I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. I always feel so guilty when I neglect the blog, but it really just means that I’m busy being a mother and wife. So much has happened since September. Where do I begin?
Well, at the end of September we met Jim’s mom in Kauai for a family vacation. Good times were had by all, and it was great to introduce Landon to Hawaii. The flights there and back were a bit hairy (to say the least) and we decided to wait until he’s older before we board a plane with him again. That said, the beaches were amazing, the food was great and it was nice to get away.
We made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch in mid-October and spent time at the petting zoo, much to Landon’s delight. He loves animals and is very gentle with them (except our own dogs). Landon was an elephant for Halloween and celebrated with a class party and a Harvest Carnival at this school. Jim had a football game to officiate, so my mom and I took Landon to his party. He had a great time with his friends!
November brought a big life change—we moved! It also reminded us how much we utterly loathe moving. However, we were able to get rid of a lot of stuff and get things organized, which is always a good feeling. Anyway, we moved from 980 square feet in Steilacoom to 2,400 square feet in Frederickson. Needless to say, we have more room. We love our new house and hope to wait at least a few years before moving again.
Thanksgiving was spent with the Taylor clan and, as usual, involved eating way too much. Just after the holiday, Mike, my mom’s partner, passed away suddenly after a short illness. It’s amazing how much death can turn your world upside down. However, my mom is amazingly strong and is doing well. Landon loves the extra time he has gotten to spend with her. My aunt Susi flew out for the funeral, and my Aunt Cindy and her husband came too. It was nice for my mom to be surrounded by family during this difficult time.
Christmas is just nine days away and I can’t believe it. We went and cut down a Christmas tree that is much taller than any of our previous trees thanks to our higher ceilings. We also took a trip to Zoolights with friends and ventured to Cabela’s to see Santa. I don’t think the picture needs a caption.
We are looking forward to spending the holiday with family and are very excited to experience the magic of Christmas through Landon’s eyes. He’s growing and learning every day and constantly amazes us. We are truly blessed to be his parents and couldn’t ask for a better son.
Here’s what he’s been up to this year:
The Landon James Top 10 of 20111. I celebrated my first birthday on March 17, during a family trip to Cannon Beach.
2. My parents took me to their favorite place—Kauai. I didn’t like the plane rides, but I had fun playing at the beach, jumping into the pool and chasing the wild roosters.
3. We moved into a bigger house, where I can run laps through the kitchen and into the living room, shouting “weeee.”
4. I love going to school and can say all of my friends’ names. My favorite activities are playing outside, doing art projects and mealtimes. I even say “amen” very loudly before I begin eating.
5. During Husky games, I like to bark and shake my fist at the opposing team—especially when my parents start yelling at the TV.
6. I am really good at imitating animal noises and don’t hesitate to display my skills when I see billboards and books with animal pictures.
7. I’m very interested in buses and keep car rides interesting by yelling “bus” every time I spot one.
8. My dogs, Kona and Rusty, entertain me at home. I love lying on their beds with them and chasing them through the house with my push toys. They like to bark at me.
9. We went to see Toy Story on Ice in November and I was very excited to see Buzz and Woody in person.
10. I met Santa Claus at Cabela’s and got scared and cried. But, I was fine as soon as my daddy picked me up. I made sure to say “bye” to Santa and got a candy cane.
And now, for the photos...
