"88 Dow!"

Wearing number 88 - Dowlin Taylor! (and the crowd goes wild!) OK well at least Mom and Dad do :) Dowlin made the Varsity Football team this year and after playing all summer, and being praised for his abilities, we're scratching our heads as to why he's not playing more? I know that sounds like something 'every parent' would say - but really - We can't figure it out. And that's all I'm going to say about that (mom says through clenched teeth)
Willow Canyon did make the State finals this year for the first time. They are only a 5 year old school - so "it was awesome to make it to state" well that's good if they can keep saying that because after the 3 hour drive to Touscan they got their butts kicked. It was a humbling game to be sure. But as we often tell Dowlin, these are life experiences - that which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Truthfully, he's aggressive, he plays smart - he's just to obedient and humble - he won't stand up for himself... 'He's a great young man', and those comments coming from teachers, coaches, and friends never get old!

Happy Birthday Zachery

Holy Smoke! Who knew that 9 little candles could set off the smoke detector? (No not really) As you can see by the Soccer inspired cake - Zach is our soccer player! He loves it and he is good! He is enjoying 3rd grade and anxious for Christmas.

Poor guy has to wait all year for his birthday then wishes it away wishing for Christmas...

Happy birthday Z-man! We love you!

Happy Birthday Mercedes

Freshman in High School - Plays volleyball on the Freshman team, and in the marching band...Forced into Honors classes....That's our girl. She is having a great 1st year of high school so far. I love that she is taking in everything and trying things! We are quite proud of her!

This is the face that she uses to drive the boys wild! :)

Happy 15th Birthday SIS!

Visit with Grandpa & Grandma Wilson

My Dad and Char came to Arizona for a quick weekend! My brother Kyle and his family live in Gilbert, It is about 1 1/2 hours away, we are NW Valley of Phoenix, they are SE.

Kyle was being Ordained a High Priest in the Melchezedek Priesthood, and My Dad came to Ordain him. Kendall and Jenny (Kyle's oldest) had their #2's baby blessing the same day.

We headed over to Gilbert for a really fun day of visiting and a disturbing game of "Zip Bong" I hope I never have to see that again!

Homecoming 2007

Ahhh - to be a teenager again! All the drama, the dates, the wondering who will ask you to dance, the fancy dresses... No, never mind, I'm good being on the parental side!

Watch out boys! - Future Man eater alert

I labeled this picture "Stud"

he had to be in all black to go with the girls teal dress -

Dowlin actually double dated with a friend for this event - Seemed to have fun - cute girl. (Kayla)

Mercedes not 16 yet was not aloud to date. so she and her friend Amber went together.

Brittney turns 11

Who doesn't love a heart stopping "surprise"? Well, I'm good with it as long as it isn't meant for me. We got Brittney really good this year - she was just getting home from her soccer game, and coming up to her room to change, where all the girls were waiting!

They has loads of fun! They beaded bracelets, they sang Karaoke, they frosted their own cupcake. Kinda of funny, every ones gift included some kind of candy. She was happy and really had a fun day - Thanks girls, hope we can scare you soon too!

Aspen, Brooke, Kimberlee, Brittney, Michaela, Amanda, Alysa & Alyson

First day of School

Mercedes 1st day of High school and Seminary!(sniff sniff) I'm sure she had a few jitters, but she played it cool. She has been at Volleyball all summer and Band camp for the last 2 weeks - so she's not actually walking in "green"
Dowlin - 11th grade - we are amazed at how quickly the years are flying by. This kid has kept us running for years and here we go again - Such a nice guy!

Notice the uniforms, Khaki bottoms, collared solid shirt...Ya, love it! Brittney is headed off to 5th grade and Zachery to 3rd grade. They will be attending Cimarron Springs Elementary School. Our housing development is like this chunk of houses in no mans land - so we get bumped. Kids in this neighborhood have gone to 4 different schools in the last 4 years (Cimarron 2X) the growth is incredible. Both Brittney and Zachery's teachers are pregnant and will be leaving midway through the year - we are so fortunate our kids are so good! They will be helpful and do fine. It's me who's a worry wart...I really miss being in the kids school and knowing the teachers and kids... maybe someday again right?

UPDATE - notice how I said I love the uniforms...well get this! 2 weeks into school, after all the school shopping was done and the kids had worn everything, the school district does away with the uniform policy. Apparently in JUNE a WHINER BABY parent complained their child's rights to express them self was being squashed by being forced to wear uniforms! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT - THEY CHANGED IT FOR 1 PARENT! Don't ask everyone else - UGH! so frustrating! I'm mad so I just have to say, "WHINER BABIES SUCK!"