Belated Holiday Update

Some of you have asked when I am going to post another blog. Because I'm several months behind, the task of providing a complete update is overwhelming (though it would be excellent --- the Mahn family's halloween costumes were amazing!). Anyway, here's an update on some of our more recent events.

Chris and I attended several holiday functions.

My favorite was the one at the Simplot mansion. It had a great view. Here is a picture of us before the Festival of Trees.

Lucas met Santa at the Hillcrest brunch. He was terrified!

On Christmas eve, Isaac hadhis first performance in a Christmas pagent. He was a shepherd. The church didn't allow pictures, so I don't have any.

We celebrated Christmas with four generations! Thanks, Papa Parry, for coming over form Pocatello. It was also nice having JoJo Rich with us from Scotland / China. Isaac was delighted that Santa came through by delivering some "monster trucks."

We went to McCall for a few days, where Isaac started ski lessons. He is very confident on his skis, and had no fear. On his first day, he went up the chair lift SIX times with his instructor, Mr. Rick.

Chris has since taken Isaac skiing at Bogus. It is a fun bonding experience for the two of them. I think Isaac will be a "rad-skier dude," just like his daddy.

On Saturday, Nana and I took Isaac to his first concert. It was part of the Boise Philharmonic series for children, and featured percussion instruments. Rich- we thought of you, and all the times you marched carrying the zylophone and drums!

On a final note, Lucas walking more and more. He can walk about 6 feet now without any help! And he is very proud of himself.

Dueling Pianos

Who's playing the piano? Listen in . . .

McCall in August

Our most recent trip to McCall started off in style. Papa Larry and Grandma Joyce graciously offered to fly us there on their plane. Thanks so much, Larry and Joyce, I was dreading the drive!


It was Lucas's first flight ever. He was very relaxed and slept the whole way.

Isaac is well-travelled compared to Lucas, having already flown to Florida, Arizona and New Mexico. He is quick to tell you that those flights were on "jets," whereas this flight was on an "airplane." In any case, it was Isaac's first flight on Papa Larry's plane and his first time acting as co-pilot. The flight was perfect. It was a special event for Isaac, which he keeps talking about.

Once we arrived, Isaac and Papa Gary had their first successful fishing trip. They caught two fish -- a little rainbow and a mackinaw. Even though the mackinaw was a baby, it was still huge, and Isaac was scared of it. Gary kept the fish alive in his "live-well" until they got home, and then they released them. Congrats, Papa Gary.

Isaac caught the "fishing bug" and continued to fish over the weekend. He also spent a lot of time in the lake, and especially enjoyed playing with his friend Katelyn. (Katelyn is the daughter of Beth's friend from work.)

Overall, it was a great weekend and we can't wait to get up there again soon!

The happiest place . . . in Boise

I finished my clerkship on Friday and am now enjoying a two-week break before starting my new job. Chris is also spending some time away from the office this week and next. (But don't worry Gary, he'll be working plenty too.)

We decided to treat Isaac to a "fun day" with mom and dad. We took Lucas to "school" and headed off to the Wahooz amusement park and the Roaring Springs water park. It was an amazing day!

The arcade is much nicer than Chuck E. Cheese. Isaac enjoyed checking out the games,and was especially intrigued (and terrified) of the pirate.

We then played a round of miniature golf. There are two 18-hole courses, both in the shade with nice landscaping and interesting obstacles. Isaac surprisingly was very patient. Chris wasn't. He diligently kept score until he realized I was winning. Then he stopped.

The highlight of the day for Isaac was the bumper boats. He said that Papa Gary needs to get some for McCall.

We then headed over to the waterpark. I was concerned that it wouldn't be much fun since Isaac is too small for the rides (actually, I'm barely tall enough for some of them). But it was a blast! There is a playground in about 12" of water with teeter totters, slides etc. One of the slides was wide enough for the three of us to go down together. My favorite part was the "endless river." You just hop on tubes at any point in the river and float as long as you want. Isaac had his own tube. I wish I had pictures to share of the waterpark, but I checked the camera into a locker.

Lucas can't wait until he can join us next summer.

Chris is in McCall now and I'll head up with the boys on Thursday.

Tata for now.

Beth

Working out the kinks

I may have figured out a way for you to automatically receive updates when I post a new blog entry. If this is successful, you will not have to follow the steps Rich outlined for you. Hope you can view this!

Here is a pictures of Isaac with his friends during his first week in the Shooting Stars classroom.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Beth

Welcome to Beth's Blog

Family,

Welcome! Can you believe it? I've joined the throng of 21st century moms who blog.

I do this for several reasons. Primarily, I want to keep all of you up to date on the Taylor family happenings. I especially want to share pictures and stories of the boys with Jojo Rich, Papa Parry, Grandma BB and Uncle Dyke, who are not able to see the boys as frequently. I also want an easy way to communicate with all of you without repeating myself on the phone. Also, I'm looking for an easy way to capture some of my thoughts.

My blog is called "Tale of Two Taylors." Think of this as a modern day scrapbook, a video conference, an electronic journal or whatever. You are able to comment on my entries and, I believe, you can post pictures and/or videos you want to share. We'll give it a shot.

So, enjoy the blog. Here's Papa Gary playing with his two grandsons.

Please bear with me over the next few weeks (or months) while I figure out how to do this and get in the habit of posting new entries.

Love,

Beth