WARNING: the following post is my longest post yet so pull up a chair and see what a fun July we have had.
JULY 4th WEEKEND
We decided another camping trip was in order, so we packed our gear and headed to the boulder. It was a fun trip and Taytum did great.
Taking a moment to glass the hillsides.
Reaching for me to hold her. Sometimes I feel as if she is glued to my hip and though I would love it if she would just go and explore I'm glad she still wants her momma.
So we went to go on a ride with Uncle Keldon and his Razor. Taytum as you can see was pretty unsure of this but once it got moving she loved it.
Kyle's big catch.
We saw a few deer and bulls this weekend but mostly just got to enjoy being in the outdoors.
Taytum lathering herself up with sunscreen.
Another great camping trip to the Boulder.
We were pretty tired by the time we got home from camping but we got cleaned up and did a few sparklers and pop-its to celebrate then off to bed we did go.
She l0ved the "pop-its" and went through the whole bag pretty quickly.
Happy and blessed to live in such a grand place we call America
Road Trip - July 10th through 18th
Group photo next to this giant Grizzly bear.
Sticking her fingers in the nostrils of this elk statue.
We then continued on and these are my two favorite people in the whole world relaxing and watching TV in the motel after a long day of driving. 
Monday (Day 2)
We walked on the longest floating board walk in the U.S (I think that's what it said). I love how Taytum has to walk with the bigger kids and how they take such good care of her.
We stopped at the beach and kicked back for a few hours while we waited to check in at the house.
She loved the water and rocks so much, we finally stripped her down and just let her go for it. We did this for a good little while.
Throwing rocks, one of her favorite past times.
Later in the day Brian and his family arrived and the kids started playing right away. After dinner they were watching a movie and playing a game.Taytum actually sitting still for a few moments to watch the movie they were watching.
Playing a card game and watching a movie.
Tuesday (Day 3)
Today we got to go to Raptor Reef Waterslide park.
It was so fun and fun to watch Taytum and nephew and nieces in the water.
Daddy and Tayters hitting the slide. We literally did this about a thousand times. She loved and would keep saying "again" so back up we would go.
Mommy and Taytum giving it a try. They did have 3 other bigger slides that we went on but probably spent most of our time in the kiddie area.
So happy and having so much fun in the water and slides. She didn't really mind having the water go over face and had a permanent grin the whole tine.
I think the water slides our a big hit judging by the smile on Jacey's face.
Katie and Jacey enjoying the wade pool.
Kennedy 
Jeremy and Luke having fun on the slide.
Taking a break from sliding to eat a few snacks.
I had to get a picture of the Pike kids because its crazy just how much they grow up when you don't see them everyday.
Jarom
Kirsten
Kimball
Brayden
Ethan
After lunch we went and visited the arcade and played a few games. Taytum got to ride this little carousel. We then packed up and went back to the house. It was a fun day.
Taytum has 2 of these little cars that I bought at the dollar store for something to do while she was buckled in for our long drive and they are her new favorite toys. We still, to this day, don't leave the house without them.
This was the house we stayed in Cour d' alene. It was a fun stay.
Wednesday (Day 4)
Spent the night talking and playing games.
Watching a movie with the kiddos.
Today was more of a relaxing day and here we're getting ready for bed and just talking.
Thursday (Day 5)
Today we took a shuttle bus the "Highway to the Sun" road. It is a popular road that takes you up to Logan Pass. From the shuttle you see the awesome mountain range and many, many waterfalls.
Taytum and Kirsten are chasing each other around while we wait for the bus to take us up the mountain. It's fun to see her play so well with her cousins.
Kyle and Tayters. 
So after a little while on the bus, Taytum saw her Grandpa and wanted to sit with him and soon fell asleep in his arms. Taytum sure likes her Grandpa and if I wouldn't allow her to do something, she would go running to Grandpa and probably get her way.
Jennie, Kimball and Kirsten
Brian and Jarom
At the top of the pass. I wasn't expecting it to be so cold on top and we weren't dressed warm enough but luckily we didn't spend to much time on top. It is absolutely gorgeous and they were only able to cut through the snow to allow buses through 2 day before.
Trying to eat a little bit of lunch before the next leg of our trip, which is down the other side then we had to travel all the way back.
The pictures below are of the beautiful mountain and landscape of Glacier.
The Cowley Clan
The wind was blowing so hard this was the only decent picture we were able to get.
Tuckered out after a long day of sight seeing and being on the bus. On our way back up to the top of the pass, the bus we were on just died on a very narrow road but luckily after a few minutes it started up again and made it to the top but kind of gave us a weird feeling.
Jarom opening some presents from the cousins. Jarom and Taytum's birthdays are only one day apart with Tayters being a year older so we decided to celebrate together with the family.
