Oh my dog!

Our dog is a certified pain in the keister; she sheds all over, drools, chases anything she can, barks at nothing and tore a hole in the couch.

Last night Bits fell off the top bunk of her bed in her sleep. I took her to the emergency room because she was in so much pain. Turns out she's fine, going to be sore for a few days and have a bruise but overall no big deal.

We came home and she wanted to have a "sleepover" in the living room. As soon as she laid down Betsy (our dog) laid with her. The pictures below illustrate why we love this pain in the rear dog and are glad she's a part of this family.

Last Summer Weekend

And we spent it downtown at the 54th annual air and water show. It was fantastic even if I did end up with a completely sunburnt face :)

A Day at the Airshow

Gabe and Grandpa are in their glory today :)

Bitsy

By day, Bits is a fireball; constantly in motion, always talking-being theatrical. Luring neighbors pets from their houses, charming the mailman, driving Gabriel insane, and testing my patience. She goes a hundred miles a minute only pausing to eat or drink once in a while. From the moment she gets up til we finally convince her to go to bed she's a wild child...

But oh when she's sleeping...what a difference. Blond hair all over, long legs stuck out from the sheet ending with dirty feet despite a good scrubbing before bedtime, a relaxed face, a gentle snore and peace and quiet at last. Even Boni cat who steers clear of her during her waking hours wants to be near her when she sleeps. Being near her as she sleeps is soothing, more often than not if she falls asleep near you, you fall asleep as well. Peace and quiet, a little rest when she's weary, a recharging of the batteries if you will. My wild child's not so wild now...

Oh Bitsy

Bits has a bad habit of trying to bring home other people's cats. She nearly succeeded recently but the cats owner happened to see her cat happily trotting behind our little pied piper.

She is now on a "I need a kitten" kick since Bam is no longer small enough to be carted around like a doll. Recently she wrote a letter to Geo; a picture follows but this is what it "said": dear daddy I love you do much and I love cats and can I please have a kitten I promise I will take care of him. I love you from bitsy.

She breathlessly read this note to Geo and the damn softie hesitated before saying no! This is bad because now she is realizing what a pushover daddy can be...what's next, a pet monkey??

The power of a smell

Growing up, my grandparents had a farm. I spent quite a bit of time there in the summertime, chasing chickens, petting the pigs, and the most fun thing of all, following the barn cats around the hay loft. There were always tons of the buggers running around which was fun for all of us to play with. Sure we got scratched and were filthy when we were done at the end of the day but it was summer time and no one cared.

Today the kids and I went to our favorite 1890's farm and pet the animals, traipsed thru the fields and even chased barn cats (I succeeded in catching one too haha) we went into the hay loft and suddenly I felt like I was ten again with skinned knees, hay in my hair, and filthy nails. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and was immediately transported to my grandparents barn. If I listened hard enough I could almost here my grandmother talking to her animals. It was heavenly.

It was short lived though, because bits yelled "hey mom! Open your eyes" and Gabe muttered "yeah do you wanna run into something??" and back to reality I came. It was nice while it lasted though : D

A day at the park

Despite the heat the kiddos and I went to the park and took a hike thru the woods today. We'll all sleep well tonite!

The Sentimental Kind

I am not particularly sentimental when it comes to Gabe and Bits; I don't cry on their birthdays, I've never wished for them to stay little forever, and summer vacation lasts about three weeks too long for me. Don't get me wrong, I adore them both-they are amazing human beings and I am continually in awe that Geo and I made such cool little people, but I love that they are growing and becoming independent. That being said though, I am a little weirded out by Gabe going into the third grade in two weeks and six days (counting the days noooo not me haha) The reason I am weirded out is because I vividly remember the third grade. I had an awesome teacher-a male teacher which was really odd when I was a kid-and it was just a great year all around. Gabe is hoping he gets the one male teacher who teaches third grade and is so looking forward to the whole experience...after all he's half way to middle school now! That in and of itself is far too weird to even think about...because after middle school comes driving and girls and college tours and an empty bedroom which I am not quite ready for yet :)