it's all fun and games....

until someone falls in the pond (I'll give you one guess....if you know anything about our family you know exactly who it was).





We ventured out for another camping trip this past weekend, this time with our good friends, the Cranmers. This adventure landed us in Hat Creek, CA. Although the campground we stayed in was nothing to write home about, the short trip to Burney Falls was well worth the visit.





Still trying to eek everything we can out of "summer"!



Good times.

hello FALL

It's a sad day for me....summer is officially over. Although I love the crisp cool weather and beautiful foliage that fall brings, I know it's also a sign of the long winter ahead (and the end of baseball season).

But instead of dwelling on the negatives I thought I'd take this opportunity to catch you up on what a great summer we had.

Alex got her first two-wheel bicycle (with training wheels, of course), and started dance class.



Avery transitioned into a big-girl bed, and is almost 100% potty trained.



We managed to make it to a few baseball games. Both the Reno Aces...




and the A's, where Brian got to see his childhood hero, Rickey Henderson, have his number retired.


We managed to get out of town for a few camping excursions.




And enjoyed some of our favorite local hot spots and events as well.





But most importantly, we enjoyed our time together.





Happy Fall everyone!

she was a BEST FRIEND

One week ago tonight we had to say goodbye to our sweet little lab, Mia. Although she was getting older (nearly 12) it came as a very big surprise to learn she was extremely ill. Although terribly heart-breaking to get such unexpected news, we are very thankful she felt very little suffering....happy-go-lucky tail wagging dog on Wednesday morning, and struggling for her life later that night.

We are so thankful for the unwavering friendship she extended to our family over the past twelve years. Early on, she went from being a spoiled only dog, to having to share our love and affection with a "sister". Yet, she never displayed any signs of jealousy, and seemed to relish the role of big sis.



Then came the other two girls. We couldn't have asked for a better first pet to introduce Alex and Avery to the world of pet ownership. No surprise to us, Mia was kind and gentle with them, and understanding with us as our priorities had obviously shifted.


When we told the girls on Thursday morning that Mia had died and went to Heaven Alex told us she wanted to get a new puppy that looked just like Mia, but wanted to give her a different name....sigh, tears! Then, that night when tucking her in for bed she told Brian she wanted to get a new puppy that looked just like Mia, and she wanted to name her Mia because she wanted to have "Mia and Rosie" back....bigger sigh, bigger tears.

We miss her terribly, yet know that our hearts will heal over time. But to all of you out there, be sure to give your little furry friends an extra scratch behind the ear tonight because you never know if they will be there at your side tomorrow.



That's all for now....I'm off to get a tissue (or two, or three).