Beloved Molly

Our dog Molly, who we got from a shelter in Houston when Josh was 3 months old, was killed yesterday. I won't go in to the gory details, but we are devastated by her loss.

Molly was the protector of the family. We all loved her dearly, and in return she loved us unconditionally and gave us 10 happy years of companionship. She was extremely loyal and protective of the kids. We just can't believe she is gone.

This is the most recent photo I could find. Molly is the one with Santa hat on. We will miss her forever.

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone! We are taking it easy this weekend. Ally had her soccer game yesterday morning. They tied 2-2, but it was a good game. Overall, they are undefeated. They've tied twice but have never lost. This is Ally's first time playing soccer, and she says she has found her "love". We're so glad!

Josh had a 3 1/2 hr baseball practice after the game yesterday, so it was a sports day. (when isn't it on Saturday? ha ha) Josh's baseball team, www.simpsonvillelonghornsbaseball.com, has qualified for the World Series, so they are in serious practice mode these days. Thankfully, it is in Lexington, SC so it is not too far from us. We're going to crash on Todd's floor for a week.

Tomorrow we're heading to Mom and Dad's to the lake. We're going to go out and tube and enjoy the water. I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!

Recovering...

Friday night was Josh's birthday party. He and 11 of his closest friends (plus Ally and her friend)went to the Clemson vs Virginia Tech baseball game. We had rushed pizza at the balcony above the field, followed by Josh being able to throw out the first pitch. Here is a picture of Josh and Jack Leggett, the Clemson head coach for the last 15 years. We were in foul ball territory and Josh was able to snag one. We had a great time as the Tigers took the Hokies down 13-5.
After the game, everyone came back to our house for a night (and well in to the morning) fun. The bulk of the boys went to sleep between 4-5am and were back up raring to go at 7:15am. So needless to say, we're all more than a little exhausted! But Josh had an "awesome birthday party" and can't wait till next year. Kent and I were thinking more along the lines of maybe a birthday party at the library, followed by lunch at the park for next year. Ha ha!

Happy Easter!

Wow! Is it really Easter? Hard to believe that we have been here in SC for 8 months. Spring has finally begun to show itself these last few weeks and I am SOOO thankful! We had a beautiful Easter weekend. The kids were off school on Friday and their Spring Break begins tomorrow. We worked in the yard on Friday and we had our easter egg hunt in the yard yesterday. In the past it has been just our kids but this year we had 8. Kent and I hid at least 50 eggs in our yard and sat back and watched while the kids went nuts. It was fun!

This morning we woke up and Kent made us Easter pancakes and bacon and we went to church. We then headed out to Mom and Dad's on the lake and enjoyed Easter brunch (I guess it was more like dunch -- or ask Kent put it, lupper -- since our seating was at 3:30pm.) But the food was excellent and the kids behaved beautifully. I attached a picture from this morning.

Tomorrow Mom and I are heading north with the kids. We are taking the kids to Williamsburg, Virginia for a few days. It should be a lot of fun. I remember going when we lived in Carlisle, but that was almost 20 years ago. (GASP~!!!) Josh is studying the American Revolution in school so we thought it would be perfect. Of course, put Josh anywhere where there is history and the threat of war and he is in heaven! I'll be sure to post an update with pictures when we get back.

I wish everyone a very happy Easter!

Josh's Baptism

Josh was baptized this past Sunday. He had been sprinkled when he was a lot younger when we were members of the Episcopal Church, but the Baptist Church requires the full dunk. He recorded an audio testimony prior to that played overhead that was just beautiful. Kent and I were so proud of him! Dad was too sick to make it and Todd had a tennis match, but Mom and Nana made the trip in which was nice.

Baseball season is about to get kicked off again. Josh's first tournament is next weekend - the weekend of Mom's BIG 6-0 birthday! His team is also taking part of a local travel team league for during the week, so we'll be busy little Longhorns!

Ally has decided to give soccer a try. I think she will really like it. We bought her some cleats and she bought herself a pink soccer ball and she is having a blast. She always has to put on shorts and high socks to look the total part even when she is playing in the backyard. Even when it is 40 degrees outside, appropriate soccer fashion is a must, of course!

I'm happy to report that Oreo has successfully worked his way in to everyone's hearts - including Harley's. Harley even shares her ottoman with her at night while we are watching TV. Todd is bringing his yellow lab Bailey over today for us to keep her for the weekend while he goes to Atlanta, so that should make it interesting. Bailey was the one that taught Harley that cats were evil and should be barked at viciously through the window, so we'll see if Oreo can work his charms on her as well.

Meet Oreo

After almost 11 years of marriage, the unthinkable has happened. Kent let Ally get a kitten. She has been begging for one for such a long time, and the poor neighbors cat knows no rest when Ally is around -- so Dad finally agreed. He is the cutest thing. He is a tuxedo kitty with black fur with a white chin, paws and belly. He isn't quite sure what to make of the dogs yet (and vice versa) but I'm sure in time they will be able to live harmoniously. (hoping and praying!) And Ally is in pure heaven.
Isn't he adorable?

Snow!

Now, I know -- some of you are thinking that we are a little TOO excited about the white stuff - but we can't help it! We love snow! We got about 2" of snow on Wednesday night and in to Thurs morning. It was the first time my kids have ever gotten a "snow day". We've vacationed where they have played in the snow, but it has never fallen at our house.
We warmed up yesterday, and now they say we are about to get hit with round 2 in a few hours. The kids are in heaven! I am glad that we brought the sled home that we bought one year in Colorado, for that has been the best entertainment for the kids. Our house sits up high enough on a hill that they can slide right down the hill and right in to incoming traffic. It's great fun for all -- us and the drivers that are swerving to avoid the kids. Just kidding - we watch for cars. ;)
This Saturday marks (hopefully) a temporary break in the madness of the election. Don't forget to go vote if you are in SC! If you don't vote your preference, someone else with another opinion will! This is what is great about America -- you can complain and campaign all you want -- but it comes down to the regular American public that make the choices. Vote! Vote! Vote! (I am about to head out before the snow comes)
Have a great weekend!