A New Addition to the Hoisington House!!

Today we welcomed 'Floater' to our family. 'Floater' is a betta fish that we just couldn't resist. Thanks Pa Pa! Although 'Floater' is a male, we thought a princess tank would fit his style quite well, and also match Taylor's room. :-) Taylor loves to sit on the floor and watch him swim, but she also likes to open the lid and try to take 'Floater' out, thus making "adult supervision" extremely important. So far, 'Floater' is doing well in his new home.

'Floater' checking out his new home.

Taylor and 'Floater'...it's a really cute thing!

Proud Girl! She is so excited over her new fish.

Hmmmmmm..............

A Day At The Beach!!!!

Wednesday, Laura and I took the kids to the "beach" at Ridgway State Park. Taylor had a lot of fun playing in the sand and water. And as always, she really enjoyed playing with the kids. We had a great day and plan to go back again soon.

Awww, how cute!

Our set-up on the beach.

Posing for the camera.

Dancing Queen! Although there wasn't any music playing, she was still able to get her grove on. She must have had music playing in her head.

Up close and personal.

Denver Visit - July 2008

Taylor and I ventured to Denver for a few days to catch up with my cousins whom we hadn't seen in almost 6 years. We had a great time and Taylor really enjoyed her time with her cousins. It was scorching hot in Denver and we can certainly appreciate our cool nights here in Montrose now. We were on the go constantly, tuckered out the little kids and the "big kids" as a matter of fact...we went to the Denver Zoo, which Taylor absolutely loved, went swimming, had our first experience with sidewalk chalk and bar-b-q'd with our cousin from Washington whom we had never met. It was so nice to see everyone, meet everyone and spend time together. It was bittersweet coming home...missed Daddy since he wasn't able to join us, missed the cool nights here in the high country, but miss family gatherings. Hopefully it won't be too long before we can do it all again.

Taylor is checking out the scene and closely keeping an eye on her cousins. She was thrilled to have someone to play with.

All the cousins and Uncle Mike/Dad/Grandpa...whatever you may know him by.

Uncle Chris showing the girls how to draw smiley faces with sidewalk chalk...Taylor was more interested in breaking the chalk and then putting it in her mouth.

Mommy & Taylor trying to enjoy a HOT afternoon on the hammock...I was trying so hard to get her to take a nap since naps were far and few between during our visit...she didn't want to miss out on any of the excitement, so she wouldn't go down for her naps. That was fine, but the evenings became very unbearable.

Taylor stealing a kiss from her cousin, Ryan. She gave him one kiss, then wanted to give him another one. I just happened to have my camera ready for this one.

Denver Visit - Continued

Taylor enjoying the sites and sounds of the Denver Zoo. It probably didn't seem so hot since she got to relax and enjoy the ride in a nice, shaded stroller. She had a great time.

One of Taylor's favorite attractions at the zoo.

Mommy & Taylor enjoying a ride on the carousal with Curious George, the monkey.

Ryan, Jessie & Taylor running through the sprinklers on a HOT Denver afternoon.

Friday we took the kids to The Bay in Broomfield. They enjoyed the cool and refreshing water since it was 101 degrees in Denver that day. They were all asleep by the time we got out of the parking lot. Between the heat and all the fun, they were exhausted.

Just Another Sunday!!!

2 days later, still has her flag.

Daddy & Taylor checking out the corn in the garden.

Do we have a farmer in the making? Wont be too long and you won't be able to see her amongst all the corn.

July 4th Bar-B-Que on July 5th

July 5th was Chris's company bar-b-que. We were all dressed and ready to go when a big thunder strom moved in. I don't think I have ever seen lightning so close in my life. (Probably doesn't help that we are at 7,500 feet). It was raining sideways so we decided to wait until the storm passed before we ventured out. Taylor LOVED the bar-b-que. Initally she was shy and wouldn't let us put her down but before too long she was the life of the party. She loved the attention that she got from all the kids and had a great day and did it with only a 45 minute nap for the day!!! These are some of the photos taken before we left. She fell in love with this flag that we picked up on the 4th. She shows it off proudly.

July 4th

We celebrated the 4th very casually. No big plans, no crowds, just us. It was a nice and relaxing day. We did manage to head to town to watch the parade and fireworks. Taylor really enjoyed the parade and waved at everyone that walked by. She wasn't a happy camper when the parade ended and it was time to get back in her car seat. We took her to the park until almost dusk. She loved the playground and all the kids that were at the playground. I don't think I have ever seen a park with so many people. Come dusk, we went to a friends to watch the fireworks. Their backyard overlooks the hill that the city utilizes to light off their fireworks. Taylor managed to stay awake for the entire show and got her second wind around 10 pm, leaving us up until midnight. All in all we had a great 4th.

What a difference a year can make!!!

July 4, 2008

July 4, 2007

July 4th - Continued

Taylor enjoying the parade in her stroller.

A big smile to show off all those teeth!

All American Girl celebrating the 4th of July!

Daddy & Taylor enjoying the park before the fireworks.

Mommy & Taylor being brave on the slide!

Outdoor Fun

Taylor loves her sand table. Good thing we bought extra sand because she likes to dump as much out as possible.

Taylor and Turtle...they get along well together. At first she wasn't too sure about sitting in the sandbox, but now she has figured out it's fun and likes to cover her legs in sand.

She loves to swing. This isn't one of my most favorites times because she throws a fit almost every time we take her out of the swing. I wonder if has to do with the fact she enjoyed her infant swing so much?!?!?

Personal pool. Who needs the public pool when you have your very own at home?

I love this picture!!

Momma's Helper

Taylor is always there to help me when I need that extra hand. She is always so proud of herself when she helps us get chores done.

Laundry time. This is before we mastered the clothes line. Now when we go outside to hang the clothes on the line, seems like I keep finding rocks in the laundry basket. Silly girl.

Garden Stage 1

Chris getting the dirt prepared for planting. Poor guy rototilled for hours on end.

(Notice the views in the background.)

Here is our garden about 1 week after planting.

Here is a picture of our garden this week. It's slowly starting to grow. We lost a few plants 2 weeks ago due to a late freeze, but I think we are finally over frost season up here. Frost sounds a bit bizzare for July, but at 7,500 feet you just never know. And so far the fence is keeping all the wildlife out...YIPEE!!!

Summer 2008

I had found little missy with the empty Tide bottle. When I called her name this is the look I got. Guess I shouldn't leave "trash" in her reach.

Taylor couldn't believe all the books she got in the mail from Grandma Crowder. She was so excited and I guess in disbelief.

This is Taylor's new use for her story chair. She loves to stand on it so that she can look outside to see the dogs and deer. I am nervously awaiting the first time she falls off.

We were lucky enough that Grandma Julie and Great Grandma P. came to visit us 2 weeks ago. Grandma Julie bought Taylor some new wheels and she is thrilled to have something to ride outdoors.

Views

These are just a few of the views that we are lucky enough to be surrounded by. It is breathtaking up here.