Peace and quiet

After a long, exhausting day.

Meow

Still BFF's...

A new addition

Our almost 16 year old dog, Mulder, disappeared in late May.  He went outside one afternoon with Amos and never came home.  We never figured out what happened.  Most people guess coyotes, but I guess we'll never know.  Amos became an only dog for the first time in his life.  He seemed a bit lost for awhile but got used to it, I think.  

Amos

So, what do you do once the only dog gets used to his new, single life?  You bring home a three month old bundle of energy.  We got a pomeranian/chihuahua mix who should grow to be a whopping 5 lbs.  Amos seems indifferent about his new mate.  He doesn't dislike her, but he doesn't seem fully convinced by her yet either.  After a couple days of contemplating, we named her Gertie.  The kids love her.  She isn't a fan of Owen most of the time but tolerates Brendan pretty well.

Gertie

Just a swingin'

I think we spent hours swinging on the tire swing at the park.  

A weekend road trip

We went to Minnesota last weekend for my uncle's wedding.  This is the first time that both boys stayed in a hotel.  I wasn't sure how that would go because Owen generally won't sleep anywhere but his own bed (except the car).  He was fine.  We spent the weekend swimming and I showed all of them some of the places I spent a lot of time at growing up.  They went amused me by riding along but no one really cared.  We drove up to my grandparents old farm, stalked out old house, drove around Wabasha, and ate pizza at Papa Tronnio's which I hadn't had in probably 25 years.  That was probably the one thing they all enjoyed.  

Lake Pepin

Hanging out at the wedding

My new trick when Owen isn't listening is to pretend to cry.  It usually gets his attention and makes him nervous.  He comes over, hugs me, pats my back, and says "it's ok, my Mama".  Mean, yes, but effective.

Chipmunk cheeks

Water break

Chillin' at the hotel