~PHOEBE~

During our time on the mainland the kids showed us how much they love animals...especially dogs. Though they tell us all the time, with our long trip back home, we put getting one on the back burner. Ethan and Rachel's love for Ralph, Minnie, Sally, Tucker, Sundae, Lucy, and Annie (all of the family pets we encountered this summer) made it abundantly clear that upon our arrival on the island we needed to find a pet for these sweet kids. After looking for a week or so, we stumbled upon an Army family (thanks to Craigslist) who needed to "re-home" a mini wiener dog. So I introduce to you...Phoebe! She is one and half, a sweet girl, wonderful to the kids (no matter what Rae does to her) and very obedient. She has been with us since earlier this week and there is not a moment where we thought we had made a wrong choice by bringing her home.

And yes, she is wincing away from Rachel's hand...thank goodness she is so sweet because Rachel is still learning to be sweet and soft to her. :)

Pictures of our sweet cousins and friends from our trip home to the mainland

*Still trying to figure out how I didn't get pics of Lexi and our time with the Richardson's or the Black's! Ladies, I need some pics (really that is for you LB)

Summer at the Lake!

Even though we live on a beautiful ocean, it is always nice to go home to the lake. My parents have a home on Greer's Ferry and we spent most of our time on it tubing and swimming. Ethan has become quite brave! He couldn't stand or sit still on the tube...his poor cousins!

Happy Birthday Gubbie!

She is probably going to kill me but here is a shout out to my wonderful Grandmother (whom we call Gubbie). After we flew to the mainland, we left Arkansas the next day to road trip to Illinois to suprise her for her birthday! It worked, she was VERY suprised! Gubbie and Kathy, love you and thank you for the wonderful weekend. It was and always will be a joy to come and visit with you.

~Shan

Chicago Children's Museum

During our trip to the mainland, we spent a few days up near Chicago visiting with my Grandmother, Aunt, and other family members. We spent time one day in Chicago at the Children's Museum on Navy Pier. It was wonderful to see Jack, Josie, Ethan and Rae playing and having fun in the exhibits. If you are ever up there, you should go!

Ethan's Kindergarten Graduation!

Today, Ethan graduated from Kindergarten. He has had a great year and has come so far in his reading and math! Ethan, we are so proud of you! We can't wait to see what you do next year as a big First Grader!

Nothing sweeter...

I believe there is nothing sweeter than a little girl loving on her Daddy. I snapped these of D and Rae before he left for Korea this week. We won't see him for a month and we hope it goes by fast!