So yesterday we celebrated Katie's birthday. (Her birthday was actually on Tuesday) She had a cake that was shaped like a castle and she wore a cute little tutu that I found at Gymboree. She was super happy and had a great day! Jacob didn't hog the presents too much and Ethan played wii with the older kids all afternoon so he thought the birthday party was awesome! Now that the birthdays are all out of the way for the year it's back to thinking about Christmas. I'm still hard at work crocheting and sewing presents. I have a small handful left to get done. I can't believe how much crocheting I've done already. I've made a vow that next year I will only crochet for myself and buy presents next year. I feel like I've crocheted all year and have nothing to show for it. Besides next year I start quilting!!!!

Trick or Treat!

We enjoyed a beautiful evening on Halloween, and the kids were popular in their little costumes. Ethan was Indiana Jones, Jacob was a skunk, and Katie was a butterfly. Enjoy some pictures from the fun evening...

Jacob's 2nd Birthday

We hosted a very small gathering for Jacob's 2nd birthday. All who attended had fun as they joined Jacob for pizza, smiley fries, and cake. Here are some fun photos from the party...

Choo Choo Train!

Jake was spitting more than blowing

Mmmmmmmmm... Cake!

Our little girl, Katie (10 months)

Jake 'walking' Eve

Long Weekend in Edmonton

This weekend saw our family (minus Ethan) visit Nadia's Dad and family in Edmonton.

Jacob and Katie were quite well behaved while we attended the 'Body Worlds' exhibit at the Edmonton Science Centre (imagine real human bodies that have been plasticized and posed to show all parts of the human anatomy... spectacular in every way!)

We also went to the World Water Park at WEM, where they have recently opened a new area exclusively for kids: 'Caribbean Cove'. Imagine a multi-level playground that has dozens of opportunities to get soaking wet. My favorite was the giant bucket at the top of the structure that filled-up with water every couple of minutes then tipped and poured on everyone underneath.

Jacob had an absolute blast turning on/off the valves that shot out streams of water from various holes.

We enjoyed seeing everyone and were fortunate to have decent weather while there -- a very good long weekend!

Katie enjoying a cookie

Jacob playing at the water station (Edmonton Science Centre)

Jake and his Grandpa playing in the yard.

Ethan's Birthday

I'm so happy to hear that at least one person is still reading this blog. Thanks Lorraine for being so patient!

Ethan's birthday was a huge success. The kids had a blast and the day went by without a hitch. I'm telling you delegating is key! The theme was carnival and we set up 5 stations of games. Water shooter, ball in the basket, pop the balloon with the dart, face painting and wii batting cage. The kids got tickets for participating as well as based on how well they did in the games. At the end of the day they used their tickets to buy loot from our "store". We had tonnes of candy, popcorn and cake. Ethan loved all his presents and he said it was the second best birthday he ever had. (I don't know what the first one was)

In other news. I clearly heard Katie say DaDa yesterday. I'm telling you that girl is going to talk before her brother! I know she wasn't using it in context but it's cool that she's already learning different sounds.

Bob is busy building the fence outside. It looks great. I can't wait for it to be done!
Here are some pictures of the party, the fence (That's my grandfather heping out) and some crocheting that I have done so far. Enjoy!

Overdue!

I am so overdue for another post. I'm so sorry! Where does the time go?

Things in the Taylor household are busy as usual. I don't think I can even use busy as an excuse for not posting. It's always busy here so I better shape up and get used to it.

The kids are great. Jake has officially climbed out of his crib and has learned how to open doors all at the same time. Joy! We have now set him up with a comfy bed on his floor and he can come and go as he pleases. Which he does! It seems every hour through the night he is up and trying to climb into bed with us. We calmly walk him back in which he happily lies back down and goes to sleep. Sometimes he wins and he gets to sleep a few hours with us.

Katie is almost crawling. She sort of scoots on the floor. Either way she gets around! I'm glad she's not nearly as advanced as Jake was at her age. I don't no what life will be like when I have to chase two kids in two different directions.

Ethan is turning 9 this Thursday! We're planning a carnival style birthday party for him. Hopefully it will be successful!

