In Grandma's water fountain

Today, well, first we got wet at the lake, which meant we got sand everywhere! Now, in the back yard we got wet and potting soil got everywhere. My mom was watering her plants and well, Taylor got hosed off and loved everybit of it, but we still ended up in the bath later, so it was just fun fun fun for Taylor!

Bass Lake

We had so much fun up here at the lake! My dad had a job to do so he dropped us off to play down by the water. We snuck into a resort and asked where beach access was and a lady told me to spread my blanket next to the fire-pit, where there were some lounge chairs to boot! Taylor really didn't stay much on the blanket and I didn't lounge much but we played in the water none the less (yes, in a regular diaper... it absorbed all of the lake water! I should've had him naked!) Taylor loved when a boat crossed then we would jump the wake and splash! He just loves the water!

What will I do when he breaks the tusk?

Hey this is cool! I love the view from up here! It is awesome! What is this thing?

Oh, I get it you hang from these! I love it! Am I supposed to get down? I don't want to get down! NOOOOOO! I don't want to get down! (It was a bit difficult pulling him off!)

Birthday-Anniversary Dinner

Mom says they planned it, but anyway, I was born on my grandparents anniversary! What a special day for us all!
Taylor wanted to be held! Of course, so for the time being, up on top had to work!
A little more flattering of me, I guess!
Taylor loves being up high! He later turned around and grabbed the elephant tusk and wouldn't let go. Check out the later post.

Into Everything!

Taylor is having a ball with all of these toys, oh and not to mention the endless supply of unexplored kitchen area... drawers, cabinets, pull-out shelving inside the cabinets. Since he is so tall, he can open doors here! Watch out! He went through the bathroom outside. He tried to get into the garage, thank goodness I was right there, he opens the door to the staircase and loves to go up as high as I let him. Hmm, well, he is loving every minute of the house but he is having even more fun making everyone laugh and giggle, and he loves attention from all! He is very hesitant still, though if you try to pick him up. Sigh... what a mama's boy! He loves playing with his cousins and Kyle and Joshua love playing with him! They try eachother's toys out. This morning, Taylor wanted to play with Kyle's Lincoln Log set. Kyle plays with Taylor's musical books and toys. Taylor is quite beside himself with all of this new area to play, other older kids that he doesn't see often, all the attention from all of his grandma's and granpa's oh, and did I mention there is a dog here? Taylor loves the dog and can now say dog. We are also practicing Taylor's walking skills and on 2 occasions he has taken 1 step. That is it, we are hoping that by the time Casey comes home he can run into his daddy's arms! Practice makes perfect.

America's Finest City 1/2 Marathon

In order for me to prove that I actually ran in this 13.25 race, I have included pics that were taken during the 4 mile point all the way to the finish line. The race was this past Sunday, Aug. 17th which was Taylor's one year birthday. Taylor and Casey were at the finish line excited that I finally finished! It only took me 2 hours 45 minutes. By the end, I was starving, and a little achy in the knees and feet. I am now soar in my quadracept muscles and am slowly recovering. I may have caught the running bug now since I am already ready to train again for another 1/2 marathon in Fresno with my mom. Taylor so far enjoys the training since most of the time he is with me in the stroller while I push. He loves to be outside and he enjoys playing at the playgrounds when I am finished.

What a fun day! Happy Birthday!

Just thought we would share these fun pictures of our big boy! This was his first sugar high! I admit, he didn't know what to do at first, but wow! As soon as he had some, he couldn't get enough! I even got cake in my hair! I should get more silly pics from friends but you get the picture! Taylor had loads of fun! Thank you Brianne who bought the cakes, one for her daughter, Ainsley who shares the same birthday as Taylor, and then one for Taylor. Note: This doesn't mean that now he is able to have sweets! We still monitor everything that he eats and we try to make sure he is a healthy boy who won't ever need to worry about diets! Just kidding, slightly... Casey thought Taylor would be okay with eating the whole cake! Oh dear!

Sailor to Pursue Gold Medals in Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Here is an article that was just posted on the web. I am so proud! Casey is doing so much! Way to go babe! He leaves this week for Beijing and we will miss him! I hope to get information on when we will be able to watch him compete so that I can pass it on! Enjoy the article.

Trip to Arkansas

Well, yes, this is a week old, and I am so behind. The next couple of posts will be somewhat out of order, but I am sure you won't mind! This is my brother Sam Abrams, the baby of our family and his lovely bride Mandy. They just married in Jacksonville, Arkansas, Aug. 2, 2007. You must know that even though the bride and the groom look cool, they are both cooking in their attire since it is, I think 104 degrees + humidity. Some of the groomsmen got rashes on their necks from the high collars on their dress uniforms. (They are made of wool!) Yikes! Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures, but maybe we will get to see some pictures from Sam. I hope you read this Sam! The couple had a lovely ceremony and then honeymooned to San Antonio, to see the River Walk and the Alamo as well as other things. We stayed a couple of days after the wedding, because we were so into the locust and heat, NO, just kidding! We went to Sam's church and got to know a lot of Sam's close friends! That was great! I hope to give a follow up post soon about the trip there and back, since Taylor is under one I have some great stories for you to read about. For now, I just am reporting on the wedding. Congrats to Mandy and Sam! We love you! Mandy, welcome to the family... and just to let you know, you married into a CRAZY family! Cheers,