Home with the Allen's

Welcome 2012

2012-01-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to usher in a new year, I'm determined to make every moment count and enjoy our two wonderful children to the fullest. We are planning on taking the kids to Disneyland at the end of this year for the first time and its sure to be a year full of firsts for our little Taylor. As for Skyler we are going to start him in Gymnastics this year and get him on a waiting list for piano lessons. Andy and I continue to make our house a home with many small improvements and look forward to a year full of love, laughter and lots of memories.

2011

2012-01-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

2011 was an amazing year Skyler turned 2, Taylor was born, Papa invested in our future, we said goodbye to our good boy Chance who found a new forever home, Emily, Juan and Jaelynn lived with us until March then moved just around the corner. I was called as 1st counselor in the state YW presidency and I have enjoyed every moment, Skyler has changed so much over the year talking more and more and has become so creative and cleaver. We cant wait to see what 2012 has in store for us, 2011 was so good to our family its hard to see it go!

Good Bye 2011

2012-01-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve, we went up to Mormon Center with the kids to help decorate for the Youth New Years Dance then spent the day at home. When I was running to the store with Sky to get something to cook for dinner I asked Andy what he wanted me to pick up and he said jokingly a Lobster so when Sky and I were looking in the butcher case and saw Maine Lobsters we couldn't resist and brought one home for daddy. I fell asleep before midnight but Andy woke me up just in time to welcome in the new year. The neighborhood was going crazy with pots and pans, fireworks and music. Good Bye 2011 you were good to us!

Christmas cont...

2012-01-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Once we were finished playing with toys at our home he packed up and headed for Grammie and Pa's house in Escalon. When we got there Uncle Austin had made a beautiful icicle forest and the swimming pool was so frozen that we were able to roll an orange the entire length of it. We had so much fun visiting with Great Grandpa and Ryan's Girlfriend Amanda. Amanda made us all beautiful hand made gifts. Daddy got a pellet gun Skyler and Taylor got more things that I can list but some favorites are a new chair, sit-n-spin, a light pen to color on a special pad, candy, leap frog book reader. The boys all got fake tattoo sleeves that were pretty funny. We had an amazing Christmas Season he savored every moment and are sad to see it gone but we can't wait until next year.

Santa came to our House!

2012-01-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning! My plan was to sleep into 7 let the kids play with the toys that Santa brought them and then head down to Escalon about 8:30. Well, Andy had other plans...I think he was so excited that Christmas was here he woke us all up at 5am chanting "Santa came, Santa came" sure enough he was right Santa had come! Skyler was excited to see all the gifts Santa had brought him he especially loved the Helicopter and the bubbles. Santa didn't forget Taylor even though it was her first Christmas she got a warm fuzzy blanket and a white stuffed bear.

Christmas with the Allen's

2012-01-03T11:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve we spend with the Allen's this year we celebrated at Aunt Emily and Uncle Juan's house just around the corner. In the morning we all meet for breakfast in our PJ's and opened gifts. Some of Skyler's favorite things were a tractor from Aunt Francis and Uncle Mitch, Hot wheel track and cars from Aunt Emily and Uncle Juan and a tea set from Grandma and Grandpa Allen. That afternoon we returned to Emily and Juan's for a larger family party where Skyler loved playing with Cousins, Jaelynn, Sean and Jack.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

We woke up early to get ready for all the celebrations that this day brings Skyler and Taylor were so sweet laying on our bed together, they are the best kids. Christmas is so special this year.

Christmas Tree Lane

2012-01-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

We went to see lights with Grammie and Pa on Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres. It was chilly but we bundled up and had a great time.

Christmas Treats

2012-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

We made some cute Christmas Treats this year. Skyler was a great helper Taylor was a good sport hanging around while we celebrated the season.

Neighborhood Lights

2012-01-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

A lot of families in our neighborhood decorated their homes with lights so we decided to take a walk around the block and check them out. When we told Skyler to go get his hat he came from him room wearing this Santa Hat I had no idea there was a Santa hat in his closet, I thought it was pretty cute that, that was the hat he picked.

Taylor is 1 Month Old

2012-01-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

My how the time flies. You are such an amazing baby we call you our wonder child. You sleep threw the night and I can't thank you enough for that. You are not too fond of you carseat but we cant blame you for that. You love to eat but you have a lot of gas when Mommy drinks soda, your big brother loves you more than words and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Folsom Zoo

2012-01-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the Folsom Zoo with the LeBarrons, afterwards we let the kids play at the park then we all went to in-n-out. We always enjoy our time with them.

