Monday, September 19, 2011
Backyard Party
After I posted about Oreo's birthday yesterday, my Best Girl decided that Oreo needed a party. She wanted to invite three dogs over to play. Unfortunately, we don't have a fenced in backyard, so the idea of two Bichon mixes, a Saint Bernard, and a Cocker Spaniel running around in my house didn't sound too good to me.
I called my friend with the Bichon mix (he's a Cavachon) to see if Trigger would like to play with Oreo for her birthday. They have a fenced in yard, and we often take Oreo over to play. My friend and her girls thought this sounded like a great idea, so my Best Girl and I headed over. By the time we got there, my friend's daughters had decorated for Oreo. I'm not sure she cared whether it was her birthday or not, but she sure did have fun playing with her friend Trigger!
I called my friend with the Bichon mix (he's a Cavachon) to see if Trigger would like to play with Oreo for her birthday. They have a fenced in yard, and we often take Oreo over to play. My friend and her girls thought this sounded like a great idea, so my Best Girl and I headed over. By the time we got there, my friend's daughters had decorated for Oreo. I'm not sure she cared whether it was her birthday or not, but she sure did have fun playing with her friend Trigger!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Happy Birthday, Oreo!
Oreo is one year old today!
The last year has been a lot of work, but she is completely worth it. She is now to the point where we can leave her home alone with free reign of the house, and she is fine (and so is the house). She loves tummy rubs and snuggling on the couch, and she will do anything for cheese (this is very helpful when we take her in the yard without a leash; she never wanders far if I have cheese). We love to watch her bark at herself in the mirror and can't help but laugh at her Bichon Blitz* (Oreo is 50% Bichon, 50% Shih Tzu).
We still need to work on her behavior with guests. She loves everyone and can be overly attentive when we have company. She enjoys attention and will resort to mischief to get it, much like a child! Oreos favorite past time is tearing up toilet paper. We always know when someone leaves the bathroom door open!
I admit that I love coming home to her. Every time I walk in the door, I am greeted with excitement and affection. I have never had a dog before, and I am completely surprised by how she has become such an important part of our family. We are thankful for our sweet girl!
*The Bichon Blitz is when a dog runs crazily around the house. The dog will usually run in a pattern, consisting of jumping on furniture and running around, under, or through furniture.
The last year has been a lot of work, but she is completely worth it. She is now to the point where we can leave her home alone with free reign of the house, and she is fine (and so is the house). She loves tummy rubs and snuggling on the couch, and she will do anything for cheese (this is very helpful when we take her in the yard without a leash; she never wanders far if I have cheese). We love to watch her bark at herself in the mirror and can't help but laugh at her Bichon Blitz* (Oreo is 50% Bichon, 50% Shih Tzu). We still need to work on her behavior with guests. She loves everyone and can be overly attentive when we have company. She enjoys attention and will resort to mischief to get it, much like a child! Oreos favorite past time is tearing up toilet paper. We always know when someone leaves the bathroom door open!
I admit that I love coming home to her. Every time I walk in the door, I am greeted with excitement and affection. I have never had a dog before, and I am completely surprised by how she has become such an important part of our family. We are thankful for our sweet girl!
*The Bichon Blitz is when a dog runs crazily around the house. The dog will usually run in a pattern, consisting of jumping on furniture and running around, under, or through furniture.
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun
Saturday, September 17, 2011
July Disney Trip: The Final Chapter
Our last two park days were filled with fun! After church on Sunday morning, we headed to the World Showcase area of Epcot. The kids wanted to complete a few Kim Possible Adventures in some of the countries. After saving Japan and France, we had to call it quits because it was SO hot (I think it was about 97 degrees and very humid). We decided to leave Epcot and head to Typhoon Lagoon. Before we left, we met up with a few friends. My Best Girl enjoyed telling Belle, "My mom reads lots of books just like you do!"
We also ran into Aurora. My Favorite Boy didn't enjoy these stops. :)
My Favorite Boy did want to stop and see some other characters. I guess you're never too cool to hang out with Minnie and Goofy.
We spent the rest of Sunday at Typhoon Lagoon and hit Blizzard Beach on Monday morning. Spending so much time at the waters parks was the perfect way to spend a July trip. On Monday evening, we headed to Magic Kingdom. On the way in, we stopped at the Harmony Barber Shop so my Best Girl could get a haircut. Mr. Michael chopped a few inches off and gave her some pixie dust. She was thrilled with this experience, and we already have an appointment for another cut October. (Can you believe a kids' cut in Magic Kingdom is $15? We pay that much in Tennessee!)
