Tag: Family

Taylor Family Reunion

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Our trip to California was a trip that would serve several purposes. One was for Shaun to come down to LA and work with his team at the offices in Santa Monica for a week.  Another was to attend our Taylor Family Reunion (my fathers side of the family) and see family that we haven’t connected with since the passing of my grandmother back in 2012. Unfortunately not everyone could make it to the first reunion, but I am sure there will be more!

The reunion was held up at Rincon State Beach in Ventura County and the day couldn’t have been more perfect. A pending heat wave threatened to make the day too hot, but it wasn’t. It was perfect. The beach was busy but not swamped and there was plenty of space to walk, play and enjoy a beautiful Southern California day.

We spent the day talking and catching up with everyone. Abby and Ellie had the chance to meet their cousin Bella who is their age and they hit it off right away. We listened to music, ate amazing food (courtesy of my cousin Joseph and his excellent BBQ skills) and welcomed some new members of the family (spouses and girlfriends).

Sarah walking the beach with Abby, Ellie and Bella
A beautiful day along the Southern California coast.

A rare photo with my hubby!!
Abby loved getting into the water and feeling the sand in her toes.
Ellie was surprised by a wave… and loving it.
Sisters and best friends
Ellie and Bella had the exact same bathing suit!
Eric and his girlfriend Michelle! It was so nice to meet you!
Talking and eating! I tend to get a lot of pictures of people eating but thats because they are standing still!
Laurie, John and Matt having a great chat.
Chatting, laughing and posing.
Back from the beach! Now they are pretending to be mountain lions on the rock. I think.
The ladies catching up! Looking wonderful Aunt Dena!
The photographers of the family are taking notes and sharing stories.
Jillian… always ready with a pose.
The day comes to a close and we start saying our goodbyes! Until next time Taylor Family!
Perfect sunsets for a perfect end to that day.

When the day came to an end it was hard to say goodbye to everyone. But we will see one another soon! All I know is that our first family reunion was a big success and grandma and grandpa would have been so very proud of their family. They may not have been there in body but they were there in spirit and I know they were both smiling down on us today.

Adventurous Day with The Taylor Crew

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Grandma Denise, Grandpa Jerry and Auntie Jillian arrived last night! Its been just under a year since I last saw my sister and boy have I missed her. Her last journey to Seattle was a short one and a little more limited because of weather, so I have lots of things planned for her now that she is in town. So to start, we headed over to Pike’s Market and Post Alley for some fun!
We walked through Post Alley, stopping at some stores and to give Jillian the chance to take as many photos as she wanted. We then made our way over to Beechers and one of the French bakeries. We even had the chance to sit and watch them make cheese! Pretty cool to see them make it in such a big vat! After that we strolled through Pikes and watched the fish throwers. It was super crowded, so I didn’t get the chance to take a great picture but we had fun regardless!
Walking through the markets, trying not to buy everything in sight.
The people of the market
Listening to performers and vendors
Tossing a little bit of money into their case.
Shops along Post Alley
Along the streets and the street performers who have been there for years.
Seattle’s iconic Pikes Market… it may be a tourist trap to the locals but I love it.
Pretty fans for the girls…
Classy ladies exploring the sights!
Trying to catch a glimpse of the fish mongers and their fish throwing skills.
Hanging with Grandpa Jerry and the fish mongers.
Watching the cheese making process at Beechers.
After Pike’s Market we decided to do one of our planned trips… Ride the Ducks. Yeah I know… super touristy but I had a blast! Sometimes its OK to be a tourist in your own city and do silly things. I know the Ducks aren’t popular with a lot of people, but its a great way to get an overview of the city and have some fun. My parents, Shaun and of course Auntie Jillian had a blast and Abby did as well. Abby was amazed that a giant car could go into the water too! Unfortunately Ellie fell asleep through most of it but did wake up while we were out on Lake Union. I guess this means we will have to take her again some time. Bummer.
Two cute little duck faces… all ready for some fun!
Ducks, Kings… we know the real winner here…. Go Kings Go!!
Sporting our very best “duck faces” 🙂
My Ducks crew mate. She’s pretty cute!
Auntie Jillian’s adorable crew mate!
The rest of the peanut gallery, ready for a fun and funny tour of Seattle.
Quack, quack, quack!!
Down by the waterfront…
Our hilarious tour guide and captain!
Miner’s Landing
Historic car washes! Its said that while filming here… Elvis would bring his car here every day to have ti washed.
Seattle skyline from Lake Union
Gas Works Park from Lake Union
Loving her time on Lake Union!
From the ducks we decided to have dinner at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants. This was a treat for my parents and sister, being that Bozeman doesn’t have a lot of choices when it comes to Chinese food. After a delicious meal, we decided to make our way back to Seattle Center and enjoy the sunset view from the Space Needle. Like I said, we have guests in town… its fun to play tourist in your own city.
Patiently waiting for the monorail and having a little fun.
Oh silly little Abby!
Enjoying the ride to the Space Needle..
Loving the ride and another break from walking.
Hello Space Needle!
Trying their best to stay still and be patient. The line was a long one!
My beautiful sister… this is her first time visiting the Space Needle.
Finally made it to the top!  Pretty sunset city views!
Sunset city views!
Auntie JJ and her adorable nieces… Abby said she would keep Auntie Jillian safe.
City and mountains at Sunset.
Sunset on the Puget Sound
Hey!  I know them!
A rare moment and photo alone with my amazing husband!
They were having fun up there… I swear!!!