Helping Daddy

2012-01-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Poor Baby

2012-01-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Gingerbread Man

2012-01-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sky and Taylor

2012-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Trip to Grammie and G-Pa's

2012-01-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

After seeing Santa we went to Great Grandpa Taylor's house because he wanted to give me something, it turns out he had a beautiful strand of pearls, a pearl and diamond necklace and a black fresh water pearl and gold necklace that were my grandma Faye's that she wanted me to have they are so beautiful. We spent the rest of the day hanging at Grammie's house decorating a giant Gingerbread Man that was so cute the next night be got one for Madeline and Jaelynn.

Santa at Bass Pro Shop

2012-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

This year we met Grammie, Pa and uncle Austin at Bass Pro Shop in Manteca to see Santa, Daddy wasn't able to come because of work. Skyler told Santa he wants a train and was so brave but still wouldn't smile for the camera Santa was so nice and handsome we think we might go there every year. Sky LOVES bass pro and didn't want to leave.

Skyler and Taylor at the park

2012-01-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

This was my first solo trip to the park with both kids (Oki Park) we meet a nice man there with his grandson who took some pictures of all 3 of us. Another Mother with her son (who Skyler had a lot of fun playing with) handed out Christmas Tree brownies it was a lot of fun and everyone there was full of the holiday spirit.

Backyard Fire

2012-01-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

Andy and Skyler love to have their Man Time in the backyard having a cup of Coco while enjoying Daddy's homemade fire pit from Grammie and G-pa's old dryer. I thought it was so stupid when Andy drug this piece of trash home but I must admit the whole family has had many many enjoyable winter nights around the fire.

Sky's Swim with the Ducks

2012-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

We love our beautiful American River Parkway just down the road from our home, we visit often and feed the ducks. The sun was shinning bright so we decided to take the kids for a walk no sooner did we get to the ducks when Sky ran straight into the freezing water! What a little stinker, he was giggling and would not come close enough to the shore for us to snag him without getting our own shoes soaking wet. His little rain boots were FILLED with river water needless to say our walk was cut short, we stripped the little dare devil and headed for home :)

Preparing for Christmas

2012-01-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

We have had such a magical holiday season with little Taylor joining our family and Skyler being so excited about all things Christmas. Great Papa Taylor (Alan) gave us their life sized Santa that LeeAnn made the head for we had a bit of trouble getting it together but once it was completed it was pretty cool. We have tried hard to do something Christmas everyday we made a paper garland for the stair case, colored pictures (and faces) and make a lot of ornimants for the tree.

Fall fun at home

2011-12-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Letter to Santa

2011-12-06T11:49:00.001-08:00

At Macy's in Arden Mall, Skyler wrote santa a wish list.

Tis the Season

2011-12-06T11:39:00.001-08:00

We made salt dough ornaments and a Santa Advent calendar. We are having so much fun thinking of holiday crafts to do together, Daddy even joins in from time to time.

O Christmas Tree...

2011-12-05T19:50:00.001-08:00

We bought our tree from Lowes this year, not too exciting but with a new baby in the family it was the easiest way to do it. We had so much fun getting it decorated we just let Sky go for it and he did a pretty great job! We made some salt dough ornaments that we strung with twine and Sky loved to see his artwork on the tree he is so fun to watch so excited about everything!

Sweet Taylor

2011-12-05T19:31:00.001-08:00

Our little angel is 2 weeks old and as sweet as one baby could possibly be. She is such a great sleeper, loves to cuddle, gives the sweetest little smiles in her sleep, squeaks like a little toy but also often snorts like a little pig. Her eyes are still a beautiful deep blue and her hair is so dark its almost black. She is beautiful and a joy she comes with me to all my Stake YW meetings where everyone loves her. We are so blessed to have her as part of our family!

Our Cuties

2011-12-05T19:19:00.001-08:00

Skyler loves Taylor so much he wants to hug and kiss her all the time. where ever Taylor is you can be sure that Skyler is very near.

Holiday Fun

2011-12-05T14:11:00.001-08:00

This is my first week alone with both kids, Andy has returned to work after 2 weeks at home (he will work for 2 weeks then be off until January) I tried to have lots of activities for Skyler to do since I am now dividing my time between both kids. We had so much fun painting wooden animals, making Christmas Trees out of paper and painting them, and our favorite Frosty the Snowman. It has been a bit of an adjustment for me with Taylor joining the party but I wouldn't have it any other was and I think Sky feels the same way!

