Thanksgiving

We traveled to my parents over the Thanksgiving break.  The girls absolutely love the country.  Uncle Jared took all the kids (sans baby Eli) coyote calling.  (Last year Charlotte wasn't "big enough" to go, so she was pumped that she was a big kid now)  No worries - nothing was injured.  They were able to see some deer and a coyote. 

Shea and Bug also got to check on the chickens multiple times.  Uncle Jared informed Charlotte that the hawks were getting them, so the chickens were staying in their cage.  All the way home Charlotte was on "hawk lookout".   At one point, she exclaimed "I didn't know we have hawks in Dallas!" (I'm pretty sure all large birds in the sky were considered hawks to her).


Bug is more brave than I!



On Friday, Madison and Dewayne left to go hunting.  Yes, my high maintenance lodging girl went to the deer lease.  (The deer lease does have heat/electricity - so its not too bad).  Dewayne didn't kill anything and Madison had so much fun.  She kept texting her cousin about all the things she saw and she kept a running deer count. Dewayne said she loved being outside! Madison made herself and Bug a broom from some twigs and a branch ("just like they did in the old days"). 

 

She stayed warm!

She looks so grown up!

During hunting, Bug and I did a little shopping with my mom and sisters.  When we got home, Charlotte said she missed Madison.  They sure do know how to push each others buttoms, but they do love each other as well!

Six Flags Fun

This past Saturday was "Six Flags Day" for Mary Kay, so our family attended. 

It was quite entertaining listening to Madison tell Charlotte all about the rides during the week leading up to it (two kids having a grown up conversation about what the rides do and where they should go first). 

The day turned out great.  Madison's thrill level is steadily increasing and she really enjoyed herself (she even rode Judge Roy Scream).  Charlotte was a bit more hesitant and stuck with the less extreme rides (teacups, carousel and kiddie area). 


If only you could see Madison rolling her eyes since we made her ride with Charlotte!



Bug having fun!

The girls got to see a few characters and were happy. 

Tweety Bird

Bugs Bunny

Overall, we had a good time and the girls were great. It was a truly enjoyable family day with no meltdowns.  Hopefully this is a trend!!

One less fish

As you know we got some fish at the beginning of the school year (and Charlotte's fish subsequently ate one of Madison's fish....Life Lesson). 

Well, I vaguely remember reading about some types of fish jumping out of an "open top" aquarium, but I didn't give it much thought.  I guess I should have.

We arrived home yesterday to find one of Bug's fish "expired" on the counter by the tank.  Poor thing - Bug was terribly upset and Madison thinks they are "even" now.  When will things not be such a competition?

Charlotte's Take on The Mayflower

When I picked up Charlotte from school yesterday, Mrs. Debbie informed me that Bug participated quite well in the discussion on The Mayflower.  It was hilarious when she was explaining it to me the first time.  She said it with such enthusiasm and was so sure of herself.    Below is a clip of her explaining it again later that night - a little distracted.  Notice she says habaneros instead of bows and arrows. 

Growing Up

Oh how Shea is growing up. 

For the past year Madison has been begging for a sleepover (this was a conversation we had multiple times per week).  I kept putting it off by telling her that I would think about it and maybe one day she could have one/attend one.   Well, it happened.

Apparently Madison's friend had already told her that she was inviting her, but Madison didn't say anything to me.  One evening, I got an e-mail from the mom and I immediately felt anxious.  I wasn't ready for this.......... When did my girl get big enough to attend a non-family sleepover?

We purchased the birthday gift, packed her sleeping bag, overnight bag and she was ready.  Dewayne dropped her off along with the "emergency contact" sheet I made.  (I wish I could have been the one to do the drop off, but perhaps I would have made too big of a scene - maybe it worked better this way). 

When I picked her up Sunday morning, she was all smiles.  She had a wonderful time and is now "hooked" on sleepovers.

Thank you Julie and Isabella for making Madison's first sleepover a great one!

Remembering Daisey

Daisey has reached Dog Heaven (there is a children's book titled "Dog Heaven" that we bought a while back to prepare the girls).  She had the best 14 years a dog could possibly have.  I love you Chicken!

Daisey's Bucket List

Daisey (aka The Chicken) is old.  Fourteen to be exact (that's like 100ish in people years). 

I got her in college and she has been with me since (she was here before both Dewayne and the girls). 

As with all pets, she has a very unique personality.  She got her nickname "chicken" because she always hid whenever anyone would come to the house.  As she grew older, the name stuck (try explaining to your baby/toddler, that the Chicken is really a dog.....talk about messing up your kiddos!)

Her age is now showing.  Seeing this situation progress on a daily basis makes me wonder what her "bucket list" would be. Here goes.

Daisey's Bucket List

• Get a professional b-day cake (check)
• Swim (check - lake, pool and pond)
• Roll in dead things (check - still don't know what it was)
• Get sprayed by skunk (check)
• Knock over kids for food (check, check, check, check.....)
• Catch a rabbit (check, check)
• Ride in the back of a truck (check)
• Go to PetSmart to pick out own bone (check)
• Get own kids meal at fast food restaurant (will be done this week)
• Vomit on hard to clean area (check)
• Begin to eat own vomit (check)
• Chase a cow (check)
• Drag 20 lb bag of food to bed while owners at work and indulge (check)
• Require dog ER visit (check)
• Get in dog fight (check)
• Run in the snow and eat snowballs (check)
• Ride in a boat (check)
• Attend a wedding (check)
• Enjoy garbage while alone in house (check, check, check........)

Daisey has done a lot and I believe has thoroughly enjoyed every moment.  She is such a sweet chicken and we will enjoy the time we have left with her.