Give Me A Boost!

I must say Emily did some good work with the dogs...they went from wanting to eat the cat to giving her a boost!
Emily=Caesar, I think yes!

Where Have I Been? Mrs. Nixon's Classroom

Friday was my last day working in the small animal clinic, but instead of rest and relaxation, I have a million little things on my to-do list. First and foremost was helping my sister, Jenna (aka Mrs. Nixon) set up her classroom.

Jenna is teaching 4th grade this year and at a new elementary school--Holsenbeck. She always has so many creative ideas for her classroom. And since she is working on her masters in Children's Literature, she also has plenty of books and ideas for reading, writing, and language boards.

But, sometimes she needs help limiting her imagination and pulling her ideas together. That's where I come in!

I love helping her work on her classroom. This is probably because I don't have to be there when the kids are present! Plus, since she is sharing her room with the EPI teacher (who helps the slower kids), we had to do a LOT of brainstorming to get everything to fit!

We have the classroom more or less finished and now need to get started on her paperwork!!! YIKES! Maybe next week....

story time!

hello everyone and anyone who cares. i am reading the newest david sedaris book (collection of essays), "When You Are Engulfed In Flames" and am thoroughly enjoying it - as i do all of his books. i could have finished reading the book in its entirety in one day, but i have tried to spread out my reading time and am holding on to the last 10 pages or so because i just don't want it to be over. the entire last chapter, which is the longest, is all about david's life as a smoker and his move to Japan when he decides to quit. It is aptly titled, 'The Smoking Section' and is hilarious! if you haven't read any of his books, i recommend that you check him out.

Sunny Day Parade!

Last week Emily's brother Michael, his wife Erinn, and their little boy Abraham came down from Baltimore for a visit!

We spent most of our time with Abraham and after having 65 million PARADES with him (this involved him playing the recorder, me on the hand drums, and marching around the house without a tune) I found out why Michael and Erinn needed a break!

Abraham and the recorder...or as he called it the kazoo...attempting to get me to march in yet another parade!

Abraham is always on the go...we spent a lot of time painting, playing with Elwood, and swimming!Abraham painting..."water, then paint, then paper...LELLOW"!

***NOTE THE KAZOO ON THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE PICTURE...NEVER OUT OF REACH.

more painting...

more swimming...

floatin'!

Our Little Scrabbler

Emily and I have been playing a lot of Scrabble lately. Well, speed-Scrabble that is!

It's our favorite new game that Liz just taught us...but, apparently Santi wants in on the fun!

We found her plucking tiles out of the bag, one at a time...and carrying them away!

Quittin' Time!

We also had a visit this week from our friend and former neighbor, Jon. He drove down from Charlotte to quit his job...since he got a new one! And he made friends with Santi!
We miss hanging out with him and Jackie :(

Welcome Home Liz-butt!

So, this week was a busy week...that's why we've been so bad about updating the blog.
On Wednesday, we welcomed Liz back! She's been gone for two years--one year spent in Alaska, and the second in St. Croix!

We celebrated Liz's homecoming at Cecile's on Wednesday night, some old friends and for Liz some new friends (Dylan and Zeke were born while Liz was away). Cil made a Southern feast--fried porkchops, okra, creamed-corn, butter beans, and fresh tomato!

YUM-O says Emily!

House Guest

For the weekend we had a houseguest...Amber and Luis's pup, Porter! He fits right in...seeing as all of the dogs have lived together before.
The best idea ever, was the purchase of a papasan chair cushion as a dogbed. And this morning I woke to find all three of the big dogs, Lulu, Mila and Porter asleep on the one dogbed! Wish I had a picture of it! Although both of the girls still try to fit on Elwood's bed, every once in awhile...

Patriotic Pooch!

any excuse to get dolled-up!

Pictures Galore!

So, as promised, here are some pics from our recent trip to Harpers Ferry and Baltimore!

Harpers Ferry was beautiful...small, but beautiful!

and basically a ghost town--all the old buildings were open as museums.

Railroad track running into town...

our short jaunt on the AT!


once in Baltimore, we spent time ...playing at the river (one of Abraham's favorite things to do)...

celebrating Erinn's birthday with yummy strawberry cheesecake! note Chloe in the background helping out with the candles!

playing outside...

and inside! Abraham takes after his Aunt Em, and really enjoys running!

But most importantly we spent time with family and friends!!!

Santiago "Santi" Cazorla González

Our kitten finally has a name...offically, Santiago Cazorla González, we will call her Santi!

Hope it sticks!