Grandpa Campbell, We Will Miss You

My favorite picture of Vance is one where he and Cole are standing on the back deck of their home, reminiscing about the world.  Cole offering up the excitement of a world ahead of him while Vance provides the knowledge and guidance of his experiences through life.  Both offering so much to each other. Both excited to share with each other and to dream together about tomorrow.

Today many of us have had the opportunity to reminisce about Vance and his life, just as he did with Cole on that beautiful September day.  What an opportunity it has been for me.

My favorite memories come from all 41 years of knowing him. One of my first memories of Vance was visiting both grandma and grandpa at their house in Farmington.  As my mother and I drove in to the driveway Vance would boom out "WHO GOES THERE?" in his deepest voice, and I knew I was home.  I would run up and give him a huge hug and feel as if there were no cares in the world.

For the first time I have so much to say, but cannot find the words that give justice to who Vance truly was.  If only I could share with you the stories about Vance and how he touched the lives of everyone who came in to contact with him.  Today though, it is too raw, the feelings too great and I feel I could only do injustice to him.  So I ask you to take a moment and share your favorite story about Vance that we may all celebrate his life and experience.

For now all I can say is thank you for 41 amazing years of your time.  We love you and miss you, and wish you God's speed in your return home.

The Teutuls

Who kew we had such famous neighbors? Turns out the Teutuls are just up the road from us. So, being good neighbors, we jumped in the car one afternoon and drove up to see them.

Crazy as it sounds the bikes look completely different than on TV. Some are truly amazing. Each of us had our favorite bikes. I think mine was the Space Shuttle. Heleyna's was definitely the wood bike.

And of course it wouldn't be a trip without a treat.

Heading Home

You may have heard the news. We are headed back to San Diego. And, if we are going back, then we need a house that will fit our expanded family.

Fortunately we found one. It's just a couple of miles east of our old San Diego home and we love it. Heleyna has a flower box outside her window so she can plant whatever she wants. Braden has big mirrors in his room. Mommy has a big tub to relax in while daddy watches the kids. It's the perfect house.

Brad is already in the house and the rest of the family will be here in June, with our furniture arriving sometime mid to end of June. And Heleyna is already registered for Kindergarten. Her school mascot is a penguin and she is very excited to go to school.

Ah, San Diego is home. We're glad to be heading back. And we look forward to all those fun San Diego activities.

Remembering Bernice

It's far too rare a time when we break from our busy lives to spend quality time with those we love. What a special opportunity we have to share our time, stories, and our hearts with those who mean the most. Over the past few years, Grandma Taylor has had such an opporunity. Quality time spent with, her mother and our great grandmother, Bernice Evans. How fortunate they both were to share in those years together.

This week we say goodbye, for now, to great grandma Evans and take this opportunity to remember the laughter, love, compassion, and happiness she brought to our lives.

One our favorite visits was when Heleyna was 19 months old. We spent Thanksgiving at great great grandma Evans home. Heleyna and Bernice formed a very special bond during that visit that carries through today. In fact, Heleyna sang Amazing Grace just for her special great grandma Evans not long after that trip. Heleyna would like to share that with everyone now.

What an impact Bernice made on that little Heleyna. But she wasn't the only one who shared in Bernice's special spirit. Everyone who met her came away knowing she was a special lady. She never shied away from helping and uplifting others. She and Lynn participated in art festivals, church activities, and many other events. Each time leaving their prints with those they met. And each person holding a special story of Bernice.

That's why we are taking time, as a family, to reminisce with our favorite pictures and stories of our very special great grandma Evans. She will always be with us, and a part of us will always be with her.

Great grandma Evans, thank you. For everything.

Love,

The Taylors

Happy Holidays!

Talk about an exciting day! First Santa visited our house with some very exciting gifts and then the Garners and Silversteins stopped by to play with us!

We had so much fun playing games, opening presents, going on walks and eating a delicious dinner made by Dianna.

Who could ask for anything more than Family, Food and Fun on Christmas.

Well I guess we could have asked for snow, but hopefully it will come soon.

Happy Holidays to all!

Welcome!

There are few things in life that are true miracles and we experienced one of them on Tuesday, November 30th at 11:01 am. At that time Cole Andrew Taylor came in to our family. Both mom and Cole are doing very well. Cole is a very special baby. He is very sweet and loves to sit in your arms and listen to stories.

Heleyna and Braden both love their new brother. Dr. Heleyna even gave Cole and mommy a quick check-up.

Welcome Cole! We look forward all of the exciting experiences you will bring to our family.

Deep Dark Clouds

The kids were having so much fun with this one that I had to get it on video. Check out Braden's face. It's hilarious. Heleyna wants some of the action too!

The Banana

I know this has nothing to do with our trip to Disney World, but I had to share it anyway. As many of you know Braden takes his eating very seriously. We were at Akerhaus to have lunch with the Princesses when Dianna brought Braden a banana. She was trying to make it easier for Braden to eat and broke the banana in half. Braden could not believe that mommy would do such a horrible thing.


All turned out in the end though. Braden ate his banana (and another one mommy brought). And he got to see all of the Princesses. I don't think he was excited as Heleyna though.

Cinderella

Who doesn't love the Princesses?

