Month: October 2009

Going to the Zoo… Trip Number Two!

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One of my parents favorite places to go when Jillian and I were kids was the Santa Barbara. That, or a drive up to Solvang. Since my parents were back in California for a week, the one thing thing that they really wanted to do was go to the zoo with Shaun, Abby and myself. Unfortunately Shaun had to work but Abby and I were able to go with them.

Abby has been to the Santa Barbara Zoo before, but this time she seemed a little bit more interested in the animals and everything going on around her. Its amazing the changes babies go through within three months time. I feel like she truly enjoyed this trip more then her first but then again she is only a year old.

We spent the day just wandering through the small zoo. Because it was the middle of the week, the zoo was very quiet and allowed us to see more then normal. If we wanted to just hang out and stare at the giraffes, we could and not have to worry about making sure that other people get the chance to see. And we did, since the giraffe just stood there staring at us. The Gibbons were very talkative and the otters were out and playing as usual. The penguins were out, but the newest addition to the penguin family could not be seen that day. He was taking a day off I think.

After a good long walk around the zoo, we stopped for a bite to eat and then headed back to the car. Before getting back onto the freeway, we made a quick detour over to the Foster’s Freeze for some ice cream. We used to stop there often when I was young, so it was fun to reminice.

All in all it was another wonderful day! Please take a look below at the slide show of some of the pictures we took throughout the day. Enjoy!

Disneyland or Bust!

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Well what can I say… we went to Disneyland. I guess you can say it was an early birthday gift to Jillian and a belated one to Abby. I think it was more for Jillian and myself then anyone else. We had a great time and as always enjoyed the happiest place on earth. Abby wore her Winnie the Pooh shirt and skirt that she got way back at her baby shower, thanks Leslie! I felt it was perfect for the occasion.

The day was perfect! Cool weather but just warm enough, a tad crowded but oh well… thats life. Shaun, Jillian and myself had the chance to go on the big rides that Abby couldn’t go on and my parents just hung out and stayed with Abby. There were plenty of rides that Abby could go on. We went on Winnie the Pooh (which Abby has been on before) and for the first time we went on Peter Pan, Alice and Wonderland, and the Haunted Mansion. I had some reservations about the Haunted Mansion, especially during the elevator part but she did great! I think it helped that its set up like the Nightmare Before Christmas right now. Even though the line was long for Haunted Mansion, Abby seemed plenty entertained by all of the funny looking pumpkins outside.

The day went by in flash but we had a great time. Abby fell asleep before getting onto Peter Pan, but luckily woke up right as we were flying over London. She also fell asleep during the fireworks which were awesome! If I get the video from Jillian I will try and post it for everyone to see. After fireworks Shaun had to leave (darn that thing called work) and head home. We, well we being Abby, didn’t last too much longer after that. Before we knew it we were home and in bed. It was a lovely day had by all. Take a look below for a slide show of pictures from our day. Enjoy!

First Birthday Party Fun…

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In honor of Abby’s First Birthday, we just had to throw a little birthday bash! I mean you only turn One once in your life right?! It was a lot to prepare for but in the end, it was a wonderful day.

So many people were able to come and share such a special day with us. My parents, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor to Abby, were able to come all the way from Montana along with Auntie Jillian. Grandpa Patrick as well as Grandma Zoe were able to be there as well. Nana Fiona and Uncles James had the chance to stop by that day after the party was over. Uncle James had some things with baseball and could not be there until later in the evening. So many of our friends and family were there, it was nice to see everyone! For those of you who could not make it, you were missed! But you can see how the day went…


Most of the party was spent talking and catching up with everyone. Abby seemed to have a good time. When it came time for the cake, Abby seemed a little uncertain as to what she should do with it. Actually I take that back, she kind of knew what to do she was just confused by all of the people standing there watching her eat. It took a while, but eventually she got into it and made a mess of herself.


After cake and the cleanup process, it was time for gifts. Abby helped me open a few gifts but then became more interested with playing with boxes, wrapping paper and a few toys that she had opened already. Its ok, mommy had fun opening them!


All in all it was a wonderful day! I cant believe Abby is ONE!! Time has flown by so quickly, its unbelievable! We have more pictures to share from Abby’s fantastic party. Enjoy the slide show below!

Happy First Birthday Abigail!

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Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Abby! Happy Birthday to you!

When I woke up this morning I could not believe that it was Abby’s first birthday. How is it even possible? A full year has actually gone by? Where did all of the time go? It has certainly gone too fast, but I loved each and every minute.


I cant believe that a year ago today, after what proved to be a fruitless attempt at labor I was brought into the operative delivery room and Abby was born only a few moments later. I remember waiting to hear her first cries and when I did, the flood of emotions that followed. I was happy, joyful, a little nervous and so excited to become a mom for the first time. The moments spent in our hospital room, just Shaun, myself and Abby were some of the most precious to me. Each time I held her in my arms, the pain of surgery and the fatigue seemed to disappear.


Watching her grow over the last year has been a joy and absolutely incredible. Her first smile, her first giggle, her first attempt at crawling and what will soon be her first steps to her first words. All so amazing to me.

While Abby was down for a nap I decided to go through all of my pictures of Abby to this point and I thought I would share some of them with you. Take a look at the slide show below marking Abby’s first year, well her first year plus a little more! Hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday Little Girl! Mommy and Daddy love you very much!