Tag: Family

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!

Ray D. Prueter Library Anniversary

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This evening Shaun, myself and Abby headed down to Port Hueneme and attended a dedication ceremony for the 20th Anniversary of the Ray D. Prueter Library. For those who did not know, my grandfather, Ray Prueter, was the mayor of Port Hueneme for twelve years during the 1960’s and 70’s. When the new Port Hueneme Library was built in 1989 they dedicated it and named it after my grandfather, who was very passtionate about education and loved to read. It seems like so long ago, but I remember being at the opening and dedication ceremony, therefore it only seemed right to be there for the deciation again, 20 years later and to represent the Prueter family.

Dama Hanks, one of my grandparents closest friends and my honorary grandmother had the opportunity to be there as well. She was joined by her daughter, Dama Lou whom I have known since birth. It was wonderful to see them both and share this special moment with them. Dama was able to get up and read a a letter from my grandmother, who could not attend and I am so very thankful she did that. The loss of my grandfather in 2007 seemed to hit me hard at that moment and I knew I would not be able to speak.

The current Mayor of Port Hueneme giving a certificate of acknowledgment to the current library staff. Most of these ladies have been at the library since it first opened its doors in 1989.

Abby was a great little listener and stole the show at times! I mean, its not surprising right? She is the cutest thing out there, right? Well she is in our eyes, but I guess that is just parental bias. The night was very special and I had the opportunity to talk with many people who are friends of my grandparents or people whose lives they had touched. It was wonderful to meet so many people who knew my grandfather or knew of him and that his name and the hard work he did for the community still lives on and is remembered. It really touches my heart.

Betty Spaghetti

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Tonight was yet another quiet and lovely night. It was an evening spent with family, just enjoying each others company and doing a little bit of celebrating. I wont say who, but Happy Birthday Grandpa Wharton! 🙂 For dinner we enjoyed some yummy spaghetti and Abby loved it! She also made a mess of it, but at this age having spaghetti all over you is cute not inappropriate. Watching her try to eat her spghetti was fun. Abby figured out how to slurp up her spaghetti and well, that made even more of a mess. But no worries, there was a bath waiting for her once dinner was over. Nana Fiona had a little fun and gave Abby a bath in the kitchen sink, which Abby got a kick out of. After a bath, Abby played with James and Sammy while mommy and daddy relaxed. What a great evening.

Lazy Labor Day

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Our Labor Day weekend was pretty uneventful. Most of it was spent being lazy, doing chores and hanging out with the Wharton Family on Sunday night. It was so nice to have three days to hang out with one another. Abby had the chance to see Patrick, Fiona, Brittany and James for the first time in a little while. Grandpa had the wagon all cleaned up for her, which allowed her to wheel around a bit in the front yard and mingle with their neighbor, Jim and Maxine. All in all it was a wonderful weekend!

Hollywood Bowl…

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As a birthday gift to Zoe, we went to the Hollywood Bowl tonight to see Herbie Hancock perform. It was certainly a night that I was looking forward to. Herbie Hancock would be performing with classical pianist Yang Yang as a fusion of jazz and classical piano. I was wondering how this would turn out and after that fact, I can say it was wonderful! They played backed by the LA Philharmonic and I couldnt have asked for anything better. To add to our evening… Jackie and Emerson came with us! It was a perfect night!

The show opened with the LA Phil playing the Marriage of Figaro, which was wonderful and better then I expected! When Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang came out to perform afterward, it was a wonderful piece that I was fairly unfamiliar with, but it was beautiful. The sounds mixed together were amazing and the blend of classical and jazz piano blended very well! Because this piece was longer then most, intermission followed and then Act Two began.

Act Two was my favorite! The LA Phil opened with Leonard Bernstein’s “Mambo” from West Side Story and there was a bit of audience participation with that! Both Yang Yang and Herbie Hancock had the chance to play a few solo’s as well as a few dueling piano pieces. It was great! They of course closed with one of my facorite’s, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. INCREDIBLE! Unlike anything I have ever heard! There isnt much I can say… you just had to be there. It was an amazing way to close the show.

However, as an encore for those peopls who didnt rush off, Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang brought out a special guest, Josh Groban! How amazing! He was excellent and of course has a beautiful voice live. To finish the night, Herbie Hancock and Yang Yang played a medly of Gershwin Themes!

The night was perfect and even though it took a while to get home due to traffic, fun was had by all! It was great to have the chance to talk, laugh and enjoy each others company.

A Relaxing Sunday

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After our wonderful date night, Shaun and I woke up earlier then we really wanted to pick up Abby from Grandma Zoe’s house. Sunday was going to be yet another scorcher so we had made plans to head down to the beach and visit with Aunt Fran… Abby’s Great Aunt. Let me tell you, everyone else had the same idea! Traffic wasn’t great but we did make it to Fran’s house in Pacific Palisades eventually.

We decided to head out for brunch, but the trick was to find a place that wasn’t crowded by everyone. A cafe that Fran had in mind was not open for some reason, so we headed to a small little place called the Lazy Daisy. I highly recommend it! Their breakfast was excellent and it very cozy! If you need to find it, its on Pico in Santa Monica. As for the detailed directions, don’t ask because I cant remember! The potatoes they served were amazing! I need to figure out the recipe… I guess this means time to experiment in the kitchen.

The day was perfect! It was a gorgeous 75 degrees in Santa Monica and a wonderful ocean breeze was blowing. Couldn’t have asked for a better day and it was so wonderful to see Fran again! I hated to have to come back to the valley where it was 102! But its OK, on our way home we stopped at Babies R Us and we purchased some new clothing for Abby and an adorable new bathing suit! I cant wait to take her to the beach or the pool and have her wear it! I am sure there will be plenty of that to come soon. Until then enjoy these pictures!

