The Taft Family

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Meeting Jack

Last weekend we took the opportunity to go to Vegas to meet Jack Mitchell Landon. He is the newest member of the family. He was born July 9th-so he shares his birthday with Pacie, which made her very proud.

We decided to go see Mitch and Sarah and their little family over the weekend. We had so much fun with them and so appreciated their hospitality while we were there. I know from experience that having a new baby can be overwhelming-but Sarah is handling things so gracefully. We did not want to add any more chaos than necessary to their household-so we kept our visit to one day.

We were able to go and hang out with them at their place. The kids loved being there. They played and played in Ari's room. Presley took advantage of Ari's jewelry and put on every piece she could find.

We then finished the night by going to an amazing little mexican restaurant complete with live singing (right over our shoulders), the BEST guac I have ever tasted, and the biggest chimmichanga I've ever seen. Then off to Krispy Kreme (How do you spell that again, Mitch??) for donuts.

All in all, it was a wonderful time. Of course it went too quickly and it wasn't long enough a stay, but we are so happy to welcome this new little one into the family. He is a beautiful little boy and I can't stress how happy I am that Landon finally has a little boy comrade!!

We love you guys. Thanks again for being so sweet, for dinner, and just for letting us hang out and making us feel so welcome. Can't wait until the blessing to see you all again.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Our budding photographer.

Landon loves to sneak my camera and take pictures. Every time I'm uploading pictures to the computer I find little random patches of when he has gotten a hold of the camera and had his own little photo shoots. I always find it interesting to see what his subjects are. And I love how little pieces of him are found in nearly every picture as well. (Watch for toes and the camera strap.)

Here are just a few of my favorites from his most recent shoot. As you can see, Presley is a favored subject as are his toys. He does both distance and close up shots. He also does action shots. I'm sure you will enjoy as much as I did.

What do you think? Does he have a future in photography???

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Weekend in Utah

Last weekend we took a quick trip to Utah to meet the newest Taft-Grady Schaffer, son to Robbie & Christy. We weren't going over there until Sunday so we had Friday evening and Saturday to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa Taft.

Friday night we had a nice BBQ and then Grandma spoiled the kids with rootbeer floats. It was such a beautiful night, they sat on the steps and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Saturday we went to the Living Aquarium. I guess I was expecting a display more like Seaworld-but I guess we got what our $8 admission paid for. We also got to eat at Chipotle, one of our favorite spots.

On Sunday, finally got to meet little Grady. He is a doll. We are so happy for Robbie and Christy and this new addition to their family.

And totally off the subject, Parker got her hair cut-the shortest it's ever been really since we grew it out long when she was a baby. At least 6 inches. I think she looks way older-but still really cute.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Pacie's Birthday Rewind

I know I'm a little behind. But here is a little rewind of Pacie's 6th Birthday. (I still can't believe she is six years old. The time is just going by way too quickly.)

One of her requests was breakfast in bed. I also asked her if she could pick out any kind of cereal, what would she get? Of all the sugary sickly sweet choices, she picked out "Frosted Cheerios". That I can live with. So breakfast in bed with said cereal of choice, strawberry PopTarts and strawberry milk. She was really proud. It was cute.

We spent the majority of the day making the "Ariel cake with Flounder cupcakes" and waited for Scott to get home. When he did, we decided to open one present. Well, two. Her main request was for a little digital camera. We wanted to trick her a bit and gave her the batteries first. Her face was priceless! And then the proudness when she opened the real gift. I can't count how many times she thanked us throughout the night for getting it for her. Best $30 spent in a long time.

After that, we went bowling as a family (her request) and then out to dinner at Red Robin. (Also her request)

It was birthday night there because just during our 90 minute visit we heard them sing Happy Birthday to at least 7 different people, including Pacie. She got really embarrassed about the whole thing. It was cute.

After dinner, we came home and found 3 gifts waiting on the door for her. She has some sweet family that loves her so much. We blew out the candles, had some cake and opened the rest of the presents.

After the whole day, Pacie said, "I feel like a queen today."

Makes all of the effort totally worth it. We love you Pacie! Hope you had a wonderful 6th birthday!!

Overheard

This past Sunday I was called to give the opening prayer. Right as the opening song was ending, Presley gave me an elbow to the ribs and said, "Mom! Make your move!"

