I can't help myself

One of these pictures ought to show up on her wedding slide show. Taryn had yogurt in her hair from lunch so I sculpted it.  Just couldn't help myself....

I'm still amazed how long it is and how high it stands.

Truly awe-inspiring...

Our wee lass turns 2

Taryn Mackenzie, my wee lass.  You melt my heart every time you smile.  Grandparents aside, I've seen you stop old men in their tracks and take the breath of old ladies.  I think I gave you most of your physical traits, but lucky for us, you have your mom's sweet and gentle spirit.  We are not sure why you love cleaning so much, but please keep it up.

You waddle like a penguin, you are our dancing girl and you sing beautifully.  You chewed out a little boy in Sunday school for taking your toy.  You cry when others are sad.

I won't make a prediction about who you will be or how you will turn out.  You are who God made you to be, and you will always be our little Irish girl who makes me laugh.

Happy Birthday Taryn!

Weekend with the cousins

 Parker and Cecily came down with their parents to visit their cousins in early February!  It was fun to see them.  Though our plans to see OMSI on Saturday afternoon was a bust, we made up for it with a trip to Big Al's. 

Sunday morning very a treat as well all relaxed over breakfast and then took a walk around the neighborhood.  It was fun to see Cecily take good care of her younger cousins all weekend and then Parker walk with Taryn to the trail.

So glad they came down...

Fashion show

This is what Amber wore to church Sunday morning.  She even had her cape on as we left the house but we drew the line and made her take it off.

The childrens' check-in staff were in awe of her ensemble.  I admit being a little proud too.

Cinderalla

We had plans to go to frozen yogurt Sunday evening.  Taryn really wanted to go too.  I told her if she finished all her chores she could join us.  She quickly found a rag and started cleaning the kitchen floor.

JUST KIDDING!!!!

Taryn is a neat-freak; messes really bother her.  Sunday after church she was drinking from her cup in the kitchen.  She accidentally spilled a little bit and started looking for a towel to clean it up.  I gave her a little rag and she wiped up her mess.  Then she saw how dirty our kitchen floor is....

We all went out to frozen yogurt that evening.

Taryn's Kryptonite

Taryn loves two things most in life: puppy doggies and soft, fuzzy things. Either can stop her in her tracks. This is classic (and makes me laugh every time): Taryn is bopping around in the kitchen, wanders into the family room, comes back into the kitchen and encounters her fuzzy blanket. Upon touching her blanket, she immediately lies down on the floor, sucks two fingers and caresses the blanket (oblivious to all else).  Sandi and I need to be careful not to trip over her.

If we need to calm her down or distract her, we just give her something soft to feel and she is putty in our hands.  Her stuffy, Puppy Doggie, is not only a puppy doggie, he is a SOFT puppy doggie.  Taryn is powerless.

First horse rides

One of Sandi's co-workers has a 3-acre mini-farm with miniature horses and chickens. She invited everyone for a potluck and promised all the kids rides on the horses. We jumped at this opportunity.

It was a beautiful November Saturday.  The drive down to Corvallis was amazing.  The food was plentiful and delicious.  Best of all, both Amber and Taryn had fun with the horses.  Each petted the friendliest horse and Amber gave her a carrot.  (Sandi and I was sure Amber would shy away from an animal 10x her size, but she was pretty taken with them.)

The saddles are special kids saddles - these miniature horses can only carry 75 pounds.

Taryn even got a turn. 

Amber also got to ride in a carriage!

It was a pretty special day for us.  We drove home the back way enjoying the spectacular fall colors and the girls' car naps.