New Look for our Bedroom

I finally broke down and bought all new decorations for our bedroom. It was long overdo. A nice cheery change from the dark blue we had to begin with. I love it!

Goodbye Kramer . . .

Today was a sad day for our family. Our Kramer cat had to be put down because he started pottying all over the house. I tried everything to fix the problem, but to no avail. The vet said he probably was diabetic, but even if we were to give him insulin (which is expensive), he was in such a bad habit at this point that he probably still wouldn't stop. Eddy took him to the vet and stayed with him. We buried him in our backyard under our plum tree. I explained to Dylan that Kramer was sick and that he had to go live with Jesus in heaven now. I told him we wouldn't be able to see Kramer anymore, but that he was happy there and he gets to eat all the cat treats and milk he wants. He said he was sad that he wouldn't be able to pet him anymore, but I assured him that Jesus would be loving on him alot. And he seemed fine with it. I'm sure his mind can't understand fully.

I still remember when Eddy and I got Kramer -over 12 years ago. Jessica's mom had a litter of barn cats so we went out to pick out 2 of them. Kramer was a sweetie from the beginning- Grace was already spooky and we had to actually cut Susan's fence to get to her. After we brought him home, I remember Eddy sitting on the couch with them and Kramer started screaming like crazy and we couldn't figure out what was wrong. He had to potty - and couldn't get down off the couch. Hard to believe he was that tiny - since he was so huge as an adult! (I think he was around 18lbs)

I will always remember how friendly he was for being a cat - he greeted everyone that came over just like a dog would. He loved to get loved on by anyone. He was very vocal and talked alot to everyone too. His favorite spot was sitting next to my laptop where it was nice and warm. He liked to play outside a little too. Since he was a barn cat - he was a little inbred and ended up having 9 toes on each of his front feet - almost 2 feet! Also, he had a "floater rib" -an extra rib that wasn't attached to his ribcage. Weird huh? His big feet were part of what made him adorable to us.

Kramer - you were a special part of our family - one of the first members! And we love you always!

Catching Fish

Last week, Eddy and Dylan had a day of fishing together. We bought Dylan his own life jacket the day before and a new worm box - he was pretty excited! I heard him telling his stuffed animals that evening, that they were going to catch the biggest fish ever and then put it back in the river. And that's exactly what they did!

State Fair

We finally made it to the state fair this year, over in Blackfoot. We browsed some of the displays (quilts, etc.) and then took Dylan to the rides. He loved them all - nothing scares this kid! He wasn't big enough to ride on any of the ones Eddy wanted to go on - and of course, I don't come near anything like that! But he had fun on the kid rides and Eddy took him on a scary monster ride which he loved. THe only ride he didn't seem to like was the Carousel - he was afraid he was going to fall off and kept saying he couldn't hold on. But he had fun - he also played a game with Eddy where you use a little bb gun to shoot out the red star on the paper. Of course, we didn't win! After riding, we went over and had huge scones for a snack and then came home!

Back to School!

Last week, Dylan headed back to preschool! He was very excited to get back to Miss Jana and Miss Joan! He is going to the same school as last year, although the school has moved to a new building, so it's kinda new! But he loves it and he loves Miss Jana! Everyday, he runs in and gives her a big hug and sits on her lap while they watch their alphabet video. He is seeming more interested in learning this year - he wants to know what letter everything starts with (well, he calls them numbers). Also, always wants to know what day it is. He is also trying to sing some of the songs they learn there! Or he just makes up his own songs - which are very cute!

Family Visits!

This week we had a great week with family coming to visit! Ed's brother Adam and his wife Jessi along with their 2 kids (Burkley, 7 and Breckin, 3 ) came on Tuesday night. They pulled their trailor and stayed in it parked next to our house. Dylan and the kids had a blast! He was so excited that he's been counting down for weeks when they would arrive. On wednesday, we let the kids ride bikes and we ended up getting Dylan a new bike. His other bike is still too big and a little too hard for him to ride. So he was keeping up good on his new one. Then we went to the toy store so that Dylan could pick a belated birthday present out from his Aunt and Uncle - which he of course picked the remote control snake. Then we went to Pojo's - it's a video arcade that has little bumper cars. The kids thought that was fun! Then we came home and had dinner. After dark, all 3 of the kids went out to find night crawlers! On Thursday, Ed's stepdad, Dan and his parents, Darwin and Donna (Ed's grandparents) came down as well. Ed's grandpa renewed Adamm and Jessi's wedding vows. It was their 10 year anniversary and so a special day to have their vows renewed.



Then we headed over to the falls and fed the geese and ducks. Later, we BBQ'd burgers and Eddy pulled the kids in the wagon.
Adam & Jessi took off on Friday morning to head to Yellowstone for the weekend. Dan and Grandma & Grandpa left as well, heading back to Wyoming. It was so fun and a great visit! Here are all the pictures! Dylan will be missing his cousins!


Oh - and I forgot to mention, the 3 men of the family are expecting babies soon!

Sunflowers

Last spring, 2 small sunflower seeds were planted in a cup - Dylan did this as a project at Bible Study Fellowship. We kept them in the window and the grew a few inches before we stuck them in our backyard. Well here they are in all their glory! The tall one is over 12 feet tall (it is slumping over now so it actually would stand about 3 feet taller than what the pictures show). Pretty amazing! We are looking forward to getting sunflower seeds from the too!