The Taft Family

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Jackson Hole!

When my mom and dad called and offered half of their hotel room to us for the night in Jackson Hole, we didn't hesitate! We hopped into the truck and took off for the night. Scott was at scout camp-so it was me and the kids. My mom had my sister's kids for the weekend too, so it was perfect timing for some cousin bonding time.

We spent a lot of time in Jackson when we were growing up. My dad would go there for a week at a time for work a few times during the summer and we were lucky enough to be able to go with him and stay at the Antler motel...wandering the boarded sidewalks, riding the start bus, going through every tourist shop on the four corners of town square, swimming...just living it up, Jackson style. I was excited to take my kids there to do a few of the same things.

Loaded up and ready to go...packed into the back of the truck.

At the top of the pass-such a beautiful view!

Thumbs up, mom! We made it! (well, one peace sign thrown in for good measure!)

Of course, going right to the edge..LOVE our little man.

My mom loves to take the grandkids to the thrift shop to find their "treasures". They all came away with a stuffed animal and another trinket to remind them of Jackson and my mom. LOVE our Mamie.

Me & my bunch!

This carved bear was quite the photo hot spot. We were waiting in line for our turn...and then ALL of the kids had to have their turn as well...

Parker in her thrift store sunglasses-too cool for school.

Sweet pacie-love her smile!

Little Presley-this is only one of about four different poses she did...stinkin' firecracker!

Landon-posing like a gangsta'

Piper with her thrift store treasure..not sure what to think...other than she is a big girl like the rest of her siblings!

Sweetness.

Can't do Jackson without the traditional arch picture!

BFF's Niamh and pacie-seriously-even dressing alike. So fun!

Because where else could you take a picture with a fully mounted Elk?

Dinner time-picnic style on the landing!

I walked in to find Landon reading a story to Ryan...so cute.

The Antler doesn't have an outdoor pool, but it's hot tub is sure nice and perfect for little kids! Thankfully we were the only ones in there. I think we would've scared everyone else away!!

Parker is THEE BEST babysitter a mom could ask for. She took care of Piper the entire time, making sure she wasn't drowning and having fun.

Presley-my little mermaid.

Piper was swimming right along with parker's help. She was loving it!

Taking a break from the action...hanging out!

Time for bed! Parker, Niamh and Pacie

Ryan, Presley, Bergin and Landon

BFF's again!

We took the kids to a park before we left to play.

I absolutely LOVE this picture. Peek-a-boo!

Landon took no time at all scampering up this rock climbing wall.

Proud to be at the top.

Thumbs up!

The babysitter strikes again!! Parker loves little Piper so much.

This is pretty much how we all felt after playing hard for two days!

Loved our little overnight getaway!

My navigators...LOVE my girls!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Pacie's big week!

Pacie had a pretty big week! Not only did she have her birthday and turn NINE years old, but she also made a pretty big decision to get a hair cut...and donate to "Locks of Love". To do that, you have to donate at least 10 inches of hair....she went well above that donating nearly 13 inches!

Her birthday started out with the usual breakfast in bed-crepes and strawberries. We went to see Brave as a family and really enjoyed it, especially when Piper fell asleep near the end. Watching movies with 2 year olds isn't top on my list. After dinner we went to Red Robin for dinner-Pacie's choice. I made her a cake, which she helped design and we went to celebrate at my Grandma Landon's house.

Good morning, Sunshine!

I can't believe sometimes how much these two girls look alike!

Piper was a little too excited and kept blowing out Pacie's candles.
Parker had to take more extreme measures to allow Pacie to blow out her own candles!

Happy with her Birthday gifts. We sure love our girl! Can't believe she is NINE years old, already!

Before the cut-her hair was soo long. Almost touching the waistband on her jeans...

Ready or not!!

We are so proud of pacie for making such a selfless decision to donate her BEAUTIFUL hair. While I will miss braiding and "designing" it-I also love her new fresh look. Plus-I just know that someone will benefit from her donation.
Happy July Pacie! You've had a pretty exciting month! We love you so much, our darling girl.

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."