Tay had the "Polar Express" show on Saturday, and all went well. She danced, and sang so beautifully, and we were extremely proud. She had such a big, exhausting day, performing in 2 shows, pretty much back to back, that she woke up on Sunday with a fever, and throwing up! We love our girly girl!
She was a North Pole Fairy
And, she was also a Winter Wonderland Eskimo.
Although Christmas is fast approaching, I feel so busy, that we haven't done much to get into the Holiday Spirit. We put up our little tree again this year. We wanted either a real one, or a big, fancy one, but, I'm glad we decided against it. Our 1 year old monster has already knocked it over twice, and broken numerous ornaments. Oh well, maybe next year. . .
Last week at church, Rohnie got his fingers smashed in the big, heavy, weighted door leading to his classroom. It was kind of a bad injury. Jake had to take him home, because he was causing quite a scene in primary. The picture above, is what it looked like the day after he did it. It got progressively worse after this, and by Friday, it was swollen, and all purple, and hurt him really bad. So, I took him into the Dr., and they drained all of the fluid, and gave him am antibiotic.
And, now, it looks like this. Much better. He still might lose his nail though. He thinks that might be kinda cool.
Last Saturday, Taylee was able to perform at WinterFest in Seattle. Here's her little Ballet group all dressed up. She is performing in her studio's Holiday Show, "Polar Express" on this coming Saturday. She is doing a ballet number, as well as a song and dance number. We have been rehearsing for months, and although I am excited to see her perform, I will be glad when it's over! She is just loving it though, and that makes all this money, and time worth it. She will be our little star, for sure!! I went to Wyoming last week to my Grandpa's funeral. Tristan and I flew out early Monday morning to Denver, where my sister, Natali lives. Then, on Tuesday, we drove from Denver to Bridger Valley, where the services were being held, and where I grew up. It was a crazy trip. Very fast, and packed full of stuff to be done, and people to see. But, I'm so glad that I was able to go. All of us sang at the funeral, and I was grateful for the chance to take part, and see many dear friends, and family. I have been gone from the country for so long, that the small town seemed very foreign to me. It's crazy how fast I have become a city gal. Because I was mainly chasing around my vivacious 17 month old, I didn't snap as many pictures as I should have. But, here are a few to commemorate the occasion.
This beautiful floral arrangement sat on top of the casket. It included some driftwood, and one of my Grandpa's old stirrups from a worn, favorite saddle.
The pallbearers placing the casket.
My uncles, John, and Rick, placing their boutonnieres on the arrangement.
I thought this casket represented my Grandpa well. They did a great job of picking it out.
My brother, Ben, dedicated the grave. It still makes me cry to look at this picture.
Ben's wife, Heidi, and their youngest boy, Austin. She is having their 5th boy in March!
2 of Grandpa's dearest, oldest friends paying respect.
This is my favorite picture. My Grammie, and my sister, Holly.
Ben, Grammie, Holly, and my mom.
We attempted to get a group photo at the Cemetery. This is sooo not everybody, though. It was freezing! I often forget what those Wyoming natives have to deal with in the winter. Wind, more wind, and frigid temps.
I thought this was a pretty picture of my Grammie smiling, while talking to friends.
I tried to get a good picture of Mom and Dad. This is the best I got. Dad's behind those 2 women, I promise!
We stayed in Lyman, (my rival town) in a hotel owned by my cousin. The picture, above, is of Nat's baby, Benson, eating on the bed. So adorable! Though the Motel wasn't 5 Stars, by any means, it was just fine. Natali and I stayed in one room, together, with our babes. What we thought wouldn't too bad of a scenario, ended up being kind of a nightmare. With 2 light sleepers, the boys kept waking each other up all night. We were glad to get them home in their own beds!
Tristan chillin' on Natali's couch before we we left to come home. 
My Grandpa Taylor died last week, the day after Thanksgiving. He was a great many things, but, his most memorable attribute, was that he was a "True Wyoming Cowboy." He had many loves. His greatest loves included my Grammie, his beautiful wife of 58 years, horses, Bronc riding, cattle, ranches, Wyoming countryside, cowboy poetry, cattle dogs, his 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and his Savior. I spent entire summers on my Grandparent's ranch in Lonetree, Wyoming, and these were some of the best memories from my childhood. Though I never worked beside him, like my parents, and my brothers did, I witnessed his hard working ethic day in and day out. He awoke at dawn, and didn't come in until dusk. He put me on my first horse, bare back, as a young child, and let me drive a car on the ranch when I was 12. His last words to us were always "Be careful." He knew the dangers of the world, and worried about us when we stepped out of his protective barriers. Although I will miss you, Grandpa, I know that you are where you should be, with our Brother. And, I look forward to the day when we meet again.