Abby was enjoying playing with her snacks and trying scrambled eggs for the first time… She loved them by the way! I know shes not supposed to actually play with her food, but who can say no to that face! I am sure I will eventually!

Auntie Fran enjoying Abby’s cute little feet… I certainly cant resist them either.
Auntie Fran enjoying a little talk with Abby… check out the thunder thighs on my little girl!

Happy 4th of July!!… A few days late.

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Before I say anymore… I have to remind everyone that on July 1st, Abby turned 9 months old. Can you believe it?? I really feel like time moves faster as each day goes by. Its a little nuts if you ask me, but I guess its something that parents have to get used to.

The 4th of July was a pretty quiet and relaxing day. Time was spent with family and friends but we also had the chance to spend some time together; just Shaun, myself and Abby. Abby had the chance to try some new foods and boy was it an adventure. She had her first taste of mashed potatoes and boy was she in heaven! Abby loved them but more importantly, she loved picking them up in her fingers and playing with them. Mommy also had the bright idea of letting Abby try to eat her peaches with a spoon from her bowl… HA! As you can see that turned out to be a mess. Luckily, we had time to take a bath before we had to be anywhere!


After a well deserved bath, we headed off to Zoe’s house to watch some 4th of July fireworks. Shepard of the Hills church in Porter Ranch puts on a very nice fireworks show and it seems to be quite popular with the locals in that area of the valley. Luckily Zoe’s house sits up in the hills of Porter Ranch and the area in front of her house is still a dirt lot, for now, so we had a fairly unobstructed view. Emerson, Jackie, Matthew, Jacob and Emily all came up as well to enjoy the show and I have to say that it was nice to finally spend some time with them. Emily has grown so big! The fireworks were received with mixed emotions when it came to Emily and Abby. Both of the girls were celebrating their first 4th of July. Emily didn’t seem all that pleased with the noise while Abby was completely engrossed with what was going on. Its amazing how different babies can be! I have to say that it was a fun night had by all!


While its fun to celebrate, watch fireworks and eat great food please don’t forget the reason we are celebrating. As citizens of this wonderful country we may not always see eye to eye or have the same views, but instead of yelling and screaming at each other lets remember how wonderful it is to be able to share those differences with one another and express who we are. Lets honor our freedom, our independence and the beauty that is America… God Bless America! To everyone out there… Happy 4th of July!

Montana Adventures 2009 Part One *UPDATED*

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Hello From Montana! Abby and I made another trip on our own to visit with my parents. We certainly wish that Shaun could be here, but its hard to pull away from work at the moment. Next time I suppose!

Abby and I left on Monday June 22nd and drove all the way from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. A lot of people out there would think that is nuts, but I am pretty used to it. We took our time, stopping often for diaper changes, food and a chance to stretch our legs and all in all it was a very uneventful trip. That is always a good thing if you ask me! The scenery wasn’t too bad either! The desert wasn’t too hot and central Utah was green and you could still see snow on some of the mountain tops. Our stay in Salt Lake City was nice as well and Abby cooperated! After a nice long bath and a big bottle, she went right to sleep and did not wake up until I was ready to leave in the morning. I finally had the chance to get some much needed sleep and pack up our belongings.

Today (well based on the time its now Wednesday but we will pretend its still Tuesday the 23rd), Abby and I drove from Salt Lake City to Bozeman where my family lives. Once again the drive was pretty uneventful and absolutely beautiful. Driving from Rexburg, Idaho up into the mountains was green and everything seemed to be in bloom. The day was so clear that you could see the Tetons, which had quite a bit of snow on them still. Its not often that I get to see them from the western perspective.

When we arrived in Bozeman, I unpacked the car and just relaxed for a bit. One of my fathers coworkers, Della, bought a few items for Abby. One of them was a cute farm toy that Abby took to instantly. Now grandma and grandpa have a few toys for their house when Abby comes to visit! Then after running a few errands with Abby, Jillian and my mom, we sat down for a nice dinner and then began talking about the next few days… yup you guessed it… in Yellowstone! I am beyond excited and cannot wait to get away to one of my favorite places.

Here are a few pictures from our trip up. If you would like to see more, Click here! for a slide show!

Time Marches On….

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Time marches on and Abby is growing so fast. I cant believe she is 7 and a half months now! Where does all of the time go? Abby is growing into quite the personality. She is more and more expressive each day and I definitly think she will be the little talker. She has mastered the words BA BA and MAMA, although I cant say they are first words because she babbles them all the time and cant place a meaning to them. We are getting there though! Lets not rush it though!

At times some of the babble sounds like she is singing a song that she has made up in her head. Sometimes shell just tilt her head to the side and give you a sweet little look when you are talking sweetly to her. She seems to love music and when a song comes on TV, when I turn on music or she makes her “exisaucer” play Old McDonald… she tilts her head back and forth and bounces around. Its way too funny. She laughs and giggles a lot not, especially reacting to something you might say or do. So much personality!

Abby is also on the move. She isnt crawling just yet, but shes almost there. She gets her hands and knees underneath her and starts rocking back and forth. On a few occaisions she has been able to move and scoot forward a bit, but currnetly she is stuck with her gears in reverse! No worries though, shell find that forward button before we know it. And I am sure at that moment we will be wishing that she wasnt crawling!

She may not be crawling but if you give her the opportunity, she certainly tries her hand at standing and walking. Abby is a very stronger little girl and with some help she will pul herself up and stand on those chubby little legs of hers. I think that even if we get her crawling, she wont do it for long! She is ready for bigger and better things although I certainly dont want to rush this one either!

On top of it all, isnt that the cutest dress??!! I love it and she looks absolutly adorable in it! It was quite the steal too! I think it was only $15 at Old Navy. Boy am I biased mom! More to come!