Daddy and Maddi

One of our kids' favorite things to do is to crank up the music and dance around with mom and dad. While the brothers were out playing with their friends Maddi decided she wanted to dance with Daddy. So, music blaring (good thing the windows are still shut) they began their twirling and spinning to some good ol' Kid Rock. Yes, you read that right. (For the record, it was the WalMart version). I wonder how dad will take it when she gets a new dance partner in a few (ok, "several" actually sounds much better) years and is getting ready to head out the door for Prom?

Dakota's Resting Spot

Just so no one thinks that our dog may be neglected in any way, here is where she likes to sleep when she is on our porch. She almost had the nerve to look at me like I was crazy when I was taking her picture because I'm sure she thinks that EVERY dog must sleep on the rocking chairs on their porch while the cool breeze is flowing. Could it be that we have ruined yet a third dog, with them thinking that they are people with people needs and everything? This is not a proud day in our household, and once again, our lives are being taken over by the needs of a four legged furry creature. Good thing she's cute. Good Grief!

Dakota Gets a Bath

Our dog has issues. While on a nice walk on a beautiful afternoon, Dakota running off leash, gleefully throughout the land...she finds a dead "something". It was in no way, shape, or form recognizable, and Dakota started jumping up and down, each time rolling a different side of her body onto this apparently irresistable morsel. Oh, did I mention the fact that there were maggots crawling around on it? Sorry, how could I forget. After Jamie was able to get her away from this disgusting remnant of a critter, we finished our walk and took her home for a bath.

Now, last summer we did attempt to give her a bath once or twice, and she HATED it. Thinking that she is now almost 1 so a bit older and wiser (come on, she's really 7 in dog years!) and knowing that she loves to jump in the ponds etc, we figured she'd at least be cooperative. Ok, tolerant...maybe.

Jamie proceeds to get out the hose and spray her a bit to get her a little wet for the soap to lather. She is already getting a little agitated and as the water spray proceeds, she becomes even more ticked off. Eventually she goes into full yelp mode. All three kids have their ears covered because she is so loud. By this point I am sure the neighbors must think we are practicing some evil torture ritual and it is getting downright embarrassing. She decides to shake (as all dogs would) but I am convinced she had unpure thoughts in her head as she was doing this, sending out the message that she is NOT amused, and just wait and see how many more rolls of toilet paper I destroy and leave all over the house. (That is her new favorite pastime. See, I told you she has issues.)

Anyway, she is now quietly laying on the porch, calmed down from all the excitement, and most likely secretly plotting how she is going to get even. But hey, at least she smells good.

Mowing the Grass

Lars' preschool class got to grow their very own grass in a tray and Lars was adamant that he get to "mow" his grass once it got long enough. The tray of grass seed looked pretty pathetic when he brought it home, but 3 days later and we had a full on jungle! Anyway, I just love the little projects that bring a 5 year old such joy!