Grandma Pike got her an Elmo and she has slept with it every night since then.
Ending the celebration with yummy birthday cake. I love how happy Jarom is in this photo. He is definitely excited to be turning one.
Blowing out the candles. I can't believe our little girl is turning 2 soon.
Friday (Day 6):
We we went on a 4 mile hike to Avalanche Falls and Lake and hung around there for the day. This was also our day to cook so we went all out and did hamburgers and hotdogs.
Trying to get a picture of all the cousins together.
Brian and his beautiful family. We sure miss these guys since they live so far away but glad for this chance to spend a week with them and everyone else.
Our great big hiking group. We were missing Angela and Cody and kids on this trip but we hiked a 4 mile path to Avalanche Falls then up to Avalanche Lake.
Checking out Avalanche Falls. Pictures just don't do it justice, there was a lot of water and these were some pretty swift falls.
Avalanche Lake. I will say that I have never seen so many BIG lakes and waterfalls than here in Montana.
Cruising around in the mud. This is the good life.
Playing on a stump. She can make anything into a slide which is her favorite past time.
Girl Power. All the girl cousins sticking together during this break.
Friday night was spent watching the boys play horse shoes. My dad and Brian especially love this game and will play it for hours. My hubby had never played but did very well.
Hungry Horse Dam. This is the 5th largest dam in the U.S.
Our cute little family at the top of Hungry Horse Dam
Very pretty and the water was so still.
Old Glory.
Cousins ranging in age from 10 months to 12 years. Cooper, Jarom, Taytum, Luke, Emree, Kirsten, Jacey, Kimball, Kennedy, Brayden, and Ethan.
The Pike Clan.
Panning for gold.
We stopped and the kids panned for different rocks and minerals and they loved it. We also spent the day in finding a few souvenirs for home.
The last night together with cousins. Though Taytum didn't sleep out with the cousins she got in plenty of time before it was officially time for bed.
This was the house we all occupied in Montana. It was a very large and awesome place to stay. It was a great week all in all and memories that will last. The last night we were there however, Kyle along with 3 others got the stomach flu and we were up all night hearing each other empty their stomachs. I did not get any pictures of our journey home and I drove the 11 hours home myself because Kyle was in no condition to do so. So I'll just say it was a very loooooong drive home between only getting a half hour of sleep and a little one in the back crying "mommy" the whole time. Despite all of that I hope we can do it again soon.
Taytums 2nd Birthday
Since we celebrated with the Pike Family in Montana we celebrated with cake and ice cream with the Paxman clan on Taytum's actual birthday. I went with an Elmo cake this year since she really likes Elmo and my sister had the cake pan. This second year of her life has gone by soo fast. She is no longer a baby but is now a toddler.
Showing off some stuffed animals that she got from her cousins.
JULY 4th WEEKEND
We decided another camping trip was in order, so we packed our gear and headed to the boulder. It was a fun trip and Taytum did great.
Taking a moment to glass the hillsides.
It is so pretty and so much country to see and with the snowfall and rainy weather, everything is so green.
Getting a lift back to the truck.
Getting a lift back to the truck.
Reaching for me to hold her. Sometimes I feel as if she is glued to my hip and though I would love it if she would just go and explore I'm glad she still wants her momma.
So we went to go on a ride with Uncle Keldon and his Razor. Taytum as you can see was pretty unsure of this but once it got moving she loved it.
Kyle's big catch.
We saw a few deer and bulls this weekend but mostly just got to enjoy being in the outdoors.
As only daddy would, he was trying to get Taytum to kiss the fish, which she did.
Taytum lathering herself up with sunscreen.
Another great camping trip to the Boulder.
We were pretty tired by the time we got home from camping but we got cleaned up and did a few sparklers and pop-its to celebrate then off to bed we did go.
She l0ved the "pop-its" and went through the whole bag pretty quickly.
Happy and blessed to live in such a grand place we call America
Road Trip - July 10th through 18th
Sunday (Day 1)
Well our first long road trip. We were meeting up with my whole family and doing some sight seeing in Cour d'alene, Idaho then going on to Glacier National Park in Montana. We will be gone for a whole week, staying in vacation homes and creating many memories.
We decided to head out on our trip on Sunday though we weren't meeting up with anybody til Monday. This way we thought we could split the driving into 2 days if needed but I am so proud of Taytum for she did absolutely wonderful and we were able to make it to our first stop of the road trip which was Cour d' alene, Idaho.
As we were passing Missoula, Montana we saw a sign for the Elk Foundation Museum so we had to stop and look around.
Well our first long road trip. We were meeting up with my whole family and doing some sight seeing in Cour d'alene, Idaho then going on to Glacier National Park in Montana. We will be gone for a whole week, staying in vacation homes and creating many memories.
