Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween 2010!
Peyton and Ryker as Phineas and Ferb...
2 brothers that are best of buds, super creative, and full of mischief??
Yup!

The first and last time I make a cake that calls for fondant

Marshmallow Frankenstein's covered in chocolate

Mummy pizzas

We "painted pumpkins" this year, went "trick or treating" in the rain (oh, yes- we did!)
and Peyton told me it was the best day of his life so far...

so, yeah... Happy Halloween!

Summer fun

Super Summer fun!

The Taggart clan at the pool, Rykster is in the gorgeous (and single :) ) Marcia's arms, and Peyton is riding on grandpa.

What are some of the perks of having grandparents that live so close???

Well, besides Sunday dinner's I don't have to cook, lots of babysitting help, all the extra love and attention.... There is THE POOL

I am currently so sunburned that even my hair hurts! But boy, oh boy, look at the smiles on my boys faces!

Ryker has graduated from the high chair to the table!

Perks include: eatting off his brother's plate, being able to get down by himself whenever he feels he is "done". Feeding himself, and throwing food on the floor from a "new spot" in the kitchen!

For your enjoyment

For your enjoyment, here is the latest note the hubby got from a top notch citizen inside our jail....
I laughed so hard at this!!

P.S. Mark did break his glasses... :)

A bit about the boys...

A little bit about the Rykster--
In addition to being a super stud- he loves to follow mom around in the kitchen- his favorites include opening and closing the dishwasher soap tray- and then laughing.

And sweeping the floor... Which to my delight, he will do FOREVER- I can get so much done myself, if I just get out the broom and hand it over!



Ryker thinks he is super cool- and always has to have his feet up- just chillin.

This one is just funny- When Peyton was Ryker's age he was obsessed with shoes- loved them! And would always put on everyone's shoes. But my opposite baby- always takes them off and throws them- then pulls his socks off with his teeth!

Now, for a bit about the Peytonater!
He's 4 going on 40. Totally the boss. This kid has a super fun life- if I do say so myself...
He is very specific and always tells us EXACTLY what he wants...
"I would like to go to the park. The one with the twirly slide"
"I think we should go swimming. Right now."
"I want cheerios with a little milk and a muffin..."

Anything else??

Peyton loves to wear his sunglasses, so he is just like dad.
He is also, while super sweat- a super spaz!
(this one, I'll admit, comes from mom...)

Swim lessons in April was perfect!
Now we are all ready for an awesome summer!

Swim lessons!

We signed Peyton up for swim lessons at the Bountiful Rec center with his buddy Carson!
(side note-- totally the way to go! Having a friend made each of them more comfortable and gave me my best friend to chat with while the kids swam!)

It was an awesome 5 weeks for Peyton

Best buds- Carson and Peyton!
Click here for the awesome beach towel backpack tutorial I used to make the boys their own backpacks!

Ta Da! Now we're ready for summer!

In other news, Mark had shoulder surgery- yup- he's doing great!
But I had to share this pic of him "out cold" after surgery!
Just because :)



Love you honey!

Peyton turns 4

I'm quite behind on the blogging- I know.
We've been so busy with everyday life...

I wanted to share some of the fun from Peyton's awesome birthday party!
We went to Boondocks- mostly for convenience and fun, but it also turned out to be pretty affordable!
I didn't know I was starting a "cool creative cake" tradition when I made Peyton's first fun birthday cake, but apparently, that's what I did. Peyton was very excited about choosing his cake and helping mom decorate it. This year it was all about the "Rocket ships!"
After I had finished the cake, I was still looking at it critically and scowling- wanting to make it better... Peyton grabbed my hands and said "Mom, just stop! It's awesome!!"
So with that- who cares if it was really perfect- it was perfect to Peyton!






In an effort to make my life more difficult (but fun) I made every guest an "I'm a blast!" t-shirt and wrist bands!

Now, I know I'm partial because I'm his mother... but Peyton is truly the sweetest boy ever! All he wanted was to be with his friends, he was amazingly gracious and thankful, and by the end of the day- Mark and I were so overwhelmed with how amazing our 4 year old is! No tantrums, no crying- just pure joy at how awesome his birthday was!
And, at the end of the day, he said " Mom, next time it's Ryker's turn for a birthday!"
Ooooh, I just love this kid!

Peyton's gift from Mom and Dad was this amazing Wal-mart find- Rocket ship bike (did I stick with a theme or what!!?)

Peyton has been riding his bike non-stop!

We also got to bring cupcakes to Peyton's Preschool to celebrate his birthday- So I thought I would include a pic of how cute these little bugs turned out!
Again, Peyton got to choose! And he wanted bugs... so bugs is what he got!

New portraits-

Sometimes I go on "craft binges" - Last week was one of those times!
Anytime I can find cute ideas for little boys I jump right to it! (there are always ideas for little girls-)
We made all sorts of fun projects- until Mom was completely worn out!
I found these amazing tutorials for creative T-shirts here
Using a bleach pen, craft paint, embroidery floss, and freezer paper- my boys now have 4 new shirts each- all for only $30 TOTAL!
So we went and had portraits taken to showcase their super cute new T's. But, you know how it goes.... we got some cute pics at first and then after an outfit change- Ryker just couldn't take it any longer and just had to sit down and cry- so the portraits only showcase 1 shirt! But the few we got turned out pretty great!
Now that Ryker has some actual hair- I was so so so so happy to see that it is blonde super curls-just like Peyton! And Peyton turns 4 next month (holy moly!) so it was time for some updated pics anyway!

As a side note- the Rykster totally HATES flip flops, he cried for a good while after I put them on him, just pointing at his feet and wailing! I kept showing him Petyon's shoes (P.T. LOVES flip flops...) and saying "look! There just like your brother's!" until he finally calmed down...

Now I'm off to (finally) get some housework done! Can you say "Laundry!?"

When I get a chance I will blog some pictures of all the T's, and other super crafts that have kept us busy!