Tulip Time 2011

(warning: lots and lots of pictures :) I had a hard time being selective!)

This was a year ago...

And this was today...

I love looking at how much she has changed, and while it seems like it is all going so fast, I love all the changes! Last year she was just a snuggly little baby, and now she is an adventurous, on the go toddler!

Of course we had to reenact some of the pictures from last year with her buddy, Brady. Although two mobile toddlers made it a little more tricky this time around! Taylor was also having an off day, and it took both paci and and her blanket to keep her content for most of the time! She's our little "Linus" from Peanuts. :-)

(Telling each other secrets :-))

Last year's picture

Trying to get a picture together this year - the best I could get!

Storm drain covers can be quite interesting

Checking out the water and fountains in the park

She loves, loves, loves this blanket

"You're not going to try to take my blanket from me, are you?"

Throw it on the ground, pick it up, repeat many, many times... :o)

Checking out the tulips

Moms and babies

Moms and toddlers!!

Finally a picture with all of us...

Taylor's favorite place to ride :-)

Checking out the fountains downtown

The weather was gorgeous - pleasantly cool after a few days of muggy, HOT, summer-like weather, and it was a fun night out! Next year, Taylor will still be sporting the jeans and white tee (our favorite, very much non-dutch, costume :o)), but that will probably be the only thing the same! I can only imagine what Taylor will be like a year from now!

Happy Mother's Day!

          I asked Kelly a couple of weeks ago if I should get her something for Mother’s Day.  I was relieved when she said no, because, to be honest, there really isn’t any gift that I could give her that could express how great a mother she is.  The past couple of weeks I have been reflecting on how wonderful she is, and how blessed Taylor and I are to have her.  She truly is a blessing from God.

          I have only been a parent for 14 months, but I am amazed how much work a little one can be!  I often get asked by people how I am handling this increased workload, and I don’t exactly know how to respond.  On one hand, I am in awe of Kel’s dedication, strength, patience, and love for Taylor.  To be honest, words really can’t describe how much she loves her, and she is tireless in her efforts in taking care of her.  But on the other hand, I sometimes feel like I am not doing enough to help, because no matter how hard I try, Kel is one step ahead of me.  I don’t know how I would ever be able to do it without her, and I am so thankful for all that she does.

          She is an incredible mother and an amazing wife.  We have been married for four and half years, and every day is better than the day before.  I cannot count all of the little things she does for me, from making my lunch for me (which I hate doing!) to taking care of the house and laundry.  I deeply appreciate these little things, and I am a little ashamed that I am not more diligent in thanking her for it.  Recently, she took part in a 40 Day Love Challenge with some women from our church, which was a challenge for them to intentionally show love to their husbands through various loving gestures, without asking or expecting anything in return.  When she was finished and told me what she had done, she said that she was convinced that I would figure out that something was going on.  But to be honest, since she has always been so loving and selfless in our marriage, I didn’t even notice!  She is always there for me, in happy times and in sad times. It is her strength during those sad times is what helps get me through.  She reminds me that God has a plan for our family, and that all we need to do is put our faith in him!

          So Taylor and I wanted to take some time today to wish Kelly a Happy Mother’s Day and to thank her for all that she has done for us!  We love you Mommy!

          And I don’t want to forget my own mother Mary.  I would have to start another blog to document all of things she has done for me over the years!  Thank you for all you have done for me Mom, I love you too! 

Love,

RY

Sunny, sparkly Saturday

It took until lunchtime for the sun to appear, but when it did, the lake sparkled crystal blue, and we thoroughly enjoyed being outside for the majority of the day! Taylor isn't feeling 100%, but she didn't let it slow her down very much!

Hanging out by Round Lake after lunch - a lot more quiet than it will be a few weeks from now during Memorial Day weekend

Looking out on our cove before all the docks/hoists are in for the season

Taylor was determined to get in the stream in our front yard - this is our attempt to let her feel the frigid, cold water without soaking herself :-)

Playtime after Red Mesa Grill (during dinner she said "hi" to just about everyone who passed our table at the restaurant - sweet little girl :o))

It was a great day - hoping that she sleeps okay tonight, and that a good night sleep may have healing powers!

White tees and blue jeans

One of my favorite looks is blue jeans and a white tee. It is simple, casual, comfortable, and my two favorite people look pretty darn good wearing it. :o)

Random video clips...

With so many of Taylor's relatives living far away, it is nice to post a little video every once and a while just to show how big our little lady is now, so here are a few clips of Taylor this week, nothing special, just a glimpse into our afternoon fun! (Note, you can hear her saying "ball" and "hi"!)

A Sunday that finally feels like Spring!

Spring may finally have arrived for good...at least we hope so! We took advantage of the sun and headed outside yesterday for a while after church.  Here are a couple of pictures from after our walk - Taylor toddled up and down, and up and down, and up and down our driveway. She's getting the hang of wearing shoes! She is still wearing a more soft-soled Robeez shoe, but it is better than bare feet or socks when we are outside.

On the go!!

 Taking a turn pushing the stroller...