Thanksgiving 2007 – So much to be thankful for!

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Oma and Opa and Uncle Mark, Aunti Bi and Baby Cousin Niklas (just over 7 months old) ALL came to stay in OUR HOME last week for Thanksgiving!! We had SUCH a marvelous time! You gave up your “cozy bed” and slept in what you call your “special bed,” a toddler bed we purchased for just such an occasion. We had a wonderful time together – cooking meals, going for walks, shipping, exploring the museum, and having movie night!

Here are some picture highlights from the events:
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That’s your sweet little hand arranging your “fowler.” You really do melt my heart.

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We also used the opportunity to celebrate Uncle Mark’s birthday!!
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more great news about Jake

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Got this email from Donna today:

“Well, Jake is certainly making a name for himself in our neighborhood….people are amazed at how well-haved (thanks to you) he is…if they see him outside they come out to visit and watch his race-track routine around not just our house, but our next door neighbors yard as well…he goes so fast, that he almost caught a deer’s disappearing tail, as it leapt the creek and went into the woods….but was so well behaved that as soon as Dale yelled “Jake-Stop” he did!! Don’t get me wrong…he has gone into the creek after the ducks, and generally just has a real good time . he’s very welcome in our next door neighbors yard ( and house ) but last night the neighbor had on a real strange looking hat and I finally heard him do some serious barking (Jake, not the neighbor)…he DID NOT like that that!!

“On Oct. 30 my husband had a heart attack, and Jake was my very comforting compainion while he was in the hospital…now that Dale is home for a while to recuperate, Jake is completely attached to him.

“We put the Christmas tree up this weekend, and so far , his tail has only knocked 2 ornaments off of it. I’m sure Jake will make out like a bandit at gift-giving time…..everybody loves him!!!

“Well. just wanted to let you know he is doing fine…and to wish you all a very Happy Holiday season!”

We miss him very much, but it warms our hearts to know he is so loved!!




our little dragon…

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2007 10 31 trick1

‘I a dragon… ROAR”

That is what you said to everyone who asked you what you were as you leaned toward them bearing your front claws (and a sweet smile on your face).

We went trick-or-treating with your little friend Marlie (and her parents) again this year. Before they arrived, we ran over to Hannah and Timmy’s to say Happy Halloween!!

Then we visited all of our neighbors and trick-or-treated! People were so excited to see you as a dragon and see how grown up you are! They were impressed with your “Trick or Treat,” and your “Thank you!” (I LOVE how you looked people in the eye when you said thank you… even sometimes making a special trip back to the door.)

The weather was warm and beautiful!! After we finished, Marlie came to “Maya’s House!” and the two of you continued to play dress up with the princesses dresses in your make believe chest.

Here are some image highlights!

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2 family homes? 2 trick-or-treaters? PERFECT!

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All in all, a great night!!


gymnastics tonight

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The reason this next picture got cut off is because you were RUNNING to me to give me a huge hug!! What a great picture!!

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And, afterward, we chill out and have some snacks and “PT:”
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A couple stories to make you smile:

* Yesterday we were in the grocery store, and your Daddy was about 15 feet away. After you asked where he was, we both spotted him. You said, “Mama! Look at all those people! Daddy is going to have to say ‘Scuse me!!'” : )

* On the way home from gymnastics, we bought you a chicken finger appetizer because you’re always starving after class. When we told you what it was called, you could tell that you pondered its name. The whole way home you talked to me about your “chicken hands.”


trail blazer

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We took Macy to the park yesterday, and you were different than you have ever been…noticing new things, pulling us in all kinds of unexpected directions, and chatting it up with Macy. 🙂 I don’t think you even SEE the trails… you have no need to stay on the beaten path… You are ALL about carving your own trail regardless of how muddy, full of sticks and bushes, or steep.

What an amazing little person you are!

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Never stop blazing your own trails, Baby Girl!!


the party

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Last Saturday night after church we headed out to the YMCA for a Halloween Party. It was quite an adventure…

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It was a little hard to watch you at this party – my heart ached for a few reasons. First, you were kind of tired (we had a BUSY day), so I think you might have been feeling a little off. Second, I think you really wanted to be a princess. You looked SO beautiful and adorable in your little nurses outfit, but that is what I thought you should be – clearly not what you wished you were.

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Finally, you walked away from Daddy and me to go over by the kids who were dancing. You stood on the sideline watching the two little girls dressed up like princesses. It was clear you wanted to be included, but they didn’t notice at first. One of the girl’s Mommys walked over and introduced you to the girls. It was such a crazy look to what I imagine the future will hold… a time where you will find your own way. I don’t doubt that you will be absolutely amazing at everything that is important to you… it’s just sometimes hard to be on the sidelines and unable to help. Does that babble make any sense?

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Anyway – check out these amazing dancing moves!!

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You are such a special little girl… I love you to pieces!


a few weekend adventures…

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We decided sort of last minute to throw some things together with our neighbors for a yard sale. It was a gorgeous day, the process forced us to clean and organize, and we got to spend quality time with friends. Definitely a good use of time…

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After nap, we met up with your friend Apryl and her Mommy at the Strong National Museum of Play! What a great time!

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jake

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Last Saturday was a special but somewhat sad day…
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Saturday, Jake went to live with a new family. They lost their dog a couple weeks ago and were feeling very sad. They have had a dog FOREVER – can’t imagine life without one. So, they came over to meet Jake and immediately fell in love. We were having a hard time getting both Macy and Jake out for a walk or to the dog park because neither of our cars holds both dogs and the three of us.

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Though we miss him very much, it seems like all is going well for Jake. Check this email out:

Subject: Jake & me
It could become a bestseller, like “Marley & Me” !

He appears to be adjusting well…
Sunday my husband kept him very busy outside, and of course, the grandkids had to come check him out. By 8pm he was totally zonked out on his bed, curled up and drooling, and never moved till I came downstairs at 6am.
We almost forget he’s there, because we have yet to hear him make a sound, except a little whimper when Dale went outside without him…does he ever bark???
He’s very sweet, and sticks closely to me in the house and Dale outside….he has been a very good boy and I think he is a “keeper”.

We will take good care of him and you and your family are certainly welcome to come visit him at any time…I hope your little girl is not missing him too much (or you either)…he’s lovable and fun.

We will always love you Jake, and we will miss you!