Homemade Pizzas

 

The kids helped make them.  They were in charge of the cheese.  Did you notice the overflowing cheese?  They were a hit.

Strawberry Festival

This post is a little late but I have to include it.  Tuck just loves horses so we couldn’t pass up on a horseback ride.  He didn’t even care that it was just in circles.  This is the first time he has ridden all by himself.  I was so proud.

Button was content to watch from the sidelines, this time.  Daddy was not feeling well and was patiently waiting to go home.

Family Portrait

 

I just love the one of Tucker; he looks intrigued.  And the one of TJ is almost creepy since it “fits”; I want to call him Groucho.

Swim Lessons

The kids got some swim lessons late this summer.  Missy’s kids are both active in the local swim club and they are both little fishes.  Bethany had helped out with lessons with the little ones there so volunteered to help us out too.  AND it meant being able to come over and swim… a bonus for everyone.

I think the goggles make all of the difference.  They look like real swimmers.

Watermelon Summer

 

Welcome to the Family

This story has some history to it.  Over a year ago we started the potty training process with Tucker. He was luke warm at best. So TJ decided a bribe was in order and he promised Tuck a kitty once he stopped wearing diapers.  So fast forward a few months: Tuck never forgot about the promise and each time he DID sit on the potty he asked “I get a kitty now?”  Mind you that these potty episodes MAY have been once a week.

But then, on Memorial weekend, Friday night, he had his awakening and suddenly he just started using the potty and no more diapers.

So we gave him two weeks of continuous success and then I went to visit the Animal Welfare League.  I had done some online research because I knew I would be overwhelmed once I got there.  I visited with 3 cats, ruled out one for being overly lovey and then recruited TJ and friends to help me pick one.

And so I introduce you to Clod.

And Linc.Yes you guessed it, I could not decide.  And none of my friends, nor TJ, were any help.  They all just said “Take them both”. 

So here is the story of Linc and Clod.

I had decided to bring home Clod who was known as Caulfield at the shelter.  He was just such an even tempered cat, neutered and declawed.  He appreciated any attention but was fine if I visited with the other cats too.

But then I just couldn’t get little Lincoln out of my head.  He reminds me of Bones, our previous cat, he arrived at the shelter on my birthday when he was only 2 months old.  He had been there for 5 months!  I just couldn't let him stay any longer.

And so the shelter made me a two fer deal and we brought them both home.

Upon arrival, Linc jumped out of the box as if to say: “Hi, can we play now?” He explored the bedroom where I kept them confined for the evening.  After an hour alone, I brought in the kids; Tuck was beside himself with excited.  Linc ran straight for Tucker and they started playing with a ball.  Tuck asked “Can I show him my room?!” Is that not the sweetest?

Oh, did I mention that Clod went straight under the bed and was not seen for over 24 hours? It’s been almost 3 weeks, now, and these are the first pictures I have gotten of him.  He mainly comes out at night after the kids go to bed.  But he is not scared, just timid; and maybe exceptionally smart. My mother-in-law was over last week.  Kora was screeching at one cat and Tuck was chasing another with his pop-gun.  My MIL asked: “Are you sure you rescued them?” I hope they think so.

Tuck and Linc play all the time.  Linc fetches toys and runs through the house with toys in his mouth.  But then he will let Tuck wrestle with him and not use his claws (usually). He is just the best cat for a little boy.

And Tuck tells him often: “Blinker, you are my best friend!”

Who could ask for more?

4th of July Parade

Every year Missy does a 4th of July parade for the kids.  They get to bring in their bikes or trikes and decorate them and ride them around the block.

This year the weather did not cooperate very well and the parade was just squeezed in at 4 pm in a break in the rain.  The kids still loved it.

Here they are all ready to go.

Tuck and his buddy Cole.

Kora brought up the rear.

She can’t reach the peddles so she just scooted along.  She ended up getting lapped but was having fun nonetheless.

The whole gang posing under duress.

Whenever a car drove by they would wave their flags and most people would honk and wave back.  The kids loved it.

TJ was at the grocery store and planned to drive by but the whole thing only lasted about 15 minutes and he missed it.

What a way to celebrate our freedom.