Keeping Our Cool

I'm not really sure why, but so far this summer has been significantly more miserable than my other Arizona summers. I think it's a combination of crazy humidity and little rain since the beginning of the monsoon, and the fact that I'm pregnant. In any case it's been less than pleasant, so when my mother-in-law called last week and told me how cool it was at the cabin and mentioned that we should come up, I decided that was a good idea.

Bryan took off a couple of hours early on Friday and we headed up for the weekend. It never got warmer than 80, and it was overcast and breezy the whole time so it felt great. Ryan got to spend lots of time outside, Bryan got in 9 holes of golf with his dad, and everyone came home happy.

Ryan and Grandpa hanging out at the cabin

It's just as fun to climb up as it is to slide down

Checking out the tire swing

Having fun with Dad

Even Jackson had a good time

4th of July

This year we spent the 4th with Bryan's siblings and their families at the cabin in Show Low. It was fun to see everyone and the weather was fantastic. It was a little chaotic with 26 people under one roof, but we all had a great time. I always say that I'm glad I married into the family I did--they are a fun group and there's never a dull moment when everyone's together. Here are a few photos from our weekend.

Getting ready for our turn in the family variety show

Working on this year's project, building a horseshoe pit and bench

Even though he's not big enough to hold a cue stick, Ryan still enjoys the pool table downstairs

Lots of messy family fun!

Name Update, Part 2

OK, so we are 100% set on Ann for our little princess's first name. Her middle name is another story however. My big concern with Marie is that people will call her Ann Marie, which I do not like. I have always loved Elizabeth, however, and this weekend I found out that Bryan's great-grandmother's middle name was Elizabeth. So we are definitely leaning toward Elizabeth at this point. Stay tuned!

Name Update

So it looks like we've got a winner...Ann Marie Colby and we're going to call her Annie. Ann is after my grandmother and Marie is my middle name. Bryan and I have always liked Katherine and Victoria, but somehow this one seemed to fit.

It's a Girl!

As you can probably tell by the insane new pink background, we're having a girl! We had our ultrasound this morning and she is in the 50th percentile for everything they measured and looks great.

As far as names, we're thinking Katherine Ann (we'd call her Kate), Victoria Ann (we'd call her Tori) or possibly just Ann with a middle name to be determined.

Anyway, we are thrilled and just wanted to share our fun news!

Ryan Turns One!

Yummy! A candle!

Dad helping me open my new blocks.

Getting ready to go in the pool with Mom & Dad.

In the pool with my favorite guy.

Worn out after a big day of celebrating.

So it's hard to believe, but today Ryan is one. I don't know where the time goes, because the memory of bringing him home from the hospital is still so vivid in my mind.

We had his party on Saturday at Bryan's parent's house. My parents came up and my Grandpa was here as well, so it was nice. Ryan wasn't a big fan of the chocolate cake, but he did love the homemade chocolate chip ice cream. His favorite part of the day was being in the pool--with a July birthday, I'm sure there will be plenty more pool parties in his future.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN TAFT! WE LOVE YOU!