4 days off of School

The kids had Tuesday through Friday off of school due to sickness. Needless to say it was an interesting week. We decided to keep the kids inside for the most part so we could continue to be healthy besides Chad and I need them back at school!

The kids went to the Library, enjoyed a "movie" day at home with Dad, Nicole got a lot of homework finished, they enjoyed a day at work with Mom, and of course became a little stir crazy for friends. Religious education was cancelled as well as one of Nicole's soccer practices. Friday, Chad and Nicole went to the football game and Ashley and I enjoyed playing games.

Yesterday we were able to venture out only to sit in the cold rain at Ashley's last soccer game of the season. Nicole sat in the car part of the time. After the game it was a trip to Blockbuster to get more movies for another fun filled day indoors.

Looking back it was a good family week. I enjoy the kids so much at this age. They are growing up so fast! I cherish the opportunities to be together as a family.

Here's to everyone staying healthy next week and school back in Session!

Miley turns "One"

On October 13th Miley celebrated her first birthday. She has brought so much joy into our lives. I still remember what Chad and I refer to as "six weeks of hell". We got her when she was five weeks old and in a lot of ways that was a bit too early. She was nervous throughout the night so I would sleep on the floor next to her. It was then that I realized I wasn't as young as I used to be and had to blow up the air mattress to sleep on.

Nicole and Ashley have been great caregivers since day one. They bonded with her quickly and continue to shower her with attention daily. They use "Miley" as a way to get out of other chores.

Fortunately for us Labs are easy to train and Miley was not different. She likes to please us and for the most part does as she is told. Well.......she did eat branches off our tree, chewed any new plant or flower planted, and dug holes in the mulch all summer! Did I mention she loves to chew?!? Chad will never forget arriving home from work to find cedar chips(the filling of her pillow)all over her crate!

Although we have had a few frustrations along the way, she has been a blessing and so much fun to have around. She loves to play catch, runs around the yard so fast you can only laugh, has a passion for exploring the outdoors even in bad weather, enjoys listening to Ashley read to her, and loves to cuddle.

Enjoy a few pics of her first year.


Ashley reading to Miley.



What a cute puppy!




Merry Christmas Miley!




Miley's favorite Christmas gift.
Her "feel good" pillow. She used to hump
it until she got too big. She is laying
next to the heat vent something she did
all last winter.



Are you done yet? I am trying to nap.




Miley's first vacation. She loved the freedom
of nature and the lake.



Swimming with her cousin "Charlie"




Relaxing after vacation




Snuggling with Ashley's blankie.




New toy before she shredded it.




playing in the sunshine

You've Been Ghosted

"Ghosting" is an October tradition in our neighborhood that has been going on for years thanks to our friends and next door neighbors. They make up a goodie bag and deliver it to one family anonymously on October 1st. The person who receives the goodie bag follows the instructions, puts a ghost on their window so everyone knows who has been ghosted, and ghosts another family. This is something the kids look forward to every year! Nicole has been keeping track of the ghosts that appear in windows around the neighborhood and thinks she knows who ghosted us this year.


The letter




Ghost we place in window



All the goodies we received.

We went shopping this evening and "Ghosted" another family. The girls were so excited they nearly drove us crazy in the store!

What's been going on??

Sorry it has been a couple weeks since I have posted. We have been adjusting to our new school routine and I think we are all finally settling in. Below are some pictures of what's been going on.


Ashley's Birthday party was a success! We went to see "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs". We had a dual birthday party with Ashley's friend Gerard who is 5 days older. Thanks to my dear friend "Amy" the entire party was themed around the movie. Thanks for all your hard work and creativity. The cupcakes were by far my favorite!


The kids played "hot meatball" in place of
"hot potato".



Pin the meatball on the fork

Nicole has lost 3 teeth(two are molars) in less than 2 weeks and another

one will be out any day. Did I mention she is

going to be a vampire for Halloween??

Ashley spent some of her birthday money

getting her ears pierced. She was very

brave and is so excited!