A Magic Show!

"Green Eggs and Ham" x 2

Maya has become quite the reader this year. Her favorite book to read is Green Eggs and Ham. Tonight, I found Maya and Kai sitting next to each other, each reading this book. It was just precious.

Happy Birthday Papa!

In Loving Memory!

This morning, Benson's very big heart struggled. He passed away peacefully with Dominic and me lying beside him.

Less than 24 hours ago, I walked with Benny and Hunter through the woods of Chelberg farm, one of Benny's favorite places. He got to go on one last fantastic walk, ride in the car one last time, and just hang out with the family. We couln't have written a better ending for our wonderful friend and soul buddy. No suffering, no pain, and with loved ones by his side.

Today, our hearts feel empty and full. Empty from the great pain of our loss, yet full with with memories of 12 1/2 fantastic years of his presence. Benson was the most giving, unselfish, patient, and eternally happy being I have ever known. I will use my memories of him as an example of how I want to live my life. I am forever grateful to have known such a fantastic dog and companion.

This picture was taken at my parent's cottage, another of Benny's favorite places. I love how dirty he is from swimming and exploring through the woods. I like to think that whereever he is right now, he's swimming, running, chasing squirrels, and sitting on "his spot" on a great big fluffy couch.

Our tribute to Benny...

My heart is feeling heavy
As my eyes fill up with tears
Thinking about our Benny
And his 12 ½ amazing years.

I so wish he were here
For he would know the trick
He’d quietly lie beside me
And give my tears a gentle lick.

He always read our minds
And knew just how to act
Is it possible he understood emotions?
We think that’s a fact.

His irresistible smile
The sticks he’d love to fetch
He loved to play the piano
And snowballs he would catch.

To list his favorite things
Is very easy to do
Woods, walks, the beach to swim
And riding in the car to name a few.

He lay with us for for stories
He also loved to sing
He claimed “his spot” upon our couch
As if he were a king.

He loved his brother Hunter
And even tolerated cheeks
He used his bark to tattle
He certainly wasn’t meek.

Oh how much he taught us
He had a real knack
Tolerance and unconditional love
He always had our back.

Benson loved to live
He truly was our best friend
We love and miss him deeply
His legacy will never end!

Benny, you will forever have a place in our hearts. We love you booties!

Our First Taste of Spring!

Today felt just like spring. After school, we decided to take full advantage of a sunny warmish day and ride our bikes to Dairy Queen. Our little Dairy Queen that is the closest to our house just opened this month for the season.

As I was getting the bikes out of the garage, I needed to move our large extension ladder that was blocking access. As I was moving the ladder, I somehow hit something with the ladder and consequently, the ladder knocked me so hard in the eye I about passed out. It bled horribly and immediatly produced a swollen bump the size of a small egg on my eyebrow. After 10 minutes of stopping the bleeding and icing the swelling, I downed a couple of ibuprophen, donned my sunglasses, and rode my bike to dairy queen with the kids, just as I promised.

Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have quite a shiner of a black eye.

"My Scrapbook For When I Go To College!"

Today, Maya spent the afternoon taking pictures around the house. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied "I'm taking pictures to make a scrapbook for when I go to college so I can remember my house and my family. Mommy, should I take a picture of my body so I remember how little I was?"

I'm just wondering, why is she thinking about college already? Can we just get through Kindergarten first!

Here are a few pictures courtesy of Maya. She felt it was important to include her dresser and desk. She also took pictures of Cheeks, Hunter, the living room, the vase of flowers on the kitchen table, and many additional shots of me, her brother, and herself. I can't wait to put these all together into a scrapbook. Absolutely priceless!

Nanny's Visit!

We are having a great time with Nanny. Today, we just hung out around the house. One of our smoke alarms was making a high pitch occasional beeping sound, alerting us of a low battery. After taking every single alarm apart one at a time, we were still hearing the beeping...which was making the dogs (especially Hunter) CRAZY!

After a trip to the store for 9V batteries, we finally realized it was our carbon monoxide alarm, which takes AA batteries that we already had on hand at home.

I have to say I have a lot of respect for my mother n law. Take a look of the photo of Maya and both dogs on the couch with her. I love the one where Hunter is actually sitting on top of her absolutely terrified of the beeping sound. What patience Nanny has!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Nanny's birthday with a trip to our local Indian restaurant followed by Annie the musical...can't wait!