Taylor's First Day of Preschool

We can't believe our little Taylor is ready for preschool. We have been doing so much to get ready for the big day. Taylor has been telling everyone she knows that schools starts "tomorrow"...for the past month. She planned every single item that would go in her Cinderella lunchbox on the first day. And when Dad asked if she was going to be a good girl at school, she replied, "Yes, Daddy...and I won't pick my nose!"

We were up nice and early to get ready for the big day! It was so much fun that we ALL were able to take Taylor on her first day. Taylor said goodbye to us before she even got out of the car! We had to talk her into letting us come in to take pictures of her in her new classroom! When it was time to leave, Mommy got a little teary-eyed, Daddy quietly gave hugs and kisses, and Cooper SCREAMED "Taylor" as we pulled him away. Taylor, on the other hand, quickly waved good-bye and sat on the carpet. We CAN'T believe she is starting school, but are so proud of our little baby girl!

Leaving the house...READY to go!!

Taylor & Cooper walking to the school!

Taylor & Ms. Riggins!

Taylor at her cubby!

Taylor & Daddy testing out the new desks!

Cooper was NOT happy to say goodbye!

Carpet time

One of the school pets, Charlie!

We went back to see Taylor eating her FIRST lunch at school!

Taylor's 3rd & Cooper's 2nd Pirate Birthday Party

It was a wonderful day at the beach for Taylor's 3rd and Cooper's 2nd Birthday Party. With a Pirate Theme, we had the taco cart,cupcakes, a boat rides, and even a scavenger hunt for the kids. Taylor and Cooper still can't stop talking about how much fun they had. Thanks to everyone who came to make their day so special!

"Happy Birthday to us"

The girls' annual picture at the bay!

Fun boat rides for the kids!!

Taylor & Mommy opening presents...where's Cooper???

4-Month Update...and counting

So...again...I have let so much time go by without documenting the precious memories. I will give a month-to-month update. Here are updates through December. I will get 2009 up soon...hopefully!

December

Making a plate for Santa's cookies at Color Me Mine!

The Jarvis/Hustead/Dixon Families at the Jarvis family Christmas party


Our new neighbor, Vienne, at Kathy Coulter's Christmas Party

Taylor & Cooper's favorite babysitters

Lexie, (Cooper), Molly, (Taylor), & Allison

Cooper & Taylor in thier Christmas outfits.

Decorating for Christmas was a blast!

November

Taylor and Cooper's First Trip to Disneyland. It was a BLAST! As you can see, Cooper was even able to ride several of the rides. Taylor's LOVED the princesses!!!

Cinderella...her FAVORITE!!!!

Thanksgiving at the Jarvis House

Thanksgiving in Catalina with the Dixons

We took our wonderful family pictures with Tara (http://www.tarasieling.com/). She AMAZINGLY knows how to capture the best of our spunky little ones, and our loving family!

October

Taylor & Cooper visited Georgie's Fire Station! They both LOVED it!!!!

We went to our wonderful friends Josh & Sarah's Wedding in Ojai, California

(first weekend without the kids)!

We enjoyed a FANTASTIC weekend with Tim & Kirsten Wells. We sailed over on Kirsten's parents' boat, and had a wonderful time. Although we LOVE getting the kids together, it was nice to spend time with our good friends, without picking up toys and cutting all the food into bite-sized pieces!

Our Little 50s Kids on Halloween

We had such a blast on Halloween! Taylor was a "poodle skirt," if you asked her, and Cooper was her 50s counter part! They were darling! We went trick-or-treating in Laguna Niguel with their cousins Maya & Teagen... to begin the night. We then met up with the Dixon/Wilmoth families in Long Beach, and Taylor and Cooper were able to trick-or-treat with their cousins Cressa, Kreeley, and Ginn. I think Taylor got the hang of it by the end of the night when she went trick-or-treating down our street, going up to each door ALL BY HERSELF!

The Big Hunk!

Taylor's ready to dance!

Taylor, Cooper, Teagen, & Maya

The little guys!

The big girls!

"Trick-or Treat!"

Happy Halloween!

Happy Harvesting!

So, we went to the "puckinpach" (yes...all one word) last week. Taylor LOVED it! Taylor had a blast in the petting zoo, rode her very own elephant and train rides, and even rode her very first pony. Cooper loved walking around the BIG pumpkins. It was quite a trip! At the end, Taylor picked out the perfect "puckinpach" (which is what she now calls all pumpkins)!

Fall trip to Lake Tahoe

We were very fortunate to be able to slip away after Scott's crazy month away and Cooper's birthday party. On Sunday morning (after the party), we drove up to Lake Tahoe with the family. We met Lindsey and the Hustead gang up there for the week. The girls had so much fun together (although I'm sure Taylor wore on Maya's nerves after a few days of wanting to do EVERYTHING she was doing). Poor Cooper had 100-102 degree temperature for the first few days, and wasn't much fun for Teagen (or Mommy & Daddy through the night). But they did get to play toward the end of the week! Even though it was a long drive, it was fun to spend time with Scott and the kids. We even got a date night while Chad and Lindsey watched all the kids at the house. It was quite a treat!

Daddy taught Taylor to fish for the first time!

Cooper's first breakfast in bed (a family tradition).

His favorite, waffles! Poor Cooper...not feeling great on his birthday...had a little help with the candle on his cake!

Cooper couldn't quite make it through his birthday day!

Daddy and Taylor checking out the view from the deck.

Taylor had to do her "homework" every day, just like Maya!

Eating again?!!

Our day at Sqwa Valley (a little windy)!

Daddy & Taylor on the Kayak

Cute beach babes!

Taylor's first time tubing!

Kendra & Lindsey Tubing

Scott & Lindsey "surfing" on the tube

A beautiful day on the lake!

But NOT such a calm LONG ride back! Thankfully the kids were asleep!

Wish we were still there!

Happy First Birthday Cooper!

It was a wonderful beach, bug party! It was so much fun to have all our family and friends come celebrate such a special little boy. As you can see below, Cooper especially loved his first taste of cake! Taylor's highlight was either feeding Cooper his cake, or the party boat she enjoyed with Daddy, Uncle Fletcher, and some of her friends! Thank you to everyone who spent their Saturday at the beach with us!

Scott, Kendra, Taylor & Cooper Dixon