Our family has a new member! Bailey (or 'Bay-Bay' as Leif says) is our new 8-week-old Labradoodle puppy! Yes, Labradoodle. :) A mix between a black lab and a poodle. Crazy, you say? Not in our book! For years we've been looking forward to the day our family was ready for another dog. The time is here, and we're all thrilled! Brian wanted a large dog... preferrably a lab. I wanted a smaller dog that was soft, cuddly and washable. :) Bailey is the perfect combination! About a year and a half ago, someone told Brian about Labradoodles, and when he told me, I busted out laughing. It's not something I would have put together... but what we've learned is that they are great family dogs, with loving and calm temperments, very trainable, and non-shedding! :) So, after much consideration, we chose Bailey and are having so much fun!
When we got to the farm to pick her up, there were three females left to choose from. We hadn't told Leah or Leif that this was happening because growing up, Brian has very fond memories of the many occasions his parents took he and his brother and sister to pick out a dog and it being a complete surprise. He wanted that for our kids, as well. So, when we got to the farm, Leah thought the surprise we had been talking about was simply visiting the farm. She was so excited to see horses, chickens, goats... and then the puppies! The kids went to the puppies and Leah asked if she could hold one. The man let the three puppies left out of the kennel and Leah and Leif were giggling and squealing! Now, at this point, I was more excited than I thought I would get because it was such a joy to watch my kids experience this! I had wondered how we would choose OUR puppy from three, but it was so easy. One of the puppies (Bailey) ran right over to me, and then to Leah, giving puppy kisses, tail a-wagging! Leah picked her up and Bailey cuddled right in. Leif was busy squealing and giggling... but it was clear Leah had found our puppy! "Oh, mommy! She's so cuddly!" She still thought we were there to visit the animals, until Brian asked the kids if they thought we should take her home. I saw pure joy in my daughter's face, as she screamed "Yes... I'm ready! I'm ready!" Leif echoed with a "Yay!" as he so often does! What a precious moment!
It was a long day (we also got to see our dear friends for a first birthday party and enjoy Leah's first soccer game!) but overall a terrific day!
These are the pictures I have so far. The one of Leif in the crate... totally his idea! He has spent the last two days acting like a dog... barking, licking, and yes... crawling into the crate!
Leah had her first full soccer game this past weekend! Her team had quite the cheering section... I think we'll win the prize for loudest sideline! :) Of couse, it's all encouragement (mixed with a little teensy bit of competition that runs in our blood! :) Leah had her cousins, grandparents, and parents all there to cheer her on! So far she loves the game, is really enjoying her 'soccer friends' and it's one more thing we get to do as a family! ...The veteran soccer moms tell me it's about to get tough... cold, cold days are coming! Bring it on! :) I'm embracing this soccer mom bit.
One of my favorite things in the whole world is the feeling of 'home' at the end of the day... the smell of freshly bathed kiddos, blankies and cuddles, cozy snuggles and knowing that we have a warm, safe, blessed home. I pray that my children will always look back on these moments and know they are so very loved!
Camping is one of the best ways I know to relax, get out of town, and enjoy family and friends! There's something about the mountain air, water, campfires! We had a great weekend with our friend Carla. We played, caught bugs, played in the river, ate smore's and took a monster hike! Well, any hike is a monstrous one when you haven't done it in awhile! :) We went to Beverly campground in the Teanaway and hiked on the Iron peak trail. Leah and Leif did so well - 3 miles up (and I do mean UP!), and 3 miles back with something like a 2800 elevation gain. Brian was a trooper, wearing the Kelty pack with 25 pound Leif in it the whole way... while Leah kept a bright and energetic attitude despite the challenge. I was very pround of my little ones, and will remember the day always. When we got to the top, the view was breath-taking. One of those moments where I don't understand how people can't see God in all of it. It was beautiful. Mt. Raineer to one side, and Mt. Stuart to the other. I know that there are many more hikes in our near future. Great idea, Carla! :) (and my sore legs only lasted a few days!) Here are some pics from our camping adventure!
I love this picture... it's Leah hiking the last few steps of the trail. She really didn't know what to expect. When she got to the top, her face lit up and she shouted "WOW!!!"
