We love the zoo!

We were going to go camping for Memorial Day weekend, but the weather was supposed to be lousy, so we stayed home. It actually turned out to be really nice, so we spent Sunday afternoon at the zoo. Landon especially loved the aquarium, walrus and elephants.

Every day is Mother's Day

Oh what a difference a year makes! I can't believe how much Landon has grown and changed in one year. I thought my first Mother's Day was amazing, only to have an even better second Mother's Day.

Saturday night my dad came over with Mexican food and we had a family dinner. This morning, I woke up to a lovely bouquet of flowers, chocolates, a nice bottle of red wine and a gift certificate for a massage. I also had cards from Landon, Jim and Kona and Rusty. My mom came over and she and I went to brunch (Landon's getting sick, so he hung out with Daddy at home). She gave me a pretty pot of flowers and two white tea ginger soy candles. Pam and my dad each gave me a hanging basket too.

The best part of the day was when Landon, very clearly said "Momma" two times in a row. In the past it's been something that kind of sounds like "Momma," but this was definitely my word.

In the afternoon, we went to visit Jim's grandpa so that he could see Landon and then went to Jim's dad's house to visit for a little while. Then, it was dinner, a bath for Landon, lots of loves and then bedtime.

Perfect day.

Landon's first steps!

(I don't know how to rotate the video. I'll learn how to use my phone eventually!)





As Landon continues to get bigger and older I've been quietly panicking that I'll miss his milestones. I love his school, but know that he does lots of things there that I don't get to experience. However, Jim and I got to see him take his FIRST STEPS tonight!

Last weekend, while playing at the park, we realized that if we stand him up, he stays upright and can balance really well. He gets really excited too, and it's been obvious that he knows what he needs to do to walk, but hasn't felt confident enough to do it. Well, tonight I tempted him with a goldfish cracker and he took one step towards me without holding on to anything. Just then, Jim got home from work. I hurried him over, he sat on the ground and Landon took three steps towards him. It was MAGIC! I cried. Out of happiness, pride and great timing.

After our mini celebration, it was time for dinner and pjs. When we were changing his diaper we noticed that both of his bottom molars have nearly cut through. Where did my baby go?

Here's some recent pictures of our big stud!

Going to the chapel...well, the Abbey

The Royal Wedding. I am a romantic at heart and I loved, loved, loved the Royal Wedding. It aired on the West Coast at 3 a.m. on Friday, April 29. Since I had to work that day, I didn't get up to watch it, but I did turn on our bedroom TV the minute I woke up...I had to see the dress.

Kate looked stunning. She literally took my breath away. She was born to be a royal. I watched the rest of the festivities throughout the weekend. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated. I think that's the best thing about love...it doesn't matter what country you're from, or what customs you follow. Love is universal!

Easter Fun

We had a great Easter weekend! Saturday was gorgeous outside, so we spent the morning walking the Nisqually Delta. Landon promptly fell asleep in the backpack, and Jim and I enjoyed a nice long walk. After that it was lunch at Meconi's for some sandwiches and then the Olympia Farmer's Market. My dad came over for dinner that night and brought strawberry shortcake! After Landon went to bed, Jim and I enjoyed a nice fire on the deck before calling it a night.

Today, Easter, was wet and a little cold, but we had a great time. We took a morning drive to Starbucks, took mid-morning naps and then went down to my Aunt Cindy's house in Olympia to celebrate with family. My mom and almost all of my cousins were there with their kids and we played, ate way too much, and hunted for eggs. (Landon found one of two eggs with a $5 bill in in!) It was so special to see Landon having such a great time with my mom (Grandma Terry) and the rest of our family. He was exhausted by the time we left, but he explored every inch of that house, played with everyone, was introduced to the dogs and chickens, and was spoon fed cake and whipped cream from cousin Casey. Tonight is quiet as we get ready for the work week, but what a great day!

Hoppy Easter!

My favorite little bunny made me an Easter card at school. His teacher said that they had to take several pictures before they got this one. He had no interest in wearing the ears.

April has been a good month for us so far, except for trading illnesses. Poor Landon has had ear infection, after ear infection and pink eye three times. He's such a trooper though...he just rolls with it and never lets it affect his spirit. I am battling strep throat right now, boo. I'm trying so hard to stay away from Landon (I can't stand not smooching him) so that he doesn't get sick.

We went to the Spring Fair last weekend and had a really good time. The sun was finally shining, we had some good food, got to pet some sweet animals and had a good time people watching. Landon wasn't really interested in the traditional "fair food" but he had two helpings of couscous samples. Silly boy.

I can't wait for some consistent sunny weather so that we can take the camper out and enjoy the beautiful Northwest. We hit up a sale at REI and I got some new hiking boots that I'm excited to try out.

Jim and I have discovered Words With Friends on our phones and have been battling it out, which is super fun. Yes, we are nerds.

That's about it. Fun times in Taylorville!

School is so cool

Landon has been going to a local church day care/preschool since November and is really thriving there! He loves his little friends and especially likes story time, playing with blocks and anything that involves eating.

Yesterday was his first day in the Toddler Room and he did really well! He sat at the table (no high chair!) like a big boy, used his cup without spilling and even had a second helping of spaghetti—his favorite! He even came home with an art project that he colored. It's so exciting seeing him learn and grow and it's very valuable for him to spend time with other kids his age. He's changing so much every day, and I feel so blessed to be his mom.

I love you, Landon James!

More birthday fun

Here is Landon's thank you card, banner and invitation. Our district's graphic designer is awesome!

Happy First Birthday Landon James!

March 17 marked Landon's first birthday. I can't believe how much he's changed in the past month. He's crawling like a champ, has five teeth--and is working on a sixth, eats a wide variety of foods, can say "da-da," "daddy" and "dog." He's simply amazing. I am in love with being his mom and feel very blessed to have him as my son. He's changed my life in every conceivable way.

We hosted his birthday party on March 12 at a local pizza place surrounded by family and close friends. Pizza, cupcakes and presents. Simple and perfect! The theme was "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See," which is one of Landon's favorite books. We had a bear cake, bear cupcakes, a custom shirt for the birthday boy, a crown, special invitations and a poster that showed Landon each month.

He really enjoyed his cake and happily smiled and clapped as people sung to him.

Landon was blessed with many gifts and is still enjoying the surprises as we bring out new toys every week. His favorite gifts were his red recliner from Grandma Terry, bath boat from Grandpa Pete and Thomas the Tank ride-on from Grampy and Nana Taylor.

I had a Washington School Public Relations Association conference in Portland on Landon's actual birthday--St. Patrick's Day--so Jim brought him down. I snuck out a few hours early and we headed to Cannon Beach for the night. We stayed at The Inn at Cannon Beach, a cozy little cottage right across the street from the ocean. It was perfect weather and not at all crowded since it was the middle of the week. We had clam chowder and sourdough bread for dinner and shared berry cobbler with Landon while we sang "Happy Birthday."

Jim's a member of the Dirty 30

Today is my hubby's 30th Birthday! As most people know, I am five months older than Jim, and he loves to rub it in. Well, he is now a card carrying member of the Dirty 30! I ordered cupcakes and had them delivered to his office. I also bought him a home brewing kit, that he is excited to start using. We finished the night with a family dinner at Steamers. Fun times!

Happy Birthday to my best friend, Jimmie Taylor!

(This is his first birthday party at his Aunt Sharon's house. His Grandma Jones made the cake!)