Christmas time is Here

2011-12-05T14:05:00.001-08:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year, getting out all of our Christmas decorations is one of our favorite things to do. Skyler is at such a fun age (27 months) he gets excited about every little thing we take out of the box. Hes so cute because he calls all Christmas stuff Santa (he does know who Santa the man is too) i can't wait until we get our tree. We have made a list of fun holiday things to do this season and we hope to create some new Allen Family traditions! I love our Kids!

Ready for Church

2011-12-05T13:55:00.001-08:00

Taylor is 13 days old here. getting ready to go to church starts very early in our house now that we have 2 children to get cleaned up, fed, dressed, out the door and in the car in order to make it on time. Skyler loves getting dressed up for church and even asks for his neck tie and belt, nursery is something he loves and gets excited about but 1pm church is a challenge because that is right at nap time so he can be a little moody and want us to stay with him in nursery, one of us often ends up having to bring him home by the third hour so we have learned to take 2 cars to church. I sure love our growing family even with all the sleepless nights and added challenges we have never been happier!

Fall

2011-12-05T13:32:00.001-08:00

I love it when the leaves turn colors and sprinkle the lawns and Skyler loves to help Daddy rake them into big piles and jump in them.

Hangn' with Pa

2011-12-05T13:30:00.001-08:00

Skyler love love loves his Pa and get so excited everytime he sees him.

Taylor 10 days old

2011-12-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

Taylor looked so darling in her Christmas dress that I had to take just a few more pictures before changing her.

Family Photo Shoot

2011-12-01T14:20:00.001-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving (black Friday) Andy and I decided to get up early leave the kids with Mom and Dad and hit up some sales in Riverbank we went to Kohl's, Best Buy, and Target. The crowds we hardly there and we were able to get a lot of our Christmas shopping done and home before 8:30am. After we got home I started to round everyone up so we could take our Holiday Photo, Man-O-Man its not easy getting everyone clean, dressed and in the same place long enough to get a picture taken and all along Grammie was freaking out that Taylor was outside in the chilly air, it was a 10 minute photo shoot and we scattered like flies :)

Tahnksgiving 2011

2011-12-01T14:09:00.001-08:00

Happy Turkey day this is Taylor's First Thanksgiving and she slept threw the whole meal as did Skyler, for once I was able to sit and enjoy my meal with out my little man sitting on my lap causing mischief : ) It was a wonderful meal and we all were stuffed to the gills. After dinner we cleaned up and watched some home movies that PaPa had converted to DVD's. Aunt B and Aunt Anne came over to meet our little Taylor Aunt Anne brought Skyler some play tools and Taylor a hand made sweater and hat she had bought (so cute) Skyler played with his tools the rest of the day.

Pre-Thanksgiving Exploring

2011-12-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Skyler loves to explore all around Grammie & G-Pa's property. Its apple season so we picked some yummy apples and fed the chickens. Every time the roaster crows Sky stops and points to his ears, he is so dramatic.

Skyler Rides a Bike

2011-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011, Skyler rides his Trike all by himself at Grammie and G-Pa's house. He was so cute peddling his little bike around the large driveway. He still needs to learn to steer he would run into the planters over and over and when he did turn the handlebars it would be so fast and hard he would nearly tip over. I can't believe my little boy is ridding a bike!

Life with Taylor

2011-11-30T17:06:00.001-08:00

Temple Hill

2011-11-30T14:09:00.001-08:00

We so enjoy having the Sacramento Temple so close to our home. We got lunch and ate it in the park then walked the kids around the grounds (Taylor 1 week old) I can't wait to see our kids married here. Skyler just wanted to kick leaves and jump in the fountain we didn't stay long but I love the peace that is felt there, if only it would rub off on an VERY active 2 year old! I love my Boy.

A Day at the Park

2011-11-29T15:37:00.001-08:00

We tried to take the kids to the Folsom Zoo but discovered they are closed on Tuesdays lucky for us there is an amazing park right next door. Taylor is 1 week old. Skyler has a little camera (the bean) that he took some nature pictures with he makes us laugh with his picture taking :) it was a wonderful day together, we are so blessed that Andy has a job that has given him so much time off.

Taylor's First Bath

2011-11-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

What a little water bug we have on our hands. She LOVED her first bath never cried until it was time to get out. Skyler was a good helper too, rinsing the soap off of Taylor.

