Trying to get caught up...

Oh wow.  I almost feel guilty that I haven't posted since September!  I've tried many times to sit down and upload a few new photos (thus the photo of the carved pumpkins that showed up in the header), but lo and behold, something would always pull me away.  Could it be the 1 year old tugging at my pant leg or the 4 year old needing some attention?  Hmmm.  :)  You know the story.

Either way, I am sad that I haven't posted more because this is my online journal for Mia & Zoe.  I can only get better!  The good news is that we've been busy and celebrated yet another birthday party (Travis' was this past week), our first big snowfall, our 13th Anniversary, Zoe's first steps and Halloween.  For this week, we're getting ready to have Thanksgiving at our home with Travis' family.  Should be fun and action-packed to stay home this year and enjoy the holidays together.

We spent a lot of our time this Fall up at Snowbird.  They had some great activities for the kids (Mia loved the alpine slide!) and we stayed up at The Cliff Lodge for our anniversary.

Every now and then I find random snapshots like this on the hard drive when I'm going through the photos.  Not sure how Mia's face showed up in this photo, but I can tell you that this is a very typical scene in our home.  Two beagles, patiently awaiting the crumbs and sometimes the sweet taste of a Bunny Graham that either gets tossed or falls to the floor.  What a life!

We celebrated Halloween FIVE times this year.  It was exhausting! (School, church, work, family...and then the actually holiday finally showed up)  Once again...what a life!

Eleven years later (or 77 years old in dog years) and she's still got that spark to run in the snow!  Go Piper GO!

Here is Mia's FIRST EVER snowman.  Built with love and care by Mia and her mom in our backyard.  Mia named her, Foofa.

I had to post this other very typical scene in our home.  Zoe loves the fridge...inside and outside.  It's become a favorite pastime.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!  We love you!!

63 Dog Years Old!

Our sweet Piper turned 9 today! She's showing her age with some gray hair around her eyes and face, but still is as cute and snugly as ever. I remember the day when we drove to a farm outside of Boise to see her. She had acquired the nickname 'Heart' since the white on the top of her forehead resembled a heart. She's been a big part of our family and Mia talks about her all the time.

Happy Birthday, Piper!

We hope to have many more years of howling and begging for treats with you!

Growing Up Fast!

We've got a 2 year old on our hands!

Mia turned two this past month and we celebrated at Wheeler Farm. Mia loves her animals and she blew kisses to all of them. We took a picnic and relaxed in the shade while Mia got to play in the stream. Two years has gone by fast - can you believe it?

To get caught up, I wanted to post some of her favorite things to do. She loves singing, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm", "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and even learned how to sing, "Happy Birthday" to herself. If you have a cute outfit on, she'll be sure to let you know by saying, "Oh, cuuuuuuuuute shirt!" I walked in one morning to get her out of bed and she rolled over with half opened eyes and commented on my pink capris (quote: "Cuuuuuuuute pants, mommy!"). As a special talent, Mia has figured out that she can touch her nose with her tongue. If you've seen her tongue before, I know you're not surprised. :)

The biggest gift that we all received for her birthday is that not long after we decided to ditch the bottle! We are only 7 days into it, and yes, there's been some tantrums, but it's long overdue, right? There's one childhood challenge down - can't wait to tackle potty training (ugh).

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

Today is a special day for Lucy...she's 6 years old! I remember the day we drove to Ogden to pick her up. I think she was born on the rough side of town and although she's got the cutest face in the world, she still has a naughty streak!

She's been a sweet pup, one that's very cuddly and she always wants to be with the family. She's been protective of Mia and let's Mia run all over her. I thought she would be the beagle to snap, but instead she gives her kisses. Lucy loves her family and we love her very much. Happy Birthday, Juicy!

1 is Wonderful!

One moment with her and

she'll steal your heart.

What a blessing she's been right from the start.