When momma's happy, everyone's happy!

I just have to take a few minutes to brag on my family. I've been laid up for a few days from a little accident I had last week and have been so impressed with my family pitching in to take my place. Bran spent all day washing and sanding the deck (no...he wouldn't let me take a picture of him bare chested in knee pads and safety goggles) and the kids have been taking over all the indoor cleaning and cooking. Casey is now the laundry expert and even washed a blanket that Charlie had a little accident on!
Kyla is always baking up a storm, but she's been doing more than usual in the kitchen from baking, to cleaning, to dishes.

Casey has taken over dog duty and patiently takes Charlie out to use the bathroom and walks him around the block several times a day to get the exercise his little puppy body needs.

My other "son" is no help at all but he starts puppy classes tonight, so I'll be able to brag on him too in no time! I LOVE my family.

Father's Day Weekend

This is the weekend that we celebrate all the wonderful daddies of the world. I am blessed that my kids have such a wonderful daddy. This is a hamburger ice cream cake that Kyla made for Bran to celebrate the occasion.

Casey got all the credit this year for picking out the gifts for dad. I was fresh out of good ideas so I left it up to him!

No family weekend is complete without a board game or two. Charlie thinks he should be allowed to play, too.

We started the weekend off with some new fishing equipment and lessons from dad on how to fish.

What a wonderful weekend with two great kids and an awesome husband!

Dog in the water = no fish

Charlie is "Bad to the Bone".

Just Us

Posing for a quick picture before heading out the door to church.
Of course no trip out of the house is complete without Charlie taking a potty break first.

My family!

This is an actual, non-posed picture. I thought it was funny to see all 3 of them texting away at the same time! Bran was showing them how to use their new phones. We opted for a family cell plan rather than a land line. I obviously won't be posting the kid's new cell phone numbers online, but if you'd like any of our new numbers for your address book, let me know. We are officially available!

LiFe at HoMe in WaYnEsViLle

We went for a little walk at the Waynesville City Park and Roubidoux River.

There's a new mini waterpark that Casey had to try out.

Charlie doesn't realize he's a golden retriever yet, so he's a little nervous about the water. Once he gets brave enough, we'll never be able to keep him out!

Casey enjoying his new loft bed.

Here's a partial view of Kyla's new room, too. They are both really enjoying their new rooms and home.

Charlie....or is it??

I'd like to introduce you to the new addition to our family. This is Charlie, a 5 month old golden retriever. We lost our friend, Jake (another awesome golden), last year after 12 wonderful years of companionship. We are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives with a new friend that reminds us so much of Jake.

We've been calling this little guy, Charlie, but haven't settled on that name yet. The name he came to us with was "Comet", but we aren't sure about that. We also like "Blue", "Ben", and Casey's suggestion, "Jake Junior".

Charlie (for the sake of calling him something) loves his little orange friend and his bed.

We bonded with him right away, and he with us. The cats don't even seem to mind him too much (although they are a bit jealous to be honest)! The kids are at grandma and grandpa's house for the week and we can hardly wait for them to meet him!