After the cut, we stopped by to say good-bye to the princesses, Mickey, and Minnie.
We also grabbed dinner before hitting some attractions. The park was very crowded, so we decided to go to some attractions that we don't usually visit. My Favorite Boy was not happy about seeing the Country Bear Jamboree...
We hadn't seen it in years, and I hate to say this about any Disney attraction, but it probably won't be on our to-do list any time soon. We did like the air-conditioned break, but we were ready to head to Fantasyland as soon as the show finished.
After a Mickey's Philharmagic, the Carousel, and a ride on Space Mountain, we found Pluto partying in Tomorrowland, and my Best Girl joined the fun.
Finally, it was time for the surprise ending to our trip. I had reservations at the Wishes Dessert Party, which includes reserved seating for the fireworks and lots of yummy treats to eat. The kids were so excited about this, and it was a grand finale for our week together.
We planned to stay for hours after the fireworks (Magic Kingdom was open until midnight), but we were pooped! We headed to the car, thankful for our wonderful week, but also looking forward to seeing Dad (and our sweet girl, Oreo).We now have one more trip to go in our magical year of Disney. In mid-October, the kids and I will use our annual passes for the last time. We have had so much fun and made so many memories. I know Disney World will always be our favorite vacation destination, but being able to visit 5 times together (plus my additional trip for the half-marathon) has been over the top fun!
Labels: disney
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Kid Picks
It's time for the monthly Kid Picks carnival at 5 Minutes for Books. Here's what my kids have been reading:
My Favorite Boy read the Kingdom Keepers
series this month. It's set in the Disney Parks, and he really enjoyed that! Since Disney World is our favorite vacation destination, he is very familiar with all of the attractions and parks, so he could easily imagine the stories in his mind. I think I may read them as well. I'm always ready for a Disney visit!
We found these new Katie Woo books at the library, and my Best Girl has read every single one. They are a step between a Henry and Mudge type book and a true chapter book. Even though she can read chapter books, my Best Girl looks at true chapter books and says, "Too many words!" This series has chapters and more words on the page, but still includes attractive, colorful illustrations. She loves them!
If you would like to share what your kids are reading, or find ideas, head over to 5 Minutes for Books today!
My Favorite Boy read the Kingdom Keepers series this month. It's set in the Disney Parks, and he really enjoyed that! Since Disney World is our favorite vacation destination, he is very familiar with all of the attractions and parks, so he could easily imagine the stories in his mind. I think I may read them as well. I'm always ready for a Disney visit!We found these new Katie Woo books at the library, and my Best Girl has read every single one. They are a step between a Henry and Mudge type book and a true chapter book. Even though she can read chapter books, my Best Girl looks at true chapter books and says, "Too many words!" This series has chapters and more words on the page, but still includes attractive, colorful illustrations. She loves them!If you would like to share what your kids are reading, or find ideas, head over to 5 Minutes for Books today!
Labels: Children's Books
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Fall
On Saturday, it was 100 degrees. I was okay with that. Yes, I was lying under the covers shivering from a 102 fever, but I LOVE warm weather. While 100 is a little on the hot side, I would much rather be hot than cold.
I guess summer went out with a bang because the temperature dropped 40 degrees in 24 hours. On Monday, our high was 61. I had to throw on a sweatshirt! (Isn't it funny how 60 in spring feels so warm, but 60 in fall feels like winter?) I also had to take my Best Girl shopping for some fall clothes. Since we don't usually have temps like this until October, the change found me unprepared. I have never taken my Best Girl clothes shopping before, so this was the first time I allowed her to have input in the clothes-buying process. Thankfully, she is a 6x, so we are spending one more season on the cute side of the aisle. I had to laugh when I held something up and she replied, "Mom, that does not fit in with my coolness!" I foresee differing opinions about clothing in the future. :)
Although I don't like shopping for myself, I am going to have to make a trip or two this week as well. Due to my recent eating changes and weight loss, I have exactly ONE pair of jeans/pants that fit. I have no "church" clothes for cool weather, and very few tops. It's like I am starting from scratch! Many females would love this challenge, but I don't care for it at all. For me, it seems like one more thing on the to-do list.
I know many people love fall weather, and I do as well, but in my mind, the change means that winter is around the corner. Thankfully, the temperatures will be back in the 80s this weekend. I'll hold on to the warmth for as long as possible!
