This is Rocco, our new puppy. I finally broke down and got a dog after 25 years of dreaming. He is a good puppy with a lot of energy. Even Brandon loves him dispite the fact that he refers to Rocco as a "rat dog". (he is way to fluffy to be a rat)

Euro Trip

Our aventures started in Germany where we picked up our new car and headed straight for the Nurburgring to make one of Brandon's dreams come true. I felt like the make a wish foundation. He loved racing around the ring and even finshed in under 10 min, on his last lap, which is totally respectable. Next stop was Switzerland where we meet up with the Blackwelders. Here we indulged in chocolate and cheese with the occassional shopping and trip to some hot springs while it rained. Our last destintion, Italy. We enjoyed a bit of history and culture and most importantly the coast. The sun blessed us with it presence while we hiked and relaxed by the pool and ocean on the italian riviera. Divine.

Europe is fabulous in so many ways, but God Bless America. Free water, free parking, free wi-fi give a whole new meaning to the word freedom.

Moab

So for easter weekend we went to Moab for the Jeep Safari and had a great time. Our convoy consisted of the Clam Digger, a Humvee, a Unimog, an old school Willy's that is split in half and pivots, and a Rubicon that included baby seats.
We chillaxed in the clam digger. This is the ultimate. It doesn't look like much but it will go up just about anything, which earned us much respect from the onlookers. Down side is there's no windshield so you need goggles. But where else can you own obstacles like the escalator while lounging on a wrap-around couch eating chips. Oh and the clam digger is especially good at tearing through riverbeds at high speed.
Unfortunately we did get a flat tire on our car just before leaving to head home. A fellow jeeper was kind enough to give us his plug kit which held surprisingly well. We never got to really thank him but are deeply grateful.

Checkered Flag

If you did not know by now, I'm am married to the "number 1 racer". Here he is on March 25th at Miller Motorsports Park. Typically Brandon drives his Silvia, but this day he chose to drive his 335i. Brandon goes out to the track once or twice a month when the weather is good. It isn't always a race for a trophy. Sometimes all you want to do is dial in your suspension and beat your old lap times. March 25th was a real race and yes, he brought home a trophy (3rd place). Maybe one day he'll make money to play instead of pay to play.

The BIG Screen

As if 4 t.v.s wasn't enough. We have stepped it up. Up to 110 inches of HD that is. We "needed" a home theater. Who wouldn't want to play Forza or Halo in life size. We can now press pause to use the restroom, shake the upstairs with ridiculous base, and we don't have to drive home when it's all done. Talk about gratuitous. P.S. we are happy to share so come down and joins us.

Healing Waters

The first week of December, Brandon and I took a road trip up to Idaho to bathe at Lava Hotsprings. Great R&R! We got massages, turned to prunes, ate breakfast with the locals, and grabbed dinner and a movie in Pocatello. Very romantic, I know. Really though I loved the podunk town. How nice is it to walk a block to breakfast and two blocks to the hot springs. Brandon is already talking about making another trip up in January. We stayed in a remodeled place that wasn't creepy and bought groceries at the new market. I think everyone should go at least once. I got turned onto this place as a child while taking summer trips with my parents. Nostalgia is a great thing.

my first nephew

Everyone meet baby Ewan Louw Taylor. He was born Nov 29. What a sweet , perfect boy. Our fmily is so excited to have him as our newest addition. I am trying to warm Brandon up to the idea. I even got him to hold the new babe, and have a picture to prove it. For now I'll enjoy holding Ewan, and am looking forward to the birth of baby-boy Blackwelder in a couple months.