Oh the Joy.....

...of being a pet owner. It is 11:17 pm and I am sitting here at the computer wasting time until I can go pick up Bigs and Nattie from the Emergency Vet Hospital. Why you ask? Well, it is a funny story (or, at least I think we will laugh about this later when Dustin and I aren't exhausted from running around at 100 miles an hour). When did life get so crazy? For a brief moment tonight I wanted to go back in time when it was just myself and Dustin. No dogs, no kids. Life was good back then. It is good now, too. Just for different reasons. But without dogs or kids why would anyone choose to stay up all night? Which brings me to why I am staying up instead of getting a good night sleep. Bigs and Nattie tried to fight a porcupine at about 7:00 pm this evening. The porcupine won. Both dogs had easily 100 quills in and around their mouths. My wonderful neighbors, Tom & Cricket, and myself pulled 98% of the quills out with pliers but there were still a few difficult ones stuck in their gums that required more assistance. So off to the pet ER we go. I chose to take them since both boys were in bed and Dustin had work to do at the house. I made it all the way to 700 E. and 1300 S. before Dustin called me with a hysterical baby that wouldn't take a bottle or binky. So back home I went. Dustin then took the dogs to the ER and waited for about an hour to be seen by the Doctor who said this was a minor case and we did a "helluva" getting most of the quills out. They wouldn't have to be sedated but the procedure would take about an hour to get the rest of them out. I asked if they would just keep the dogs overnight but they said there was no reason to. I guess they have no compassion for sleep-deprived parents wanting to have a chance at a decent night sleep. So Dustin came home and I get to go back and pick the girls up. So I wait. The icing on the cake will be if Ian wakes up as soon as I leave. Oh the joy.....

Taco Tuesday



We had a few friends over for Taco Tuesday. The company was great and the food was delicious. I really enjoy having people over and the more parties we have the better they get. Jed got a new jeep and he let Dustin take it wheelin' up a hill in our side yard. The hill is steeper (is that even a word?) in person than it looks in the picture. Thanks to everyone who made taco tuesday a success.

Porcupine Quills












Living up Emigration Canyon we have had the opportunity to encounter a variety of animals. We have had quite a few moose and deer in our yard. We have seen a badger while walking the dogs. And our neighbors have even seen a turkey vulture and a bobcat. But last night we had a cute little porcupine eating acorns right next to our driveway. We were suspicious of one being somewhere in the yard because Bigs came home one morning with 2 quills stuck in her cheeks. Dustin pulled them out with pliers. Then, Nattie spent the better part of one evening hanging out in the scrub oak. Dustin went to investigate what she was doing and found our friend. The porcupine didn't even care that Nattie was hanging around. And it didn't mind that we were shining a light on it and taking pictures. To quote Dane, "We are so lucky to have all these special animals to look at." The other picture is of Dane's play-doh porcupines he made.

New York City Baby!!

Dustin and I were able to sneak away for a long weekend in NYC with friends Kristen and Russell. We had a great time going to the US Open, Yankee's game, Broadway show, Central Park, shopping, etc... Thank you mom and dad from coming in town to watch the boys. We really appreciate it.

4 Years Old vs. 4 Months Old










Dane is 4 years old and started preschool at CCNS. He loves school and his teacher Mrs. Stephanie. They get to do so many fun things like field trips to go fishing and to Kennecott Copper Mine. I can't believe he is old enough to go to school. Dane is such a good boy and a great big brother to Ian who is now 4 months old. He is such a good baby and is happy almost all of the time. He is getting so big and loves his "johnny jumper", rolling over, and laughing at Dane. We are so blessed to have 2 wonderful boys.