Easter

We had a week filled with FUN and celebration.

Hannah decorating an Easter craft...well sort of.
The neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. I was bummed Hannah did not find the golden egg to win the big prize. She had fun and did not eat one bite of candy.


Hannah's Easter attire. Playing with bubbles that were in her Easter basket. No pictures of the Easter basket because she would not sit still. She got Annie and a new Bible.
Our friends Wally and Eowyn came over for dinner. It was VERY fun and Hannah and Rhi played very well together.

Pictures

Florida Trip

We took a really quick trip to Florida to run the River Run. I am very proud to say that both Brian and I finished the 15K race with good times. I had so much fun and even got to see a few friends (some planned some unplanned). My time was 1 hr and 32 mins. and that was with what felt like hurricane powered winds:) I loved running into the stadium where everyone was cheering for you. It is probably the closest I'll get to feeling like a professional athlete. We are a little tired and sore, but it was well worth the trip if only to spend a few days with our families together. We hope to make it a yearly event. We didn't bring a camera, but here is a pic from my mom's camera. We miss everyone already! This morning Hannah and I went and picked up her new craft princess table. I'll post those pictures when we get it set up.

Jury Duty

So I have officially been summoned to jury duty. When I got the letter in the mail, I thought, "I'll just tell them I have an 18 month old and I have to take care of her... surely, they will let me off." So, I wrote my excuse and sent it in thinking I wouldn't hear about it again. Then I got the letter back saying my summons was still effective. So, I called thinking, "surely, they will let me off when I explain my situation." Well, apparently there is no way around it. I don't think I was very nice and happy on the phone when I realized I could not get out of it. I persisted with my story to no avail. I was able to get my summons deferred for six months, and she did mention that possibly they might not need me on that particular date. So we will see. My new jury duty date is August 26th. Brian thinks jury duty sounds fun and that I should be looking forward to it:) Maybe so. I feel a little bad about getting annoyed about the situation. I definitely would not want to be the lady who answers the phone for people who have been summoned for jury duty!

Raleigh Exploris Museum

Valentine's Day

We had a great day today. I started by running 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in preparation for the River Run. I mention that because I am really proud of myself. Me and Hannah went to get an oil change at our favorite mechanic's. I was glad we had that scheduled b/c my car didn't start until the sixth try this morning. I guess it is the starter connector (whatever that is). He said I could wait to get it fixed- BUT probably my car won't start one day- so I am going to get it fixed next week. I love my mechanic- WASP automotive. We ate Chick-Fil-A and talked to an amazing woman while we waited. Gwen has been a teacher for 30 years and she was our angel for the day. Hannah loved her and she read and talked to Hannah a bunch. She even gave her a hug good bye. Hannah took a nap while I read the Brothers Karamozov- which is really picking up. I have to confess I skipped a little bit of the book- which I never do. I also did a few chores. For our Valentines dinner we had homemade brocolli cheese soup with ham and cheese sandwiches. I even made the bread for the sandwiches from strach! Then we had a family event and decorated cupcakes. What a great day! Oh yeah and Hannah did not eat one cupcake!

Valentine's Day Smile for Gramzy and Popsy and Nana and Papa

Pictures

So, I am so far behind in the blog that I am not even going to attempt to go over all we have done in the last two months. Here are some links to some current pictures. We also went to New York City. We had a GREAT time, and remembered everything but our camera- so unfortunately I have no pictures of that trip. One note-- Brian started a new job at IBM that he is really excited about!

Christmas: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Christmas
Brian's dad's retirement party in St. Augustine: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/MrTaylorRetirement
Hannah at the beach: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/TheBeach
Travis and Stephanie's wedding: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/TravisSWedding
Cruise to the Bahamas: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Cruise
Snowing in Durham: http://picasaweb.google.com/taylor.mary/Snow

Thanksgiving Holiday

We had such a fun Thanksgiving holiday! Originally we were going to go to Waynesville, but at the last minute we changed plans and my mom and dad and Carla drove up and stayed with us for Thanksgiving- and yes that means that I cooked the Thanksgiving meal. I guess I can't take full credit for it because my mom did a lot of the work. They came up on Wednesday night and we headed to the mall. It was a lot of fun and Hannah had a blast running around and going up and down the escalator and up and down the escalator again and again. Then, Brian, Carla and I went to see Lion for Lambs- very fun! We cooked most of the day Thursday and everything was very tasty. We even had a little Indian food from our Indian friends who came over. I made mac and cheese and sweet potato pie from scratch and I must admit- they were wonderful. On Friday: Mom and Dad drove to Richmond to see family and friends, Carla and I went to a spin class, and Brian installed crown molding in our dining room. In the afternoon, we lounged around and read then helped Brian a little and went shopping. When my parents got home we watched my favorite movie in the whole world- The Family Man- I love that movie. Today, Carla and I went to Muscle Pump after a pancake breakfast and then she watched Hannah while the rest of us went to see a 3D movie at the IMAX theater. Then we had Randy's pizza and watched the game. Who could ask for a better holiday!!!? Everyone leaves in the morning. I will miss then, but I hope to sleep a little tomorrow:)

Sorry, I am soooo bad at taking pictures and don't have any. I might be able to post one if you send me one mom.

Halloween

Brian has learned how to levitate a pumpkin

Fair Photos

Ahhh, what a nice day. The weather has taken a change for the better. I went to an aerobics class this morning. I am on my second load of laundry, the dishes are unloaded, the floors are mopped, the downstairs is vaccuumed, and I have listed a bunch of household items on craigslist. So, here are a few more pics. Danielle, please send us more! We are off to the fair tomorrow for a family fun day:) Oh yeah and I just booked a cruise for January!

New happenings

A few new things have happened in the past week. First, Hannah is officially weaned. It is hard to admit, but I was slightly sad. As much as I have been dreaming of this day, it is proof that our little girl is just going to keep growing. But she still is not drinking any milk. She absolutely refuses. So basically all she drinks all day is watered down apple juice. She has also learned to point. Anything she wants she points at. If she doesn't get it, she throws a fit.

Life in Durham

These pictures are not quite in order, but I will try to comment on each of them.
I took Hannah to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It is wonderful, and on Wednesdays you get in for a donation- which is great because it is normally $11.00. They have a little area for smaller kids. Hannah loved seeing the other kids at the museum.
Hannah with some pretend fish at the museum.
This is part of the outdoor music exhibit.
This is in the butterfly garden. It was AWESOME. We stayed in there a long time and I let Hannah walk around. She really noticed all the butterflies. I think butterflies will be a theme for her. They are all over her new room, which reminds me that we need to take pictures of her new room. She is also going to be a butterfly for Halloween. We'll see how long she keeps the costume on.
This is at the international playgroup I am co-leading with Sarah from New Zealand. There are about 15 moms and children from all over the world. It is a very exciting thing to be involved in. Today we were talking about being moms. It is amazing how universal the role of a mother is. We all have the same joys and struggles. It really is a blessing to be a part of this group. I am looking forward to the rest of the year. We actually had one dad join us today!

This is the flower cake Amie Kay and family sent Hannah for her birthday. She is checking it out.
When we first moved to North Carolina, I was really depressed because there is no Publix here. I have now come to love Harris Teeter. This is Hannah with her free balloon from Harris Teeter. And the thing in her other hand is toilet paper.
This is a picture from the Moms Night In that I hosted at our house. It was super fun. Here everyone is swapping "How I met my husband stories".
Another pic. from the museum. They are working on the dinosaur exhibit, but Hannah still got a kick out of this huge thing.

Another one at the museum.