Prima Ballerina

"J", after much of begging and pleading (on her part), has started Ballet and Tap class. She has been asking to take ballet for a long time and I finally gave in. She is really enjoying it and doing well. Although they don't teach (or encourage) it in class she has the weird and uncanny ability to actually stand en pointe (not shown below). Fortunately for her she may have inherited-the very recessive (in our family)-athletic gene.


"J" has a "real bun" in her hair just like a ballerina.

Cheap Skates

It may come as a shock to those of you up north but we haven't actually taught our children to skate. But never fear while stalking Target the other day I found skates on 75% off clearance and thought "by golly it's time these kids learned to skate"

SAFETY FIRST


"Um...How do I get up"?

More Holiday Visitors

It shouldn't be shocking that after years of having dog food on the back porch we finally got a late night visitor.


Yet we were quite surprised to see this little "possum" on the porch a few nights ago. Perhaps he was more suprprised than us. He certainly looked surprised-or maybe that look was abject terror. I am not sure how hungry this little guy was-but he must have been very hungry or very stupid to brave a yard inhabited by two very bored and very protective dogs.

Over the River

and through the woods came Grandma and Grandpa for an after Christmas visit. Since the children are in school it has become increasingly difficult to make the 6 hour trip to visit with my mom and her husband. Luckily they braved some pretty miserable weather to enjoy a quick visit with the kids.

Grandpa John and "J"






Grandma brought "J" a HUGE apple

Going to the Dogs

Poor "D". After Bella returned to the rescue group from whence she came, he finally had some peace and quiet. For "D" and "T" one dog was JUST RIGHT for our family. But for "J" and I (both consummate animal lovers and certified suckers) one dog wasn't nearly enough. So it was with some cajoling we convinced "D" to meet (just meet) Gabby, a small black dog.



Fast forward one week and Gabby has joined our household, and while she is completely different from the dog we visited at several rescue adoption events...she is never the less a real sweet heart. She is 3 year old (but she acts more like a puppy).

Molly is a bit reticent about the whole thing...she is still somewhat shell shocked from Bella's attacks-but she is warming up to the idea of having a new buddy.

Speaking of Molly, last week she some how managed to rip out a nail/claw. Poor thing. Can you imagine?

Jingle Bells....

Batman smells, Robin laid an egg..... Ahh Christmas with a 4 and 5 year old. And what a great Christmas we had. I don't know if it was the fact that the children are older this year and are really "into" celebrating Christmas or maybe it was the great company we shared over the Holiday-either way it has been a fantastic week and we are sad to see it come to an end.




This year we were fortunate to have many special guests join us for Christmas. Our "littlest but not least" guest was Kiara AKA my children's only cousin. Kiara celebrated her first Christmas with us and we were thrilled to meet her for the first time.
Also visiting us from the frigid North were D's parents, and Uncle Dennis.

The Green brothers show off their fabulous new Koozies
Over the past week we have had a great time "catching up". We have eaten way too much and the children have been thoroughly spoiled. Sounds like the makings of a Terrific Christmas.


Happy New Year Y'all

Turning Blue at the Zoo

Since several of our Holiday guests were delayed due to bad weather up north we decided to spend Sunday at the Zoo. Our local zoo isn't the biggest or the best but I am amazed to see something new and fascinating each time we visit. This visit was unique because it was VERY cold out. The advantage to visiting the zoo when it is near freezing-no crowds. The disadvantage -it is freaking cold!

Inner City Safari


Pandas Love the Cold Weather


All Aboard


Geek in training-notice the sandals with socks and back-pack.



No pictures please