Taylor's First Week

2011-11-29T14:19:00.001-08:00

No Baby has ever been loved more than this little one, Skyler loves on her 24/7 when shes not in he room he asks about her or goes looking for her, he always wants to hold her and is concerned when she crys telling me she needs a Ba. Grammie has been staying with us this past week and I don't know what we would have done without her. The first night home was a little rough but she is proving to be a really good sleeper, much better than our little Sky man. Great Grandpa Taylor came to visit so did Aunt LeeAnn from Washington, uncles Austin and Ryan, Aunt Emily, Uncle Juan, Cousin Jaelynn, Friends Debbie, Cody and Madeline LeBarron, Uncle Mitch and Aunt Frances and grandma and grandpa Allen. So many people want to see out little sweet pea. She looked so cute on her first day of church and we even almost made it threw all 3 hours if it wasn't for Skyler needing a nap. Over all it was a busy but wonderful week, life goes on and even though I want to freeze time right where it is now I look forward to watching our wonderful kids grow into wonderful people!

Taylor Coming Home

2011-11-29T13:13:00.001-08:00

We could not wait to get our little girl home the next day (my birthday) we let all our nurses know that we really wanted to go home that day. There was a long list of things that had to be done before they would discharge us so one by one we completed the list until finally by 11am we had the green light to pack you up and take you home. When we got you home Skyler came running out of the house so excited to see you, we couldn't even get out of the front yard before he was kissing and hugging you still in your car seat. Skyler got a new train set from you and calls your bow your pretty. You were such a good sport and didn't cry at all on the way home or even once we got home. G-Pa and Grammie were waiting for you too and they couldn't take their eyes off of you. Grammie prepared a wonderful welcome home/birthday dinner for us and we just enjoyed the day with our not even 24 hour old baby : ) welcome home sweet heart we love you!

Welcome Baby Taylor

2011-11-29T10:06:00.001-08:00

At last the day had come!!! The night before (Sunday 11/13/11) Grammie and G-pa came up to stay the night and at 5:30am on Monday 11/14/11 we were leaving the house heading to Roseville Kaiser. 6:05am we checked in and by 8:30am we were being induced. It was a really strange labor I never felt a single contraction. I got an epidural at 7cm but the girl who put it in messed up and we had to have it redone, this was the only pain I felt the entire time. Grandma Jenny and Grandpa Rich were at the Hospital the whole time, they brought us a little plant. Grammie was by our side the whole time and G-Pa was at home with Skyler (he had the hardest job of all) our nurse Leslie was so wonderful. When it came time to push you were here in 3 pushes, AMAZING! you were delivered by a midwife Holly Moen she was great, Daddy cut the cord and I snuggled you for a long time before I let them take you away to clean you up and measure you. 7 pounds 9 ounces 19.5 inches long born at 1:50pm and perfect in every way! The midwife showed us the placenta and explained where you had been living the past 9 months it was a wonderful experience. After we were both cleaned up Grandma Jenny and Grandpa Rich came into meet you and I ate some lunch. G-Pa brought Skyler up to meet you and he was instantly in LOVE he could care less about me and only wanted to hug and kiss you all over. You are HIS BABY he calls you BB or Tay. We feel so blessed to have you part of our family. Aunt Frances and Uncle Mitch came up that night to meet you and brought you flowers, everyone thinks your so beautiful and you have a little stork bite right between your eyes. All our nurses and Doctors think its so funny that you daddy and me all have birthdays in a row. Your our little angel and we are so glad your finally here with us.

Waiting on Taylor

2011-11-29T09:48:00.001-08:00

For several weeks Dr. McCay has told us the baby should be here ''Any Day'' well we have done just about all we can to pass the time.
Skyler loves to pretend and we spend a large portion of our day pretending anything from being dogs, caring for our pretend horse to baking and serving food.
We found him a slide on craigslist and a little car at DI already we have got our money worth out of them, we are trying to gear up on some fun things before the baby arrives.
The other day we went out to feed the chicken and bunny and we discovered a CAT in the cage with them we have no idea how it got in there but Sky took care of it he picked the cat up and threw it out.
Sky I think is composing a song for his baby sister, he calls his little guitar 'lala' and he plays and sings all the time. So cute, love him to pieces but I'm getting very uncomfortable and cant wait to have this baby.
Dr. McCay has scheduled an induction at 6:15am on Monday November 14th 2011, ready or not baby girl you are on your way! Originally she scheduled it on the 15th but since that's my b-day I asked if we could change it : )

Sky Photography

2011-11-29T09:39:00.001-08:00

Skyler Love Love loves to take pictures here are a few samples of his 2 year old skills. He calls it ''Cheese'' when he asks for the camera. Thank goodness for digital cameras or we would be spending a fortune in film with all his picture taking.

