tales from a far-land

Yesterday, I took Sadie to the veterinarian for her next round of puppy shots.  Since her last visit three weeks ago, she has really grown.  She weighed 11.6 pounds yesterday.  This is a four pound gain over the last visit.  That is more than a pound a week.  Wow!  She has been a pretty good puppy so far.  She loves playing with Harley.  They cuddle together.  They wrestle together.  They chase each other all around.  They dig in the backyard together.  They are truly best friends.  She uses the doggy door, but still messes in the house at times.  She loves to chew on anything and everything that she can.  We have been trying to have a bully stick available for her to chew on so that she doesn't eat all of our shoes and the kids' toys.  The kids adore her, especially Madilyn.  We are really happy to have her as part of the family. Sadie ~ May 2018  So happy!  Loving her brother Digging in the backyard!  Madilyn with Sadie in a backpack  Sadie's pr

School's out for summer!  The kids successfully navigated their way through first and second grade at BASIS Central Phoenix.  It was a year full of old challenges and new challenges.  It was full of mornings when nothing seemed to go right and tears were abundant.  It was full of laughter and funny stories.  It was also full of frustrations and homework do overs.  We had weeks full of studying for tests and celebrations when their effort was successful.  And it was full of personal and physical growth, learning and fun with friends.  I cannot wait to see what second and third grade have in store for my amazing kiddos!   Bedtime the night before the *last* day of school  Last Day of School Photos  First Day of School versus Last Day of School Photos    Last day of school car selfie  Aiden during the GP5 Awards Recognition Ceremony Aiden with his teacher Ms. Turner  Aiden with his 90s Pin and 450 Club Award  (He received 90s Club for all five grad

Typically, we spend Memorial Day weekend relaxing by the beach in San Diego.  But since the last day of school was not until after Memorial Day, we decided to stay home and spend time relaxing by the pool.  The weekend was filled with friends, food, adult beverages, laughter, good conversation and tons swimming.  Sunday Swimming Party at Our House Aiden and Madi  Madi with Maia, Sydney and Campbell  Madi and Christy Me and Christy   Madi  Jonah and Aiden Monday BBQ at the Kurlands Aiden and Jonah  Silly Aiden  Madi  Madi and the girls  All of the kids Monday Swimming at the Feldmans Our little fishes  Josh using one of the twins' mermaid towel

As the school year ends, here are the photos that we finally received from the kids picture day back last October.  Pretty good school photos.  Both kids are smiling and looking cute. Aiden, Age 5 ~ 1st Grade Madi, Age 7 ~ 2nd Grade