Shot Down

I'm guessing when Olive was basking in the sun, punishing this stick yesterday, she didn't suspect she'd wake up this morning to get 3 shots, blood drawn, and her temperature taken "the hard way".  Then again, I didn't know the vet bill for an annual checkup was going to be $400. I'm not sure which of us were beat down worse by the surprise. 

All Smiles

I'm not sure if Olive is uncontrollably happy these days or not.  However, what I do know is the fur on her face leaves her looking like she's smiling when she wakes up from her naps....and I love it....

Active Parent

There's no time to be an active person if you're trying to be an active parent.  For instance, in the last 48 hours, Meggan and I have:

- taken the kids to the movies
- taken Everett to his basketball practice and game
- helped Amelia memorize the capitals, shapes, and abbreviations for the United States
- found guitar lessons for Everett
- arranged two sleepovers for Amelia
- arranged a birthday party for Everett's 8th birthday
- worked with Amelia on finding the area of various shapes for math
- signed up both kids for soccer
- signed up as a head coach for soccer
- shot baskets in the driveway

Sure, it's a lot of time.  But, when you see things like Ev dribbling down the court with his way-too-big jersey tucked into his way-too-high shorts to score a basket, it's all worth it...

Paying the Price

For the first time on New Year's Eve, my man made it all the way to midnight....

 ....and this was him at almost 10am this morning....long nights result in rough mornings (unless you're Amelia, who was up long before the sun as usual)...

New Toys

We are back home after spending the days since Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  As always, we had a great time.  We got to see family, eat our weight in desserts, and play with our new toys....


Everett got to play with the new guitar his Grandpa got him....

And Meggan and Amelia got to play with our new nephew, Reed....

Merry Christmas

Today was another great Christmas in our house.  That said, for the first time in history, we took zero pictures.  We tried this weird thing where we just opened presents, had fun, and enjoyed each other's company.  Luckily, I did sneak a few shots of the most beautiful choir girl at church during the Christmas Eve service.


She's the small one in the red dress...

 The highlight of Everett's day was when she got put up on the big screen singing one of the songs.  Also slightly pictured over her left shoulder is the most beautiful choir woman at church, Meggan.

Sweet Sweet Music

Amelia got to perform in her first orchestra concert last week.  As her dad, I feel like I can make the very unbiased assessment that she was the best musician on the stage.  If I weren't her dad, I think I'd probably say they all sounded great and I can only assume Amelia was a part of that greatness.