Halloween Night

2011-11-07T12:27:00.001-08:00

Spaghetti for dinner, Dressing up, GET SOME CANDY! Skyler is at such a fun age he has been so into the holidays so far. We had so much fun taking him trick-or-treating we only hit up all the people we know on our street but Sky really caught on quick he wouldn't say trick-or-treat but he did say 'Trick' and hold out his bucket. I would tell him to say thank you after receiving his candy but he would just run away pointing at the next house saying More More... I would ask if he said Thank You and he would just say Yep (no he didn't) once we were done gathering candy we made our way home to hand out candy. Skyler LOVED seeing all the kids come to the door dressed up and would stand at the door or window waiting for the next batch of trick-or-treaters, he was a great candy passer outer. We had so many trick-or-treader's that we ran out of candy and had to give away all of Skyler's, Parents of the Year I know. We have loved this Halloween season and cant wait for next year!

Daddy's Work Shop!

2011-11-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

Andy loves to clean and organize his workshop and Skyler is usually in tow. This time was special because Daddy was altering a pocket knife for Skyler. The two of them worked and worked on the grinder until it was safe enough to call it Skyler's First Pocket Knife! I can't believe how fact he s growing. Talking so much more everyday and has really become is own person. I love it when he kisses and hugs the baby in Mommy's tummy. He's going to be a great big brother.

Halloween Cookies

2011-11-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

Andy work nights all of October so Skyler and I had to find things to fill our time while alone in the evenings. This night we made Halloween sugar cookies. We saved some dough to do with Daddy the next day so he didn't totally miss out on the holiday fun. Skyler did such a great job cutting out the dough then frosting it. When it came to sprinkles he wanted every cookie to be covered in BLACK sprinkles, such a silly kid. We had a great time!

Picking a Pumpkin

2011-11-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

Once again we find ourselves at Davis Ranch in Slough House, we have been wanting to show Grammie this place for a long time and this was the perfect opportunity. This trip we were hunting for a great carving pumpkin Sky and Andy found just the right one.

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-03T07:55:00.001-07:00

This was a really busy day. First the youth had a service project planting flowers at the Sacramento temple then at 11am was the baby shower Jenny was hosting for me then that evening was o wards Trunk-or-Treat. Mom was up for the baby shower so she decided to stay the night and join us for the party. What fun we had! Skyler was so funny dressed up like an old man walking around with his cane, everyone was laughing! I had just got the news that baby Taylor could arrive any day I was BIG and pregnant! We decorated our trunk and passed out candy. Skyler has really caught on to the trick-or-treating thing, he wont say trick or treat but after the first couple cars he knew just what to do...hold that bucket out and look cute! We were so glad Debbie was able to get off work early and the LaBarron's were able to join us. It was a wonderful fun night with friends and family.

Home Spun Fun

2011-11-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

We have our most fun just hanging around our house, there is rarely a shortage of things to do or create. Skyler is borderline obsessed with knives and takes any chance he gets to chop, slice or stab something. Hes going to be an old man for Halloween this year so when he found his grey mustache and eye brows he put them on an climbed up on this horse for a little ride. Tractors are his other love along with 'helping' I found him in the bunny/chicken cage the other day cleaning it out with his tractor so cute! Choo Choo trains are his LOVE so when daddy took down his old train set from his childhood the fun began he plays trains several times a day.

October 9th Davis Ranch Harvest Festival

2011-10-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yes, that's right Davis Ranch in Slough House yet again! We cant get enough of that place. This time we rode the tractor out to the Pumpkin Fields and picked our own pumpkin like we do every year. This year has been awesome because Sky is so into all the fun holiday activities. We love this time of year!

Mickie Grove Zoo

2011-10-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

After the baby Shower Drew, Dad, Austin and Skyler meet us at the park and we all went to the zoo. Earlier that day the boys had gone to the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Festival where Sky got to ride a pony so it was a fun filled day for everyone.

October 8th Baby Shower

2011-10-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

My Mom gave me a baby shower at Mickie Grove Park, it was a beautiful day and a gorgeous shower. I had such a wonderful time and am so grateful for such great friends and family. I can't wait to meet our little Taylor Grace!

Where are they?

2011-10-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

We got home from the store the other night and I got out of the car and unpacked the groceries then cleaned up the house and did some other odds and inns and still the boys hadn't made it into the house so I went looking for them. They were in the side yard lighting fires!!! little ones but still! Then they managed to find some leftover sparklers from 4th of July. They were having such a great time I joined them for a short while then left them alone to get into more mischief.