After our stunning views and fun at the Space Needle, it was time to head home. Everyone was exhausted from all of the fun and adventures that we had today, but it was a wonderful kind of exhaustion. Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th of July and goodness knows where our adventures will take us. Until then!

Memorial Weekend 2014

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I took Memorial Day weekend off from work and at the time, we didn’t have a thing planned.  We talked about it, threw ideas around but never set anything up. Friday night the travel bug started to get to us and after doing a little research we decided to get up in the morning, pack an overnight bag and just drive. We didn’t have reservations anywhere and didn’t plan to make any until we knew where we were heading.
So we did just that and hit the road. The wind carried us out to the Peninsula and out to Ocean Shores and Westport. The drive out was spectacular and the day was gorgeous. Off and on clouds, cool breezes and just enough sunshine to keep us warm and happy. We didn’t find a place to stay in Ocean Shores but the small little town of Westport, just across the mouth of the bay had a great and clean little hotel for us to stay.
Happy to find a hotel and then get out and explore.
Our view of the Pacific Ocean from our room. So pretty and nice and cool too!

After checking in, we took to the road to explore Westport, Ocean Shores and the surrounding areas. Ocean Shores is really where the fun is at. The girls really wanted to play on the beach so we found a place to stop. Much to our surprise our stop was on the beach! Yep, we parked our cars on the beach. Pretty fun and Abby and Ellie couldn’t stop giggling about it.

It was nice to get out of the car and see the Pacific Ocean. Not the Puget Sound, not a lake, but the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful afternoon and we took in as much as we could, including lots and lots of sand.

Look at us, we can park our car on the beach!
We cant stop giggling and smiling!

Hello Pacific Ocean… we missed you!
I dont think this day could get any better or more beautiful!
Drawing in the sand.
Love that little smile and the joy she has for being on the beach.
My beautful Abby. Love this face and all her joy and love.
Sisters
Little tiny butt crack
Sand time!
My wonderful and handsome hubby!
One of only a few pictures you will see of me!
Birds of a feather
Horseback riding on the beach

After some playtime on the beach which included lots of sunshine and fun, we decided we needed something tasty to eat. Ocean Shores is a small town with only a few laces to eat but we certainly picked an awesome place. Pegasus Pizza was a great little hole in the wall, family pizza and pasta place and we loved it. As we we left the restaurant, Ellie asked if we could come back to eat next weekend and its almost worth the 2+ Hour drive.

Ugh daddy…
She does this face all the time and it makes me think of a little old man. What a goofy little girl.
Silly Abby making faces at mommy. We had a lot of laughs!

With full tummies we made our way back to the hotel in Westport. The drive back was at dusk and we saw a lot of little critters along the roads, like deer and racoon. We also watched as the clouds and fog rolled in. While we get fog from time to time over where we live, its nothing like livign right on the ocean and getting fog nearly every night. I think we all slept really well that night, especially with a little rain coming down.

The next morning we got up, had some breakfast and headed back out on to the road. Since we were already out on the Peninsula, I thought it would be fun to drive around the long way and go through Olympic National Park. Shaun and I have not been out that way since 2005, when he took me to Seattle for the first time just after proposing to me. I was excited to stop at one of my favorite places, Ruby Beach!

