O Little Town of Bethlehem

The other night Taija and I joined the youth in our ward in attendance to "Live Bethlehem."  The 1st Church of Coral Springs puts on their interpretation of what the town of Bethlehem would have been like at the time of Christ's birth.  They have the Roman soldiers there and treat all of the people that come through as peasants that have come to be a part of the census.  Here are the 3 wisemen that are located a little ways outside of the 'city.'

Not a great pic, but this is a little group of shepherds outside the city encouraging people to go see the Christ child

I didn't get any pics of the Roman soldiers - bummer!  They were really cool, going around bossing everyone around!  Here are the pics of some donkeys and shepherds

The Star that can be seen throughout most of the little city

And of course the Manger Scene

Taija's New Buddy

So the other day I put up some of our Christmas decorations...Taija thought I put this snowman up just for her! She loves to pick him up and twirl him around, give him hugs, and of course drag him everwhere! 

Thanksgiving

This was our first Thanksgiving in Florida and away from family!  For as long as I can remember my family has always spent the turkey holiday at my Auntie Janet's house...I have NEVER cooked a turkey!  So, this year Justin and I decided we wanted to spend Thanksgiving at our house with friends!  I cooked a turkey, made mashed potatoes and gravy, put together stuffing and made 3 pies!  It was a blast!  Our friend's the Lewis' brought the green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls and a jello salad!  Such a delicious meal!  Enjoy the pics!

Taija decided to help me with the potatoes!  And of course Justin decided to just take pics of her helping!

Our friends the Lewis'

Cute little Annabelle!

Taija's Visitors

This past week we had visitors!  Tina and Kate came to see us!  They flew in on Wednesday and stayed until Sunday!  It was a whirlwind weekend with lots of shopping and a trip to the beach!

Taija and her Aunt Kate and the playground on the beach!

Kate was trying to help her, but she escaped too quickly and came down all by herself!  She loved it!

Playing in the sand with the Bateman's - Kate got sunburned just on one side while making hers!

Playing on the little merry-go-round outside the Nike store - she loved it until it started going.  She just sat there with the funniest face like 'why is this thing moving?'

Taija's new flip-flops!

We had so much fun while they were here, but they had to go back to work...we will miss them! At least it's only 5 more weeks til we go home to them!  See you soon!

What's in a name?

So...I have loved hearing how some of my friends came up with the names for their little ones, so I thought I would share how Taija got her name!  Since I was little I have always liked the name Anastasia and dreamed of the day when I had a little girl of my own to name her that.  But when I married Justin he vetoed the name!  Claiming that it's a Russian name that American's pronounce wrong (he served his mission in Russia).  I begged and begged, but he was pretty firm on hating the pronounciation.  So...we compromised and just took the last part of the name...hence Taija (we figured out a spelling that hopefully if one sounds it out they will say it right)!  Taija's middle name is Ane...yes spelled A N E,  but pronounced Ann.  My middle name is the same my mom liked it spelt that way because it is different - you will have to ask her for further clarification!

Taija Ane Robison - 10/02/08

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  Justin, Taija and I all went to a costume party!  It was so much fun and people were so creative!  We went as Dr. Robison, Nurse Robison and Dr. in Training!

The Folsom Cowboys with their sheep dog Jonnie

The hosts...Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Joker and Harley Quinn (winners of the best costume)!

These guys came in a close 2nd - Ipod earphones!  So creative!

Trunk or Treat and the Afterparty!

Last night we went to our ward's Trunk or Treat Party...it was lots of fun!  They had chili and corn bread, plus games for kids (most were for older kids).  It was not the most organized event so by the time they got to the Trunk or Treat part Taija was ready to go home!  Here are some pics - enjoy!

The quality isn't the greatest....I put Justin in charge of the picture taking!

After the Trunk or Treat we came home and Micah, JD, and Jonnie stayed to play!

Orlando Temple Trip

Our stake has been announcing our Stake Temple Day for the last 2 and half months!  It has been a big deal as Southern Florida has been trying to prove that we are a temple worthy area...it must have paid off because if you haven't heard we are getting a temple here in Fort Lauderdale (announced at the last conferance)!

The Orlando Temple has never done 1000 endowments before in one day so our stake along with another stake set a goal to reach that mark on October 23rd, 2009.  We decided that we wanted to be part of the Millenial Stake Temple Day - so along with our friends the Batemans we packed up the kids and headed to Orlando on Friday.  We left right after school and made it up there around 3pm.  We watched their kiddos while they did a session and then they watched Taija so that we could.  It was great to just be a part of that day!

We spent the night in Orlando (let's be honest...who wanted to make a 3 hour car ride twice in one day with 3 kids) and headed home today!

Taija in her big-girl car seat!

Taija thought it would be fun to wake daddy up in the morning!

Miami Metrozoo

It has finally cooled off here in Florida so we decided to go to the zoo!  We drove down with our friend's the Batemans (BreeAnn, Sophie and M.J.)

Taija trying to see the tigers!

the giraffe's were pretty cool - you could buy branches with leaves on them to feed them...we just watched some other people do it

Taija had more fun just running up and down the ramp to see the giraffe's

I hauled Taija around in her wagon...the last time we went to the zoo we tried her stroller and she didn't like it as much.

Taija and MJ (he is only 6 months older than her, but so much bigger)

All 3 kiddos in the car!

We had so much fun at the zoo!  Thanks BreeAnn, Sophie and MJ for joining us!

Halloween!

My little devil!

Taija's FIRST Birthday!

So I finally got all the pics from Taija's birthday party! Enjoy!

This was taken before the party started...it was supposed to start at 5:30, but people didn't start showing up til quarter to 6...I was a little worried that no one would come to her party!

Taija's cake!  The theme was butterflies and flowers!

We took our wagon - ALL of the kids loved it and wanted turns riding in it!

Party people!

Taija and Mommy opening gifts!

We had so much fun - thank you to everyone who came!  Love you guys!