Skip and Ollie

Losing Jake and Abby boy all in the same year was pretty tough on our family. We thought we would try having no pets for a while, but that didn't last long. The house was too quiet, and before we knew it, we found ourselves at the animal shelter peeking at kittens. Meet our new babies, Skip and Ollie.

Oliver (Ollie) came home first. This little guy is the most beautiful cat you've ever seen with the personality of an angel. He is so lovable and the calmest kitten I have ever seen. He loves to cuddle, but hates kisses!

Skippyjon Jones (Skip) joined us a few days later. For those of you that know the book series starring the character Skippyjon Jones, he has exactly the same personality! He had to have surgery, so he wasn't ready right away. He is full of energy and a joy to have in the house. It's hard to get a picture of him straight on because he's always so busy! He does a great job getting Ollie up and about, and they love exploring the house and playing together.

These two cuddle bunnies aren't natural brothers, but you wouldn't know it by how much they already love each other. No pet will ever replace Jake and Abby, but we are so excited to have these two new little boys!

In Memory of Jake

We had to say goodbye to our precious dog, Jake, on August 13th. It has taken us this long to make a post because we couldn't stand to look at pictures of him until now because we loved and miss him so much.

He has been a part of our family for nearly 12 years, and it was really hard on all of us to say goodbye, but we are glad to know that he is no longer in pain.

You can't replace a dog like Jake. You can just remember him fondly and be glad for the time we had together. He was more than a pet to us....he was family.

Memories

I have been having a great time going through some of our old family photos. Here are a few oldies of the kids that I thought I'd share.

This is a super hero costume designed by Kyla.

What a great fashion sense!

This will make a great blackmail photo when Nate gets older!

So beautiful.

These two have loved each other since day one. I've never seen siblings with so much compassion for each other. What a blessing.

The Casinator!

I love this picture. Look at those beautiful blue eyes!

First day of school

Here are my babies off to their first days of 8th and 5th grades. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday that.........
.....well, you get the picture. Some things never change. ;)

I think I really do still see them this way! It's hard to let them grow up, but I'm reminded every day of how independent and mature they are becoming right before my eyes!

Kyla loved her first day of 8th grade. She was really itching to get back. She is very excited to be one of the oldest kids in school. Kyla got to have lunch with some of her old friends from last year and you all can look forward to more pictures of her next dive in Monterey Bay in a couple of weeks!

Casey was not quite as enthusiastic as Kyla to start school back up, however, it didn't take him long to make a new friend and bond with his teacher, and he literally ran into my classroom after school full of stories and excitement for his new class!