Lots and lots of playing..

Oh wow, Ashlee is so lucky to have such great friends to play with all the time! We have so much fun having everyone over for lunch/playtime! Last week, some of her friends (Austin, Carson, Tyler and baby Leah) came over. The weather was a bit chilly, so we stayed in doors and played with playdough! I tell you, that stuff can keep them happy for at least an hour! Then this week they all came over again and we were able to get outside and do BUBBLES! They are all getting so big and independent. I remember when "playing together" meant being in the same room, but not acknowledging each other at all. Now they actually interact and play WITH each other. It's so cute to see their personalities shine through. Austin is the patient one, Ashlee is the typical bossy girl, Tyler is the mischievous one, and Carson is still coming into his own...but I think he's going to be the jokester! :)

Then later in the week we were able to watch baby Lexi for a few hours. As usual, Ashlee would not leave her side. This time though Ash did something new, she went and got one of her babies and copied me on everything I did with Lexi. If I was changing her diaper, Ashlee was changing the baby's diaper, if I was swaying her back and forth, Ashlee was swaying her baby back and forth...you get the picture. Dale and I were cracking up! I think one day Ashlee is going to be a wonderful big sister.

Bubbles!

More bubbles!

The 4 amigos...sooo cute!

Fun with playdough

Ash keeping Lexi company under her playmat

Happy birthday Uncle Tommy

Dede threw a surprise birthday party for Tommy a few weeks ago...and he was surprised! She made some wonderful cupcakes and Ashlee and Taylor got to frost them. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that most of the frosting ended up in Ashlee's mouth! It was a great time with friends and family!

a kiss for the birthday boy

family photo"helping" Taylor with the cupcakes

caught red-handed!

Goodbye big boy...

Yesterday, I took Zues to the vet because he hasn't been able to put weight on one of his back legs for several months now. He never complained, he just laid around alot. Then he stopped eating and I knew something was seriously wrong. I hate to admit this, but I put off going to the vet for at least a week because I KNEW, I just knew what they were going to say... cancer. I HATE CANCER! It has affected so many people that I love dearly, and now it has taken the best four legged friend a family could ask for. If IEVER meet cancer I am going to kick its A**.

We found Zues at the Dumb Friend's League. I fell in love with him from the beginning, Dale wasn't so sure...after all, Zues was slobbering all over the place and his fur was flying everywhere! Looking back I can't help but laugh because its so obvious he was nervous and trying hard to get us to like him. From the moment we brought him home he was such a GOOD dog. He never dug in the yard, never chewed on one single thing in the house, he got along with everyone and all dogs, and he never ran away! He was the sweetest, most lovable companion and friend a family could ask for. And even after he started to get sick and wasn't feeling well, he tolerated Ashlee torturing him day after day, never once snapping at her. She sure loved her "Suessy"!

Zues, we will love you and miss you always. We hope you enjoyed your 11 years with us and that now you are running fast and free in doggy heaven.