Grandpa Taylor

We just found out that our dear Grandpa Taylor passed away today.

He had been quite ill and although I am sure this passing is a relief from his earthly body it leaves those of us behind remembering and mourning the loss of this great man. 

He was a very talented artist and builder. Chase always was quite amazed at how intelligent he was. 

He loved his family. He always treated Grandma Taylor with respect and gentleness. 

Chase commented frequently on how regal Grandpa looked with his thick white hair. He had a genuine smile and was always so happy to see us. 

He was a wonderful man and as my sister in law said, left behind a great legacy. 

We will miss him and look forward to the day when we can see him again. 

Oh how grateful we are for the plan of salvation. 

Because death is not the end!

O ^adeath, where is thy sting? O ^bgrave, where is thy victory?

For as in ^aAdam all ^bdie, even so in ^cChrist shall all be made^dalive. 

1 Corinthians 15:55, 22

11 MONTHS!

He said "Not this again!"

Can you tell he isn't too happy about pictures?

Then we got him to smile...

Close up! 

Just yesterday I picked him up and couldn't believe how heavy he felt. He is growing, that is for sure =) 

He is definitely feeling more confident on his feet. He loves to pull himself into standing and walk around furniture. He hasn't ventured out walking without holding onto something but he is getting braver by the day. A couple of days ago he was pushing my friend's kids shopping cart around the room and loving it. Then yesterday he was pushing my sewing machine holder (with wheels) around the kitchen. 

He loves graham crackers! He also likes to eat his own food and not just be fed. He loves to play hide and seek and still loves anything soft to suck his thumb. The newest development...He is sleeping from 8pm ish to about 7:30am!!! Yay! He is still nursing but is getting more and more restless. I think he is ready to be done soon. 

He likes to be outside. 

He is still taking two naps! Thankfully =) 

Lately he has been a little momma's boy and just wants me. It makes Chase kind of sad but I think it is just a phase. 

He has two teeth. 

He is doing really well about climbing down the stairs. He goes up without a problem.

He is more vocal and jabbery. I love it! 

He claps his hands a lot. 

He gives high fives and finger bumps ( I will have to take a picture sometime). 

We sure love him and can't believe he will be ONE next month!

Zoo, Ball Game, and Family Fun!

Here are some other happenings in August. I can't believe it is already a new month. 

Another one of Alvin's favorite places...Looking out the windows. 

Here is Alvin waiting for daddy to get home. 

A couple of Mondays ago we went to the zoo for Member night. They served hot dogs and other food and it was a fun family night. Chase hadn't been with us yet to the zoo so he really enjoyed taking Alvin around to meet the animals. 

Alvin loved the lions!

Attempting a drink from the fountain...didn't quite work! 

One of our recent projects. Chase built this bench out of a headboard and footboard. Then we painted it. Chase did the bulk of it. Didn't it turn out cute? 

This last week we went to a local Chukar's game with my sister Emma and her husband Andrew. It was zero to zero through the 5th inning and finally we had to leave to put Alvin to bed so we don't know how it played out. 

Alvin was doing some cheering of his own! 

This last weekend we had Chase's brother and his family over! It was so fun to have them come! 

We went to the Rexburg splash pad and all had fun getting wet. 

Lauren was a little timid at first. 

So was Molly but she got over it! 

Enjoying the sun!

Alvin just dives right in!

So fun!

Ethan got a little too wet and cold =) 

Having fun with Lauren! We had a great time and are glad they came. 

A recent project...I got this old dresser off of craigslist for our guest bedroom. So now we are just painting it...Here is a before picture. 

Alvin's second haircut. I cut his hair too short =( it made me sad. I am hoping it grows back fast. We liked it a little longer on top. He is still cute and looks so much more grown up. Sad, because i don't want that. 

10 Months and Counting

10 MONTHS!!! 

Do you like the progression of pictures? He really got tired of it by the end =) He is so curious and wants to be on the move constantly. It only makes taking pictures a little difficult!

So I know this is a long time in coming and he is now almost 11 months, but hey what can I say. I can't believe my little baby is almost a year old! It makes me tear up to think how quickly the time has flown. 

We are soo in love with this little guy. I was just thinking today how he has brought a fulness to my life that I never knew. How could I be so lucky? I thank my Father in Heaven each day that I get to be Alvin's mother. What a blessing. 

Stats:

He is getting heavier and taller!

New things: 

He has two new teeth that came in this last month.

He has had two haircuts already! 

He has been to two minor league games.

He has been camping 3 times!

He loves to crawl (both on the hands and knees and army style)

He loves to climb stairs and has started to learn to come down them. (Thankfully)

He loves to play in the dishwasher and pantry. 

He loves to look out the windows. 

He loves to dance! 

He can make a growling sound (for lions, tigers, and bears)

He loves playing hide and seek with daddy. 

He seems to prefer big boy food over the baby food. 

He seems to be getting a little better at church-Maybe?! (cross our fingers)

He loves to explore.

He is friendly and gets along with most everyone =) 

He loves other little kids and gets excited to see other little people like himself. 

He is "talking" more all the time.
He will actually look at books. 

He is pretty fearless around water =/ eek. 

He prefers fruit- go figure.
He loves my homemade yogurt! 

He is just a busy little guy! (Not such a new thing!)