Abby's Day

Yesterday was Abby's Day. After many months of Abby's deteriorating health, we made the decision to put Abby down. She'd been sick for a while, but we came to realize that we were keeping her alive for us, and not for her. She was in a lot of pain--collapsing often, didn't answer to her own name, had little to no bowel control and started having panic attacks which included moments of aggression.

Though I have not been good about recording our family's goings on these last few months....I know it's important to make this post. We called yesterday "Abby's Day" and celebrated her life all day. Though she hasn't enjoyed the things she used to in many many months (like hiking, playing catch with the tennis ball and wrestling....) we did some other things to make the day special. We made her favorite breakfast: a bowl full of little bit dog food, pain pill, boiled egg, parmesan garlic chips and bacon. Parker got out of school at 11:30 and Chris took the rest of the day off and we all talked about and created a "10 Best Things About Abby" list and spent the day petting, reminiscing and being with Ab. We even attempted a walk, but didn't make it too far.

We love Abby and we're thankful we got to spend the last 11 years with her.

Ice Skating Attempt

It's been so long since my last post...I am unsure where to start. So, I guess I'll just begin with yesterday and work backwards because I want to be sure and get some pictures from our trip back to Arkansas. We had a wonderful Christmas break and thoroughly enjoyed being around our family. We miss you all so very much.

Today was Parker's first day back to school after a 2 1/2 week break. To celebrate (or at least observe) the last day of break, I took the boys ice skating yesterday morning. They did.....OK considering it was their first time this year, second time ever! Parker was pretty cautious and felt more comfortable using the shovel they provided to help balance. P got better and better, but after a major fall...decided he needed some hockey player pads. Parker's favorite part was, of course, the HOT chocolate break.

Will took to it surprisingly well. Since he didn't mind falling so much, he preferred skating sans shovel and toward the end of the morning was actually using one foot to push off and glide on the other. When asked his favorite part, Will answered "the music" and the "green guy". (The guy was actually a 6-7 y/o girl in a green tutu....who was well on her way to professional skating if you ask me.)

Trout Fishing in Estes

It was a gorgeous day yesterday and we decided to drive up to Estes Park to enjoy it. (Winter comes Wedesday;) We stopped by the trout pond we fished at over the summer and got lucky. Both boys caught two fish. Parker caught two enormous rainbow trout: (He said his favorite part was the feeling when you bring in the fish on the string and it feels like the string will break.)

Will caught a small rainbow trout and a (very special) golden trout: (The whole time we kept reminding Will to pay attention to his bobber. In the end, he named both of his fish "Bobber" as he thought we were referring to the fish.)

Afterwards we headed over for lunch and a small hike around Lilly Lake:

Interview With A......Zombie?

Today Parker lost his second tooth. The toothfairy left Parker $5 for his first lost tooth. In hindsight, the toothfairy thinks $5 may have been a little high. Luck may be on the toothfairy's side though after a conversation Parker had with his great grandpa Xelphin last night. P asked Papa Xelphin, "how much did the toothfairy leave you when you were little?" Papa Xelphin answered, "a nickel". So, today I heard Parker telling his friend that he thinks he'll get anywhere between a nickel and five dollars or maybe even six dollars.

HaPpy HallOwEen!

Yesterday was a Halloween Parade at school. Will was Darth Vader, Parker was a Ninja.

Parker and Will with neighbor, Grace.

Last night, we tried to finish carving our remaining pumpkins. Will LOVED the mess of it all. Parker was a little more methodical and made his own "templates" before carving.

Today there was no school (Teacher restructuring Day). This morning we went "trick-or-treating" at the "Grandma's and Grandpa's home". Will said he was going to make silly faces to the Grandma's and Grandpa's so they could be happy. After we left, Parker asked me: "Why does it make them so happy to give US candy?" A fun way to spend the morning....and then because of the unseasonably gorgeous (70's) weather, we headed over to our favorite park.

Tricks for Josie

Hi Josie! Thanks for posting some of your cool tricks for us to see. You're good at balancing. We wanted to show you something too:

We love you and miss you and can't wait to see you...

Meeting Silas and Kaiya.....

Sorry for not posting in so long. In addition to me being a procrastinator, we have had a little bit going on. I went to Chattanooga a couple weeks ago to meet Silas and Kaiya....AND got to see all my sisters! What a wonderful trip. Chris stayed home with the boys and they held their own very well. I came home to a clean house, carved pumpkins and a renewed thankfulness for my family. Here are some pictures of our new cousins:

Here is a link to a slideshow of a bunch more baby pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromsite&collid=53158019106.758161090406.1225424633385&conn_speed=1&localeid=en_US