Catching Up Again

A few months back when I started this blog I was going to update my postings once a week and write about more topics than just my cute kids...neither one of those things has happened.  Oh well!  I guess if the kids take up all my time I have no time to do other things, which includes updating this blog.  I wouldn't have it any other way!  This post is an update on the kids with a promise that the next post will only mention Bob and I.

ALL ABOUT NEAVE
Neave had a great Summer with her highlight being her trip to Colorado.  She loved roaming around outside and her many mornings eating breakfast in Grandma's bed and evenings eating ice cream with Grandpa.  She loves to watch horses and her most favorite thing to do is go the the park.  She learned to jump in the pool all by her own self.  She is a feisty two year old who talks alot, loves Dora and Diego, makes her opinion known, and has started hitting back (all qualities that will come in handy when used correctly).
She is trying to learn to scooter but we only have two so she hardly ever gets a turn.  I thought she would miss the older three when they went back to school but this is what she said when we returned home from the first school run, "HAHA the girls are at school..the scooters are mine!" 

ALL ABOUT RACHEL
Rachel has entered her different stage of sisterhood.  Having three sisters makes it difficult to stand out.  So...she has cut off all her hair (OK, to her shoulders) and has developed a love of softball.  She is a great hitter and loves to play catch.  She had a great time horsebacking riding in Colorado over the Summer.  She has adjusted well to our new home and her new school.  Rachel has a great ability to adapt.  Its awesome.  She is still a wonderful big sister to Neave.  She loves Star Wars movies and sleeping til 10:00.

ALL ABOUT REBECCA
Rebecca continues to be a great second in command.  Always helpful, she is learning to be a great organizer.  She loves to plan events and invite people over.  She has traded her swim hat in for competitive soccer this Fall.  She loved hanging out with Grandma this Summer as those two were joined at the hip.  She still loves the water and tried water skiing in Arkansas over Fourth of July.  She still loves to read and loves school, just the academic part.  She has a harder time adjusting to all of our moves but we are confident she will find a few friends now that school has started.  She also enjoyed visiting Aunt Jeni's ship, the USS Comfort, after Aunt Jeni returned home from her humanitarian mission. 

ALL ABOUT ERICA
Erica still talks loud and runs full throttle until placed in bed in the evening.  She too had a great time in Colorado this Summer.  She has become a fantastic bike rider and swimmer.  She is still a fashion expert.  She has come up with some great Summer outfits, to include different colored crocs (check out one of her best outfits in the photo show below).  Her Summer highlights are her birthday with many family members in Virginia, getting a Barbie jeep for her birthday, and her week long visit to North Carolina where she met up with her best friend, Mitchell.  Erica didn't care where we moved as long as she got a Barbie jeep and she got to play with Mitchell.  How easy was that!  Erica is a great kid who wears every emotion on her face.  No hiding her moods.

Good Bye Hank

Hank

Sep 98 to Sep 09

On September 9th, 2009 our beloved Hanky passed away after a very short fight against liver cancer. Hank came to us from the streets of Enid, Oklahoma. Hank lived a rags to riches kind of life as he was in terrible shape when we found him. After recovering from life on the streets Hank lived a fine 11 years with us and he never took one minute for granted. Hank was an AF brat and lived in many places that included Oklahoma, North Carolina, England, Kansas and Virginia. Not many dogs can say they have been world travelers. A few of Hanks favorite memories were chasing pheasants with many dog friends in Enid, OK, learning to live with an electric fence in Goldsboro, NC, his short stay in the mountains of Colorado (also know as Doggie Disneyland), and chasing pint sized deer at Lynford Hall in the UK.

Hank's three most favorite things were rolling in the nastiest, stinkiest things he could find, playing resident princess to four little girls and morning runs with Melissa!

Hank, a peaceful and gentle soul, was completely satisfied by just hanging out with humans (even if they were in the bathroom)!

Hank will be missed by all who knew him, especially Melissa and his lifelong buddy, Rusty and we are relieved his suffering was short lived! Thanks Hank for sharing your goofy smile and keeping us company for 11 years!

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You've giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I've loved you all these years...

My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You're giving means to me,

It gives me back the strength I've lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I fell,

The courage that's within you,

To grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,

For I won't be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.

(Karen Clouston)