"I wanna be just like my big sister!"

Bentley will be 16 months on Sunday and my how she has grown up these past few weeks. Her personality is really starting to "blossom." In fact, the more we watch her, Jordan & I think she is going to be our little goof ball! There's one thing for sure - she LOVES making her sister laugh!She also has always shown a great interest in doing exactly what her big sister is doing, such as having to take a purse with her whenever we leave the house, eating & drinking the same things, playing babies at the same time (includes having the bottle and diaper and blanket just like Taylor), wearing dress up shoes & clothes - ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! She adores Taylor and wants to be just like her! The latest thing happened today after we went to the store to get Taylor some new underwear. Although she still has the tinniest bum, the 2T size is getting pretty snug. Of course the second we got home Taylor wanted to try them on. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but Bentley was right there beside her waiting in line to model the new panties Taylor had picked out. At first I put them over Bentley's diaper just so she could have fun and feel included, but they kept falling off of her and she instantly became frustrated and wanted me to put them back on. I finally said, "OK enough is enough" and decided if she really wanted to wear them then we would go with plan B. She was thrilled to be wearing them anyway she could, even if it meant sporting them over her jeans. In fact she's SO okay with it that she stayed that way through her nap, during a walk to the mailbox and is still wearing them. Hopefully I will be able to convince her to take them off!

It makes me smile knowing that my girls have each other to grow up with!

This last picture Taylor took and I don't know if she was laughing more at the fact that she got to use my camera or that her sister looked SO CUTE!

GYMNASTICS!!!

We signed both girls up for gymnastics in a class designed for 1 - 3 year olds. This was Taylor's second time taking the class and Bentley's first. It was fun to see them interact together and smile way too much. After one class I decided that it was probably a better idea for Bentley to hold off until she is a little bit older. Although she had a BLAST, I'm not sure if I'm willing to pay the tuition fee just so she can run around and laugh for 45 min - she can do that in the backyard for free.

All these pictures are from the first day of class. Starting next week it will just be Taylor's activity and she will actually be joining the older group (4 -6 year olds) because her teacher felt she would fit in better there and have more of a challenge. I was so excited to hear that because it seems like Tay could be doing quite a bit more if given the opportunity. We will see how it goes!

Taylor and Bentley sitting on their mats waiting their turns.

Some action shots from the first day of class.

Taylor was able to use the wall and kick all the way other the bar.

Spring board FUN!

At the end of class all the kids line up and get stamps on their feet and hands. The girls LOVED it!

One Rich Kid...

We opened a savings account for Taylor this week since her piggy bank was about to explode. She LOVES putting money in her piggy bank! All her birthday money, dollars that she earns helping around the house or the money we find on the ground goes straight to the pig! We even dared her once to eat a bite of an avocado and if she did she could have a whole dollar. We asked her what she wanted to do with her prize money and she instantly said, "Put it in my piggy bank!" I'm glad that she wants to save her money because she does NOT get that from her mother.

We figured she had enough to open her own savings account (min $25) so we counted it this week and realized she had almost $50. She was good to go with opening her own account. Before we headed to the bank we stopped by Ross and I let Taylor buy this Strawberry Shortcake toy with her own money that she has really been wanting. She was SO excited as she handled the entire purchase from giving her money to the cashier to receiving her change and receipt. I enjoyed watching Taylor's face as she accomplished something new. You could tell she felt so important and grown up!

Taylor's first deposit to the bank!

Taylor's new toy that she bought all by herself!

Possibilities.....

I never dreamed that when I threw away some of my old mascara in the garbage that this is what could happen. Two things that I have learned from this:

1.) Probably shouldn't throw tempting things away in the girls bathroom.
2.) I should never underestimate what my children are capable of coming up with - they are pretty creative!

I look at these pictures and I realize that Taylor's possibilities in life are endless. Normally I would have gotten frustrated with her for not making a very good choice, but for some reason this time I just looked at her and was amazed. Amazed that her mind works in such different ways than mine does. She is such a happy, interesting and adventurous child. I'm so excited to see what she does in life with all of her wonderful talents!

Taylor with "Mascara Hands"

I thought my groceries felt a little heavier today....

It's amazing what they can fit themselves into!

TAYLOR IS A SUNBEAM!!!

On Sunday, Taylor went to her first day of Primary as a Sunbeam! We just can't believe it! She has really blossomed these past few months and every day I see something new about her sweet, energetic, crazy personality that completely melts my heart. She is without a doubt growing up right before our eyes!

I am SO proud of you, Taylor and the amazing little girl you have already become! Just always remember who you are and what you stand for! Your Heavenly father loves you and so does ALL your family here on this earth! Your potential is endless in this life! We love you so very much!

All dressed up & ready to be a Sunbeam!

Arriving at church - she was so excited!

Getting home from church that afternoon. She had a great day!

After dinner that night we went for a family walk and Taylor choose to ride her bike. It was the first time we have taken it that far for a ride and she did an awesome job! I pushed the stroller behind her and Jordan and just watched is amazement that she was old enough to pedal along so well - happy as can be! I can't express how much I love that little girl! She is truly a blessing in our lives!

What a goofball! She is so into making funny faces these days (must have learned that from her father)

It's a NEW year!

We ended up having a pretty low key New Year's this year. We spent the evening at home as a family, just played in the backyard, ate fish sticks and wings (Jordan makes THE BEST hot wings), played games around the house, drank sparkling cider and ate chex mix while having an Xmen movie marathon.

2008 was a great year for our family! We look forward to see what 2009 has in store for us!

Cuddling with dad on the coach on New Year's Eve!

CHEESE!!!!

Me & Beny ready to bring in the New Year!

Bentley helping Jord make yummy chex mix.

The girls playing in the backyard while eating fish sticks.

Coloring some pretty pictures to decorate for the New Year!

Playing "Doctor" - Taylor LOVES to give shots and tells us to "Be Brave" or "Be tough"

Tay on New Year's Day!

Our little Bentley on New Year's Day!

Ready for a wonderful 2009 - soon there will be 3 of them to play together!

First EVER visit with Santa

This year was the first year that we have taken the girls to visit Santa - even for Taylor. You would think that our girls wouldn't be afraid of a jolly old man with a beard since their father can grow a full face of hair in just a week, but Bentley wanted nothing to do with Santa. Taylor actually wanted to go sit on his lap this time and liked him. After the girl took the picture I couldn't help but laugh at Bentley's traumatized face. I wonder how many years it is going to take her to realize that Santa is one of the good guys. I can't wait to show her this picture when she gets older!

The girls with Santa - FIRST TIMERS!

Taylor with Santa at our ward Christmas Party!