Goodbye Faithful Lizzie Puppy

Almost 7 years ago, you showed up at our door. We weren't looking for a dog, we had two cats, but you quickly won our hearts and became one of the family as if you always had been.

Obedient, smart, energetic, great with the kids. We couldn't have asked for a better dog.

Lizzie we'll always remember how fun it was to take you on hikes and camping; how you could scale rocks with the best of them. We'll remember how high you could jump, how crazy you'd act when reunited with us after a trip, and what a loud bark you had. I'll always remember all the runs we had together and that a two year old Alayna once said that you had chocolate eyes.

We're sorry we failed you; that we didn't know the consequences of over-vaccination and the ridiculous cycle that follows. I explained to the kids that you were in heaven now with a brand new body. When I was little at church camp one year, the speaker said that our pets wouldn't be in heaven. I didn't care for that guy ever since. We'll believe you're up there whether it's true or not and that you're happy and not suffering anymore. We love you and we won't forget you...

Not Your Ordinary 3 Year Old

Avery demonstrates how to enjoy your birthday cake in one big bite!

With the beautiful weather we had today. We couldn't keep ourselves inside. After church and lunch we all retreated to the backyard to enjoy some sunshine. A strange thing occured after about 15 minutes. Avery came down from the woods in our yard and said, "I need a nap." He went in the house. He does this from time to time telling us he is ready for his nap. Rob and I find it strange and delightful that we don't have naptime battles with him.

I watched him take himself into the house and figured Rob would put him down since he had stepped inside. A few minutes later Rob asked me where Avery was. "Didn't you put him down for a nap?" "No" was his response. A few minutes later I went upstairs and Avery was sound asleep in his bed. Wow, that was easy. Now if he will over get over the tantrums that have appeared a week after he turned three...