Taylor is 3!!!!

I can hardly believe that my little Taylor is already three! It has gone by way too fast - and been incredibly crazy. In his three years he has lived in six different homes, three states, and 2 countries. He is such a sweet little boy and gives the best kisses and hugs ever! He brings so much to our home and he is an absolute blessing in our lives. He loves to play and climb and run and just be generally crazy. He is a good and caring little brother and loves to do everything that his big brother does. And, he makes us laugh everyday with his silly things he does. I love this little boy so much!!On Saturday we had his birthday party. We had 12 little kiddos here and we had some fun. Taylor wanted a Go Diego Go party, so that is what we did. We made some Rescue Packs, played some tag tails, and of course rescued some animals.

We also had some fun swimming, playing on the bounce house, and doing an obstacle course. Taylor got to open all of his fun presents from his friends. He wasn't too sure about that - I think it was a little overwhelming. But, he really loves his new toys. Then we took our animal rescuers inside for a little cake and icecream.

Then Scott did a little surgery on poor Diego....
It was a fun party and a fun weekend celebrating Taylor.

4th of July

On the 3rd, they did some fireworks at the golf course near our house. We had perfect seats from our driveway, so we backed in the car, and settled in. Taylor immediately requested some popcorn, so he sat happily in the back of the car eating popcorn and watching fireworks. Then came Scott's favorite part, where he gets to play with explosives. He and Drew had fun deciding which of their treasures to ignite first. Taylor wasn't a fan of the noisy fireworks, and so he hid in the backseat. Then on the 4th, we started out the day with our neighborhood parade. The kids decorated their bikes and paraded up and down the street led by the fire department and the high school ROTC. Then we got to climb up in the firetruck and check everything out. And, Drew's day was made when he got to sit in the police car.

Austin has a large fireworks display, but we had heard from a bunch of people that most people don't even attempt to go to it, because of the crowds. But, for some reason, we decided to try. We parked at Scott's office and grabbed some dinner, then walked about 30 minutes to the park.

It was so stinkin' hot - 105 and high humidity because it was supposed to rain the next day. When we got to the park we immediately got some snow cones, then headed off to find our spot. All of the shady spots were taken, so we plopped ourselves right out in the sun, where we baked for a couple of hours until the sun went down. We also wandered around and looked at all the wares. Then about 8:30, the Austin Symphony started playing. They played until the fireworks started around 9:30. It was one of the best firework displays I have ever seen. It finally cooled off around 10pm - down to 103, so we could breath a little better. So, I am reading this and it sounds like I am totally complaining, which I am, but really we had a great time - and I would do it again. It was a little warm, but worth the effort to get down there - it was a great way to celebrate.

I am grateful to be an American and thankful that I can raise my kids in a free country. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for this beautiful country and His protection. I have the utmost gratitude for all those men and women who serve and have served our country that allow us those freedoms.