Madison Taylore

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Carson Benjamin

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November 29, 2011

i heart ketchup

I know I belong to my Mommy when I shovel ketchup in my mouth by handfuls



November 22, 2011

thankful for thanksgiving

If I could make one wish it would be for our WHOLE family to get together to celebrate.  Every year. Every holiday.  Every celebration.


That is my wish but this is our reality.  Our family lives in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, etc.  This wish will remain as such.  Our lives are all to busy and complicated


We love all the time we get with our family and this Thanksgiving with spent with my wonderful parents.  We enjoyed beautiful fall like weather, in the 60's, most of the week.  Taking advantage of the warm weather, we decided to walk around Garden of the Gods and then eat at the trading post there.  A very fun, relaxing trip.  To bad Daddy had to work that day.  Thanks for making the money honey!











After a long day being held, wheeling around in the stroller, eating some snacks, talking to all the nice strangers and enjoying the fresh air, Madison was exhausted!

Turkey Dinner was DELICIOUS!  I tried all new recipes (I know, scary!) and put new twists to our traditional style Thanksgiving.  Of course, Lefsa remained the staple to our dinner but the rest add a few unexpected and surprising tastes.  The turkey was rubbed with a homemade herb butter with sage, thyme, and a few others.  The chive and sour cream mashed potatoes were SO GOOD (My personal favorite and my own play on a recipe).  The "from scratch" green been casserole was mediocre.  I was really hoping for the wow factor with homemade fried onions but was disappointed.  The flavor punch was missed.  Rolls, Artichoke Dip,Wild Rice and homemade Pumpkin Pie were all added bonuses to this very good dinner.  



LEFSA

Delicious herb roasted turkey

Artichoke and Spinach dip with vegetables, triscuits and pita chips
I
Oh, so good
Can I please eat this yummy turkey and lefsa in peace Mom!

I must thank my mom for helping all morning with the cooking.  She was a great Sous Chef and made the pie to perfection!  Thanks Mom!

penny arcade

Manitou Springs is a beautiful area right outside of Colorado Springs.  "Manitou", a Native American word for "spirit", describes this beautiful mountain community.  We have enjoyed many trips through here and Ben would always get excited about going to the "Penny Arcade."  No, it is not actually a penny (which seems a bit contradicting to me but let us digress), but runs from $0.25 to $1.00.  We enjoyed the arcade games and Madison enjoyed the fun rides. 





On this ride Madison was so serious.  Staring straight at mommy or daddy looking like, "what have you done and when do I get off."  Once she warmed up to the idea of the vibrating, turning, spinning, bumping or twisting cars, trucks, planes, horses and fire trucks she enjoyed herself ;)  Thank you God for a beautiful fall day with a perfect family.


 "Dad, I know you won this for me but can you please give it to me already!"


"Mom, look at all my winning tickets I get to put in my mouth!"

There were about 6 other buildings like this with a few outside as well.

Our last stop was an old photo booth. Entertaining Madison long enough to get 4 different pictures was entertainment enough for the people waiting behind us.  Funny faces, tickling fingers and goofy noises were just enough to keep her occupied for 3 out of the four pictures.  Not to bad if I do say for myself.


November 13, 2011

wild zoo animals

Matt, Kari, Ryan, Nick and Lucas were able to come down and visit.  As you can imagine the house was busy, very busy.  With the boys being excited and Madison finding them hilarious, laughing, giggling, crying and a few tears were heard most of the weekend.  We had such a great time with them and wish they lived closer every time we see them.  The pictures say it all, great time with great family.


Sweet Cousin Ryan

The Love Bug was a hit!


Can I give you a kiss Madison?

She still is a bit unsure about men.


A tired little girl after a long day at Castle Rock Outlets


Such a helper

Let me help you put your shoes on Madison

The Stewart Halloween

So sweet

Uncle Ben was the pumpkin carving helper



Nick and Madison having a water fight in the bathtub

She loved all the boys playing with her

Miss you guys already!

November 12, 2011

halloween party 2011

The 2nd Annual Halloween Party was hosted at the Stewart house this year.  We had a great turn out with family and friends.  Meatballs, chili, chips, dip, pumpkin seed chex mix, witches brew, cupcakes and lots of goodies to eat.

Let me side note. Everyone that came over brought cupcakes.  I am not kidding, every single couple.  That meant we had over 50 cupcakes.  OMG!  I believe that may have been a breakfast item for Ben more than a few times ;)  We sent a dozen with everyone as well but people kept denying us, saying, "um, we have a ton more at home."  The thought is what counts, right?!





october recap

November is half way done and Thanksgiving is 9 days away (holy cow I need to get some groceries soon).  I still have some very cute pictures of October that I wanted to share so now is better than never.  Here is a very cute, busy girl!

Under the table is a new favorite

Haha mom, I got away.  I have no pants!









My cute new hat

Mom how did this happen?









I love my Daddy


My cool new ball pit