"Americans and their dogs...." ~Cor

Just of few of our favorite sayings....

..."shoot me if I ever have to stop to take a dog pee, I hate stopping when the kids need to go"~Cor (while driving on the interstate passing vehicles pulled over to let the dogs go pee)

..."I'm never having a dog, I spend enough time training children, I'm not training a dog"~Marlene

..."You can have a dog, when you can afford to feed and pay for the shots and possible surgeries"~Cor

..."We'll get a dog when we get wood and tile" ~Cor

And then, Greg and Corrie came to visit and we fell in love with their papillon named Bella.

So, without further ado, we welcome Tucker, our 4 month old Papillon. He's a great dog and we love him already.

comforting Asher after his recent surgery

fast friends with Julianna

Anna Grace's playmate

Arianna loves him

ready for action

And this was the best statement "I thought I was not suppose to be responsible for the proper care and feeding of that dog, and now you laugh as I carry the burden of it!"~Cor

Spring ball '10

Another ball season is over. I love to see it start and love to see it end. This year was a little more crazy because Julianna wanted to play. She has been patiently watching Arianna and Asher play for 5 years. She knew this year she was old enough to play. Having Anna Grace has made it a little more hectic as well. But we survived, and had a lot of fun watching many, many games. It is usually towards the end of the season that I realize that I haven't taken any pictures. In fact, I didn't take any of Arianna.

Asher alternated between pitcher, catcher and short stop. He is a very active player, and very aware of every play. Often between batters you would see him "fake" throwing to first. At the beginning of the season he would take the easy walk to first, and by the end of the season he showed more confidence and starting hitting. Asher played for the Cubs.

the stare down

the wind up

and the throw

notice blue's chewing tobacco in his pocket :)

making the throw to second

And here's our little T-baller! She played for the Gators

hitting off the 'T'

she can't wait till next year when the coaches pitch to her

Julianna

Arianna played 3rd base for the Lady Gators. She improved greatly this year in hitting and throwing and confidence. However, it was a l-o-n-g season. She was on a new team with very few experienced playing and pitching wasn't their strength. We watched many, many walks, but they supported each other and had fun playing. Next year girls! Go Gators!!

Asher Playing Ball

Asher's Birthday Party

We celebrated Asher's birthday party in May so he could have a pool party. He invited a number of friends over from church and our homeschool co-op. Cor organized and was in charge of the party. He got bales of hay from a co-worker for the target practice, ordered the cupcakes from Costco, and supervised the swimming. I enjoyed a nice visit with some of the moms that stayed around for the party. It was a fun time.

obviously pleased with Nerf guns

HUGE cupcakes!

the party-ers

isn't he just adorably handsome!??