L.A. and Santa Monica

We sure crammed a lot in to our Sunday. We wanted to fit in eveything since we figured the traffic might be a bit less. We were wrong, the traffic never lets up apparently in LA. We spent a ton of time in the rental car, and the kids actually did pretty well, that is without a TV in the car. We started out at the La Brea Tar Pits, which is a natural history museum with dinosaur bones and real tar still spitting up from the ground right in the middle of LA.

We then headed over to see the LA Temple. It has been since I was a little girl that I saw this temple. I was in awe over how huge the building was. I'm so used to seeing these smaller temples they are building now. It is closed for renovation now. The location is ideal for many people to see this beautiful edifice as they drive by.

We then ended the day in Santa Monica and the pier. I've seen this place many times on TV and in movies. But it is much more stunning in person. For a Sunday, the place was packed, I guess that's when the locals come visit.

California Surf...

We just returned from a wonderful vacation to Southern California. The Sprouse family met up with us and we headed to the beautiful Newport Beach. We had great weather and the waves were the biggest they've been in 20 years, so we heard. The U.S. Open surfing competition was being held that same weekend, so you can imagine how crowded the beaches were. Of course we had to stop at our favorite burger joint everytime we visit Cali. In-n-Out Burger, we love you!!!!

Logan had a blast running away from the waves. He's such a great swimmer, but in the ocean he only got his toes wet. Go figure!!!!

Addie with Aunt Lori. They were such lifesavers and helped out with the kids so much. So glad they came with us.

Just love this bright, clear picture of Logan with the colorful umbrellas in the background. Thanks Jeremy for taking such great photos.

Jeff really enjoyed himself out there body boarding with all the local teenagers. He sometimes forgets that he's now a 41 year old. Oh well, he had a great time.

Logan decided he wanted to be buried in the sand. And along came Addie and thought it would be so funny to throw some dirt in his face. He sat so still with that sand all over his face.

STEWART FALLS

The Taggart cousins went on a 4 mile hike up to Stewart Falls near Sundance. Jeff said Logan did great and didn't even complain about the distance.

A SUPRISING STOPOVER

What a wonderful surpise! Our dear friends from Nashville had a stopover in Salt Lake on their way to Denver. We got to meet up with them and grab a quick bite to eat. Ethan and Greta have grown up so much, Logan misses them like crazy and had a blast catching up. The other not-so-pleasant surprise was the speeding ticket I got at the airport with my expired license...double bonus and double the fine...oops!!!! I guess I'll learn the hard way. But it was all worth it just to be able to see the Hansens for a few minutes.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD...

Logan was in the Lehi City Jr. Musical this summer called "A Year With Frog and Toad". He had such a fun and positive experience learning all the songs and dances. Addie loved following Logan around the house singing the songs and doing all the actions. She just had to get a picture on the stage with Logan... Logan was a Snail in the Snail chorus. In the play there is a song about eating cookies, so the director gave all the kids a cookie on closing night.

Here he is posing with Frog, Toad, Zach the snail and Elise the turtle.

The whole cast and crew with their director, Miss. Tyfani. Lots of kids (ages 4-7) to direct. Frog..Toad..Mice..Moles..Snails..Turtles..Lizards..Birds...Squirrels!!!!

Logan pretending he was sleeping...

Logan with his best buddy girlfriend Elise (he reminds me...a girl who is a friend)

"I"m the snail with the mail, I'll deliver without fail...Pardon the cloud of dust...I'm speeding with an envelope as fast as any antelope...forward and onward I thrust.....whew!!!!"

Ok, so those lyrics have been sung around the Taggart househould for the past few weeks. Logan just said how much he misses being in the play. This was a big part of his summer.

Strawberry Pinnacles

We enjoyed a great Saturday with the Sprouse family at the beautiful Strawberry Pinnacles. The kids loved playing around in the stream and Logan even got to float down the stream on his cousin's lap - thanks Jamie!!! Jeff got pretty bruised and beat up going down the bigger river on his flat tube. What a fun place for a family reunion - would love to go back and spend more time next year!!!

SPRING UPDATE!!!

Yep, that's a full bag of marshmallows on the floor! This girl of mine definitely keeps me busy. I can't believe the things she gets in to while I'm in the shower. Poor Logan can't even keep up with her. We've even had to start doing a few time-out sessions, she seems too young for all of this. What will life be like 10 years from now as she starts the teenage years???

We had our Spring Piano Recital. All of my students did a fabulous job. I am always surprised by how much they have progressed from the last year. I'm down to only 8 students now, but they are a great bunch of kids.

Logan had his Preschool Graduation in May. Mrs. Daniels worked miracles with Logan over the past 2 years. She is so warm and loving with the children. He really will miss it, but is so anxious to be starting Kindergarten.

We took another trip to St. George last weekend. I have always loved the St. George Temple and how white and beautiful it is. We even saw a new film on the Mormon Batallion in the Visitors Center.

Hiking at the red rocks overlooking the city. Logan has really learned to love hiking and has gotten pretty daring lately. He even jumps off the waterfall at the pool in the condo. Another big triumph, learning how to ride a bike without training wheels. We took his bike down to St. George to practice a bit and he did great. I guess is helps that it is pretty flat at the condo, and here at our house there are too many hills.

We saw Annie at the Tuacahn Theater opening night. It was a great show and not too hot yet. Logan fell in love with the girl that played Molly, oh my...

My 2 binky baby. This is going to be one hard habit to break. Help ME!!!

This video cracks me up. Addie just loves Logan and loves it when he tickles her belly.