July 4th Weekend Part III: The Family Reunion

**Let me start by saying that I can be a neurotic freak sometimes, so you won't see any last names ever listed in my blog. We have a very uncommon last name and it's my way of keeping Internet wackos from ever finding us.**

The big family reunion was on Saturday - Mike's dad's side. I'm from a pretty small family, so I've always marveled at the number of aunts, uncles and cousins running around. The Ns are an awesome family and I love being around them. I've been looking forward to this reunion for awhile!

Taylor and Michael, all ready for the fun.

The kids - and my big kid, Mike - got a pretty good water battle going. He's tormented his younger cousins for years so he gets no help from me when they gang up on him. He kept the super soaker by his side most of the day "as protection". Taylor had a blast playing in the water, but she was paranoid that she was going to get wet. She spent her day running around with cousins and aunts, dancing and playing at the playground. Taylor was the youngest cousin before Michael came along, so everyone was happy to have a baby to pass around again. He did great with it and just went with the flow. I give props to Ginny for getting him to sleep at the end of the night. We have no problem getting the kid to sleep in his crib, but he does not like being rocked, held, soothed to sleep. I'm usually the only one that can get him down when we are out in public like that, but Ginny worked her magic on him.

Taylor at the playground.

Brittany, Gracie, Stephanie, Emily and Michael. The girls were so sweet to their newest little cousin. I enjoyed hanging out with them later on the hill!

Ginny and Michael. He fought the sleep here, but she worked her magic on him later.

Matt R., Cassidy, Matt N. and Taylor playing with water balloons.


Taylor and Daddy dancing.


Michael and I dancing. I think he's showing off the handful of hair he just ripped out of my head.


Michael, hanging out with Uncle Danny.


Taylor and Aunt Linda

There were games, of course, and games and the N family usually result in some good trash talking and competition. Defeat is not taken lightly (oddly enough, all of the N spouses seem to have this trait as well). We had a water balloon toss, egg toss, horseshoes and a game I'd never seen before - ladder golf, aka redneck golf. Here's a wikipedia entry about it. (I'd be remissed if I didn't point out the guy in the Ohio State jersey in the photo on the wiki page. I'm sure those Longhorns weren't so happy after we went down there and kicked their arses that year.)

Steve, Mike, Kayla and Matt. Steve was telling his opponent, "Nice throw." Yeah, right.


We lasted almost eight hours, pretty impressive when you consider we had the kiddos with us. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Michael getting some love from Daddy and Aunt Nancy.


Noreen, Taylor and Ellie


Michael getting some love from Aunt Amy, Aunt Diane and Stephanie.


Taylor and her awesome Aunt Katy.

Maureen, Ellie, Lauren and Emily

Rich and Bryony


Part of the gang.


Squeeze in a few more!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

July 4th Weekend Part II: Grandma N's House

I got really lucky in the in-laws department. I hear so many horror stories about controlling mother in laws, hags who criticize, judge and bully. My mother-in-law Marilyn is a lovely person, as sweet and supportive as they come. She's a free-spirited artist who accepts my anal-retentive, Type A personality for what it is. She and her husband, Rich, always make us feel welcome in her home.


I like the whole crew. Mike's dad is a good guy and his sisters and brother are great. I've always liked visiting Pittsburgh because they are all fun to be around. They've accepted me as one of their own from the get-go. You don't always see that nowadays.


We arrived at Grandma N's Friday afternoon and after a short nap for Michael, we headed out to D'Amico's for Taylor's birthday dinner. D'Amico's is a cool little Italian joint that we've gone to several times while in Pittsburgh. I like the ambience of the place and the food is good, too. Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream at Grandma's house and watched fireworks from the deck. It was a great end to a long day.


Taylor cheesing during the drive. The kid had it made - snacks, drinks and a DVD player.


Michael was great, especially considering the fact that he's getting his top two teeth and was forced to stare at the seat the entire drive. I'm looking forward to when we can turn the carseat around!

Ready to blow out her candle.

Taylor with Grandma N and Aunt Linnie.

The yummy cake. Rich's brother's birthday was two days earlier.

My pretty FOUR-YEAR-OLD!

Michael chilling with Grandpa N...

...and Sophia. Check out the flowin' river o' drool!

The flood has been plugged and the slobbery shirt removed.

Michael so wants to be able to walk. He easily takes steps while holding onto people's hands.

Baby blues x 2.

Watching fireworks in our jammies (Mike hadn't changed yet). My kids have some long legs!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

July 4th Weekend Part I: Home

We had a very fun and very busy long weekend, so I'm going to break it all down in three different posts. I don't want to overload anyone with my ramblings and massive collection of pictures!

Since we were heading to Pittsburgh on the 4th, we decided to let Taylor open her big gift from us the night before her birthday. She caught a glimpse of the box in the garage a few days before and she was just dying to get her hands on it. "Why does she need a new dollhouse when she already has one?" Mike asked when the box arrived. Because this sucker is the grand-daddy of all dollhouses! Four levels, a mommy with lush locks instead of the crappy molded hair and lots of floor space to fill with oodles of Fisher Price furniture (each set sold separately, of course).

Taylor was thrilled! It's so easy to fall into the trap of buying her too much because she is always so appreciative of her gifts. She has played with the dollhouse pretty much non-stop since we've been back from Pittsburgh. It is pretty sweet!

Checking out her princess card with Daddy. Champ snuck in the picture.

Oh, the excitement!

The new dollhouse, in all its glory.

It meets Taylor's approval.

Can I play?

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Happy 4th Birthday, Taylor!

Taylor,

Well sweetie, I can't believe my baby girl is turning 4. In some ways, it feels like you've always been a part of us, in other ways it seems like you should still be your brother's age. You light up my life, little girl. I'm amazed sometimes at how smart you are and your sense of humor is priceless. You make me so proud. Your kind nature, cute little smile and bubbly personality win over everyone you meet. It's no wonder you come home from walks through the neighborhood, trips to the grocery store and your brother's doctor appointments with gifts from total strangers.

In the past year, I've watched you go from dependent toddler to a strong-willed and blossoming little girl. I feel like I've gained another friend in my life! Thanks for being you. Your Mommy loves you with all her heart!

Taylor Facts:

* Born July 4, 2004

* Birth stats: 19 1/2" long, 7 lbs., 5 oz.

* Favorite color is pink, which is evident by her pink bedroom walls, pink bedding, almost entirely pink wardrobe...

* Favorite foods are carrots, cucumbers, apples, grapes, Oreos, Dora soup and ice cream

* Favorite songs (in order): "Get Rhythm" by Johnny Cash, "Renegade" by Stix and "Shambala" by Three Dog Night

* Other likes: dressing up like a princess, accessories, her dog, Champ, baby brother, Michael, hanging out at the park with Mommy, shooting hoops with Daddy, grandparents, playing with her friends in the backyard, T-ball, coloring

* Dislikes: being hot ("I'm all sweaaaatttty"), not getting attention, a long list of food

* Nicknames: The Worm, Stinker Butt

My baby girl.

8 months old

After a dip in the pool with Daddy.

1st birthday

2nd birthday

3rd birthday

Now:

Gotta love that smile.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize...

...even while playing T-ball.

I love you, Taylor!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Come on out to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

I loaded up the kids and headed to the Cincinnati Zoo yesterday. We picked up Grandma T by 9:45 and were enjoying the sights and smells of a packed zoo on a hot summer day by 10:30. I've always loved the zoo, so it's one of my favorite places to take the kids. I'm so happy G-ma was able to come along. I enjoyed the adult company and the help with the rugrats! Taylor loves the penguins (just like her daddy) and Michael did well and actually kind of looked at some of the animals this time. We were there for about three hours when the poor guy couldn't take it anymore and zonked out. He's not a cuddler at all when he's tired and actually fell asleep with his head straight up (I was carrying him on my hip at the time). I was able to get him into the stroller for a good nap.

Grandma and Taylor at the gorilla exhibit.

Taylor on the merry-go-round. My little daredevil was so proud of herself for actually riding on an animal this time instead of the lame seat that the old folks use.

Michael Man enjoying himself (and drooling, of course).

The kiddos and I outside the reptile house. What the hell is up with my hair? I look deranged.

The new giraffe exhibit is pretty cool.

Enough, Mommy.

Since Michael was able to get a nap in, we decided to grab a bite to eat and stop off at Grandma's for a swim. Both kids loved the water, which is funny because Michael absolutely despised his bath until about two weeks ago. Taylor held onto my fingers and swam all over the pool while Michael chilled in his little boat and bonded with Grandma. Michael was an absolute fish once I took him out of the boat. He loved when I put him on his belly so he could splash with his arms and legs.

Will this boat fit in my bathtub?

I couldn't get any pictures of Taylor in the water because she was holding onto my hands the whole time!

Now this is the life!

Thanks Grandma for spending the day with us. We love you!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel