Puppy!

Great news! I've been doing some serious puppy shopping. We realize we can't replace Lincoln in all his glory, but we are lonely. Our house feels somehow empty (if that is possible with three extremely active kids). So we did lots of breeder looking and found one with puppies available in three weeks! We went and saw the litter on Saturday and all I can say is... ahhhhh. Does anyone know anything cuter than a golden retriever puppy? We probably will go with a little girl to save comparing this one to the Big Ol' Boy. So... name suggestions? We don't want it to end with a 'A' sound... like Rayna or Mira. And Duane is adament that it doesn't sound like a child. And, no frilly-fu-fu names. The family is very excited at the prospect of a new fur-ball in the house. The responsible mother is thinking of LOTS of training, waking up in the night to potty her, and all the joys of puppyhood. But she'll be worth it...

Flashing lights

"Good Afternoon. Is there a reason why you are going 58 in a 45 mile per hour zone?" Um, I must have been distracted by the baby in the back seat I guess (Ella here today). "Could I have your license?" Yes, here it is. (About a 5 minute wait while Ella quietly observes and many cars drive past looking at our van thinking... tsk tsk)

Officer gets out of the car and simply states, "I don't want to ruin your perfect record. Please slow down." THANK YOU SIR! Whew!

Vacation continued

We're back! I'll post some pictures that will tell the 'thousand words' you all don't have time to read (or maybe even care). Was a good trip. Kids were troopers. Enjoyed time with my brother and family (Keith and Jane's) and Trent and Sarah Smith (my niece). Did some sightseeing in San Diego when we arrived. Then to Keith and Jane's for a bit and just relaxed there and went to meeting Wed. night before getting on the cruise Thursday morning. Weather was chilly except for in Cabo. The cruise was nice (although lots of swells in the ocean on Sunday made for some queasy bellys). Saw whales in the ocean, dolphins, sea lions, ate a ton of food and played lots of Rook. Met a professing man in Cabo at his little stand where he sells to tourists. That was neat. The scenery there was outstanding. Flew home yesterday (delays for both flights, but not too bad). Drug the kids out of bed this morning and they were in shock as they have sleep debt and still feel on California time.

The house feels eerily empty without my companion nearby. I almost don't feel motivated to walk, but better or I'll pack on a few pounds. Anyway, the laundry awaits. The bread needs to rise. The groceries need to be bought. And the kids will be home soon.

Vacation

Sad news

We are so sorry to share the news that our dear dog Lincoln died this morning. He was acting just fine, but yesterday, couldn't get up off his dog bed. This morning he again didn't move and so Duane and I carried him on his bed to the vet. They discovered liver/spleen cancer and bleeding in the abdomen. There was really no choice but to let him go with his dignity and without pain. Our entire family is very sad as he's been such a huge part off our lives.

Winter Wonderland!

Ok, I must have time on my hands today! Was out this morning shoveling (Duane gone, remember?)and it is just so pretty out, so had to take some pictures. Rayna's first solo snowman! And Lincoln sitting there just watching the world go by... I am NOT a winter person. But if it is to be cold and dark, why not have snow? This year is for me for sure!

Wild for Webkinz

Thanks to some generous folks, we have some new members of our family. The kids have their first Webkinz and just love them. Rayna has Stripes (panda), Rainbow (pink pony), Trevor has Claws (bear) and Bucky (deer), and Mira has Snowball (bunny) and Vanilla (white dog). They have really enjoyed just playing with them as well as all the computer stuff you can do with your new 'friends'. Thought I'd post a picture.

It is snowing!