Gabrielle's graduation from Obedience School

The beautiful graduate.

Haha, I looks so silly mom.

Am I not the most beautiful dog you have ever laid eyes on??

Tired puppy after graduation!

Gaby finally completed basic obedience with Aaron. We will be starting intermediate this weekend with the same trainer. She was a tough cookie, Gaby has problems with panic attacks, seperation anxiety in public, and doggie ADHD, but she was able to focus her attention on a tennis ball and complete the test. (We just won't mention that Aaron had to lay on her to get her to complete the 5 second 'down stay'!) Hopefully with Aaron her trainer, and Bryan who will be taking her for walks and to the dog park, she will begin to overcome her panic attacks and anxiety, and begin to develop better focus. She is a wonderful addition to our family, very loyal and extremely protective of me, Malorie, and Erin and any child in our home.

Holiday Lights at CALM 2008

This is Betty the Pelican, CALM's newest resident. Even with all the lights and sounds of Christmas, including Santa, a ride on the Merry go Round AND a train ride, this was Erin's most favorite part of the night. She is absolutely in love with Betty. We have heard about Betty for 2 days now.
Erin and the alligator. Reminded me of home :)

This is Erin trying to catch 'snowflakes' (soap bubbles) in Winter Wonderland.

Erin and Santa. Poor Santa, Erin told him she wants LOTS of presents!

Erin, Conner and Elijah hamming it up for the camera while waiting on the train.

We had a great time at Holiday Lights at CALM this year! We went with our friends Joey, Holly, Elijah and Conner who moved here from Louisiana earlier this year. It was not too terribly cold this year and the kids had fun riding the Merry Go Round and the train and seeing the lights and animals. Afterwards we all went to dinner at Jacalito Grill and everyone enjoyed their favorite Mexican dish and lots of laughs! This is truly the time of year to be thankful for the grace and bountifulness that God has provided in our lives, and to be thankful for our family and both new and old friends! Merry Christmas!

Poor sick little girl.

Erin wasn't feeling very well this day, she was running a fever and coughing. So she had her daddy wrap her up like a little Erin Burrito. As you can see, Gaby did not mind too much the break in Erin's typical rambunctionis. Glad to report that she is feeling much better now. Daddy, Mommy and Gaby however are chagrined that the silence is no longer.

Erin's Haircut

Erin recently got a haircut at Salon Salon from Ms. Jamie, she was extremely good and enjoyed every minute of it! I don't know if she was more excited by the fact that she was being made 'beautiful' or that Ms. Jamie was treating her like a little princess, she had her hair washed in the 'big girl' sink, got to wear the special ice cream cape and had her hair blow dryed and styled. Or maybe it was the lollipop taht she received afterwards. Anyway Mommy was not happy that her camera ran out of batteries before we got to the blow dry and styling part....oh well maybe next time...

Halloween 2008

For Halloween this year, we went to Gramma and Grampa's house, and trick or treated around their neighborhood. You should have seen all the little ghosts and goblins, too many cute little kids!

'Taking pictures of me commoner? Off with your head!'

Erin, of course, decided to be a princess this year, so we found a really cute little Cinderella costume for her, Gramma did her hair and Mommy did her makeup and she was the belle of the ball, just ask her! (Notice her hands, she never once closed her hands all night! Even carried her bag on her arm and made people put the candy in it for her!)

Zachary went as Clone Trooper, Commander Cody. As you can tell from the picture, he has the attitude to go with it! He was quite the gentleman all evening, escorting Erin to each door, and even helping the little princess up when she slipped on a wet driveway.

Even little Xander got in on the action, dressed as the cutest little tree frog you have ever seen, though, I don't think he cared one way or the other!

For Halloween at Mary's this year they made homemade costumes. Erin was so excited to model her Itsy Bitsy Spider costume, and I will tell you for such a little girl, she has one mightly spider roar!