We got a Puppy (again)

In July, we started the month with some wonderful visitors from Ohio. The kids were so bummed when our good friends moved to the mid-west. The kids spent a chunk of the summer with their grandma and so we thankfully got to have a sleepover.

Even if the current state of things does not have me feeling very red, white, and blue - we used the holiday to teach the kids about what patriotism means (and what it does not) and how we can act and do our part to represent our country of immigrants.

We also added to the family with an adoption of our second rescue pup, Scout. Will and I went to the pet store for fish food and came out with a puppy. Will noticed that they were having an adoption event, while were there. I warned him about going over, but he insisted. He was smitten with Scout instantly. He reminded him of Sparky the Fire Dog from his military days.

Needless to say, the kids were very surprised. They thought it was so funny how their "anti-dog" dad turned into a dog-lover. We were stuck on a few names: Pippin, Scout, and Sparky. Scout won out with Pippin a very close second. We did a family vote. I was glad to get one of the book references (Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird or Pippin from The Hobbit).

It took Charlie a little bit to get used to Scout, but I think it has been very good for him. More about the adventures of Charlie and Scout to come! At first he was not sure what to think of this hyper little creature.

It stressed him out a little. We did have to up his Prednisone dose for a few weeks. 

I think he was secretly happy for a little brother though. 

Even one that looked an awfully lot like one of his favorite toys.

Until next time...

                                                                         ~ The B Family

Hiatus Over!

Apparently, I needed a little blog break, I cannot believe that my last post was in June! I have had a few people mention missing seeing our family updates, so I thought I would be better at making time for writing. Plus, I miss it.

So, some updates starting with June...

We had some beautiful sunny, lazy days!

We painted...a lot!

I have realized that Meli is my little shadow. I tend to have way more pictures of her because she is constantly around me. Colin is often doing his own thing somewhere else. I am trying to make sure that we both have our time together.

I was able to go on my first field trip with Meli. I have already made it to a few for Colin. It was easier when I was at home. My goal now is to do at least one for each of them a year.

We bought some fish.

 Meli has the neon green/yellow (Globi) and neon purple (Glostar). Colin has the neon blue (Tsunami) and the dalmatian molly (Patches). Will and I had a silver one name Silvara (who sadly passed). Since then we have added two otocinclus to help keep it clean (amazing!) and three snails. One blue mystery, one black mystery, and a red small one with cool designs.

We had a lovely visit from this lovely lady.

I love that she is totally on board and loves to do beer flights with us. This was at Tap & Growler. Awesome food and beer selections. 

We showed her several beer spots. Ninkasi is a favorite of Will's. 

We went on a road trip to The Grotto. I had heard it was a beautiful spot and I thought that Liz would love it.

It was such a sunny and beautiful day!

Then we took Liz to the coast the next day and it was in the high 50's/low 60's. This was Liz's first time and I think it left an impression. She was pretty cold most of the time but such a trooper. I thought it was funny that Meli and I were in t-shirts, Will and Liz were bundled up (east coasters!), and Colin was a mix of the two. 

 Some very brisk water caught Will and his mom off guard. I totally did warn them.

I promise. 

We came home and roasted some marshmallows. 

We ended her visit by taking her to one of our favorite places, Rye. It specializes mixed drinks. They have their menu broken out by pre-prohibition, prohibition, and post-prohibition. I love it!

They have an amazing chocolatier (spelling). So delicious and they pair it with liquor. They do a fantastic job at the pairing. Liz had (I think) an orange cream one paired with scotch. 

More soon!



                                                             ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                      The B Family

What is different about 7?

This past May, our sweet and moody Meli turned 7. I am not sure what it is about this year, but to me it is a big one. When I think of a 6 year old and a 7 year old it is a huge difference. I know there is really not from the actual age of 6 and 7, but it is the first one where I begin to realize they are not my little babies anymore. Well, of course I have started to realize this before the age of 7, but it really comes to fruition. When you say "my 6 year old", it still can sound like they are closer to a toddler than not.

The 7th birthday has been the first hard birthday for both of my kids. The next big one was 10 (with Colin at least). I enjoy the next ages tremendously. There have been stages I have not enjoyed but not any ages. They are all great for different reasons. I am glad for what comes with 7. The kids are able to do more for themselves, read older books (that's a big one for me), and the conversations get even more interesting. I am looking forward to what this year has to bring, but I do feel like I am saying goodbye to an important chapter. One that I will only get to revisit in my memories and writings.

To celebrate Meli's 7th rotation around the sun, here are some of my favorite moments captured on camera.

She was telling the dinosaur to "be good"!

Her first birthday gift from Colin

She loves the ocean so much!

Daddy's Girl

My little blonde

She loves costumes

This is one of my favorite

Sibling love

She loves the snow

My girlie-girl

Tea party!

Halloween is one of her favorite holidays.

Her buddy

She is getting so tall!

     ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
            The B Family