The Taflingers: April 2009

Pismo -- In remembrance of Papa.

Julie's family has been going to Pismo beach all of her life. It is such a special place to her and the family. In March of 2003 Julie's Papa passed away, and the family spread his ashes in Pismo beach up on the cliffs. Ever since then it has become even more of a special place. A few weekends ago the whole family gathered there in remembrance of Papa. We had a great time. It was Janna's first time at the beach, and in the sand. She loved it. The time at the pool was great, another first for Janna. She loves the water.We also spent the evening playing games, this was an activity Papa also loved. Julie has many memories playing games with her papa. It is great to take a break from our busy schedules and just remember him. He played such a huge role in Julie's life, and he has truly left a legacy behind. Although our kids were never able to meet him in person, we hope to teach them values that he cherished, and family traditions he set. We plan to keep going with the kids, and we want to pass the Pismo tradition on to them.

Daddy and Joshua in the cave on the beach.

Grammy and Janna enjoying the Breeze.

Joshua climbed this rock!

Mommy and Janna in the pool. Janna's first pool experience! She loved it.

Every year we go to this cool restaurant called McKlintocks. They do this thing where they poor water from a pitcher with a blindfold on into a glass on your head. J was up for it.

Janna all wrapped up in her towel after swimming.

Bath time...in the sink :)

J pulling Janna in his wagon on the beach. He loves his little sis so much.

J in the tide pool

Janna realized she likes to eat sand.

Great Grandma and J building a sand Castle

J and his cousin Jorgy enjoying the sand.

Family fun in Mammoth

As you can all tell I am trying to catch up on my Posts :)

We have been so blessed to have the opportunity to go on some family vacations, Mammoth being one of them. For the past few years Mom and Dennis have given us a trip to Mammoth to stay in a huge cabin called the Spoiler. The whole family goes, it is a great weekend of fun. This time it was really extra exciting because Julie is not pregnant and she was able to ski, and we also had the opportunity to teach J. The weekend was filled with great weather, great skiing, great food, great games, and great conversation. It is so good to get together all five kids, their spouses/girlfriends, and the grandkids. Jon was not able to be there this year because he is in Spain, but I am sure he will be back up their next year. Here are some of the pics from the weekend.

Julie got to skii a little with her Mom they have not done that in about 6 years! They went to the top of the mountain, it was a challenge, but very much worth it!

J taking a little break! He is so cute.

J skiing for the first time!

Grammy and Papa ~ Enjoying little Janna

Jeff and Susan

Jason and Mari

J sledding..such a cute little snow bunny

The girls in the Gondola

Joey got to ski with us too, that was real nice.

Here we are up on the chair lift.

Below are a few videos of J skiing...the highlight of our weekend! He really loved it! He was such a trouper and did not even complain. He caught on real fast!

Enjoying the grass

Here are some pics of Janna and Joshua just enjoying the yard and the Grass!
not sure why some of the pictures loaded sideways..o well they are still cute :)

a new little Blessing

On January 27th 2009 Julie received a phone call from our friend Melissa. She shared that she was pretty sure she was having contractions, and that her labor was starting. Sure enough it was the beginning stages of Labor. Julie was ecstatic, and stayed very close to her phone all day waiting for a new update. That evening Julie got word, that Melissa's contractions were getting stronger and closer together, they were going to head to the hospital and it was time! Oh man Julie could not sleep! We received the call at 3:30 in the morning that Melissa's Labor had been progressing, and in a short time she would be ready to push! Julie jumped out of bed, and quickly went to the hospital. She was so anxious. When she arrived she was able to spend some time with Melissa, Shaheen and the family in the delivery room, before it was time for Lincoln to make his grand entrance into this world. The family waited, and waited. And then the announcment was made. Lincoln Michael Jahangard was born on January 28th at 8:44 am weighing in at 6lbs 14 oz and 2o.5 inches long. And oh man he is beautiful. Melissa did so well all the way through labor, and both Mommy and Baby made it through very healthy.

We have enjoyed getting to know the little guy this past few months or so, we look forward to sharing our lives with him, and watching him grow. Our kids, especially J is very excited about having a new little friend. Melissa and Shaheen are really enjoying being parents, and they are settling in and figuring out a whole lot of new things about parenthood. It is so great to have our friends enter the same stage of life that we are in! We love Mel and Sha so much, and its is such a blessing to now share our lives with their little Lincoln! Here are pics!