Bobers

We'll we are a man down, actually a dog down, at the Smith house. Our sweet Bob died about two days after we moved in. (Yes, we've officially moved, I realize I have neglected to mention it here...more on that later, maybe.) He was an old dog and even though we knew he wouldn't live forever we were pretty heartbroken to see him go. :(

Truthfully, I have probably rolled my eyes and complained about our precious pup more in the last few years than I have loved on him, don't call Sarah McLachlan on me, the pup was VERY LOVED, he just had a few cuties in front of him in the pecking order. But, no question, he was a great dog and he was ours way before we had all these real boys. It's funny how a pet is a part of SO many memories. Just little pieces of the past. A part of a life a decade ago that barely resembles this one and a part of everything in between. 

Somewhere along the way I was conned into getting him a sister, which turned out to be a brother (is there no end to the maleness of my home?) and Jack joined our brood. There was a time when he slept with us (WHAT was I thinking?), and made the Christmas card picture, and when we scheduled play dates at the dog park for him - so not on the agenda these days! 

Those luxuries slowly faded out and were exchanged for new playmates in the form of Stacey, Wyatt Crew and Coyt and while he got bumped from the bed to the floor he was pretty darn sweet with his new babies when they invaded his world. 

Stacey and Wyatt drew some sweet pictures and Daddy buried him in the backyard. 

Wyatt says hi to him a lot. He is very nonchalant about it and says, "Mom, just 'cause he is dead I can still say hi to him." Al-righty then. 

Stacey III posted a sign the day after he died. Bob died on June 26, 2012. He was 9 or 10. He was my dog. I love you Bob. Sweet thing. 

If you came by our house in the last few weeks the kids probably informed you that "Bob Died" before they said hello how are ya. I apologize for the onset of questions that potentially initiated on your ride home, but what cha gonna do, thems the facts. :) 

Most of his best puppy pictures are packed away in boxes taken long before the digital days but I scrounged up a few just for fun.

 Bob Smith 2002-2012

God Bless America!

With the 4th of July landing on a Wed. our typical traditions at the lake had to wait. Instead we spent the day in town enjoying Stacey's day off and some new Woodway traditions with our six pack.

Nothing says "Good Morning Fourth of July" like a Red, White and Blue sprinkle donut! :)

We took our show on the road for some local parade action and ran into these festive friends. :)

So glad Katy had mentioned the parade to me the day before. We were a last minute addition so our flare was a little lacking but we promise more elaborate decoration next time. 

 Coyt practicing his wave.

 Crew

 Wyatt opted to ride his scooter,

 while Stacey chose to cycle in style.

 The C's enjoyed the traditional wagon ride.

 Mardi Gras, or 4th of July?

Fun small town festivities followed by snow cones, perfect!

We headed home to some fun visitors. Big, Nannie and Brylie came in for the day and brought a boatload of BBQ - Yummy.

Kids making some Red, White and Blue skewers.

 Had to include this one of the whole gang...and the MEAT.

Not sure why but we HAVE to have watermelon on the 4th! Stacey III commented that it was weird eating watermelon at home instead of the lake and I'd have to agree.

 Precious messes LOVED having Daddy home all day!

We polished off the day with a patriotic dessert (that's a star on top in case you can't tell and and there was red jello too, somewhere?)

 And, patriotic PJs.

Such a sweet day with my little family.

Father's Day

We are SO beyond blessed when it comes to great Father's. We adore our own Dad's, GP and Biggie, and think that the Daddy in our house is pretty darn special too!!

On actual Father's day the boys were going to be with Big & Nannie so we celebrated a little early with our SUPER DAD at Rosati's.

The boys had worked hard on their cards telling Daddy why his is Super:

Wyatt: My Daddy is Super...Strong, Super Fast, and Super good at teaching me how to ride a bike.

Stacey: My Daddy is Super Special because...he takes me to Bahama Bucks, Is Super Fast and Plays Baseball with me.

On Sunday we had lunch with the fam. All the kids filed out an "All about my Dad" questionnaire about their Dad and granddads. They were pretty hilarious.

These are four incredible Daddies. :) What an incredible blessing to have such wonderful Godly men leading our families.

Just Dance It

I LOVE LOVE LOVE having nieces. As a boy Mom I am destined to eventually lose track of what is in style, get a butch haircut and forget how to accessorize. Thankfully my girlie side has these precious ones to keep me on track and indulge me is all the delightfully girlie things they enjoy. 

Like say a dance recital!! 

I didn't have to take them to dance, buy the costume or endure any backstage drama. I just get to sit back, enjoy the show, and love on these tiny dancers. 

They were of course - exceptional, but that's just my very unbiased auntie opinion.

Summer Flash Back

Hi blog :) Well you wouldn't know it by all my posts but we've been having a great summer. My camera lens bit the dust so I have been borrowing pictures and snapping a few with my phone until we can get a replacement.

Here are a few random pictures of some summer fun.

Lollypops at the lake...back on Memorial Day.

Cousin loves

Nothing says summer like Watermelon at the lake. :)

I love these boys!

My grandmother, GrannyLiz, had a plethora of fancy outfits perfect for dressing up. We would put on style-shows every summer and this year the next generation had some fun with her sequins too!

Boys couldn't stand to be left out.

The twins had their first popsicles and they are fans!

So are the big boys.

We have missed having a pool and jump at the opportunity to swim any chance we get!

Popsicles, again!