The Many Faces of Andrew

During the seven week Summer BYU-I break, Andrew decided to grow his facial hair out--he had never grown a beard before! When Fall Semester was about to begin, he shaved his hair off in stages. We've recorded the experience here for your enjoyment:

The "Hitler" 'stache

BYU-Idaho Approved

Handlebars and sideburns

Goattee and burns

Full Beard

Baby in a Box

One of Taylor's parents thought that putting him in a box would be a fun game...now who could that be?!

Happy Labor Day!

In keeping with our Labor Day tradtion to play outdoors, we drove to the edge of Yellowstone Park this year, to some small waterfalls called "Cave Falls." They get their name from a neat cave that's located right at the base of the falls you see here in the picture. Even though it was chilly that day, we had fun exploring the cave and the area nearby. Taylor stayed warm in a Snugli on Andrew's back the whole time, and as usual, he loved being outside!

Taylor loves his horse

Taylor just started to reach for things over the last week. He likes to hold the leg of this little horse. Maybe because it is about the size of his hand.

Bedtime!

I think this moment speaks for itself--Andrew and I laughed and laughed over this.

Taylor's Blessing

We blessed Taylor during our student ward sacrament meeting last Sunday, August 3rd. We were so glad that so many family members could come to support him, me, and Andrew: Andrew's parents flew-in all the way from Alabama, my grandparents, parents and brothers drove up from Utah, and so many cousins and aunts and uncles to Taylor drove up from Utah too! It was a very special, memorable weekend.Taylor finally met Papa Norris! He also got to meet his little cousin, Courtney too--she's just one month older than him.
Cousins Ashley and Maddie flapping their "wings" at our picnic in the park.

Mountain Get-Away

Tiffany's family invited us to join them on their summer vacation to Grand Lake, Colorado--a small mountain town just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. We fell in-love with the gorgeous landscape and the "untouched" feel of this neat place . It was so relaxing and such a treat to spend an entire week with family.
It was fun taking Taylor hiking with us. He loves the outdoors! Even passed-out in his Snugli on Andrew, his cute little personality came out.
On our first hike to Adams Falls, just minutes away from where we were staying.

Shots

Baby Taylor had four vaccines yesterday, and is still fighting a cold! Having his first set of shots was very traumatic for him but even more so for his mom, who cried on and off with him all day long!

Taylor's Great Grandparents

Taylor has met all of his great grandparents now--with one exception: Nanny (Andrew's dad's mother). We miss you, Nanny, and are excited to see you in Bama for Thanksgiving!

Taylor's Grandpa and Grandma Great (Macfarlane)

Great Grandma and Grandpa Mercer
Great Grandmother Hickman
Nanny (on the right)

Mercer Family Reunion

During the Fourth of July weekend, we went to Utah for the Mercer Reunion. It was great to see family and to introduce Taylor to everyone-- he was so doted over! It was also the first time since having the baby that Tiffany was able to really get out and do some "normal" activities for a change. It was fun.
Tiffany's cousin Allen was lucky enough to recieve his mission call in the mail the same weekend as the reunion. Here he is opening the call beside aunt Cherie: to Fresno, California, Spanish speaking. Congratulations, Allen!

Uncle Ron, Andrew, and Larz at the trailhead to the Mt. Timpanogos Cave hike.

Inside the cave. We're wearing sweatshirts because it's 45 degrees inside--brrr!
Tiff and her cousins Lauren and Bobby inside Timp cave
Larry, Tiffany, A.J., Bobby, and Lauren