The addition of 'Shark Tooth'

So, those of you who follow our blog know that we had to have our White German Shepherd, Deacon, put down in March. Shortly after, Gary and Alex started talking about getting another German Shepherd. We originally were thinking we would do this around Christmas or Alex's birthday, seeing that we are extremely busy with Alex and Evan (who just turned 10 months old). My only request on the new dog was that it be a female. I am already vastly outnumbered in this household.

Well, Gary found an ad back in August for German Shepherd puppies in Abilene at Dyess that would be ready in October. So, we went (just to look...yeah right) and saw them when they were only two weeks old and picked out the next member of our family. We picked up our new pup, Gemma, on October 9th. We all had a great time going to Petsmart and choosing the perfect toys, bed, collar, leash, food bowls, ect.


Gemma @ 2 weeks old

So were we cRaZy to get a new puppy when we already have a baby in the household and are extremely sleep deprived...yes! But we wouldn't trade her for anything. Besides, there would never be the perfect or right time anyway. Might as well jump in head first! The only problem with Miss Gemma is that she LOVES to bite. And, I mean, LOVES to bite everything. Not in a mean way, but she is only a pup! Alex and I have nicknamed her "shark tooth," since her teeth feel like little razors. So, now I will also be keeping you updated on our baby girl! Enjoy :)

Back to School, Fair Night, Soccer, & 9 Months Old!

Well, we have survived the first four weeks of school! Alex seems to really enjoy it, especially recess and PE :) He asked after the first week if I could just drop him off around recess time!

Evan is doing great at the babysitter's. He seems to enjoy the other kids, but I am pretty sure his favorite part of the day is lunch time. Ms. Jane home cooks for the kids every day, so he puts away the groceries!

Below are a few pics from Alex's first day of Kindergarten and Evan's first day at Ms. Jane's house.





We finally made it to the West Texas Fair & Rodeo on Thursday night. We went with the Klatts and the Cogburns. The kids had a great time. Alex enjoyed all of the rides, and Evan took in all the sights.





Alex is playing soccer for the second year. What a difference a year has made. He actually is attempting to get in the mob and kick the ball this year! His team is the Blue Pythons, and several of his good buddies are on the team with him. He is #4.



Evan turned 9 months old yesterday. He actually stood up unassisted this past week for the first time. He is such a smiley, happy baby. What a joy he is to our entire family!

Gary's birthday, Evan's haircut, & 8 months old!

We celebrated Gary's birthday on Friday, August 14th. We had a great time in Amarillo with all of the family! We were especially excited to introduce Evan to my cousin, Matt, and to meet his sweet girlfriend, Ashley (Ash-a-lee according to Alex).



While we were there, Evan got his first official haircut. He had a trim on the 4th of July, but this time, GiGi was able to give him his first big boy haircut. It only took four adults to hold, cut, and entertain, but he did great!



Evan turned eight months old today! He is growing so quickly...crawling everywhere, pulling up, and starting to cruise! He is a BIG fan of table food and continues to adore Alex.

Is it really August? Really?

Wow! I can't believe that it is August already. In about a week and a half, our household dynamic will be changing drastically. Mommy goes back to work for the first time since Evan was born, Alex starts Kindergarten, and Evan starts to school at Miss Jane's!



It just seems like the past 8 months have passed in a blink. Where does the time go, seriously? Evan will be 8 months old next Tuesday. He is SO busy crawling and pulling up on EVERYTHING! There is no stopping this boy. Also, he now calls everyone in the house, except Cricket, by name. We love it :) He is such a sweet happy baby! A absolute JOY!



Alex is ready to start Kindergarten. We have his backpack and lunch bag ready to go! He told me the other day that I just like to sit at home and do boring stuff...aka he is tired of being stuck indoors with Mommy and his little bro! So, we have some fun activities planned for this week before our summer vacation is officially over.

The Past Three Weeks...

Okay, so here we go! The last three weeks have been super busy. I would normally make separate posts for these events, but I am doing good just to get it done :)

Three weeks ago, we went to Pagosa Springs, CO with my family. We had so much fun. My parents have a time share there, so we have been going for several years. This year we had Evan, and my sis-in-law, Lenna, along with us for the first time. We spent the week shopping, sight-seeing, fishing, and just enjoying time relaxing in the 60-70 degree weather.


After getting home from Colorado, we had our annual 4th of July party! It was a great time, as always. Evan got his second tooth and his first haircut on the 4th as well! Also, Gary and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the 3rd. What an eventful and fun weekend!

Last week, Alex went to Amarillo to visit his Gigi and Grandad. With only one kid at the house, we were able to get a few things done. Gary pulled more baby stuff out of the attic, and Evan was able to try out his duck tub for the first time.

This week, we are trying to take it easy! Alex had me blow up this froggy pool yesterday. We bought it on clearance last summer anticipating Mr. Evan's arrival! It was a big hit. And the sprinkler has some real power to it!

"Big Stuff"

Evan turned six months old two weeks ago, and we have had some major developments in the last fourteen days. He started crawling (or creeping)--whatever you want to call it the boy is now mobile! He can make it across a room pretty quickly if he spies something of interest. He can also sit by himself now, and he got a tooth on Monday of this week!

Gary and I keep telling Evan how big he is getting. Alex, however, keeps telling us, "Tell him he is NOT big stuff!"

Disney Trip

Well, we are back from Florida, and we had a BLAST with the Cogburns at Disney. We packed just about as much as possible into a six-day trip. Three visits to the Magic Kingdom, two visits to Epcot (Gary, Alex, and I went back the second time just to ride Soarin'. It was completely worth the trip), a visit to Animal Kingdom, a visit to Hollywood Studios, three trips to the resort pool/lazy river/hippo water slide, and some shopping and fabulous restaurants to top it all off!!!



Here we are in the Abilene Airport ready to head off on our great adventure!



Day one on the ferry boat to Magic Kingdom.



Alex in front of the castle. I love this pic. Great job Gary!



Evan getting to take part in the "Get on your Feet" parade. He LOVED the parades.



Evan giving Mommy a sweet smile!



Breakfast with Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy at the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. Even the waffles were shaped like Mickey Mouse!



Our first trip to the pool. Evan loved the water. He started kicking up a storm right away!



The T-REX restaurant. This was the coolest restaurant ever for any little boy who likes dinos. It even had a build-a-dino workshop inside. Of course both of my boys came home with one!



Alex at the McDonalds in Downtown Disney!



Alex meeting the Power Rangers. This was one of the highlights of the trip for him!

Alex in his Goofy hat...lol!



Playing at the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playset. This was really cool.



With Laynie and Avery on Main Street in Magic Kingdom!

We were sad to come home, but we were all completely exhausted! Next time we do Disney it will be in the fall for sure! Now we are at home getting ready for our next adventure. Colorado here we come!!!!!