Craig and Liz Taylor Family

Family

2012-01-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

Our most recent family picture taken Christmas Day 2011 with the newest addition to our family:
Jacob Hiram Swift born Dec. 5, 2011

Talbot Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-14T20:37:00.006-06:00

The Talbot Family Reunion was held August 6, 2011 in Pocatello, ID. It is always fun to get together and to see everyone. We had good conversation, good food, fun games and wonderful company.

The Talbot Kids

Mom won the best "Olive" dish!

A little Bocce Ball...

Sisters

Saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa on the way out of town.

It was a great weekend and we're so glad we were able to go to see everyone who went.

Can't have enough...HAIRSPRAY!

2011-03-07T17:49:00.004-07:00

Melanie is in the play Hairspray again, but this time she is performing at Hale Center Theater-Orem. We went and saw the play on Saturday night and it was so fun. This show is really cute, and if you didn't have a chance to see it in Riverton, you should definitely try to make it to Hale Center Theater! It is playing through April 6th.

Melanie did such a good job and looked so cute up on stage dancing her little heart out! For more information, you can go here.

Village People

2011-01-03T20:38:00.003-07:00

Liz puts up a village each year.
This is the 2010 version. It takes two weeks to put up. Working in the evening of course.
When the lights are low, the village takes on a life of it's own. If you listen, you can hear the conversations, the horse hoofs, the sleigh ride, the choir sing, even smell the pies on the railing.
On Christmas Eve they gathered at the church to witness the nativity.

Christmas Eve dinner and the Stockings are hung.

2011-01-03T20:28:00.003-07:00

It was fun to be able to hang stockings on a fireplace.

We have a guest at dinner.
This year we took a picture with dad in it.

Christmas Eve Dinner. Very nice meal. It was very nice to have each of our children home this year.

The Fireplace is DONE!

2010-12-23T20:58:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas each of you, enjoy the time together.

Renovations

2010-12-03T15:27:00.006-07:00

We've been very busy at our house lately. In late October we got a new fireplace installed (it only took 20 years to get!) After the fireplace was installed we painted the kitchen, family room, downstairs and upstairs and all the ceilings. It was a much bigger job than anticipated, to say the least. It took about 3 full days just to get everything taped and primed. We (almost) all worked together and got it all painted and it looks really great. After the paint, we had new carpet installed and hardwood floor installed in the main entry hall. It's looking like a new house! After the holidays we are going to paint the living room and get new carpet in there, but it was the storage room for all of the other furniture in the house while we were painting and getting flooring installed, so the living room was put on hold.

Just getting started:

The fireplace is IN!
October 29, 2010

The painting begins...

Finished!! Painting DONE and carpet installed.

Mom had to get on the floor and roll from one end to the next.
That is what her mom did when she finally got new carpet in her own house.
I think everyone is a fan of the new plush carpet!

Merry Christmas mom and dad!

Dad just has to finish up the mantle, but other than that it is done.
Looks wonderful.

We did most of the work during Thanksgiving week, so it was really nice to have a break on Thanksgiving day.

In the meantime, we've had a few blizzards (literally) and so we've been very grateful to have the new fireplace to help keep us warm!

Bingham Ball

2010-11-14T22:14:00.005-07:00

Last night, Saturday, November 13, was Bingham Ball. Megan went with the sweetest boy, Nick, and had a blast. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her beautiful blue ball gown.
We're in the middle of renovating the majority of the house, so the background isn't the best, but Megan sure looked beautiful!

Dad couldn't hug her as he'd get paint all over her dress,
but he still managed to get a little teary-eyed
at his baby going to a ball.

Megan and her date, Nick.

Off they go!

Family Pictures

2010-11-02T19:23:00.005-06:00

On October 16th we went to Memory Grove and had family pictures taken. We just got them back and are so pleased with how they turned out. Here are some favorites:

Taylor Kids

Aaron: Age 22

Melanie: Age 19

Megan: Age 16

Nathanael and Mary-Anne

Now that's some hair!

The Lion King

2010-08-28T12:06:00.006-06:00

We were able to go see the Broadway musical The Lion King at Capitol Theater last night, August 27, 2010.
The show was incredible!! The music was phenomenal, the costumes were amazing, the scenery was so creative. I'd recommend everyone see the show if you have the chance.

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse before the show.

We weren't allowed to take pictures in the show, but here's a few that were online:

It really was spectacular and we're so glad we had to opportunity to see it!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-08-20T16:46:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
We sure are glad you two fell in love 33 years ago.

August 20, 1977

HAIRSPRAY

2010-08-15T15:05:00.004-06:00

Melanie and Megan are in the show HAIRSPRAY at the Riverton City Arts Council Theater. Melanie plays a Dynamite and Megan is in the black ensemble. It's a really good show and everyone should go see it if you have the chance! The show is so cute and is worth your time and money. They've really enjoyed being in the show and we've really enjoyed watching them! The show goes for another week, through August 21st.

For more information or to buy tickets, you can go here. It really is such a fun show! Good job Melanie and Megan!

Summer of Surgeries

2010-08-13T11:35:00.006-06:00

Liz (mom) has had a pretty rough summer! She's had surgery on her thumb, 2 awful root canals, and just recently, her thyroid removed. She sure is a trooper and we're grateful that she's okay and survived all of her procedures. School starts the 26th and we're hoping for a non-eventful school year!

Pictures from her thyroid surgery:
8-10-2010

At least she had an amazing view out of her 10th floor room!

Feel better soon, mom.
We love you!

19 years

2010-08-09T10:20:00.005-06:00

Melanie turned 19 yesterday on Sunday, August 8th!

We had a yummy chicken enchilada dinner (Melanie's FAVORITE).

After dinner, we played some games and then she
opened her presents and we had cake and ice cream!

Happy Birthday Melanie!
We Love You!

Girls Day!

2010-07-25T23:10:00.003-06:00

Friday, July 23, 2010
Girls afternoon at Gardner Village!
Thanks for lunch and for the fun afternoon, mom!

4th of July

2010-07-05T11:43:00.005-06:00

For the 4th of July this year, we had a barbecue with some of our neighbors in the Hansen's backyard. Every 5 years since we moved in in 1990 we try to get together with the Hansen's, May's and Taylor's (since we all moved in about the same time) and we have a little party and we make predictions of where people will be and what they will be doing in the next 5 years. This year we had the party on the 4th of July and we read the predictions from 2005 and saw which ones came true and which ones were way off. :) We had a great time visiting with friends, eating good food and celebrating being American.

The older and "wiser" generation:

Top Row: Craig & Liz Taylor, Kacey and Robin Carroll, Ray & Susan Hansen
Bottom Row: Julie & Bob May, Mary & Bob Carroll

2nd Generation:

Top Row: April, Skyler, Katie, Bryce, Ben, Nathanael, Aaron
Bottom Row: Melanie, Amber, Megan, Tiffany, Lisa, Mary-Anne, Candace

3rd Generation:

Madeline, Audrey, Thatcher, Kayden, Mia

It was a very fun day finished off with doing some fireworks in the front yard.
We do love the 4th of July!!

Oregon

2010-05-28T10:49:00.011-06:00

Pictures from your trip to Oregon. Thanks for coming and celebrating with us and helping us move!

May 12th-16th 2010

Thursday, May 13th
Portland, Oregon
We went to the Portland Temple, P.F. Chang's for lunch, and did some outlet shopping in Woodburn.
It was a gorgeous day!

Friday, May 14th
The windy and COLD Oregon Coast
Lincoln City

A trip to the Oregon Coast wouldn't be complete without a meal at MO's!

Saturday, May 15th
PACKING & BBQ

Sunday, May 16th
Salem, Oregon
GRADUATION DAY!!!!!

Congrats Nathanael!

Goodbye, Salem...

General Conference Weekend

2010-04-07T15:28:00.005-06:00

It was so nice to spend General Conference weekend and Easter with you! It's been awhile! :) Thank you dad for my Easter dress and mom for dinner and shopping and everything else! We did a lot of hard work while I was there, but I had a lot fun too! Thanks!

Saturday General Conference:
Dinner at Chili's!

Sunday General Conference:

Easter Dinner:

It really was so great to see you! And the food was, of course, DELICIOUS!
We will see you all again in 5 weeks! Yay!

Spring Cleaning!

2010-04-07T14:45:00.006-06:00

Dear Family,
Thank you all for helping clean the basement so that it will be ready for Nathanael and me to move in in 5 1/2 weeks! I know it was hard, but we are so grateful!

Before Pictures:

During:

After:

It looks so good! I am so pleased with how it is turning out. I can't wait to see it in May with baseboards and curtains and everything! I hope we can all keep it clean so that you can continue to use it as a nice living space even after we move out! Thanks again for helping. We appreciate it so, so much!

One year ago...

2010-02-03T23:12:00.004-07:00

Remember this?
Can you believe it was an entire year ago?

Ouch! It makes me sad to see all of this again. I am so glad to hear that the doctor said everything looked good at your one year appointment! Mom, you were so brave and you did so good. I am so proud of you and so glad you did it! I bet you're glad you did it too, but even more glad that it's over and done with! :)

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T14:41:00.011-07:00

Dear Family~
We had a wonderful time there visiting with you all over the holidays. We wish we could have stayed longer! Lucky for you, in just 4 short months we will be living there and you won't be able to get away from us! :) Ha ha. Thank you so much for the gifts, the hospitality, the food, and most of all, the company. I miss you all already!
Here are some pictures of some of the highlights from our time there:

Our second Christmas!
I think there were more presents here than on our first Christmas! :)

Silly boys. :)

Thank you ALL so much for all your gifts! We love them!

Bowling on December 28, 2009

Oquirrh Mountain Temple
Tuesday 12/29/09

Scrabble:
Just about every day we were there!

Ice skating at the Olympic Oval
Wednesday 12/30/09

New Year's Eve

Mmmm...delicious food; and finally a picture of dad at the table. :)

Happy 2010!

Thank you all again for everything! We can't wait until we get to see you again! Love you all!

3:00 P.M. and all is full. Wow a great meal!

2009-11-26T14:47:00.003-07:00

The table is set.

But it is the people that make it a day of Thanks Giving.
Sara, Liz, Craig, Megan, Anna, Morgan, Mark, Aaron, Kyna,
Anna, Morgan and Mark.

How many couches do you need?
Morgan want to know where the food went?Ty is a happy man.

Thanks Giving 26NOV09 at The Taylor's

2009-11-26T12:13:00.005-07:00

Mom making the favorite rolls

Come Help, Aaron and Megan

Can we Help? Kyna Ty, Sara, you bet

A beautiful Fall day

Megan's 16th Birthday

2009-11-17T21:48:00.002-07:00

We are ready for a party.

Megan reading Mary-Anne's card.

Look at all the party gifts. A good time is had by all. Aaron brought a friend, Jessie, they drove down just for Megan's big day.

Megan's birthday cake, a chocolate swirl with lots of frosting.

International Fun With Mary-Anne

2009-11-07T20:17:00.007-07:00

I flew into Portland, Oregon on Thursday morning. We didn't know it but it was the beginning of an international weekend. First we went to IKEA (Sweden). We looked at a lot but just bought a little. Then on to the Clackamas Mall and lunch at Chili's (Mexico).

Good lunch with Mary-Anne at Chili's
Chicken Enchilada Soup, Ceasar Salad, Bottomless Chips and Salsa

We shopped and shopped and walked and walked and walked from one end of the mall to the other end and back again. It was kind of like walking all over the (United States). We ended at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Mary-Anne has made me a nice airbed on the floor - isn't it (Japan) where they sleep on the floor.

On Friday we did some things at home and then went shopping and then to lunch. We had a marvelous lunch at a quaint little (German) restaurant called: Konditerei. It was the best salad and sandwich we ever ate.

Kearney Street Salad, Hot Ham and Cheese on a very flaky Croissant
and Homemade Potato Chips

Look at the cakes in the background! This was at the quaint German restaurant.

We colored hair, we signed me up with a facebook and worked on some crafts and gifts.

Today after a great breakfast and lunch we went to (London) (well actually it was just in a movie) We went to see "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey. Then this evening we had Panda Express for dinner. (China)

The little vacation is not yet over but I feel like I have been on a whirlwind trip around the world. Most importantly besides all these fun things I have been having a really wonderful time just enjoying being with my sweet, beautiful daughter, Mary-Anne.

My mom, LaFaun, at the Oquirrh Mountian Temple Dedication

2009-10-31T12:36:00.003-06:00

Thanks Mom for being my Mom.

Halloween

2009-10-31T12:04:00.001-06:00

Aaron dressed as a "Cow Boy" for Halloween.

October Birthday 2009

2009-10-31T11:01:00.006-06:00

A great time was had as we celebrated a birthday in October. October the thirtieth, if you must know the day. The day before we go trick or treating with the whole country.

A special day to be together with a family and to enjoy the opportunity to join with neighbors, friends and family across the land.

A special day to be together with a family and to enjoy the opportunity to join with neighbors, friends and family across the land.

Cell phones help bridge the gaps and can even be used on speaker to sing a birthday wish.

It all causes my heart to swell, filled with pleasure and love, a love that comes from being with a family. The tradition continues to build and grow.

I am so grateful to my Father, that he has allowed me to have a family. I feel the best is yet to come and that will be so grand, for if it is better than the past it is going to be a hum dingier.

As I visit in the mountain, I offer thanks to God for this blessing and to request a blessing on each in their needs, their lives, their opportunities and their chance to grow. The tender mercies of a loving Father in Heaven are all around us, we must always give thanks.

Mine, mine, mine

Thanks for a special day
Dad, Pops, Somebody

Happy Anniversary!

2009-08-20T10:07:00.010-06:00

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Thanks for being such wonderful examples to
all of us. 32 years later...look where you are.
Pretty amazing!
We love you!!!

Melanie turned 18!!!!!!!

2009-08-10T22:06:00.003-06:00

Birthday Treat on Melanie 18th Birthday.

We went to dinner, all ate too much.

On Fiday nbght Melanie had a party with 30+ friends.

Melanie's boy friend.

2009-08-10T22:01:00.002-06:00

We stopped going to and from St George Utah to visit my Aunt and Uncle, Carl and Deloris Ray, they are serving as missionaries at Cove Fort. it was great to get a VIP tour and to visit with them. They have truly set a high mark for us all to follow.

A day at Zions Canyon

2009-08-10T21:49:00.001-06:00

Who is taking the picture?

Megan and Miss Kitty.

Megan going for an hour ride in Zions Canyon.

That's right we are cool!

more Reunion

2009-08-10T21:08:00.002-06:00

Talbot Family Reunion

2009-08-07T16:37:00.008-06:00

The Talbot Family Reunion was held July 31-August 2, 2009 in Pocatello, Idaho at FMC Employees Park.

Liz, Peggy, DeeAnn, Robert

Devin and Megan

Craig and Liz enjoying Aunt Peggy's homemade
root beer maybe a little too much...

Aaron shakin' his booty!

Christopher, Corbin and Devin all looking thrilled. :)

Uncle Roger with two of his grandsons: Chad and Tyler

Watching the fish eat...

Heidi holding Trinity, Joe and Aunt Kathy

Telena with Chad and Tyler

Brian cooking...

Devin almost falling asleep...

Hanging out

Going through old boxes from grandma and grandpa's house.

Corn husking contest!
I believe that Corbin is reigning champion... ;)

This is pretty much what we did the entire weekend.

Remember this?

2009-07-20T12:08:00.008-06:00

Can you believe this all happened 4 years ago? Crazy!

Melanie's Senior Pictures

2009-07-01T10:03:00.003-06:00

Update on the Salemites...

2009-06-25T15:42:00.004-06:00

I thought I'd update y'all on the what's been going on here in Salem. Nathanael has been doing awesome at all of his trials and has won most of them so far. He had his first real jury trial yesterday and it went really well. He had another one today and the lawyers at his office are telling him he's getting better and better. Last weekend he went to Portland to ride along with one of his friends who is a police officer. He had a lot of fun chasing the bums off the street, etc. :) He says he may want to switch careers now... (I said over my dead body!!!).

Jackson and I have been hanging out, wishing for the sun to come out. Summer seems to have disappeared around here for the last few weeks with temperatures only being in the 60's and low 70's. It feels more like fall than summer, and I don't like it!

Also last weekend, our car hit 200,000 miles! It was quite exciting for us, so we documented the event with many pictures. We're very thankful that our car has lasted this long, and we hope it will continue to last for at least another year (at which point I won't be too sad at being able to get a NEW car! A new car...wow, what would that be like?) So here's pictures of our exciting adventure of hitting 200,000 miles! Wahoo!

That's about all that's been going on here! Hope all is well back home. I'd love to see some updates of what YOU all have been doing (hint, hint!). Love you all!!

She Did It!!!!!!

2009-06-04T20:13:00.002-06:00

Melanie graduated from Bingham High School this morning. The commencement exercises were held at the McKay Events Center at Utah Valley University in Orem. There were 777 graduates. It was so fun to go get pictures as a family and especially to get pictures of Melanie in her graduation regalia. This was the final activity in this year long celebration of Bingham's 100th birthday. Each of the graduates received a special medallion for being part of this centennial graduating class. The centennial motto is: Then, Now, Always.