The same Sunday, Pacie was solving a word puzzle. She first thought the missing word was "gift", but it didn't quite fit. She then changed it to "toye". I said, "What is that?" She quickly changed it to "toys" followed by, "Wow. I need to go back to school!" (8/5/12)

This morning Presley came and snuggled with me in bed. Here is our converstaion.

Me: "Presley, did you sleep well?"

Pres: "Yes mom, and I had a GREAT dream!"

Me: "What was your dream?"

Pres: "That Jesus loves me."

Talk about melt my heart! Sweet little girl. How I love the innocence of children. (2/1/12)

Parker, Pacie and I went on a fairly long bike ride. It was 7 miles...and when we were deciding the route, I told the girls it was the same one I ran a few weekends ago. Pacie's reply was, "If you can run it...I can ride it!". I told her I liked her attitude.

A few miles later-on mile 6, we were facing a pretty steep uphill. Pacie was having a hard time and was getting tired. I said, "pacie, do you remember the story of the Little Engine that Could?" Her reply was PRICELESS. "Mom, I'm not a little engine, I'm a little GIRL!". (7/13)

Parker pulled a Pacie this weekend. We were driving by the "Castle of Chaos" in Salt Lake City. The girls asked what it was and we said probably some type of Haunted House or something. Scott mentioned that he had even gone there before we were married. Parker said, "Well, that door says it's the tickling door. I'm NOT going in there for sure." Uh, upon closer inspection we realized it was actually the "ticketing" door.... (5/1)

This morning we were in my bathroom getting ready for school. Piper had found a little paper fish and started chewing on it. Pacie looked over and said, "oh look, Piper is having sushi!". Parker and I thought that was pretty funny! (4/20)

Last night Pacie was really tired-falling asleep during scriptures. Scott told the kids we were going to tidy up before they went to bed. Pacie started to complain a bit about how tired she was when Landon said, "I will do Pacie's work, so she can go to bed." It's not funny-but I thought I had to document it....so we can remember that he stepped up to be the "big" brother for his sis. Sweet. (4/18)

Tonight Pacie told me she learned a new word. Sublimation. Uh-apparently it's when something goes from a solid to a gas. Then Parker chimed in and said she learned hypothesis. I'm glad they are listening! (2/25)

Today the doorbell rang and Presley ran to get it. She opened it and I heard Scott say, "Boo!". She said, exasperated, "Daddy, I thought you were a customer!" (2/25)

While updating the blog today I was writing about Scotland. Landon was reading over my shoulder and said, "mom you were in Scotland?" I said I was and his reply was, "Well did Daddy go to Jill-land?" I laughed out loud for more than a minute. So cute. (2/17)

We were at a hotel in Utah last weekend for the girls dance competition. We were having breakfast there in the morning and they had tiny poppyseed muffins. When Presley saw them, she said, "Yes, mommy. I want one of those polka-dot muffins". (2/12)

Yesterday I was curling Presley's hair. I took the curling iron out leaving a ringlet. Presley got very excited saying, "Yes, yes, I want my hair like that. Like bouncy do's." (2/8)

We have a series of DVD's called Signing Time that teaches little children early signing. There is a song on it called, "Proud to be Me", and it talks about being proud to be a boy or a girl. Well, I heard Presley's version the other day while driving. "I'm a girl, I'm a girl, I'm proud to be naughty." Oh dear. When correcting her and telling her it's "proud to be me", she now sings, "I'm proud to be mean, yeah". (2/2)

Today while we were driving Landon said, "Mom, I know who I am going to marry.". I said, "You do?" He said yes and then proceeded to give the following details...

1-She has long blonde hair.

2-She lives in Blackfoot.

3-I see her all of the time.

4- We are getting married in the Idaho temple.

I was very confused because we don't know anyone in Blackfoot. I was wondering if he'd had some type of revelation...or something! Anyway, I said, "Who is it Landon?" His answer: Ryan. (Rachel's daughter).

I said, "Landon, you can't marry her. She's your cousin." His reply, "But Mom, she's my Best Friend!"

