Last Bit of Summer

This past weekend was action packed for us. On Saturday we went to DFW to watch a friend coach his volleyball team. Then it was off to the Circus. We threw in a little birthday celebration for Mike. The next day we headed out to the Ft. Worth Zoo. Action packed I guess you can say.

Emma was a big help in the kitchen with Mike's cake! What a cook!!!!

Emma had a blast at the circus. She wanted some pink cotton candy which she managed to get on her shirt and in her hair. Her favorite part of the circus was seeing the lions.


Here are some pictures of Cousin Carter & Emma enjoying Mike's birthday dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.


Emma had a blast at the Zoo. Of course we freaked out at the lion area. She is not real fond of the lions when they walk right up to the glass. Below is a picture of a happier viewing of the jaguars.

It was great getting to see family and having so much fun with Emma. Summer is ending quickly and I must go back to work. My next posting will be of Mike crossing the finishing line at Ironman Louisville! He will accomplish this feat over Labor Day!!!

Lost Dog

Saturday night around 8:00 I decided to go on a quick jog around the neighborhood with my dog Pacer. We usually end up on a closed road that runs along side a wooded area. When we get to this part of the run I let her off the leash. Pacer usually stays right by me but on occasion will go exploring. Most of the time she stays within sight and when I call her she comes running to me.
But last night was a different story. She was checking out something near the line of trees and when I called her name it was like she didn't even here me. Whatever she was investigation was a lot more important than her owner calling her name to come. Next thing I know, she bolts into the woods (to thick for me to get into). I kept calling her name and walking up and down the street to no avail. It was getting dark so I ran back home to get Mike. Mike immediately jumps into the car to find her. I waited outside our house just in case Pacer found her way back home.
While Mike searched the area (which includes the toll road behind our house) I freaked out at home! About 5 minutes later, I get a phone call on my cell but I didn't recognize the number. It was the number to the family who found Pacer about 10 houses down from ours. Pacer was on her way home but the family saw her walking in the street and thankfully called us!

So kudos to our neighbors, the person who invented engraved dog tags, and a dog smart enough to try and return home! Needless to say, Pacer will not have a lot of freedom our next run by the woods!

Changing Jobs

So in the last month I have sold a boat and my honda civic both for my asking price. The boat was on the market for about 4 hours at my garage sale and the civic was on craigslist for 3 days. I think I have a new calling...a car saleswoman! There was no haggling and the transactions were painless. Take the money and run!!! I wish. It is actually all going to my new car that I just purchased - a 2009 Nissan Murano.

There is a little story behind the purchase of this Murano but I will not divulge any details via my blog. It's quite comically. I don't think a blog story would do it justice.

Those of you who already know the story will understand this - I saw the other vehicle cruising town this morning. I guess a real soccer mom purchased it this time!!

Another funny side bar on the sell of my civic...I sold it to a t-sipper! Mind you my honda was covered in A&M stickers!!! I will miss my civic. That was the first car Mike and I purchased brand new off the lot. I will now look forward to cruising in my murano (it has heated seats!!!)

Beach Bums

We just got back from a few days at the beach with Mike's family. We spent most of our time sun worshiping and eating a ton of junk food! In all we had twelve adults and four children under one roof. The house was great because each bedroom had its own bathroom.

My brother-in-law Dan treated us to a fishing trip for shark. Unfortunately we went in a small craft during a small craft advisory. Amazingly no one got sick but of course the shark were not biting much. Dan was able to catch one 3 1/2 foot long shark which became dinner for us on Saturday.

Emma had a blast playing with her cousins Carter, Olivia, and Elizabeth. Cousin Drew & Josh also came down for a visit too. The first day she was all about going into the water with Grammy. After that, she would only go to the edge of the water to play in the sand. Not sure what happened to scare her, but she was quite content on playing by the water's edge.

Now the unpacking begins!

Aunt Jodie & Cousin Carter hanging out at the beach

Emma and Josh riding the alligator

Grammy with her grandkids on the beach