Taylor's 8th birthday

What a milestone and bitter sweet day. I can hardly believe that my oldest is 8 years old. I found myself reminiscing all day long about the day she was born, bringing her home from the hospital, being so clueless as a first time mom, her first day of kindergarten, her first steps, all of the wonderful memories. I can honestly say that Taylor is such a joy to have in our family. She still loves to help and is very nurturing, her brothers absolutely adore her. She loves playing things such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones at recess. And her latest thing is apparently if the lines on the inside of your hands make a W you are a werewolf and if it makes a V you are a vampire. Sounds like someone has introduced Twilight to her. FYI me, her, Chase, Talan, Easton and Cort are all vampires.

Taylor at 5 months


Some of Taylor's favorite things at the age of 8
Favorite food: crab legs (YUM! One of my favorites too!)
favorite thing to do: play outside and tumbling
favorite scripture story: When Jesus comes to the Americas
favorite subject in school: math
favorite place to go: the beach
favorite thing to do with your mom: pedicures
favorite thing to do with your dad: go to basketball games
favorite things to do with brothers: skate outside

Taylor's birthday was a busy one. I met her at her school for lunch, which is a tradition for us. I loved being there and seeing her in her element. Taylor's friends always make sure you feel the love too, welcoming me with lots of hugs and hellos.

It was a extra early out day from school on her birthday, which was nice cause then we got to spend more of the day with her. She also had her first day of Activity days that day. Her wonderful leader took all the girls for ice cream for her birthday following the activity. Taylor came home BEAMING! I asked her how it was, what did you do? etc. etc. She said they made flowers for the mother daughter activity next month. Taylor told me when they started making it she thought in her head "oh no, I don't know how to do make these." But then Sister Spencer helped her and "then everything was okay." I love the way her mind works and the way she talks.
After her activity Chase and Taylor skated around the neighborhood for a bit, and then we all came in for presents and cake. Taylor wanted a sun cake this year for her birthday because they are learning about the solar system in school right now and she is fascinated by it. So Cort made this little beauty. She loved it.

Opening presents. I love how all the boys are lined up and hovered around her.

Taylor with her American girl doll bed we gave her for her birthday, that Cort made for her. Once again she loved it and I can't say I blame her, who wouldn't!

She wanted to go to Cheesecake factory for her big birthday dinner where she ordered a salad. She is getting to be so grown up. I would of never ordered a salad when I was in 2nd grade, I hardly do now.

Getting sung too

How cute is this kid! If I didn't know better I would think it was Chase. Funny thing is I am starting to notice that the things Easton is interested in is the same things as Chase at that age. He loves balls and anything associated with them. Chase was out playing basketball earlier today and Easton was his little shadow and would squeal whenever Chase made a basket.

After dinner we gave her some options of things she wanted to do. She came up with one of her own, she wanted to go home and run through the sprinklers in her swimsuit. Done and done. While we watched them all run around like mad in the dark that night, I told Cort you know this is what she is going to remember about her 8th birthday, running around in the sprinklers in the dark. It was a great memory in the making. We then all took turns racing down the street to help us dry off. That night I learned that Taylor is a really fast little runner, not that I am, but I had to really push myself to beat her!

I can't believe how fast the last 8 years have gone by. It makes me realize how fast the next 8 will go. I couldn't be more proud of the girl Taylor is. She is thoughtful, loyal, helpful, and sweet. She is for the most part always happy and can play with anyone and have a good time. She has the sweetest little testimony and loves to bear it whenever she gets the chance. She is doing amazing with her gymnastics and I am enjoying watching her grow and learn and become the person she is suppose to be. Happy birthday to our Taylor!