Oh-and Ryan lives in Logan too. Hyrum actually. Not even close to Blackfoot. :) (11/30)

Landon isn't feeling good tonight. He just came into the office and started climbing up on my lap. I said, "Do you just need to snuggle?" He said, "Yes Mommy. You are just so comfortable." Aw, melt my heart little man. (11/9)

While driving home from piano, the girls were enjoying a frozen yogurt in the back seat. I said, "Boy, it sure is quiet in here!" There was a slight pause, and then Pacie said, "Yes. It is very tranquil." Really? Tranquil, eh? (9/29)

Today at Maverik a little tumbleweed blew through the parking lot. Pacie said, "Mom, it's one of those things you see in the wild wild west!" (9/24)

Tonight Landon and Presley were both in Landon's room playing some game that had them laughing and giggling. Parker walked in and said, "Well you two are obviously up to no good.". I thought to myself....and you're just now figuring this out?? I love my kids! (9/22)

The other night we were driving by my Uncle Barry's house. He and Sue watched Landon and Presley for us one night and they had a wonderful time. As we drove by their house, Landon said, "Oh, I played there!" I said, "Where, Landon?" and he thoughfully said, "You know, Grapes's house!" Me, confused, "Grapes's house?" Then it clicked. Barry-Grapes. Read BERRY, Grapes. I laughed out loud. funny funny boy. (9/1)

Tonight Pacie picked an apple off of my uncle's apple tree. It was a tiny green sour one. She took a bite and said, "Oh, this is delicious! I can feel myself getting healthy!". (8/25)

Last night Landon was chosen first to pick a song for FHE. He went and stood in front of the fireplace-the designated spot for the song leader and we said, "What song do you want to sing?" He thought for a moment, and then answered with, "Hey Soul Sister". ;) (7/12)

Pacie has been very interested in this pregnancy asking several pointed questions to this time. We've had some good conversation. Yesterday while getting her hair cut she asked me, "Mom, is our baby going to have white skin or black skin?". I almost choked. I explained that since daddy and I both have white skin, our baby will have white skin too. And if she doesn't....well I think I may have some serious explaining to do. (3/25)

Tonight Pacie was carrying a new Scentsy warmer down to her and Parker's bedroom down the stairs. The top part was rattling a little bit and I said, "Parker, come grab the top for Pacie." Pacie turned and looked at me and said, "Mom, you just stole my mind!" Love it. (3/11)

Landon calls spaghetti, "ska-betty". No matter how many times he tries to say it-and he knows it's not right...it comes out, "skabetty". So cute.

We were at Wal-mart the other day and Landon blurted out..."MOM! That grandma had really broken teeth. Like Pacie". Too funny. And a little sad for the grandma. (1/8)

The kids sang with the primary in the Christmas program yesterday at church. Upon hearing Landon sing "Christmas Bells", I realized I must record how he says Bethlehem. It is:

Beth-of-hem". But to see his little mouth say it is the best. He always has been such a little singer. Love it. (12/21)

Yesterday, Landon wanted a yogurt for breakfast. He picked out a blackberry flavor and I opened it for him. He was so excited and said, "mommy! I got purple berry pie!!" I don't know where he came up with that flavor, but Presley's raspberry flavor became "pink berry pie." I love this little boy of mine. (12/10)

After a function tonight the kids had a visit from Santa where they were given a candy cane. Landon was so excited to have seen Santa and was anxious to dig into his little treat. We got into the car and he took the first few licks. Pretty soon, we hear, (In a very disgusted voice)

"Great, Santa gave me this. And now, it's HOT!"

Needless to say, he didn't finish his candy cane. (12/5)

Tonight at dinner Landon asked for a piece of pumpkin pie which was meant to be for my preschool class the following day. I said no and his reply was, "Excuse me? Are you telling me no?"

Yes, son. I am.

Lately, Landon has been obsessed with who is his cousin/brother/friend etc. We were in his room and he pointed to Woody from Toy Story on the floor and said, "Mom. That's Woody. He's my cousin.". I looked at him with a look that said, "Are you kidding me?" And his comeback was a very sheepish, "He's not my cousin. Ryan is my cousin. He's my friend."

Today I had taken all of Landon's bedding off to wash it. He walked into the bathroom and said in a very worried tone, "Mommy! My bed is naked!!" (10/10)

Today I was doing Landon's hair and when I finished he went out of the bathroom and said, "Princess, I am finished. Princess, where are you?" talking to Presley. Then when he found her he said, "Princess, do you want to dance?" (10/6)

Tonight Landon came in and said, "Mommy, I'm afraid. I am afraid of high heels!". He was DEAD serious. I have no idea where it came from, but it made me laugh!! (10/1)

Today I was putting Landon in the tub. I added some bubbles, and he said, (quietly) "Oh bubbles. I'm so glad you're back."