Bringing out Fall

2011-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Skyler was so into decorating the house this year. Everything we pulled out of the box got a big 'Wow!' super cute! I love this time of year when the weather is cooling off but its still so nice outside. Skyler is going to be an old man this year for Halloween, he loves to walk with a cane so it was either that or Mr. Peanut : )

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

We love the time we have to just kick it around the house! Skyler always seems to find something to keep him busy. He loves music and playing is LaLa with uncle Austin was a special treat. The other day I caught him drawing all over the front window with a candle out of a pumpkin when I asked him to stop he looked at me pointed to his 'Art Work' and said Mom Pretty I couldn't help myself and I let him continue (the next morning I spent nearly an hours scrubbing the wax off the glass) I love our home and we work very hard to make it a safe and fun place for all of us.

Fun at Grammie and G-Pa's

2011-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

We made a quick trip to Escalon to help Grammie with some pictures for the Lavender Hollow Farm web site and Andy went over to Papa's house to help him with some tractor work. Grammie and Pa had bought this cute little car for Sky to keep at their house so while Mom and I were making cake balls for my baby shower coming up on the 8th of October the Boys put the little car together. Sky had a great time but just like someone had flicked a switch he came down with a fever and was really sick so we packed up and headed home.

Folsom Lake

2011-09-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

A 'just because' trip to Folsom lake to enjoy the beautiful weather. Skyler was so cute he kept telling me he was hunting for Shells but the are not so common as at the beach so every stick and rock he would pick up he would shout with excitement SHELL SHELL and run it to the water and toss it in. Andy found him the perfect size walking stick (he loves to walk with canes we call him Mr. Peanut) and I finally got a belly shot 7 1/2 months pregnant with Taylor Grace. It was a beautiful day!

Davis Ranch Gourd Festival

2011-09-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome Fall! A couple weekends ago we visited the Davis Ranch Gourd Festival, Davis Ranch is one of our favorite places to frequent its just up the road in Slough house and we always have a great time. Skyler took his first pony ride and feel in love then we enjoyed a free tractor ride around the fields of Christmas trees and various other fields of crops. We let Sky pick out a few pumpkins to take home and I got a cute little pumpkin pin made from the shell of a gourd. We had a picnic of Tri-Tip sandwiches and coleslaw, bought some veggies then Skyler spotted the free bounce houses and wanted to give it a try, he only got as far as the door before he turned tail and ran. He hates the sound of compressors and since that's what is constantly running to keep the house up he quickly changed his mind.

Hangn' at Home

2011-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

We love to just spend time together at home, there seems to be countless things to entertain ourselves and especially when Andy is home hes good at finding fun.

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

We sure made the most of Labor day this year. We started off our day in Old Town Sacramento where Gold Rush Days was going on with the streets covered in dirt and horse drawn wagons and many other displays from that period in time. It was also free Museum Day so we went to the Train Museum Skyler is so into trains we thought this would be a fun thing for him, for it being a free admission day I was surprised how not busy it was. After leaving the Museum me had tri tip sandwiches in Old Town and headed to the Fish Hatchery, we couldn't believe how many fish were there this time! It was a long morning and Skyler was ready for some R n' R so home we went after stopping for Slurpee's. Fun Family Day!

Can Crusher!

2011-09-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

We have been recycling cans and bottles to help pay for our trip to Disneyland next October. Andy mounted the can crusher low so Skyler can feel part of it all. He is finally strong enough to do it all by himself! We had so much fun watching him crush can after can!

Sacramento Children's Museum

2011-09-14T14:09:00.001-07:00

Debbie and I took the kids to visit the new Children's Museum next to City Hall in Rancho Cordova and they had a Blast! There were so many wonderful things for the kids to do and see, they were running from thing to thing as fast as their little legs could carry them. Skyler loved painting on the glass wall and the water activity area was also a huge hit but the best of all must be the giant wall with the air tubes that you could put giant puff balls in and watch them get carried away and blown out over their heads. We will definitely be returning.

Play Time

2011-09-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

I know I always say how much I love to watch Skyler play I just can't help myself hes so cute! Here are a few pictures of him playing. The other night Skyler put goggles on daddy and himself and hid under his covers calling me into his room they both jumped out growling, this is a favorite game of Sky's the goggles turn him into a monster and you have to search for Skyler until he takes them off and says HI. He also loves to make blanket forts in the living room, bring a flashlight and some cars and hes good to go. Love our creative kid!

