)  We all stayed with her aunt and uncle (pictured with us below) and we had just the best time ever!  

Our group, ready to ride the el-train... we were very adventurous getting around town and Taylor was so good and cooperative!

Taylor Says:  "Yay! I'm finally out of the stroller... Let's party!"

Waiting for the runners to meet us at the finish - what a fun time!

Happy Birthday

My parents came to STL for my big 30th birthday on Saturday.  We took Taylor to the city museum which is an awesome place for big and little kids!  They are 100% recycled and have some very exciting and interesting things to do (its very hands on!)  Taylor was climbing through trees and up wire tubes - we had a hard time keeping up with her.  Then mom, dad and Eric treated me to dinner at a local german restaurant.  I am very blessed!

Ready to have some fun with gramps!

Ride-em cowboy.

Daddy got Taylor started in the big tree (this was way above ground!)

Grammy was there to catch her on the way out!

This was 3 stories high, outside, at the top of a very narrow and winding staircase. (Don't worry, it was enclosed by wire!)  I was scared, but Taylor wasn't! 

More fun outside.

A Sneaky Cook

As I was getting out all the spices for chili this evening, I noticed that my little cooking helper was unusually quiet (translation: not good!)  Following my motherly instincts, I went into the living room to find Taylor vigorously shaking the ground mustard all over the coffee table. (Not a spice I use in my chili, but our small apartment has little room for much of anything so I was searching my crammed cabinet for the proper items!)  Thankfully I caught her before too much damage was done!