Zoey

Today we said goodbye to our dog of nine years. She was 14 and 1/2 years old.
I took her to the vet this morning and she had a slew of health problems that would have made her life more painful. It was a very difficult decision but I stayed with her as the vet put her down. It was a very peaceful experience and we are at peace with it. Although, we're very sad. I was so anxious to tell the kids but they took it well. Sammie said, "Like, Maura, she had a dog, and now it's in heaven." Love how everything is so simple to a child.
We'll miss you Zoey Boey. You will forever have a special place in our hearts.


~Zoey~ July 1996-February 2011

Love

Here are Sammie, Ana, Cole and Tyler. The besties crew. Mary had a fun little Valentine's party for the kids and I course I bribed them with candy to get this picture. Anything to capture a moment...

Gardening

Last week Peter took the kids and got some flowers and seeds to plant our front and back gardens. This is something they have always loved. Samantha really stepped it up a notch this year and did it all by herself! She dig the hole, put in the plant and covered up again. Then she'd tap the dirt down. Such a good gardener! Her daddy is a good teacher too.
Cole even got in on the action this year and spread (threw) some seed in.
Can't wait to see what grows.

Valentine's Day

Today Sammie's class had their Valentine's party and I got to be a "party mom". That's what Sammie calls it. We had a great time. Gmaes, crafts, playing, stories and of course cupcakes and goodie bags. The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement and when it was time to go Sammie stood at the door, looked back at all her friends and said, "Happy Valentine's Day" with such love. So sweet!


My little Valentine girl.

Valentine's snacks.

And her favorite part-crafts!

Ana+Sammie+Cole= F.U.N.

Ana Banana came over this morning for some good old fashion playdate fun. The morning started off with the girls playing house...and yes, Cole was the baby and they were the mommies. Apparently neither of them is willing to be the dad so they had a very modern family approach to parenting this morning! It was sweet, they were reading to him, pushing him around in Sammie's little baby stroller, and feeding him. So funny. I love that they include him and play so well together.
Then the party moved outside where there was swinging, tents, sand, mud and more reading stories to Cole. Then a lunch party and then goodbyes (which consists of hugging to the floor...every time!)
We love you Banana! Can't believe you and Sammer Jammer are going to be FIVE in six weeks. Sigh. You two are growing up WAY too fast.