Cookie Monster

2011-09-14T13:34:00.001-07:00

I walked in to the kitchen after making beds to find Skyler laying under the table legs crossed swaying back and fourth humming a tune to himself eating cookies that he had pulled off the counter. He polished off the whole container (there were only a couple left) when I asked where all the cookies went he just laughed swinging his leg and pointed to his tummy as he shoved the last bite in his mouth. So funny!

Lake Tahoe Aug 25-27

2011-09-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Allen rented a little condo about 6 miles up from Lake Tahoe so Andy Skyler and I joined them for 2 nights. The weather was a little hot for Tahoe but he had so much fun exploring the area. Skyler no surprise loved playing on the sandy beach. At one point he took his shoes off and ran around barefooted until he had a big glob of sap on the bottom of one of his feet he couldn't walk another step until Daddy took care of the problem, Andy did the best he could scraping it off with his pocket knife. It was a great trip!

Future Handyman

2011-09-14T13:10:00.001-07:00

Skyler has always loved to help us with any projects that we might be involved in but now he has his ''own'' projects that need to be done or repaired. Here he is with the lawn mower that Great Grandpa gave him for his birthday pretending to fix it. Andy bought him his own tool box from Home Depot where he keeps all his tools and we can ask him anytime to go get his tools and he knows just where to go. He says tools all the time and thinks he needs to do anything even if its playing in the sandbox. Butter knives have become a favorite 'tool' and we often find our drawers bare of any butter knives only to find them sprinkled all over the yard. Skyler is so inventive and loves to play make believe pretending to pick apples from a pretend tree and feed them to his rocking horse then trowing the cores away or pretending there is a pond in the middle of the living room with different colored fish that he catches or sometimes shoots :) we have so much fun watching to see what he comes up with next.

Water Fun

2011-09-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

While Sky and I were at the Beach Daddy was busy finishing up many home projects one being attaching an old fire hydrant we have to the hose faucet Sky loves the new set up and even wore his Fireman's hat to celebrate the completed project.

Raccoon Family at G-pa and Grammie's

2011-09-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

There is a huge raccoon problem at Grammie and G-pa's house but what is a MAJOR nuisance to them is loads of fun for Daddy and Skyler. At night the raccoons come to the kitchen door looking for food this time it was a mama with 6 little fuzzy babies it was pretty cute and Skyler loved throwing cat food out the door to watch them eat. Andy did need to let Skyler know that they are mean so now Skyler carries a picture around of a raccoon growling saying mean mean mean its pretty funny.

Condo At Pajaro Aug 16-19

2011-09-13T13:51:00.001-07:00

Our Family has been going to this condo since Mom was a little kid just like Skyler, its so fun to bring Skyler to the same place and watch him have fun. His first visit to ''our'' beach was when he was just 11 days old. This time daddy wasn't able to join us he had just started a new position with Sacramento County at the Airport and didn't feel like he should take the time off but we are so thankful that he encouraged Skyler and I to go with out him. We arrived Tuesday at around 4pm and it was just Sky and Mommy until G-pa Grammie and Uncle Austin arrived about 9pm he had so much fun those hours on our own we visited the beach where Skyler found shells played in the surf (his favorite) and dung in the sand. After spending time at the beach we went for a walk around the pond where we brought some bread o feed the ducks and geese Skyler thought it was more fun to chase them but quickly found how slippery the edge of a pond can be. Wednesday G-pa and Austin went to MBARI for some intern talks we meet up with them for lunch at Phil's then Grammie Sky and I spent the rest of the day at the condo and on he beach. Thursday was our last full day there we went to Carmel where the car show was in full swing Austin and G-pa looked at cars while Sky, Grammie and I poked in and out of shops getting ideas for baby Taylor's room. Skyler gave Grammie kisses and love until she got him a yummy sweet from the candy shop. After leaving Carmel we drove to Point Lobos for our Traditional picnic Sky mostly loved the nosey Sea Gulls and took it upon himself to keep it off the tables, we spend the rest of the day at the beach. Friday was go home day always a sad time but we so loved the time we were able to spend no matter how short. We love just spending time in the condo enjoying the sounds of the ocean, Skyler loves the beach so much! Just like his Mommy and Daddy!

2nd Birthday Party!

2011-09-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Party Day little one! We had his party in our back yard with Grandparents and Aunties and Uncles plus one Great Grandpa and of course Madeline. He got so many wonderful toys its hard to say what his favorite was. G-pa Taylor brought a spider that's remote controlled that can climb on the walls this was pretty cool and has continued to be a major pleaser. Grandma and Grandpa Allen gave him a tractor which is always a winner in Skyler's book. We had such a wonderful time visiting with family and friends while Daddy BBQ hamburgers on the grill. Grammie Taylor and Uncle Austin came up the night before the party they were in Davis for Austin anyway so they decided to help us get ready but Skyler sweet talked his way into opening many of his gifts before the party (Grammie is a sucker for a cute face) WE LOVE YOU our little Sky Guy!

