Let the Festivities Begin

Let the Halloween festivities begin! Taylor brought treats to one of Daddy's classes today in her Minnie Mouse costume and then had a blast running around campus! We are waiting for Unky Joel and Auntie Ashley to arrive for the fun weekend! Next on the agenda...carving pumpkins!

Well just the cutest little Minnie Mouse!

Yes this is just a video of Taylor walking around...but it's for her Grandparent's enjoyment!

And we're done..its an hour past nap time at this point...even Minnie Mouse must take her naps!

So Nice To See You Again...

Taylor and I just returned from a little visit to the SLC. We are both now officially road warriors and also completely exhausted of traveling! That being said...we packed in a lot of fun activities on our quick visit back to Utah. I got to work with a few clients, we watched the Utes beat Air Force in overtime, went shopping in Park City with Annie and played at Gardner Village with our friends! Taylor Ann and Taylor Bell are both Minnie Mouse this year (of course they are matching) and Carolyn and I just couldn't wait to get pictures of them together at the village. It was MUCH easier last year when we could just plop them down on the hay and then all we had to do was try to make them smile. This year was a bit more difficult...but we got a few good ones! We also got to play with Dori, Cole and baby Harrison! The trip ended quite differently then expected with a snow storm chasing us out of town! Tay and I had to brave the night and drove to Burley, Idaho in a wind storm. We had a little slumber party at the Best Western and then drove home the next day. We survived though and managed to beat the snow both in Utah and Oregon. It was so great to see our friends who we have been missing horribly. Taylor even got to play with Lanee and the girls (our neighbors), it was so great to see her that happy..she really does love them! So nice to see everyone again, we love and miss you all already!

Happy Birthday Little Sis

My baby sister is 22...what the??? I am so proud of the woman that she has become and excited to see what her future holds. I still remember how excited I was to have a baby sister to play with, it was like having a live doll! Of course that excitement wore off over time and the six year age gap became more of an issue. Like when she would steal my clothes and I thought it was the end of the world. Now looking back I smile at those memories and I am so thankful for my baby sis. Taylor is one lucky girl to have such a wonderful Auntie and Ryan loves having a sister! We love you Julie, have a wonderful birthday!

EOU Homecoming Weekend

Waiting for the Eastern Oregon Homecoming Parade!

Gotta love a good parade!

Papa is here! Tay's favorite way to get around...on Papa's shoulders!

Playing in the leaves on campus.

Giving "Backa" kisses

A proud moment...look at my little cheerleader!

It's not always easy being a cheerleader...

Ry and I at the EOU football game...note the new EOU gear! Thanks Dan & Glenda!

Wallowa Lake..so pretty. I can't believe we live here now!

This past weekend my parents came to visit and we had a great time! We went to Eastern Oregon's homecoming game and then made the "quick" drive to Wallowa Lake to show Ryan what we have all been so excited about! Growing up camping at Wallowa I have so many great memories, as do my parents. As we pulled up to the lake Ry said "somebody get John a tissue", my Dad was very excited to see it again as it's been almost 14 years. Joseph is the town near by and reminds me a lot of Cannon Beach. It's a darling little town, only about a mile long, but full of wonderful little shops and restaurants. Unfortunately they all close at 5pm...but it was so much fun to see the area again and dream of our upcoming summer here!

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin!

Taylor got to pick her pumpkins at a very special pumpkin patch this year...Grandma and Grandpa's! Dressed in her Minnie Mouse costume, pink sparkle shoes and all, Tay picked out 4 perfect pumpkins for our front porch this year! She did not like when Grandpa went to cut them off the vine though, "No, no no" she would say...patting each pumpkin numerous times before moving on. She did a fine job and now we each have a pumpkin to carve this next week!

Happy 5th Birthday Haley Girl!

Our little Haley girl is 5 years old! It feels like just yesterday we were driving home with her, a sweet tiny little fluffy puppy! I cried I was so excited to have her! Haley has been such a joy in our lives and continues to be. She just knows when I need her most. This move has been a big change for all of us, Haley included. However, Haley has adjusted well and loves having Taylor and I here to play with her. This was her first birthday without an official party and without Bailey here, I am pretty sure I was more upset about that than her. Don't worry, we did celebrate of course and she got her special birthday treats! We love you Haley girl, Happy Birthday!

Mrs. Gena Sulkosky

I have known Gena since grade school and since high school we have been the best of friends...seeing each other through a lot of ups and downs over the years. Gena stood by my side on my wedding day 5 years ago and this past weekend I got to do the same for her! It was so wonderful to be a part of Gena and Cameron's big day! Becky and I were both bridesmaids and our little girls were the flower girls...seriously cute! It was a beautiful...and I mean it...beautiful wedding. No detail missed! I will never forget watching Gena light a candle in remembrance of her Mom Carol who passed away from Breast Cancer 7 years ago. It was such a touching moment and I remember thinking how proud I was of her strength. I know your Mom was watching down on you Gena and smiling at her baby girl on her wedding day. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Sulkosky, wishing you a lifetime of happiness!

Becky, Gena & I at Rehearsal Dinner

Mimi and Tay getting in some practice...

Mimi likes it better this way...

And Tay really isn't sure what to think!

Becky, Mimi, Tay & I

Taylor is just thrilled...

Can't you tell? She didn't look up while being pulled down the isle...just looked at the flowers.

The couple!

Tay picking my flowers apart during ceremony

Please smile Taylor...

Gena, John and I at the reception..time for fun!

Bf and I...we danced to Britney all night long!

Ryan joined us a few times!

Grandma with one very tired flower girl.

Papa and I dancing!

Cambria, Gena and I