Heleyna has been a true believer since the day she was born. Her favorite is Cinderella. And this week she got to meet the entire family. Heleyna was in seventh heaven.

I have to admit my favorite was Druzella. Her vote on the new baby is that it will be a Prince.

As you can tell, Heleyna's favorites were Prince Charming and Princess Cinderella. What a dream come true for her to meet them both.

Mickey Mouse!

Disney World is such a magical place. And this year both kids are really enjoying it this year.

Yesterday we went to our secret place in Epcot to meet Mickey and Pluto (no we're not telling where it is). It was the first time Braden has ever met Mickey in person. We he turned the corner and saw Mickey there, he squealed with happiness and ran to Mickey with his arms wide open. I've never seen someone so happy. It was like his best friend had just moved in next door.

Of course Heleyna ran to Pluto and played with him. I think she would have taken him home if she had the chance.

Such a wonderful place, this Disney World.

Talk About Fishin

While putting together the pictures of Heleyna and Braden fishing, I came across a couple of pictures up on the river. I can't wait until the kids get up to Swan Valley to go fishin on the Snake River.

Hopefully we can talk Brian in to taking us down a couple of times.

Princess Heleyna & Bodyguard

Princess Heleyna has such a big following that she had to get a bodyguard. Thank goodness Braden works for jello. The two have such wonderful imaginations. Braden got a new pair of sunglasses and wouldn't take them off the entire day. And he now owns daddy's iphone. Just try taking it away. Sad part? He knows how to work it better than daddy.

Heleyna. What can we say? She's our princess and loves to play the part.

Legoland

What a trip! The whole family got to go to San Diego together. It was wonderful to be home and to have some time together. And even though the hotel had a pool, we were able to get Heleyna away long enough to visit Legoland. The kids had an amazing time. Braden and Heleyna got to drive a boat, ride a train, and play all over. Heleyna even got to drive her own car. And she was amazing! Braden got to be in a band, and found a maze that he thought was heaven. Ah, to see them having so much fun. This trip will definitely go down as tops in our book.

A huge thanks to Bob, Theresa, and Alicia for helping to make it all happen.

Gone Fishing

Heleyna and Braden are HUGE fishing fans. Fortunately they both have their own poles and we have a pond just down the street. Braden takes fishing very seriously. He grabs his fishing pole and tackle box and heads for the water. And Heleyna loves to feed the fish. The kids just love being outdoors and fishing together (now that they both have their own poles).

Watch out Grandpa Taylor. Heleyna and Braden may just out fish you next year.

New Friend

While driving down the road a few days ago we ran across a turtle. She was just making her way across the road so we decided to bring her home and feed her. Heleyna and Braden had so much fun playing with her. They fed her and made a little home for her. Alas she wanted to get home to her family so at the end of the day we took her to Malapardis Park and dropped her off at the pond. She was so happy to get home.

Poor Heleyna though was sad to see her turtle friend leave. She so wants a pet of her own. Someday we'll give in. You just can't resist Heleyna for too long.

Happy Birthday Heleyna!

Heleyna turned four years old today! What an amazing day for her. She started the day by going to school. At school she had a special dance class, went on a field trip on the school bus, and had a picnic lunch.

To top that off she came home to a family party where Dianna made an amazing cake. The cake had Cinderella, her Prince, and a carriage on it. Heleyna ended up spending the rest of the day playing with Cinderella. In fact, I think she's still playing with it in bed.

Happy Birthday Heleyna!

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is in full swing here in New Jersey. The weather is warm and the trees and flowers are coming to life. Heleyna is especially excited that she has a pink tree in the yard.

And it couldn't come at a better time. We had an Easter hunt at our house this past Saturday for some of the kids in the ward. It was sunny and 75. We couldn't have asked for better weather, or better friends to spend the morning with.

One more good thing about New Jersey. Conference doesn't start until noon.

The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny visited Imagine That a little early this year. Braden and Heleyna loved saying Hi to him. Braden was especially attached to him. Braden was especially attached and the poor Easter Bunny just couldn't get away from him. So they just decided to have breakfast together.
What a great team that Braden and Heleyna. They're the life of the party wherever we go.

Daddy Daughter Trip

What a unique opportunity to take Heleyna with me to San Diego. Heleyna is such a great traveller, and just so much fun to be around.

And to top it off we had Vance, LuDean and Kathy at the condo with us. It was exciting to sit on the couch and look around at four generations in that room. Of course Heleyna loved the attention. She kept Vance and LuDean busy the whole week playing Go Fish, Chase, Hide & Seek, puzzles, and "What Do I Want For Dinner Tonight?". My favorite is the last. Heleyna will come up with some exotic food she thinks she wants to eat, and Vance and LuDean fix it for her.

So a HUGE thanks to Vance and LuDean for allowing us to spend just a few days with with them in San Diego. It gave us the opportunity to spend time with them and for me to spend invaluable time with Heleyna.

Wish We Were There

The holiday's can be a crazy time. And this year we were way over on the east coast. So what do the Garner's do? They throw a HUGE Christmas party with the whole family, except us.......

That's not completely true, we got to see and talk with everyone over Skype. It was great to see everyone, even if it was just over the internet.