Good morning sister snuggles
Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park
Walking with daddy in the rain along the mossy trail down to Ruby Beach.
Among the Cedar trees
Throwing rocks into the ocean and searching for crab shells.
Love the beautiful rock formations along the coast in the Pacific Northwest. Ruby Beach does not disappoint.
The rain cannot keep people away from this beautiful beach.
The girls found a cozy and dry spot in the roots of an old fallen tree.
It might be rainging but these adorable people still love to get out and play in the rain.
Blackberries are starting to come out on the Peninsula.
Love that Pacific Ocean
Sisterly love!

After a good hour playing in the rain on Ruby Beach we had to continue on our way so that we could make it home at a decent time. We drove in the rain and took in all of the beautiful green around us. Our drive took us through Forks, Washington… a little town made famous by those vampire movies… oh what were they called???  Oh yeah… Twilight. I was never a fan so this didn’t mean much to me, but it was interesting to see how much the town had grown since the movies made them famous.

The biggest Rubber Ducky I have ever seen lives in Port Angeles!
The remainder of our trip was quiet and peaceful. We took the ferry home and hen snuggled down for a cool and rainy night. We may not be all that spontaneous anymore, but when do have the opportunity to do so, its worth every single moment!

Beautiful Afternoon at the Park

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The sun has been out and despite a few clouds in the sky, its been warm and beautiful. So Shaun and I packed up a picnic basket and we headed to one of our favorite parks for some lunch and play time. The day was perfect and the ducks were out in full force. Abby and Ellie made a few freinds too! Ducks friends that is.
I love Seattle and days like this just enforce my love for this place. I love the rain but I also love that it made me appreciate the sunny and beautiful days even more.

Happy Mother’s Day 2014

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Happy Birthday to all of the beautiful mama’s out there! Every day you should be celebrated but enjoy this extra special time with your little ones (whether they are newborn or have little monkey’s of their own).
To my mama, thank you so much for showing me how to be the mother I am today. Your endless love and support is contagious. Thank you for picking me up when I fell, for teaching me the important life lessons, and showing unconditional and sometimes tough love. Thank you for your sacrifices and selflessness. Thank you for understanding the craziness of this mama’s life and appreciating even the small amounts of time we get to talk. Like a true friend, we can always pick up where we left off. You are amazing and I am so happy that I can call you mom. Love you!

To the little monkey’s that made me a mama, I love you both in a way that I cannot describe in words. I didn’t know I could be so lucky in life until I met your daddy and both of you were born. Thank you for teaching me patience (and goodness knows I have to be very patient with you at times), for showing me love, showing me how to smile and laugh at the little things in life and for letting me live life through your bright and intelligent little eyes. I learn something new every day because of you! Thank you for letting me be your mommy! I love you both so much!

Fremont Troll, Gas Works Park and More Vomit

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Everyone woke up feeling better this morning, so we took it easy and then head out to see some of the sights. Abby and Ellie really wanted to show Grandpa and Grandma the Fremont Troll, so that is where we headed. 
There is a lot to see in Seattle, but the Fremont Troll is pretty cool. A special little spot in an artsy side of town. The girls love it and it was the perfect day to go with very few people around.
HEY YOU GUYS!!!!

Ellie through in a little wave too!  Come and get me!

Grandma Denise and the Fremont Troll.

Such a fun and unique place to visit.

Doing a bit of exploring with Daddy.

One, singular sensation every little step they take! TADA!

After the trip to the Fremont Troll, we decided that it was a perfect and sunny day to head over to Gasworks Park. This park has gorgeous views of the city and a unique history all of its own. If you would like to learn about it, please click here. Its a pretty cool place and certainly busy when the sun is out.

Many of the buildings still stand and make this park so interesting.

Perfect day and a gorgeous skyline

Watching all of the boats, DUCKS and birds.

What mom???  Enough with the pictures all ready!

GasWorks and Kite Hill. Perfect day to enjoy.

Playing and exploring as per usual.

We enjoyed our time at Gas Works, but unfortunately as we walked around Grandma Denise started to feel yucky so we packed up the car and headed back to our house. By then time we reached our house, it was obvious that now Grandma Denise had what Ellie and I had. She was miserable and what made it worse was the fact that they have to leave in the morning to travel back to Bozeman. Not the way I wanted them to end their anniversary trip, at all.

