Six Months Old

Growing Up Way Too Fast!

A few pictures from the last 3 months

 

Future missionary

Those legs never stop!

 

First taste of rice cereal.

Just chillin' with his shades on.

 

I've never seen a baby do this before but Derek has learned how to rock himself in his car carrier.  He started doing this around 4 months old.  Check it out.

 



Halloween 2014

Trick-or-Treat!  See our Feet!

The Taylor kids' toes were all tricked out this year in red sequins, rainbow flip flops, "frozen" sandals, and super hero booties.  Here's a pictorial recap of our spooky season.

 

Alexis and Paige carved their own Jack-o-lanterns.  Audrey still graciously allowed her Daddy to assist in carving hers.

 

 

There's no place like home to eat all your candy.

 

Rainbow Dash (a My Little Pony character) is the fastest trick-or-treater on the block.

 

Audrey can't wait to just "let it go" out in the neighborhood (along with, like, a million other 3-yr old girls).

 

Kryptonite can't touch this super-cutie.



School Fundraiser

It's the 3rd Annual Apex Fun Run at Haley Elementary School

Many thanks to everyone who sponsored Pinks 1 & 2 in their yearly fundraiser.

 

 

Alexis ran the maximum of 36 laps and she did it all in jean shorts. (Because she doesn't like gym shorts.  I know. Weird.)

 

Paige, who doesn't have an aversion to gym shorts, especially bright neon pink ones, ran 29 laps.

 

Way to go, girls!



First Loose Tooth

The Tooth Fairy Cometh...

...then two weeks later the Tooth Fairy cameth again when Paige lost her second tooth.  So what's the going rate for incisors these days?



Fall Break

Fall Break for the Taylor's...

...means a trip to Utah to escape the heat, a chance to introduce Derek to his extended family, and lots of fun at Grandma's house.

 

MAPLETON

 "Hey, that girl who feeds us is back!  Quick, quick, everyone to the fence."

 

 Pottery painting with Grandma Margaret.

 

 Going for a hay ride at the Red Barn.

 

 Looking for the Great Pumpkin at the Red Barn patch.

 

Grandma Margaret makes the best treats!

 

SPRING CITY

 Flying kites with the cousins

 

With Grandma Deena's help, the cousins put on a real tea party with invitations, special dishes, hot chocolate and yummy zucchini muffins.

 

SALT LAKE CITY

Hiking with the cousins at Cascade Springs. 

 

 We love Grandma Deena!

 

Meeting Great Grandma Sue for the first time.  A few days later, Pinks 1 & 2 got to have a special afternoon out with their "Mama Sue."  Activities included lunch and a rousing game of Enchanted Forest.

 

"Abracadabra" was the magic word that got Grandma Deena's rock fountain flowing.  Sometimes it would spout water right into the face of an unsuspecting Pink. 

 

 

We had so much fun on our trip to Utah and we can't thank our extended family enough for all they did to accommodate us.  A special thank you to Sterling for sharing his television with us so we could watch the BYU and USC games, thank you to Grandpa Greg for holding still for 2 hours so Derek could get some much needed sleep in his lap, thank you to Aunt Shellie for cutting everyone's hair, to Aunt Stacy and Aunt Amy for putting together a fabulous craft night and a thank you to Katie, Sue and Kellie for making themselves available for a crash visit from their out-of-state cousin/friend.

 



Football Season

Go Trojans!
Jay has enjoyed introducing Derek to his favorite fall-time sport.  (Hey, even Alexis watched with us one night.)

 



Pink #3

When the older girls are away...

Pink #3 likes to play!

 

Dressing up is always fun. 

 

At Bounce U! with the preschoolers playgroup.

 

Playing with baby brother.

 

 

 



First Day of School

It's back to the books for the Pinks.

Alexis heads into 3rd grade this year, Paige is a big 1st grader and Audrey couldn't be more excited to start her first year in preschool.

She had her backpack on a full hour before it was time to go.

 

"No Way!  First graders get to play on the big kids playground?!?"

 

"I'm sooo over taking pictures on the first day of school, Mom."

 

 



Baby Blessing

Derek's blessing was held on...

...Sunday, June 22nd.  We were honored to have his Strong Grandparents, Grandma Margaret, and the Ross's in town for the occasion in addition to several local friends and their families.

 

 

Derek's Great Grandma Sue handmade the beautiful blanket!

 

Jay, Derek's Grandpa Greg, Junious Ross, our bishop Mark Nelson, and our good friend Brian Wilhelmsen participated in the circle.

 

What a special day!

 

Derek's female fan club--Grandma Deena, Grandma Margaret, Carmen, and Alexis

 

 

 



Bringing Home Baby

Derek's First Month
Welcome to the world, little guy!

 

Spring Piano Recital

Two days after Derek was born...

...Alexis performed in a piano recital.  We were all there to support her, even Mommy and Baby D who had just left the hospital that morning.
 

Here's a snippet of her performance.  She played "Whistle While You Work" from Disney's Snow White and "Prowling Teddy Bears" by Laura Coupland

 

And she played both songs memorized, too.  Way to go, Alexis!

Announcing Derek Bryson Taylor!!

After nine long months of waiting...

Derek Bryson Taylor was born Saturday, May 17th

9 pounds 5 ounces 21 inches

 

After ultrasounds confirmed that Baby D was on the big side, a C-section was recommended.  It was a good thing too because unbeknownst to any of us the little monkey was breech. 

 

A little piece of heaven has come to our home and we just can't get enough of him.

 

 

A HUGE thank you to Grandma Deena for coming to Arizona to help us welcome Baby Derek.  We're so glad she could be here for his arrival.