I guess summer went out with a bang because the temperature dropped 40 degrees in 24 hours. On Monday, our high was 61. I had to throw on a sweatshirt! (Isn't it funny how 60 in spring feels so warm, but 60 in fall feels like winter?) I also had to take my Best Girl shopping for some fall clothes. Since we don't usually have temps like this until October, the change found me unprepared. I have never taken my Best Girl clothes shopping before, so this was the first time I allowed her to have input in the clothes-buying process. Thankfully, she is a 6x, so we are spending one more season on the cute side of the aisle. I had to laugh when I held something up and she replied, "Mom, that does not fit in with my coolness!" I foresee differing opinions about clothing in the future. :)
Although I don't like shopping for myself, I am going to have to make a trip or two this week as well. Due to my recent eating changes and weight loss, I have exactly ONE pair of jeans/pants that fit. I have no "church" clothes for cool weather, and very few tops. It's like I am starting from scratch! Many females would love this challenge, but I don't care for it at all. For me, it seems like one more thing on the to-do list.
I know many people love fall weather, and I do as well, but in my mind, the change means that winter is around the corner. Thankfully, the temperatures will be back in the 80s this weekend. I'll hold on to the warmth for as long as possible!
Labels: Me, My Best Girl
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Game Day
It's no secret that the males at our house are huge sports fans. On Saturday, my Favorite Boy got to attend his first UT game! Since my Favorite Boy plays sports in the fall, finding time to go to Knoxville is tricky. Dad planned ahead this year and decided to take advantage of Labor Day weekend.
They left home around 11:30 on Saturday and made it to some of the pregame festivities surrounding Neyland Stadium.
At this point, it was around 100 degrees, and they were burning up. Just before game time, a thunderstorm passed through, delaying the game and soaking everyone. The temperatures dropped, and they spent a good portion of the game wet and cold. It was quite a turnaround!
My Favorite Boy was especially excited to have good seats in the lower level, but he was surprised that everyone sat on bleachers. I think he prefers the single seats at the Titans' stadium, but the atmosphere at a college game can't be beat. His says his favorite part was when a UT player made a long run and the stadium "exploded." I guess that's probably a good description of what 100,000+ crazy fans sound like.
So glad my boys were able to enjoy this fun trip. Thankfully, I was well enough to take care of my Best Girl, but I am still on the mend. My fever is gone, but my throat still hurts and I have no energy. Today is day seven of my fun viral adventure, so I'll be glad when it comes to an end!
They left home around 11:30 on Saturday and made it to some of the pregame festivities surrounding Neyland Stadium.
At this point, it was around 100 degrees, and they were burning up. Just before game time, a thunderstorm passed through, delaying the game and soaking everyone. The temperatures dropped, and they spent a good portion of the game wet and cold. It was quite a turnaround!
My Favorite Boy was especially excited to have good seats in the lower level, but he was surprised that everyone sat on bleachers. I think he prefers the single seats at the Titans' stadium, but the atmosphere at a college game can't be beat. His says his favorite part was when a UT player made a long run and the stadium "exploded." I guess that's probably a good description of what 100,000+ crazy fans sound like.
So glad my boys were able to enjoy this fun trip. Thankfully, I was well enough to take care of my Best Girl, but I am still on the mend. My fever is gone, but my throat still hurts and I have no energy. Today is day seven of my fun viral adventure, so I'll be glad when it comes to an end!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Favorite Boy
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Fun with Dad
My husband and Favorite Boy have a special event planned this weekend (more info coming soon). So, my husband wanted to do something special with his daughter as well. The kids had a half day of school yesterday, so when they arrived home at lunch, Dad surprised my Best Girl with a trip to the ice skating rink. She has been begging to do this for months! Here are a few pics he took with his phone.
According to dad, my Best Girl did very well. She hasn't been skating in about two years, but I think she caught on quickly. I am glad they were able to enjoy a fun afternoon together! Even though we don't have visual proof, I hear that Dad skated some as well. Once my Best Girl got going, however, I think he took a few breaks on the sideline. :)
I appreciated that this outing made it possible for me to spend more time in bed. I've been sick all week with chills, aches, very sore throat and fever (it's was over 102 on both Thursday and Friday afternoons). Hopefully, Saturday is the day that things will start to improve (I know for sure it's not strep or mono, so I am going to have to wait it out)!
According to dad, my Best Girl did very well. She hasn't been skating in about two years, but I think she caught on quickly. I am glad they were able to enjoy a fun afternoon together! Even though we don't have visual proof, I hear that Dad skated some as well. Once my Best Girl got going, however, I think he took a few breaks on the sideline. :)
I appreciated that this outing made it possible for me to spend more time in bed. I've been sick all week with chills, aches, very sore throat and fever (it's was over 102 on both Thursday and Friday afternoons). Hopefully, Saturday is the day that things will start to improve (I know for sure it's not strep or mono, so I am going to have to wait it out)!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl
