Entertaining at the Volleyball Tournament

Violet had a volleyball tournament in Lawrence, KS. It's hard for the little kids to be entertained for so many hours.

Lincoln was able to keep himself entertained by pretending he was short by kneeling in his shoes. Kids are so imaginative! 

Hazel's 6th Birthday

Poor Hazel didn't get to have her unicorn birthday party because she was running a 101* fever. Everyone missed out on Chick-Fil-A and Yogurtini.

The next day she was feeling better and agreed to have her picture taken with her birthday shirt. We're still waiting for that rescheduled party! 

1,000,000 Steps

There's still 5 more walking days this month and I've hit my goal to walk 4,000,000 steps in 2025 - that's 1,000,000 steps each quarter.

I hope my knees hold out until the end of the year!

Taylor Family Photo

Melissa is obsessed with taking family photos. She's beginning to realize that trying to get 5 kids to cooperate at the same time is somewhat impossible.

But she did manage to get a good shot of the entire family.

Even Pearl wouldn't cooperate with her newborn picture. Usually the photographer takes a sleepy baby and manipulates her into cute poses. I love that Pearl's eyes are wide open. Not your typical newborn picture. 

Uncle Michael Meets Baby Pearl

Pearl is already a month old but this is the first time Michael has seen her.

At least Pearl didn't poop all over him as some have done in the past! 

Pearl Goes to the Fire Station

Ever since Violet was born, Melissa has made it a point to have a picture taken in the fire truck at the fire station.

Today Pearl experienced her first time in the fire truck. I'm sure it won't be her last!

 

Violet Turns 12 Years Old

This is the last year before Violet officially becomes a teenager.

Twelve has to be a hard age. Too young for grown up stuff...too old for young kid stuff.

Violet may only be 12 but sometimes I think she's more like 22. Especially when she's with her friends. Happy Birthday Violet!

St Patrick's Day

I don't celebrate St Patrick's Day. I don't even wear green.

I guess the tradition of pinching someone if they don't have on green still exists because the Taylor's always break out their green! Happy St Patrick's Day!

Violet & Hazel - Birthday Shopping

Taking the kids shopping for their birthdays is way easier than trying to think of something to get them.

Today was birthday shopping for Violet and Hazel. Lunch at none other than Chick-Fil-A then Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods and (who could have guessed) Ulta. It might be easier but I tend to spend a little too much money! 

Pearl - 1 Month Old

Hard to believe that Pearl is already 1 month old.

Although if I have to be honest, I can't believe Pearl is ONLY 1 month old. Sometimes time goes very slowly. Sometimes it flies by.

Pearl's First Volleyball Tournament

Violet had a volleyball tournament in St Louis this weekend. Teresa and I took advantage of the Horseshoe casino free offer for rooms and Michael's influence to pay resort fees and parking. Can you believe the casino wants to charge $56 a day for parking???

The view from my window was of the St Louis Arch and the Dome where the girls played was just across the street. You accessed the Dome through a tunnel under the highway then across the street then a long block to the entrance.

This was Pearl's first volleyball tournament. She spent most of her time in the stroller sleeping. There was a long stretch of time when she was awake. Every mother at the tournament was deathly afraid a wild volleyball would hit her. No problems but I did get hit in the neck while leaving the last game and a ball did hit Pearl's stroller. But no major injuries.

After the last games on Saturday, the girls went to the arch to get pictures. Much better than my window shot. The girls made it to the gold division (highest division) but failed in their first game. Violet did get to play most of the time so it was well worth the drive.