Fall is in the air!

It is my favorite time of year. We have been enjoying our evening walks with Taya bundled up in the stroller and me in my sweats (I love sweatpants weather!). I have been making some apple crisp about once a week to utilize the apples that are in season this time of year and also because the smell of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg can't be beat!
Taya continues to get more fun every day. I have never spent so much time around a toddler, but they are characters! Some of the cute things Taya does is she likes to read and will sit with a book and jabber away or else she will back into your lap and want you to read to her. Her daycare owner told me one day Taya started backing toward her clear across the room. Her hair is getting very curly and is oh so cute. She is miss independent and will do voice influction so you know when she is telling you to do something.
Most recently we went to a wedding this past weekend in Atkinson, NE. Congrats to my high school classmate Miles Mundorf and his new wife, Becky. We were also able to stop in Wayne at Omi and Papa's (minus Papa) to get some pumpkins and for lunch. Grammy was also in town for the wedding and to visit us. We took a 'stay-cation' on Monday to go golfing.
Wish Ethan a happy 27th on Saturday!

Could it be true?

Yes, it's been a while. We are very busy here in Omaha. We have been to a wedding in Ogallala, a birthday party in Lincoln, visiting grandparents in Wayne, and to a parade here in town. During the week I have been busy preparing for interns and working on my Master's; Ethan has been working more on his research and doing some golfing. Below is a sampling of some photos over the past few weeks. I do not have any of my brother's wedding uploaded on the computer, so those will be coming (Taya looked SO cute in her dress).

We have babysat Eli Banks a few times this summer when both Ryan and Em have had to work. Taya enjoys having a human playmate during the weekend.

My brother's wedding was at the golf course in Ogallala. Taya had fun playing on the putting green. At that time (August 22) she was still mostly crawling, but she was taking steps here and there.

We went to Lincoln for my cousin's daughter, Emma's, first birthday. We bought her Taya's favorite toy (lovingly known as Mrs. Potts) and Taya recognized it right away. Emma we hope you love her as much as Taya!

Grammy was in town for a long weekend before heading out to Connecticut. Taya enjoyed some special time with her.

Taya moved over to the toddler building at daycare last week. She is loving it! She is very tired at the end of the day. Every day we get a report from the owner that Taya is "eating really well, she gobbles down all of her food".

We went to the SeptemberFest parade with Emily and Eli this morning. Em and I enjoyed some good conversation as well as Wheatfield's pastries and lattes! Eli and Taya had their own special treat as well. Taya was really interested in the music and the big balloons, such as the monkey below. **For those of you interested, Ethan and Ryan went golfing.

Eli and Taya were interested in the puppies beside us. Taya recognized them because they look like Nima.

They get along very well together. After communing in their strollers, they took a nap then played at the house for a couple of hours.

Emily and Eli Banks

I forgot that I didn't post Taya's one year stats (for those of you interested).

20 lbs 4 oz 29 inches long

She is now primarily walking. She gets around very well and loves the new challenge of stairs!

Have a great week (or great couple of weeks, depending on when I sit down to post more pictures!).