Exploring Pikes and Some New Places

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Now that I am back to work, time is a limited commodity. When we do have the weekend to ourselves, we head out to find some fun things to do and spend the time together. Today we decided to be tourists in Seattle and check out Pike’s Market and then discover the Fremont Troll. 
Pike’s market was fun but a little busy. The rain kept the crowds away, but it also meant that everyone spent time inside the market and off of the streets. We would have been fine had we not decided to use the stroller. Pushing that thing through a very crowded Pike’s Market was a blast! We survived and still had a wonderful time. The girls even enjoyed a trip to one of the stores to buy some beautiful fans. One in pink and one in purple of course!
I love the old signs down in the market.
The name speaks for itself.
The rain let up so it was out to the streets to check out the shops.

After the market we decided to find another Seattle treasure, the Fremont Troll. This spot would be new for all of us and I was very excited for the girls to see him. Fremont is a very artsy and free-spirited If you have never heard of the Fremont Troll you can learn a little more about him here and here.

While the girls found him to be a bit intimidating at first (it was pretty dark and gloomy by the time we got to him) they soon warmed up and wanted to play and explore. You can climb to the top and explore all around the troll and they certainly got a kick out of it. Once again the rain kept people away, so it was nice to explore without the crowds. Score another one for the Wharton’s!

Daddy, Abby and Ellie hanging out with the troll.
Walking under the George Washington Memorial Bridge, AKA the Aurora Bridge, on Troll Street

Christmas Lights

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Tonight we piled ourselves into the car, the girls in their jammies, with some yummy treats and drove all over the city see some Christmas lights. Just like most cities, Seattle has a Candy Cane Lane which was adorable and well done. Its located in some of the older neighborhoods near the University so the homes that were decorated had a lot of the old Seattle charm. Several other neighborhoods tout some spectacular lighting displays and we took a peek at those as well. 
Searching for Christmas lights has become a Wharton tradition with the girls. I am glad that even though we have moved away from California and the San Fernando Valley we can still carry on with those traditions. Makes my heart warm and puts a huge smile on my face. The girls eventually fell asleep, which allowed Shaun and I to enjoy a quiet drive too. It was a simple night but one we enjoyed very much.
Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane
One of several neighborhoods near Green Lake all decked out for Christmas

Christmas Tree Trimming

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Our tree was chosen, washed and placed in the house. Now its time to trim it with all of our lovely ornaments. The girls were very excited to help out, although they refused to let me take pictures of them after the first few. Oh well, I have the memories in my mind as well! What a fun night together as a family!
Always the comedian! Don’t fall Shaun!
Our beautiful star is on top of the tree! Now to decorate!
Ellie puts her first ornament onto the tree!
Abby has her first ornament for the tree too!
This was the last picture I was allowed to take. Abby did such a great job placing the ornaments onto the tree. She was so gentle and took time to think about where she wanted them. Boy she is growing up!
Our little tree all done up! Its so much fun to finally have a real tree in the house.

Shaun’s 36th Birthday

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Happy 36th Birthday Shaun! Happy Birthday to the best husband, father and friend anyone could ask for. We certainly hope that you enjoyed your day and evening out with the cutest girls on earth. Love you very much and again… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Dinner out at Azteca with endless coloring for Ellie.
Ready for tacos at Azteca! Abby’s favorite!
Oh that little head and that rug burn. Its a goof thing she has a cup of lemonade to make life better.
WAIT… THE CAKE IS ON FIRE!
Goofy Daddy surrounded by his super silly girls. Love the hat Shaun!
Silly Daddy… thats not how you put the candles out!
Silly Abby… that’s not how you wear your hat!
Cake mouth!
MMMMMMMMMM CAKE!

Found A Tree!!

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Its official, we found our Christmas tree! Here it is! OK so this isn’t its finest hour at the moment, but its a beautiful tree and I cannot wait to get it home, cleaned up and decorated. 
Have I mentioned that this is our first real, not artificial, Christmas Tree since Shaun and I were married? Yep, we have had a fake tree every year. Most of the time its because we were traveling after Christmas and didn’t want the worry about the care of the tree while we were away but this year we aren’t going anywhere! So excited. It smells amazing!