We decided to head out on our trip on Sunday though we weren't meeting up with anybody til Monday. This way we thought we could split the driving into 2 days if needed but I am so proud of Taytum for she did absolutely wonderful and we were able to make it to our first stop of the road trip which was Cour d' alene, Idaho.
As we were passing Missoula, Montana we saw a sign for the Elk Foundation Museum so we had to stop and look around.
Group photo next to this giant Grizzly bear.
Sticking her fingers in the nostrils of this elk statue.
We then continued on and these are my two favorite people in the whole world relaxing and watching TV in the motel after a long day of driving. 
Monday (Day 2) Today we were meeting up with everybody. We went to the house we would be staying at earlier in the day but since they were still cleaning it, we ended up at the Cour d' alene boat harbor and beach to play. Katie also got up there early and joined us there.
We walked on the longest floating board walk in the U.S (I think that's what it said). I love how Taytum has to walk with the bigger kids and how they take such good care of her.
We stopped at the beach and kicked back for a few hours while we waited to check in at the house.
She loved the water and rocks so much, we finally stripped her down and just let her go for it. We did this for a good little while.
Throwing rocks, one of her favorite past times.
Later in the day Brian and his family arrived and the kids started playing right away. After dinner they were watching a movie and playing a game.Taytum actually sitting still for a few moments to watch the movie they were watching.
Playing a card game and watching a movie.
Tuesday (Day 3)Today we got to go to Raptor Reef Waterslide park.
It was so fun and fun to watch Taytum and nephew and nieces in the water.
Daddy and Tayters hitting the slide. We literally did this about a thousand times. She loved and would keep saying "again" so back up we would go.
Mommy and Taytum giving it a try. They did have 3 other bigger slides that we went on but probably spent most of our time in the kiddie area.
So happy and having so much fun in the water and slides. She didn't really mind having the water go over face and had a permanent grin the whole tine.
I think the water slides our a big hit judging by the smile on Jacey's face.
Katie and Jacey enjoying the wade pool.
Kennedy 
Jeremy and Luke having fun on the slide.
Taking a break from sliding to eat a few snacks.
I had to get a picture of the Pike kids because its crazy just how much they grow up when you don't see them everyday.Jarom
Kirsten
Kimball
Brayden
Ethan
After lunch we went and visited the arcade and played a few games. Taytum got to ride this little carousel. We then packed up and went back to the house. It was a fun day.
Taytum has 2 of these little cars that I bought at the dollar store for something to do while she was buckled in for our long drive and they are her new favorite toys. We still, to this day, don't leave the house without them.
This was the house we stayed in Cour d' alene. It was a fun stay.
Wednesday (Day 4)Today we left Cour d' alene, Idaho and as you can see pictured below headed too.....
Spent the night talking and playing games.
Watching a movie with the kiddos.
Today was more of a relaxing day and here we're getting ready for bed and just talking.
Thursday (Day 5)Today we took a shuttle bus the "Highway to the Sun" road. It is a popular road that takes you up to Logan Pass. From the shuttle you see the awesome mountain range and many, many waterfalls.
Taytum and Kirsten are chasing each other around while we wait for the bus to take us up the mountain. It's fun to see her play so well with her cousins.
Kyle and Tayters. 
So after a little while on the bus, Taytum saw her Grandpa and wanted to sit with him and soon fell asleep in his arms. Taytum sure likes her Grandpa and if I wouldn't allow her to do something, she would go running to Grandpa and probably get her way.
Jennie, Kimball and Kirsten
Brian and Jarom
At the top of the pass. I wasn't expecting it to be so cold on top and we weren't dressed warm enough but luckily we didn't spend to much time on top. It is absolutely gorgeous and they were only able to cut through the snow to allow buses through 2 day before.
Trying to eat a little bit of lunch before the next leg of our trip, which is down the other side then we had to travel all the way back.
The pictures below are of the beautiful mountain and landscape of Glacier.
The Cowley Clan
The wind was blowing so hard this was the only decent picture we were able to get.
Tuckered out after a long day of sight seeing and being on the bus. On our way back up to the top of the pass, the bus we were on just died on a very narrow road but luckily after a few minutes it started up again and made it to the top but kind of gave us a weird feeling.
Jarom opening some presents from the cousins. Jarom and Taytum's birthdays are only one day apart with Tayters being a year older so we decided to celebrate together with the family.
Grandma Pike got her an Elmo and she has slept with it every night since then.
Ending the celebration with yummy birthday cake. I love how happy Jarom is in this photo. He is definitely excited to be turning one.
Blowing out the candles. I can't believe our little girl is turning 2 soon.
Friday (Day 6): We we went on a 4 mile hike to Avalanche Falls and Lake and hung around there for the day. This was also our day to cook so we went all out and did hamburgers and hotdogs.
