puppies!!!

Our pick of the litter. We are naming her Nukka (nooka) Its Inuit for 'little sister'

At one point Kristen's oldest was saying when they had a bigger house could they each have one. He said this about the kittens too, if I remember right.

This little pup sat forever on his lap. Doesn't 'T' seem pleased?

This was a shot of the puppies who were two weeks older than the ones I chose from. Yes, yes, they have LOTS of fur. I am not losing any sleep about it, I already have to brush Frank (the little dog) why not one more? I am just looking forward to having a dog to take on walks. Why did I choose a Malamute? Greg's criteria was BIG and mine was active. We both felt like we needed an amiable dog too...but still spicy. I had not remembered how nice Malamutes were until I bumped into one up at camp. They are not huskies at all in temperament, in fact they aren't even related. I will make sure I blog our very horrific puppy training  moments and long nights since I don't have to worry that it will grow up to read my blog. ;)

things kids do when mom takes a day off

tall grass and rain?

We escape each year. We leave the dreary coast with all its green glory and head to sunshine and happiness and sunshine....and did I mention sunshine? This year instead of blistering heat and daily doses of vitamin D we had spotty weather, clouds, and rain. Its hard to believe. The flowers and plants were beautiful and tall and despite the change in temp we had a great time. All six cousins and their mothers camped out twice!

10 Years

  When I looked ahead to my upcoming anniversary of 10 years, I felt like we had accomplished something big. It was as if we trudged and struggled and fought our way up this mountain of life together. When we reached the top I expected we would be able to see out on the hills and valleys below, perhaps skirt along a ridge line for a bit and leave the wooded path behind. You can imagine my surprise when we both popped out onto a nice little open space just right for a base camp with the upcoming ascend looming before us. "What!" I cried, "all this climbing and working for a place to put our tent and then press on!"
But as all climbers and explorers know, often times the harder the terrain the more breathtaking the beauty. So we rest for a time, gear up, and move toward the coming years challenges together.
As for all my grand plans of cruises and trips..they were replaced with a lovely day taking in the sights and wandering the city together. Thanks to my sister and friend Beci for showing me the best way to spend your 10th anniversary is together!

week three, visit to grandma

My grandpa wasn't feeling well and went into the hospital. It prompted a much needed visit to my side of the family. We took my mom's mom out to McDonald's and loved on her then visited my dad's parents and finally relaxed by Deep Lake and let the kids play while I chatted with Lori and Jamie. It was a nice reprieve from chasing the three and telling them not to touch things...or wiggle...or move quickly...or etc.

week two horses

My oldest and youngest went on their first trail ride. Mr. Steel was not to sure in the beginning but after we got going he told me it wasn't so bad once you got use to it. Thomas preferred to stay home and play video games. (surprised?)

cousin crazies

we tried to get a picture of all the kids in their camp shirts but my girl and Kristen's youngest weren't quite up to it....so we have four. Still cute and crazy. Man was I tired after each day!

funny things

Thomas said something funny to me yesterday after we finished our science reading. We are going through anatomy and physiology and the chapter was on bones. We had just read about the importance of vitamin D and how it comes from sunshine. He said this-"Oh, THAT is why you don't like me playing video games all day and make me go outside." I chuckled to myself and answered yes. That boy and his logic, too funny.

week one and two swimming

Not the most stellar shots I know, then again who's pics from swimming lessons are? I am proud to say my girl can actually swim. I am so happy that if I crashed into a lake in the car she could swim out. It sounds crazy but that was my reasoning behind this...oh and all the river swimming too. ;)

week one hiking

Nearly every day of the first week we went hiking. These pictures are from our excursion to the beaver pond. Incredibly none of the kids jumped into the murky water....although they r-ee-ee-ee-ly wanted to.

missing but not gone

Its been forever, I know. Nice to see you didn't give up on me entirely. So much has been keeping me busy I have barley had time to breathe. The kids have lived it up with the cousins and successfully avoided school for an entire month. (much to my horror) Blogging was on my list right after sleeping. Since I didn't really get much sleep, the blogging didn't happen! HA. I will be running new pics all this week in hopes of luring all my readers back. Sorry for the neglect but such is life.