A Friend Her Size...

Gracie has been playing with her new buddy Jaxon almost every day! I feel so blessed because Rachel (Jaxon's Mom) has been willing to watch Gracie for me so much lately while I'm at work. It's such a relief to leave your baby some place where you know they will be in good hands! Gracie and Jaxon have loads of fun playing in the red turtle, which can hold water or sand - depending on the weather conditions. In the collage above - Jaxon really isn't poking her in the head...He's showing me where Gracie's Ear is.

I Love this picture below...Gracie's trying to convince Jaxon that he really wants to hand over the toy!

Having Fun!

TAGGED!

My friend Jeanine tagged me...and it took me a few days to think about it, but here are 6 quirks about myself. ENJOY.

The rules are list six quirks about yourself, and then leave a note for 6 friends on their blog to tag them! My six people are: Emilee, Kylene, Molly, Jessi, Tammy and Melly.

You will all most likely brand me OCD after reading these quirks...but please love me anyway! :)

Example 1: I have a difficult time leaving the house if something is out of order. If a dirty glass or unfolded blanket catches my eye...I feel I have to put them in their places. Maybe this is why I am late every place I go! :)

Example 2: Jody calls me the "Laundry Nazi". If you are going to help fold the clean clothes - you just have to wash your hands!

Example 3: I go through a box of Cranberry Almond Crunch Cereal every couple of days. It's soooo good.

Example 4: I can sleep through almost any alarm clock....but NOT Gracie's Cry.

Example 5: When I smash a spider or bug in our house...I usually talk myself through it. "Okay, Brittany, Here we go...you can do this." And I use half a box of tissues for extra protection!

Example 6: Jody informed me the other day, I make up words that don't exist. They always sound right in my head! :)

University of Montana Homecoming!

This past weekend, hundreds flocked back "HOME" to Missoula to celebrate Homecoming at the University of Montana. I had to work...so myself, Jody, Gracie, and the ginormous KPAX camera all went down to the annual parade together. Here's the story I did from Saturday. And Yes!...I put Gracie on the news every chance I get...so in addition to some friends who you might recognize...see if you can spot Gracie in the story below!

Reorganizing "Gracie" Style...

I run a pretty clean ship here in the Tait Home...but there are many days when I just can't keep up with this adorable little tornado! I'm amazed at HOW FAST she can empty a drawer, rip up a stack of papers or start eating a magazine...(She likes to eat paper...) Yesterday I found a big bite out of my cookbook and the Ensign! I'm constantly swabbing paper out of her mouth. Today she decided to re-organize our CD collection. I think she did a fine job.


In an effort to make Gracie even MORE MOBILE, our good friend Janna, let us borrow her baby walker. Gracie really loves pushing it around the house. It's exhausting work - you can hear she's nearly out of breath in the video because she's so excited!

On Top of the World!

Last Week, we headed up North to let Gracie experience Glacier National Park! The Park is only about a two-hour drive from our house. We entered Bear Country before "Going to the Sun Road" closed for the season.
We hiked and hiked...and this is what awaited us when we arrived - Avalanche Lake! It's beautiful. Others on the hike saw a Black Bear...we stayed clear, as to not become one last FEAST before hibernation season.


Gracie was so tired. She missed most of the scenery and slept through almost the entire hike.


We were exhausted at the end of the day. We hiked five miles around the park. Five miles doesn't seem TOO far...until you have a baby! Next time, we'll take the bus tour! This is on the Trail of the Cedars!


We saw dozens of Mountain Goats. They get so close to you...it's amazing. At one point, all of the Wildlife Photographers were capturing the perfect shot with their telephoto lenses...It was then that we walked up, and once Gracie saw the Mountain Goats - She went crazy - Pointing, Laughing, and Making Noises. Inevitably, the Mountain Goats ran away...and we got a number of dirty looks. What?! She really likes animals! :)


Gracie couldn't wait to get out of the backpack and discover! She really wanted to splash in the water!

The Balloons Didn't Stand a Chance!

I threw a Baby Shower for a good friend last week. I decorated with a variety of balloons. The next day Gracie found and then ATTACKED the Balloons! Ahh...the PERFECT Teething Relief!

I'm Cutting Teeth Here People!

Her face says it all! Gracie's two front bottom teeth are coming in, and it's NO SECRET! They are awfully sharp - but she is being a trooper! It's also been a week of milestones for Gracie. A couple days ago, I looked over terrified to see her scaling the stairs...YES - She knows how to crawl up stairs! Wow - she is learning more and more each day!

Always on the go...

She LOVES being outside - where she can listen to all the dogs bark, cars vroom and birds chirp!

The Sweetest Sight!

I came home from work today for a quick lunch break...and this is what I found! I'm pretty lucky...don't you think?!

Gracie Takes Us for a Spin on Labor Day!

She has skills behind the wheel...and she's only 9-Months-Old! Never Fear - the Truck was in Park the entire time.


Jody has wanted to go camping with the family this entire summer...so we decided Labor Day weekend - we would make it happen. However, Mother Nature didn't quite agree with us. It was soggy and wet all day Monday. We did go up into the Woods for a Picnic. Jody was able to try out the camping grill I gave him, and we ate some delicious s'mores!

A Trip to Utah...

Jody had some meetings this week in Park City, so Gracie and I had a chance to visit with extended family. It was wonderful to see everyone! Here's a picture of Grandma Wiscombe doing Patty-Cake with Gracie.


A Lazy Day lounging in the Backyard.


She Loves the Pool!


Swimming in Grandpa & Grandma Wiscombe's Pool.



Grandpa & Gracie


After an intense basketball game of Horse and Lightning. Michael - Gracie is trying to steal your "Man Rag." :)

Love You All!