Happy 2nd Birthday Skyler

2011-09-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

On Skyler's actual birthday we were watching Madeline so Daddy took the day off work an we brought the kids to DI to pick out some books. They had such a great time running around playing with all the toys. Madeline left with a book while Skyler ended up with 2 helmets 1 fireman and 1 army. After leaving DI we went to McDonald's for some Nuggets and Fries then it was home to nap. After Madeline went home for the day we spent the whole day playing in the yard Sky's favorite thing to do until he was a dirty from head to toe but before getting cleaned up he helped cook his favorite meal Hot Dogs then we baked a cake licked the paddles and got cleaned up. After a good scrubbing in the bath tub he climbed on the kitchen table naked and enjoyed his new army helmet while the cake was baking. Before bed we all enjoyed a yummy piece of Skyler's Birthday Cake! Happy Second Birthday my sweet boy, we love you so much you are the Joy of our lives and bring so much laughter and happiness to our home never change my darling baby boy!!!

MaGann Open House Aug 6

2011-09-09T14:50:00.001-07:00

Taylor MaGann had his wedding open house at Grammie and G-pa's house and we were all invited to attend. G-Pa brought the old 1942 Packard Limo from the shop in Riverbank for them to take pictures in but this is Skyler's most favorite of all G-pas car and he made sure to jump right in. Uncle Austin also posed with the car as its official driver.

Rocket Man

2011-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

For Skyler's Birthday Auntie LeeAnn in Washington sent him this totally awesome rocket, so we hopped on our bikes and rode to the park to try it out! Just like we thought it ROCKS!!!

August Temple Hill

2011-09-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

We are so lucky to live 15 minutes away from the Sacramento Temple. The grounds are so peaceful and gorgeous that we try and go whenever we can just to walk around and enjoy the quite, well as quite as things get with Skyler in tow : )

Swing Time

2011-09-09T13:52:00.001-07:00

Sky still can't get enough of his swing!

Funny Sleeper

2011-09-09T13:49:00.001-07:00

He has always crossed his legs like this since he was a little guy but I think it's so funny when he sleeps like that. He also sweats SO much in his sleep that wet pillow is all sweat Yuck!

Rosemont Movie in the Park

2011-09-09T12:23:00.001-07:00

July 30, 2011
Rosemont puts on a summer movie in the park which is just around the corner from our home so even though Andy had to work that night Skyler and I went on our own. They were playing how to train your dragon. I was a little afraid he wasn't going to like in since it is a little dark and sure enough I was right! He loved being outside and all the yummy movie snacks I packed and he really loved all the kids to play with before the movie started but the movie its self wasn't quite what he likes so we ended up leaving early but it was still a lot of fun and something we will be going back too for sure!

Dennis the Menace Playground

2011-09-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful place almost across the street from the Wharf, we loved everything about this playground and so did Skyler! I think the roller slide was his favorite and he was such a gentleman waiting his turn in line with his little arms crossed. The train at the entrance of the park was pretty impressive and since Skyler is SO in to ChooChoo's right now he loved that him and daddy were able to climb all over it. We were hoping that this last little adventure would wear the little man out for the long ride home but no such luck he was awake the entire trip home and with traffic being so bad it took us nearly 4 hours to make the journey but Sky was a trooper and didn't complain once (well with the exception of dinner time approaching). Over all we had an amazing time!

Fishermans Wharf Monterey

2011-09-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

July 29th Cont...
After leaving Santa Cruz we headed over to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. I can honestly say Skyler's favorite part of the Wharf were the Pigeons we must have sat and feed those silly pigeons for 45 minutes but he had so much fun sitting still until they have all gathered then running around like a mad man making them all fly away, people were stopping to watch him it was pretty cute. We walked up the wharf watching the Sea Lions when we caught one throwing a Huge Fish out of the water a little while later the same Sea Lion brought the ''Fish'' to the beach and it wasn't a fish at all it was a SHARK! pretty crazy! we popped in and out of the little shops where we go Sky a shark on a stick that when you pull the handle it open and closes its mouth and I got Taylor some Starfish to hang on her wall. We stopped and shared a clam chowder in a bread bowl then got Skyler a rainbow sherbet. It was a beautiful day! Next stop Dennis the Menace Park.