A strained relationship...

So my blog has become like an old friend that you fall out of touch with. What will you say when you call? What if it's awkward? I've changed, had new experiences, how can I repair the relationship? And so I'd wait another day...and so now it's been two weeks. But you've got to make the first move to get reacquainted with my blog friends. After all, I don't think my blog is going to take the reigns. So here goes.

Grandma and Grandpa are here visiting us. We've had a lot of fun walking, playing games, and eating. The day after they got here we went to Sea World. It was a wonderful day for it with a cool start and a high in the 70s. Very different from the 90's during the summer when we usually head straight for the waterpark. We were able to enjoy the shows...Shamu, the Sea Lions and Viva all in one day. We also fed the dolphins, looked at the draft horses, and rode a few rides. Ethan even finished the year off with his first big rollercoaster...and he liked it. We're excited about that and Austin may have a partner for his daring rollercoaster rides next year!!

Posing with the SeaWorld Christmas tree.

Moments before the "Big Drop"!!

Of course we had Thanksgiving, which went really well, with everyone really eating at the table and enjoying the meal. We had all the usual...turkey, rolls, potatoes, green beans (not in a casserole) and cranberry sauce. That was followed by pumpkin cheesecake and lemon pie. We were very satisfied and Thankful. That night Dave and I took advantage of our willing babysitters and took off for an overnight adventure to Houston.

Making shortbread with Grandma (batch #1)

We had a little surprise in mind for the kids, but we also had a nice evening and day in Houston. While we were there we went to pick out the newest member of our family...a puppy!! We met 5 dogs of various ages and had no problem choosing our new friend as he continually came up to us and played with us. After a long drive home we presented our "gift" to the children who were overjoyed. They thought they would never see the day that we had a dog and here was a puppy!! It's a big job and we're knee deep into it now, but we love the little guy. His name is Jag, or Jagger, or Jaggy...depending on the person calling him.

Isn't he cute?

So old friend, let's keep in touch. I'll do my best, and remember I'm always thinking about you.