A flashback to Trace in the NICU (two days old). We don't keep these pictures out, they are tucked away in Trace's baby book. They remind us of how far he has come and God's protection over his life!

And this is Trace now with his new playset. Running, jumping, climbing...you can't stop him! Two years ago we didn't know if he would ever be able to do these things! Read the blog journal entry below to hear more about our new praise report!

Good News for Trace!!!

Trace had his 6th MRI on Monday (6/16). This scan was much more difficult than the ones in the past because Trace was no longer able to be sedated by oral medication. Because he is older and weighs more, he had to have an IV...one word-HORRIBLE!!! I can't stand to see him in pain, although thankfully he was so brave and stopped crying as soon as the IV was in place. Pretty soon he was asleep and the sweet nurse rolled him down for the scan.

On Wednesday (6/18) we went back for the results of the MRI at the neurosurgeon's office. I was a bit more nervous about the results because we have noticed Trace holding his back right around the sight of his spinal opening and just didn't know if he was doing this as a habit and somewhere to put his hands, or if there was something new going on with his back that we didn't know about. Well, God certainly answered our prayers and calmed my fears when the Dr. walked in and said that the scans look great! The tract still shows no signs of being attached to his spine...and if you remember, this was a miracle in itself!!! The Dr. felt comfortable releasing Trace from his care after two years of MRI's and follow-ups. That means that unless we notice something unusual, we no longer have to have MRI's!!! Yeah!!!

We give God all the praise and glory for Trace's healing. We will never forget the miracles that He performed through Trace's little body and will always be thankful. It's so nice to see a Dr. proved wrong, as he cannot explain the wonderful results to us, yet we know that there are just some things in life that are not explained by modern medicine but by the great physician and healing hand of our mighty King.

Taylor Family Vacation 2008 and Billy Bowlegs Festival

We vacationed with Gerrick's family from Thursday (June 5th) to Monday (June 9th). We decided that 9 1/2 hours was too long to drive with two kids, and since we had the frequent flier miles, we decided to fly down. It was a great idea-3 hours including layovers, etc. sure beats 9 1/2 hours in a car! We arrived in Ft. Walton around 11 am on Thursday and after lunch and naps, we walked over to Ft. Walton landing to kick off the start of the 2008 Billy Bowlegs festival. It's a tradition in this area that has been going on for 53 years. For the kids, they enjoyed watching pirates, sword fights, yummy food, moonwalk, music, and boats. I have never seen so many boats in one area on the water in my life! We spent the weekend in the water and over at the festival. On Sunday we took a boat cruise to an island and BG led a sunday school lesson there. Then we played in the water and had a picnic lunch. We then cruised over to Crab Island-where the water is so blue and clear that I thought we were in the Bahamas! After naps, many of the Taylor clan started their goodbyes. Our flight didn't leave until Monday afternoon, so we had a little longer to enjoy the beach and time with family. The flight home consisted of one delay after the other-but we were so thankful that the kids behaved despite the fact that it was way past their bedtime! We arrived home on Monday, June 9th (or I guess I should say early Tues. morning!) at midnight. It was a great trip!

Trace sitting in his own seat on the plane!

Anna Kate's first plane ride!

Trace was eating a bagel and dipping it in his cream cheese on the plane...Anna Kate and her "go go gadget legs" decided to plop her foot right in the middle of the cream cheese. Daddy has to document EVERYTHING so here's her toes covered in cream cheese!

Gulfarium-sea lions

Papa waving from the boat

BG trying to talk Trace into wearing the pirate hat

snap it quick-he only wore it for about 2 seconds

BG and the grands with the pirates-Trace is dancing to the music from the Billy Bowlegs festival

playing in the sink at the beach house

do these two brothers look alike or what???

Caroline, Lexi, and Anna Kate in matching bikinis!

jumping to Daddy

Anna Kate's first time in the pool!

the fam with Billy Bowlegs

Trace and Caroline

the boats at Billy Bowlegs Festival

Trace and Daddy practicing their "down, set, hut!"

chillin'

crab island-look how blue and clear the water was!

she's bound to be tough with a brother like Trace!

island playing and picnic

Sunday School singing with Steadman-followed by lesson by BG

boat riding

thumb sucker

and again

Okaloosa Island


Getting ready to head to the airport-we were all a little sad to leave!

layover in Atlanta after two delayed flights-10pm-despite all of that, the kids did great!

I think the gate is this way

running through the airport terminal

trace the photographer...you'll let your child play with anything when they need to be entertained on plane!

a beautiful shot of the plane lap tray