New friend

So yesterday while running out. The kids and I saw a raccoon sitting  under our neighbors car. It was so cute. Later after Abe got home he told me there was a raccoon in the garage. How did it get in? Sure enough it was there. HUGE!!! in our recycle bin licking the can of puppy food. He/she  was not worried about us That is for sure. He let me get too close. By the looks of is he/she is not starving either. FAT! Maybe a soon to be mom? I have no idea. I wouldn't let Abe shoot it. He wanted to. He used lots of  excuses. That they carry all sorts of germs that can kill our dogs. He also has heard story's of them getting into boats to live and have babies. On and on he went. But is just couldn't let him do it. I told him that if it came back, then he could. 

Imagine my surprise when this morning after taking Cassidy to school Sweetheart started barking at our front door. I thought that maybe it was a Package by our door. So as I started to walk towards the door.  I almost bumped right into the Raccoon. It made a bed in our bark right by our front door. I felt like it was saying Surprise! I'm moving in. He / she didn't seem at all surprised by me or the little dog barking at it. Just looked at us. I was worried then about the safety of Sweetheart. That Huge animal was 3 of her. I quickly took her and inside and closed the Garage before it could come in for seconds of the recycle bin. I was Glad that Abe was at work. I would have had to sick to my end of the deal. Instead I called animal control who came and picked it up for us. A little to easily I might add. It must have been sick. Before they got here I heard a knock on the door. It was a package and the delivery man didn't even notice the animal, I then realized it wasn't going away. So I got my camera and took a couple pictures.

Heart breaker.

I am surprised at how this tears at my heart. She is just so stinkin cute. I gotta keep an eye on her. She is going to be quite the heartbreaker. 

Today is the Winter Wonderland Daddy Daughter Formal Ball. I couldn't stop taking pictures. At least she didn't mind. She likes the attention. She told me she is a little nervous. How cute is that? So is her daddy. He asked me just what exactly is he going to do? She is only 6 and not much to talk about with a six year old. He also wanted to know how long he is expected to stay at the dance. I told him to take her out to dinner. Somewhere that used real forks and knifes. then play the dance part until she is ready to go.  She will be happy with anything. She just feels so special and happy right now. She got a new dress & boots (this is Colorado. Shoes are too cold) and a Dress coat.  I did her hair. It felt like I was getting her ready to go the the Prom or get married or something. I can't believe how fast she is growing up.  

I get to stay home with my boys and play games. Most likely it will be on the Wii. Luke loves it.  But I just had to post these pictures as soon as I could. I hope they have a good time. I can't wait for her to get back and tell me all about it. 

Some dogs have all the luck.

In her case I would say bad luck. Poor Sweethart. Yesterday morning after eating her breakfast I let the Dogs out for a break. When I went back to let them in (3 minutes later) I noticed she was holding her foot funny. After trying to examine it myself. I decided a vet was needed. I'm glad I did. She has 2 broken bones. We (the vet and myself) think that one of the bigger dogs must have stomped on it. I would say Bomber. He is a big footed dumbhead. He has no idea where he feet are going half the time. I love him to death and so does Sweethart. They are the best of friends. I'm sure it was a accident. Luckly it was a clean small break. It should heal just fine. Six weeks of that splint. Changing it every week and she will be fine. Today she is running around as usual. (I wish she would relax or at least take it easy). Except that akward stiff thing. That is a huge relief to me. It took 3 trips to the vet to get it right. I Thank Andy soooooooo much for being here. I didn't have to take the kids with me to the vet appts. He stayed home with them for me. (Abe was at work) I think the first splint must have been hitting something wrong to cause her great pain. She was crying constantly like someone was trying to cut her tail off with a butter-knife. It was hard to listen to . Once they put a new splint on she was fine. I wish her a quick recovery. She is getting a lot of TLC in the mean time.  

Harvest Festival

Cassidy's school has a harvest party instead of a Halloween one. All the family's were invited to come and take part. (They needed the parents to bring the stuff) Chili, Corn Bread, Treats, Drinks, ETC. It was fun. Luke and John got to play at recess with Cassidy & her friends. John likes to swing on his tummy. Cassidy took turns pushing Luke. Then showing him how to do it. She is getting good. She goes pretty high. 
The last week or so, She has been doing hand stands against the couch and getting good enough to pick up her hands. I now know why she wanted to learn so much. Look at her showing off her skills. Hanging upside down on the bars. 

See, there is Johns, Still on his tummy. 
After recess they let all the little brothers and sisters come in the class and do crafts with them. They made this turkey. It says what they are thankful for. Luke told me what to write on his since he cant  do it himself yet. Luke is thankful for Cassidy & John, Mom, Daddy, & toys. When they were finished with that they played games, Luke is very proud of his Turkey on his muscles.

 I think we found a great school for Cassidy to be in. I am very glad they are so good about little bro's & sis's. I really like Cassidy's Teacher and hope Luke gets her too. 

Other Oregon Pictures

So I thought this was cool. We drove past it like 4 times. Only they wouldn't let us pass the fourth. The flames were too big, and it would have damaged our rental car. But we were willing to try. O-well, I got lots of good pictures anyhow. 
My Handsome Hubbie. I like him in his driving hat. It didn't take us long get it. Its pertty cold driving around Oregon with the top down this time of year. Not to mention you have to stop every now and then to put it up when it starts to rain. But don't you think the look is hot on him? I LIKE IT!
That's us being crazy kids. Not my best picture I'll admit.  
The Wet, Windy, & Cold Oregon Coast. Abe wanted to take surf lessons. The water was Angry that day and lucky for me, The guy wouldn't sell him any. If the water didn't Kill me the cold would have.
"What is that?"   You can see how cold it looks. But, I'm soooooo glad we did this trip. It was probably my favorite day
Of course we had to go the cheese & ice cream factory. YUMMY!!!!!  How dumb am I eating it outside. I was already cold. Can you see me shivering? 
That the driving outfit. I sure am glad the mini had a seat warmer and a good heater. It sure was fun. It made the whole trip just that much more fun. 

Oregon Pictures

We had a great time. We got to see a lot of old friends. I wish we would have had more time to hang out with them. Trying to see everyone and everything takes time. We did at least get to do one of my old and favorite hikes. To one of the falls in Silver Falls park. Look, A MONSTER! hiding behind that bush. 
Adam, where is Eve? I forgot how BIG the leaves are. "tree star"
So beautiful.
I Love it here. Why did I leave.? oh thats right, Bad hair day EVERY day. I loved visiting in the fall. The fall colors were just breathtaking. 
In the airport waiting to go there. I was  deep in thought. Its been years. I was surprised to find out everything is still the same. 

Abe and I are in Oregon this weekend. It is my 10 year High school reunion. We are having a GREAT time. Lots of pictures were taken today. I am sure more will tomorrow also. When we get back I will share some of them with you.  Grandma is at home with the kids. I am sure they are having a great time.