Lou

Our vet sent this gift in the mail to us today.  So sweet.  We'll find a nice spot in the yard to put it and remind of us Lou every day. (Blogger won't let me flip this photo the right way.)

Lou

We had to say good-bye to Lou last night after 16+ years together.

He was the best birthday present I ever got.  This is from the day we got him in 1995.

He was our best friend.

He put up with us dressing him up or hiding him in stuffed animals.

He kept me company while I worked from home.

Lou would perk up when the girls got home from school because he knew he would get lots of attention.

He loved to wrestle and play fetch.  He loves chasing squirrels.  He loved scrambled eggs.

Lou and Peyton always had a special bond.

He loved sleepovers.  Most night he would go to bed with Peyton, then get moved to Maddie's room at her bedtime, and then we'd move him into our room for the night.  He put up with all of us.

Lou didn't have many dog friends, but he did love Koele.

The house feels lonely without you, Lou.  Thanks for being such a good dog.

Sick Day

Someone stayed home from school today with a cold...and someone looks a little bit too happy to be home with Lou.

Happy Easter

The girls started their morning hunting for Easter eggs and Easter baskets hidden by the Easter bunny.  Then church and brunch with the Acobas at our house.

Just because...

Bloggiversary

It's the 4 year anniversary of my blog. I know I've been a bad blogger lately. But I haven't stopped! I hope to do better!

News of the week so far:
Peyton lost another tooth at 4am Sunday morning, had yet another softball practice canceled because of the crap weather and is getting her outfit ready for occupation day tomorrow (that's tomorrow's blog.)Maddie has had plenty of softball practice regardless of the crap weather and is working on a science project for school.

I've been up to my eyeballs in work lately but am working on a new look for the downstairs bathroom. That'll be a future blog, once I finish it. And trying to figure out what to cook for dinner when softball practice and/or games are at dinnertime for the next two months.

Jim's been working, playing basketball, fighting crab grass in our yard and shuffling kids to softball and violin in the evenings.Lou is hanging in there, keeping us company.

Thanks to those of you who check my blog regularly! :) Here's to many more years to come.

A Little Break during Spring Break

The Acobas graciously invited us down to the beach today to visit them while they are spending several days there. We had a great day hanging out with cousins and the weather cooperated most of the day--it was gorgeous at Bella Beach.
Lou was especially happy to go on adventure...even if he didn't have the best manners! ;)Thanks for having us Acobas!

Sweet Sixteen

Lou celebrates his sweet 16th birthday today with a scrambled egg for breakfast, lots of attention and kisses, and a new comfy bed. We love this dog!

Invasion 2011

The weekend was the annual invasion when my mom, Aunt Penny & Great Gramma come to visit and shop. You can see previous years here, and here. On the first day, I dropped my brand new camera and broke it. :( So I don't have as many photos as I'd like.

We had a great time hanging out with the kids on the snow day Thursday, shopping at Washington Square, rearranging my family room (it looks great! thanks Penny), playing games, including a wild bunco night and all in all having a great time.

My kids are going to be in such withdrawal tomorrow.

Go Ducks

Well, we started out smiling at the beginning of the BCS Bowl game.

Beautiful Fall

(This one is for you--Megan!)

Beautiful fall day here. Sunny skies and the leaves in our yard are just beginning to turn.Peyton had to hurry up, have a snack and finish homework so she could go enjoy! Lou's enjoying this dry weather, too!

Koele

We have had cousin Koele for a couple nights. He is one of Lou's only friends and they were excited to see each other. It's much different now that they are both senior citizens...about 5 minutes of playing and LOTS of sleeping. :)

Weekend Sleepover

40!

I celebrated the big 4-0 yesterday. Had a great day.

Spent the morning in Banks for Maddie's softball game, then lunch at Helvetia Tavern on the way home, then prep for the dinner that night. Spent it with people I've known MOST of those 40 years.Kristi gave me one of the best gifts I've ever gotten. A few months ago we were having dinner at Pizzicato (with the kids, my mom and aunt Penny) and as we left, we grabbed a mint by the cash register. I said I would love a case of those mints for my birthday. Max reminded Kristi of what I had said, and guess what I got:Jim did a great job doing a lot of the prep and cooking for dinner.
I had a perfect day spent just how I wanted. Thanks for all the phone calls, emails, cards, and gifts. I felt special all day!
Had a great dinner with great friends! Thanks for making 40 fabulous!

Easter

The Easter Bunny visited us yesterday, then after church we celebrated at Jeannette's house with all the Raleigh family...and Peyton got to feed the ducks.

Lou Dog

Wednesday was Lou's 15th Birthday! (or 105th in dog years as Maddie's been telling us. ) He celebrated with a birthday necklace made by Peyton and a scrambled egg for dinner. We love this dog and are so happy he has shared the last 15 years with us! Here's to many more Louie!