Snakey..is this a relative of yours?

So I was taking pictures of our lawn to post (see a few posts down) and looked down to see this:

Yes, my friends that is a snake twisting around my flowerbed. It took me quite off guard but I didn't scream (very proud of myself). I just jumped out of my skin and started taking pictures. I mean I had the camera in my hand already. Very fortuitous timing, huh?

At first, I thought it was the Fagan's friend, Snakey. They live about 6-8 houses down from us (on the same side of the street) and the snake could have decided an exodus was in order...but then I saw that it was a bit larger than I remembered Snakey being in the pictures...

Maybe it is Snakey's papa? You be the one to decide. I, for one, am grateful that we had some time together but am not so sad that I haven't seen him since. I guess he didn't like our water-logged sod lawn.

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a great Mother's Day weekend and were lucky to have Grandma Edna and Grandpa Tony visit from Oregon. We had a such a fun time! On Friday, we watched regional preliminaries a.k.a. a track meet. The Basic kids did so well!! My triple jumpers almost made state. They missed it by only one place (you have to be in the top 3 to make it to state...only 9 kids from all of Nevada go to state). Then on Saturday we ate a yummy brunch at the Mirage and then Grandma Edna watched Taylor in the evening so that the rest of us could go see "Mystere" a show by Cirque de Solei. It was amazing to see so many different gymnasts and athletes! We were definitely fans. Then we relaxed on Sunday and enjoyed Taylor time and an outstanding dinner. And yes, I made the cake from scratch!! Vanilla cake with whipped frosting and strawberries. I don't know how I am going to go back to cakes out of the box. Thank you again, Grandma and Grandpa Graham, for coming and sharing such a special time with us!

What we have been up to....

This last month and a half have been busy with our family! Here are a bunch of pictures to catch you up on some Graham happenings!

We had Taylor's 6 month portraits done!

Surfer dude!

We have been sick with a fever. (Mommy just got sick from a snuffy, runny nose too)

Had some visitors during Spring Break (We love you Nana..thanks for the cool sunglasses)

Learned some new tricks...Taylor always greets me in the morning looking out of his crib!

Loved some swimming lessons at the local community center.

started work on our yard...

planted some sod and then started...

watering

and watering

and watered some more...

planted some flowers :)
(my snapdragons are struggling with the heat)



and a couple of fruit trees and..

voila! a yard is born

Lastly but definitely not leastly, hanging out in as little clothes as possible because it has been hot!

(he, he he...actually this is a sneaky smirk boy who rolled over while I was changing his diaper)

Summer = Good Eats

I would have to say that summer is most definitely on its way here in Vegas and besides the swimming prospects, essential barbeques, and comfy 'chill' evenings outside there is one important thing that comes along every summer...FRUIT. Namely, strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe (my personal favorites). Taylor just started eating fruit this week and he is definitely a man after his momma's heart! So here is a blog toast to fruit and the scrumptious treats that await!

Graceful Leaper

So, Taylor has been loving his jumper recently and has mastered the art of leaping with grace. Maybe too much grace. I have a feeling the American Ballet Company is going to come knocking at my door and offer us lots of money for his mad skills. Do you think I should insure his feet? They could be worth millions. (all mothers could wish and all fathers are cringing at the thought) This video is just further evidence of his amazing talents! He holds the position for a full 3 seconds. Some new baby record I am sure.

Our Little Barbarian

Last night Taylor had a little dinner and a movie on our couch. He has been loving the cereal and decided that he no longer needed a spoon. Apparently it just wasn't fast enough to get the cereal from the spoon to the belly. Enjoy!

Common Sense

This is a little story that was forwarded to me. It made me laugh for a full 5 minutes.
Disclaimer: this is of a political nature (Democrats might not like it)

Subject: $50

I recently asked my friend's little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?'
She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.'

Her parents beamed.

'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have to waituntil you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.'

She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight inthe eye and asked, 'Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?'

I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.'

Her parents still aren't speaking to me.

Eye Help!

So this is kind of random but I am in desperate need of a good optometrist. I don't think my contacts are going to last much longer. Does anyone know of a good one in Henderson??

Taylor's First Bites

Yeah!! It is time for Taylor to start eating solid foods. He is so ready and excited to take this step in his life! He did so well and I think that he is already a pro! FYI his hair looks red in a couple of these pictures...the lighting was a bit funky on our kitchen table. He has fuzzball brown hair.

All Ready to Eat

Enjoying his first bites!

The spoon tasted pretty good too!

His "what up? I know I am cool because I am eating rice cereal, dawg" look
He held it up all by himself

Rompers!

So I have been thinking about what I am going to do with my little boy in the Vegas heat and this is the best thing ever! Rompers are not as feminine as onesies and are shorts and shirts at the same time. Love it! He will be wearing quite a few of these this summer.

Respectful Dancer

This is a video from when Taylor was just 3 months old. I have been trying to get around to posting it for some time. I love it because you can already tell that Taylor is respectful, follows directions, and is a born dancer! Watch the video and you will understand!

What?!?!

So, a week ago I went in at 7 AM to get my little boy up for the day and this is what I saw! Yes, that is his arm sticking out of his crib. The funniest thing about it was that he was not upset or anything. He was just doing his usually scratch the mattress and play in his crib until I get him thing. In fact, I think he found it exciting to feel what is on the other side of the crib!

Rolling Over!

Here is a video from a couple of weeks ago when I finally caught this boy rolling over with the camera. He does not do things on demand. You just have to catch him when he is not looking!

Baby Pics

Here are a couple of pics of the little man! Recently, he has started to be mesmerized by the camera so you don't get smiles this time...just the stoned out hypnotic stare. To aid you in what was really going on I have included Taylor's thoughts.

"Yes, I already have possession of the remote control and I'm naked."

"Wow, you look different at this angle. Kinda strange, but cool."

"I like to hang out in my sleeper for the entire morning. It is very relaxing.

You should try it."

"This is not a Buddha hat, it is my towel. Or at least I think it is.

I don't dress myself you know."

"I look dang sexy in this outfit. Even I know that."