Trying to get a picture of all the cousins together.
Standing by the Glacier and National Park sign. What a great adventure.
Brian and his beautiful family. We sure miss these guys since they live so far away but glad for this chance to spend a week with them and everyone else.
Our great big hiking group. We were missing Angela and Cody and kids on this trip but we hiked a 4 mile path to Avalanche Falls then up to Avalanche Lake.
Checking out Avalanche Falls. Pictures just don't do it justice, there was a lot of water and these were some pretty swift falls.
Avalanche Lake. I will say that I have never seen so many BIG lakes and waterfalls than here in Montana.
Cruising around in the mud. This is the good life.
Playing on a stump. She can make anything into a slide which is her favorite past time.
Girl Power. All the girl cousins sticking together during this break.
Finally tuckered out after the long journey but it was beautiful and well worth it.
Friday night was spent watching the boys play horse shoes. My dad and Brian especially love this game and will play it for hours. My hubby had never played but did very well.
While the boys played the little ones were having a great time chasing each other and playing with balls outside. The older cousins were playing the Wii inside.
Saturday (Day 7)
We started out the day at the Hungry Horse Dam and then shopped around town for souvenirs.
Inside the Hungry Horse station, we were able to read all about how it was put together while the little ones colored pictures. Taytum is all over the coloring part.
Saturday (Day 7)We started out the day at the Hungry Horse Dam and then shopped around town for souvenirs.
Inside the Hungry Horse station, we were able to read all about how it was put together while the little ones colored pictures. Taytum is all over the coloring part.
Hungry Horse Dam. This is the 5th largest dam in the U.S.
Our cute little family at the top of Hungry Horse Dam
Very pretty and the water was so still.
Old Glory.
Cousins ranging in age from 10 months to 12 years. Cooper, Jarom, Taytum, Luke, Emree, Kirsten, Jacey, Kimball, Kennedy, Brayden, and Ethan.
The Pike Clan.
Panning for gold.We stopped and the kids panned for different rocks and minerals and they loved it. We also spent the day in finding a few souvenirs for home.
The last night together with cousins. Though Taytum didn't sleep out with the cousins she got in plenty of time before it was officially time for bed.
This was the house we all occupied in Montana. It was a very large and awesome place to stay. It was a great week all in all and memories that will last. The last night we were there however, Kyle along with 3 others got the stomach flu and we were up all night hearing each other empty their stomachs. I did not get any pictures of our journey home and I drove the 11 hours home myself because Kyle was in no condition to do so. So I'll just say it was a very loooooong drive home between only getting a half hour of sleep and a little one in the back crying "mommy" the whole time. Despite all of that I hope we can do it again soon.
Taytums 2nd Birthday
Since we celebrated with the Pike Family in Montana we celebrated with cake and ice cream with the Paxman clan on Taytum's actual birthday. I went with an Elmo cake this year since she really likes Elmo and my sister had the cake pan. This second year of her life has gone by soo fast. She is no longer a baby but is now a toddler.
Showing off some stuffed animals that she got from her cousins.
The birthday girl.
Taytum is finally getting into coloring and had to open the new crayons and coloring book she got from Grandma and Grandpa Paxman.
For Taytum's first birthday, I made up some pictures of that first year through Smile Box and got them printed. I decided to keep it going and made more pictures to go into her book. It's not very many pages and it's hard to choose which pictures to use when there are so many but this way she has some sort of scrapbook that can be hers throughout her life.
Earlier in the day, my sister in law, Koreen, had a yard sale and we took a few things over to sell. The horse (which plays music) pictured below was one of those items. They thought it would be funny to wrap it up and give it to Tayters as one of her gifts because she had really liked it and played with it earlier at the yard sale. That is why they are laughing so hard, because they thought they were so clever.
This little one loves balls and we are now collecting quite a few.
Opening more presents. 
She was sure spoiled by grandparent, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Getting a picture with her Elmo cake.
Blowing out her candles. Happy Birthday Taytum!!
Taytum has been so much fun and I love the way she can copy most everything we say. I love that she tells me "love you", "please", and "thank you" all the time. I love her curly hair and blue eyes. I love that she is so proud that she can now jump even if it is only a 1/2 inch off the ground. I love her tight squeezes around my neck and that she puckers up for a kiss. I love to hear her laugh when she's watching cartoons or playing with toys. I love that she grabs my finger so that we can count everything on every page that we read. I love that she can feed herself and tells me she's pooped every time that she farts. We love this little munchkin and look forward to many more birthdays though I hope they don't keep going as fast as this last year has gone.Love you Tayter bug.
2 comments:
Fun post! Love seeing taytors and our trip!
Fun City! Looks like you guys have been super busy! Great post and pictures!
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