We are so proud of Melanie. She had to work hard to achieve this goal. Now is the beginning of the rest of her life. Go forth and conquer Melanie.

After graduation we went to lunch at Rock Creek Pizza Co. in Riverton, Melanie's choice.

Melanie's Graduation 04Jun2009

2009-06-04T19:15:00.003-06:00

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Celebration

2009-05-30T22:30:00.002-06:00

We got to watch the Youth Temple Celebration for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple tonight. It was held at the Conference Center.

Megan had the great opportunity to be in one of the dances. Our Stake participated in a dance about industry or all the work needed to make a community. She was a laundress. There were hours and hours of rehearsals. There were 18 dances with about 300 dancers in each. It was amazing to watch how quickly they came on, did their dance (about three minutes) and then were off and another group on without a stop. It was really enjoyable to watch.

Megan said that she had a tingly feeling all night. It was a great experience for the youth and really fun to watch. President Monson talked to the youth for a few minutes at the beginning then joined the audience. Megan ran right by him as she exited the stage. She was thrilled.

Megan and her friends are looking at the car paint markers they had brought with them. They painted on the windows of the cars - "Temple Celebration or Bust"

Daddy gets his GROOVE on...

2009-05-28T17:35:00.006-06:00

Recently our next door neighbor, Amy Hansen, got married and had a way fun reception (or so I heard...I was stuck here in Oregon) and as I was looking through her pictures from the reception, I came across a couple of my dad dancing that were just TOO funny not to share. ENJOY!!

Oh, how I wish I had been there...

Road trip pics!!

2009-05-24T16:36:00.003-06:00

Congratulations mom on your first ever blog post!! :) It's addicting!!

I thought I'd add some pictures from our road trip! It was really fun and SO nice to have someone to drive back to Oregon with. I don't know if I could do that drive alone!

We went along the Columbia River scenic highway
and stopped at Multnomah Falls!
It was a beautiful day and the falls were beautiful, as usual.

The Vista House!

Beautiful views of the Columbia River from
the Vista House:

Road Trip with Mary-Anne

2009-05-23T18:02:00.004-06:00

MOM writes- Mary-Anne and I left South Jordan yesterday at about 3:30 pm. She drove to Bliss, Idaho and I drove us on to Baker City, Oregon. The motels were nearly all booked but we found a place to stay. It was a no pets motel but we had to have a place to stay so we made Jackson promise to be good. He only let out 3 barks while we were there. He is a really good puppy.

We left Baker City at 8:30 this morning. We stopped in LaGrande for McDonald's breakfast. Then we kept on driving all the way across Oregon. We took a beautiful little side trip to see Multanomah Falls and the Vista overlook of the Columbia River Gorge. We arrived in Salem at 3:30. We will have some pizza and get the air conditioner installed in their apartment window. We hope it will help keep them cool this summer.

I just called home and Craig and the girls were at Red Robin having dinner. They were being served by Aaron. While I was talking to Craig, Aaron grabbed the phone and said, "Love you!" Craig said Aaron was really having to run to keep up with all the guests at the restaurant. Good for him.

It was a way fun road trip. Thank you Mary-Anne for the fun on the trip and for setting up this cute blog for our family.

Let's Get Started!!

2009-05-20T23:53:00.000-06:00

I (Mary-Anne) thought I'd start a Taylor family blog so we can keep everyone updated about the happenings with the Utah Taylor's!! Who knows, maybe even mom will end up doing a post or two? We shall see!!
Here is what has been happening in the Taylor household as of recently:

~Aaron finished up his semester at Utah State and moved home for the summer. Got a job at Red Robin.

~Mary-Anne and Nathanael came to visit from Oregon for a few weeks. Nathanael went back to Salem last week. Mary-Anne leaves with mom to drive back this Friday.

~Mom went back to school May 1st after having been off for a few months recovering from DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT surgery!

~Melanie is finishing up all of her concerts for the year and she passed her last test and will for SURE be graduating from Bingham High School in June!!

~Mom and Dad have both been very involved with getting the new Oquirrh Mountain temple ready for the dedication and open house.

~Megan is getting ready to be done with middle school and has been rehearsing a lot for the temple celebration (which she is participating in) coming up on May 30th!!

Things always seem to be busy around here, but we are so grateful for each other and look forward to all of the exciting events coming up in the near future!!