A Taylor Christmas

Tonya surprised Jason with tickets to the UK game so we planned our Hardy/Taylor Christmas around that. It was a sweet deal...Jason got to go to the game and I got to have Syd for the day! The girls had a truly wonderful time! 

We baked.....

I had a little issue with the powdered sugar.....

 we painted ornaments......

 But the best was just the time in between......the sweet cousin time...time to laugh and play...and just be together....

 When Jason and Tonya returned we sat down together for a little Olive garden....

 Then we gathered to open presents....

 All too soon it ended, but we are so thankful we got to see them this Christmas!

Gone away

I met Tonya and Sydney half way to Indianapolis and SK transferred from my car to hers...to stay with them for the weekend. She was beyond excited to spend time with them and so ready to go. I was excited for her....but....I have never in her 6 1/2 years on this Earth been away from her for more than one night.....so I was excited but my heart hurt just a tiny bit too.

But off they went for an amazing weekend!

They went to the book store....the water park...out for pizza and yogurt...played barbies....and saw the Katie Perry movie! What fun!

 But more than anything they got to spend time together...and just be family...and that is the best gift of all! I can't thank Jason and Tonya enough for giving SK just a fun weekend full of love and memories!

She can't wait to go back!

Father's Day

 We got up early our first day at the beach and decorated for Father's day!

 and then the littles hid until Daddy came down for breakfast

and then they all jumped out and said "Happy Father's Day!"

 Lila helped Aunt Tonya and I make breakfast....she was so proud to help!

 I have never spent a fathers day with Jason.....and it was nice to share this one with him.

 We sat around the breakfast table all together and had a big pancake breakfast! It was just nice....

 The beach called our name and we we off....

 It was a beautiful day of family and fun!

 We ran....

 jumped....

 became Mermaid and Mermen....

 Built sandcastles...

 and somehow in the course of the day....as I watched the littles play.....it hit me like a ton of bricks that Riggs is 10....and he is just growing up right before my eyes....so fast....so fast it hurts...

He is just a beautiful boy......

inside......

 and out.....and these nostalgic feelings stayed with me the whole week as I loved having him to myself and not having to see him come and go so much...but rather to just be present with us....

 Right away I also saw how much Syd and Rollins enjoyed each others company....and that just made me smile inside.

 We ended our day by having Fathers Day dinner at Tacky Jacks!

 The drinks were yummy!

 The gator bites were even better!

 and the Dads were happy!

 After dinner we headed over to the docks to let Rolls do a little hermit crave hunting!

 He found 6 in the first 5 minutes and by the time we left we lost count but he was up to 20 something!

Rollins just loves any animals...it's like he is in his element with them....and I love seeing him that happy!

 It was a wonderful first day of Vacation and a very happy Fathers Day! We love you Jeremy and we were so happy to spend the day with you!

A little fall...a lot of family

Fall was in the air today....so with the windows rolled down and hair a blowin' we packed a picnic and headed to Clify Falls State park to meet up with Jason, Tonya and Sydney as well as her mom and step dad...we invited Jeff, Heather, Ryan and Reagan to join us as well. It is just such a treat to be with my brother. He is so full of love and is one amazing daddy!

















I cherish the moments of one on one time that I get with Sydney when the planets align and all four of my children don't need me for a second or two...it warms my heart when she starts a sentence with ...."Aunt Danielle...." I loved her from the moment I knew she was in this world but I love getting to know her!


And even though I see Ryan and Reagan more it was so fun to spend time with them today too! Ryan and Riggs discovered that they have long arms and it was fun to see them just laughing...just being cousins!












and Reagan is just a cutie!


We had the best time hiking...just being outside...being together....blending these families with Jason and Tonya bringing part of their family and Jeremy and I bringing part of ours...and it was easy and so nice.



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It was just a happy day...I hope we can do it again soon!