Around the house we are beginning plans to build our fence and our deck. I can't wait to shoo the kids outside and know that they won't run out onto the street. This is long overdue! Other plans include digging up all the dead grass on the side of our house and putting in a rock garden. I also want to see about putting in a vegetable garden in the yard. All this will probably have to wait till next year but I might dig it up and prep the soil in the fall.

My crocheting and knitting is going well. Everyone is getting crocheted gifts this year. I also am asking for a sewing machine for my birthday. I want to start quilting in the new year. If that goes well everyone will be getting quilts for Christmas next year! hahaha I keep a list of patterns that I find on the internet and add them to a list of things I want to make. I've got enough saved up to last years!

Well I'll try and keep everyone posted on how the birthday party went. I don't even know if anyone read this anymore?

Happy Birthday Bob!

Bob turned 36 years young, today. Nadia baked a delicious cake and cooked a delicious dinner for the family (this, after arriving in Calgary at 11:30pm the previous night, from Montreal).

The kids have quickly settled into their routine in Calgary, and the nice weather is allowing Nadia to enjoy them outside.

Yummy!

Jacob trying on Mommy's sandals (???)

Dad with his kids
(Katie, Jacob, Ethan)

Take our children, please

This was a very challenging weekend as Jacob and Katie decided to have an 'off' weekend. The Spring snow storm didn't help as it forced us to stay indoors the entire time.

Some distractions included a spa morning for Nadia, introducing Ethan to Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark), and visiting our friends so Ethan could research Bearded Dragons -- see the pictures below.

Can't wait for some good weather to return (permanently)

Tuscany Blackout

Last night (Monday) we had a blackout in Tuscany. Surrounding neighborhoods were not affected. Obviously, it was sudden -- it lasted a couple hours until the power was restored.

I had the urge to take some pictures from our street. The glow is from the rest of Calgary reflecting on the low clouds.

Spring day!

Sunday was so beautiful and warm we decided to take the kids to the park. Jacob has no fear of going down the slide and loves to explore. Bob took some great shots of Jacob and I thought I'd share them with all of you!

Katie's Baptism

Hi everyone. The weekend after Easter we had Katie's baptism. The day was wonderful and she did so good in church. Didn't cry at all. Everyone came back to the house and we had some lunch filled with lots of visiting! The day was great and we are so blessed! The pictures attached are of Katie's Godparents, Jacob in his Sunday best and Katie at the moment of baptism. Enjoy!

Yes we're STILL alive!

Life has been very busy and very crazy! Life has changed allot since the arrival of our beautiful little girl Katherine Grace. She's truly the complete opposite of Jacob. She doesn't sleep as nice, she wants a tonne of attention, and she's not as tough as Jake is. She really is our little princess. My days are generally getting better. I'm having more good days than bad days. But I am very tired and my days are very busy that I'm finding it hard to find some time for myself at the end of the day.

Everyone is doing well. Bob has been working very hard now that I'm permanently home with the kids.

Ethan is doing great as well. School is going good for him and he is getting through grade three. It's amazing how kids mature so well he's grown up so much since last year and I'm sure we'll notice a big change next year. Each year he gets more and more mature.

Jacob is into EVERYTHING! He explores anything he can. He knows how to eat with a fork, run, drink from a cup, vacuum the house (very helpful!), climb up on chairs and sit with "big people", he helps you dress him, he tries to get his shoes on his feet, he dances at every opportunity. He's not talking yet but he is screaming less. He can sing his ABC's but only to the tune of the song rather than saying the letters. he's this little person who wants so much attention and wants to explore his boundaries. He wants so much independence. Jeez what is he going to be like as a teenager?

Katie is so cute. She''s three and a half months now. She smiles all the time and laughs. She coos allot and it seems like she wants to have a conversation with you. She's very social and always wants to know what is going on. It's only a matter of time before she starts rolling over and crawling. Time is going by so fast!

I'm doing alright. When my hands aren't full with kids I'm trying to learn how to knit and crochet. I made Bob a toque. I'm working on a baby blanket for Katie and a afghan for the house. I always have something on the go.

I've also started researching my ancestry. I've started with my Hungarian side and it's going slow but again whatever helps me clear my mind at the end of the day.

I know I keep promising to update this blog and my intentions are always good but I will not make any promises. I will simply end with some pictures of the kids and a bid to talk to you all soon.
Take care.