BFF

a little boy + a lovable dog = best friends

Ethan was a little under weather the week leading up to Christmas. Everytime I turned around, my little boy was cuddling with our sweet golden retreiver, Alex. Lately, Alex has been Ethan's favorite play mate and cuddle bug. It is a good thing Alex doesn't mind an elbow in the face or a tug of the tail.

a boy and his dog....

hugs

anytime Alex is outside, Ethan will pout until the dog is back inside

Alex's first swim in his new pond

I think this is a smile....what do you think?

He wouldn't get out

he's back!!!

Today we welcomed our beloved golden retriever, Alex, back home!!! He has been with my mom since late February due to the moves (yes that is meant to be plural). Anyhow, guess who is beside himself excited to have his dog back....Ethan! Man's best friend is currently busy being toddler's best friend.

birthday wishes....

doing what I do best.....playing in water!

Last week we celebrated Alex's 10th Birthday! Ten years ago Alex was given to me from my mom as an early birthday present. He was an adorable little ball of fluff with paws almost as big as his head. Little did I know what an impact he would have on my life. He has truly been an amazing dog and best friend.

When he was a puppy, I would rush home from high school to take him to the park to swim in lakes and chase geese. As time passed it was time for me to leave for college.....I had to leave Alex at home with mom. I would look forward to holidays where my landlord would let me bring him to stay with me while my roommates were away. He would then quickly adapt from living outside to living indoors. I would crack up as he would snore and let out little quiet barks as he dreamed.

When David and I got married and moved into our town home, I was so thrilled to have him move back in with me. I was anxious to see how he would adapt to living with a 7 pound cat who had never seen a dog before. Moli was apprehensive about this large creature in her kingdom. Alex did great....he just needed to get a few sniffs in and he was golden....a gentile giant. Moli and Alex are now best friends! They play together and chase each other....yes our tiny cat hold her own against Alex. My favorite thing is to see them rub faces....it is kinda like a hug or kiss between them! I really should try to get it on video...it is too cute!

When we brought Ethan home from the hospital, we were a little anxious to see how Alex and Moli would react. It were as if Alex had already met Ethan and wasn't shocked to have him home. They both just needed one good sniff of Ethan and that was their hello. The first night home every time my feet hit the floor to go wake Ethan up for a feeding, or attend to his cry Alex was up and at attention! By night two, he decided he was too old for this and would just open his eyes to watch me! Now, he just snoozes and hopes his ears doesn't get stepped on! If Ethan starts crying and I'm not moving his direction... Alex gets stands and waits to me to go to him.

Happy Birthday to my loyal Alex! I wish you many more days of swimming, chasing tennis balls, snoozing, and eating your doggie ice cream! We love you!

what to do on a rainy day.....

Daddy-to-be finishes the changing table, the last thing that needs to be assembled....

Alex naps after getting his summer hair cut on his favorite duck

check out Alex's tail.....notice the end?

Moli napping in one of her favorite places...our bathroom sink!

Moli napping again in the nursery

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Moli doesn't quite get why it so cold!

Alex "coloring" in the snow

What a wonderful surprise to have snow before Christmas! The snow was a perfect end to a great day of baking with my Mom yesterday.

Sandestin

We made our annual trip to Sandestin this year. We slipped down there between tropical storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav. Just one rainy day and the sun came out! Of course, we took Alex & Moli with us! They were great in the car ride down. My mom and Mike met us down there. We spent our days on the beach and our nights either sitting on the porch swing or visiting the local restaurants. Our favorite is the Red Bar. We heard from a waiter that Paula Dean loves their bread pudding. I've never seen so many dolphin on beach before. I believe they were chasing the fish the storms brought in. Jellyfish were everywhere this year, but that didn't keep us out of the water. The flag was purple all week meaning, dangerous sea creatures. Luckily, no one got stung badly. David thought it was fun to catch them. I was thankful the dangerous sea creatures didn't include sharks. We returned home to wrap up the summer with a day on the lake with friends and UT Football.

Mom and Mike

Alex swimming The pool and Crystal Lake

Alex and Moli snuggling in the car

our furry babies...alex & moli