Taylor Family Reunion on Parenting.

Taylor Family Reunion

This year we celebrated our Taylor Family Reunion in Carrolton GA. Kevin wasn't so sure about the outing when I told him we all had to wear matching shirts!




He rebelled for a short time, but then he gave in!




This is everyone hearing our instructions on the scavenger hunt.



This was Emily's first reunion as well. She also took a little time to decide whether or not she wanted to be a part of this clan.



I tried to protect her from everyone. But with a family like mine...this can seem near impossible




For clarification...my uncle Dewayne, the one in the underwear outerweared, was responding with true Taylor class to the first item on our scavenger hunt which was a picture with Uncle Dewayne and his underwear.



Another item on the scavenger hunt was a picture with a reptile. We found a snake!



We also had to have a picture of a mallard. There was also a picture of my Dad kissing a park ranger but for the protection of his reputation I am not including this photo.



Another item was a picture with a bunny. We searched high and low but could not find a bunny. So I invited myself to a couples birthday party for their daughter and asked if they has any toy bunny's. I found one on this box. Sadly...in spite of my creativity and ingenuity...we did not receive credit for this item!



Here is Dad in a pyramid. Another item on the list.



And me swinging on a tire swing.



Dad standing beneath an arch



Me standing in a trailor



We had lots of fun.. and tied for second to last place!

Below is a picture of Aunt Kathy, which i politely had to prompt her to open her eyes.



She obliged me quite well!



Here are three of our little ones. David, Melanie, Kevin & I were the only brave ones to bring our little ones this year. Hopefully next year there will be more playmates!



Until then, Emily will show her personality in ways only she can!



These two are only two months apart. Can you tell? Who do you think is the oldest? (Christian)



Here is everyone eating our low country boil. If you look closely...Melanie is about to scream because this is my 500th group shot!

:)



Here is a picture of uncle J and aunt Aggie.



Here is another shot after I reminded them to look like they love each other!



Here is the notorious "event" where we dress up honored guests. This year it was Aunt Aggie, Aunt Kathy & Aunt Judy's birthdays!

In case you are wondering... that is wrapping paper they are dressed up in!



Here is Uncle Dewayne wondering....did I really put my underwear on the outside of my pants?



More of the silly ladies!



Here is Mom, Dad, Emily and a tootsie pop!



Here are Mom and Dad, Christian and Emily all enjoying their time together.



The Two brothers! Oldest and Youngest.



We took several walks while at the reunion. I use to walk the trails all the time as a young girl. it was net to share with my new little family.











More eating...This time it was burgers and all the fixins'



What a smile!



All three of them...occupied by the ice cooler!



More group shots.






Daddy and daughter!



More great smiles!













Kevin and I took a trip to Atlanta to go the The High Museum of Art. We had a great time.














After the reunion...we weren't sure Kevin would ever be the same!




We had a great time and are truly grateful to John, David, Melanie, Aunt Aggie, Uncle J, and all of those who put forth so much work to make it a successful reunion.

We look forward to next years reunion and more crazy, Taylor fun!

10 purposes of parenting

Many times a life of parenting can become overwhelming. I found this list very encouraging and wanted to share it, hoping you would find it an encouragement.

10 purposes of parenting

1. To model Jesus

2. To pray for our children daily.

3. To demonstrate a life of integrity.

4. To set safe and appropriate boundaries.

5. To be a student of our children's world.

6. To promote our childrens unique interests.

7. To encourage a passionate desire for truth.

8. To respect their abilities and self determination.

9. To influence their beliefs, rather than control their behaviors.

10. To shape their environment, because it will influence their hearts.

Taken From Parenting without Perfection by David Seel Jr.

trip to wakula springs

Another trip we took this summer was to Wakula Springs. Before we went to the springs, we actually went to a science museum where the kids were able to touch and feel marine life!

I think Christian really enjoyed seeing the marine life move around.

Here is Emily holding a crab!

Aunt Mindy & Tyler also experimenting with the marine world!

I am not sure if you can see...but Christians shirt and face are both wet...you may be asking how did that happen? Papa. Papa. Papa. Christian were he with his mama would not have had quite an exploratory time. But with Papa, he got to splash and play to his hearts content!

Yuk!

Papa with all of his grands!

Here is a shark that we were able to see. No...we could not touch these!

Here is a picture of our Emily. We went on a boat ride around the springs. It was nearly an hour long and Emily had a great time! Christian took a well deserved nap!

If you look closely you can see there is a crocodile hiding in the bush.

On the trip home, the kids lasted about 15 minutes before they were both sound asleep!

The Smokey Mountains

A quick update. Where have we been?

Not much happened in May. We all got a stomach bug and had to be rescued my Donna, who came in full force with lysol! Mom, Dad, Kevin, Emily & I were all sick. sick. sick. Like Kevin lost 10 pounds and I lost 5!

I turned 31! Ha! Am I over the hill?

In June we went to The Smokey Mountains. I am putting in some pictures below. We had a great time!

Here is Emily at our first rest stop on our way to the smokies. She has just enjoyed an altoid and a cookie!

Here is Christian...also enjoying a cookie

And another cookie!

We split meals when we are in the mountains and this was a picture of the kiddos chowing down!

Here is Emily and her favorite 2nd cousin Olivia. Olivia and Emily have been good pals at each family gathering we have had!

Bubbles are always fun. Of course Emily wants to be the one to make and blow!

This was the cabin we stayed in.

Emily had her first roller coaster ride!

Gigi And Papa enjoying their grandkids!

The three of us!

Can you tell we are related?

Unlce Chris & Ty having fun with the race cars.

Three generations!

Christian's first roller coaster ride!

Emily & Tyler had a blast!

I am not sure who had more fun...us or the kids!

cutie!

cutie tootie!

Mindy & Dad doing their traditional dare devil act. This was one of those like 50 feet high thingys that spins you around around. You know where you could die riding it! I was not a participant!

Backpacking!

Our Little Movie Star

My beautiful family!

Our hiking trail

More hiking trails

Mommy hiking.

My babies minue one! (kevin)

Mommy with the backpack

Emily's turn.

Papa and his little man.

My super cool Dad!

Group Photo

Dad and I hiking. We use to hike a lot more when I was single. it was special to have this time hiking with my family and my Dad!

Christian taking a nap!

Emily getting her own little ride!

Our journey.

The waterfall. This was what we were hiking to.

We were able to walk underneath the falls to a little creek bed

I thought I could get Christian to go swimming.

But he said it was too cold!

Emily did go swimming wihtout her clothes on!

I am not including photos of that!

A beautiful shot!

A handsome group!

Daddy's turn carrying the pack

Papa playing hide n seek

OUr journey home

In addition to our trip to the mountains, Kevin began teaching a series of lectures at the bookshelf, in the art gallery above. This was an attempt to expand his services to include marketing and consulting. I have been very proud of him as he has taken a great leap of faith in pursuing a venture all on his own.