LaRae's Surprise Birthday Party

We had the huge surprise birthday celebration for LaRae on Saturday. Steve took her to a ball for his company and it was late when it was over, so he had a planned surprise for her with an overnight at a elegant hotel with an hour long spa treatment the next morning, breakfast and than a movie. He kept her so busy she had no time to check on the kids at home. She thought Erin was sitting, but Briana and her family drove in from Texas (they're staying for the week) and got the decorations going. Chuck of course did the cooking, even brought his BBQ over to do some of it. Everyone arrived and within half an hour Steve brought LaRae in. As you see, she was overwhelmed. She had always wanted an exotic island beach theme and Erin and Briana surprised her with the decorations. Not a detail was missed. The girls had their hula skirts (which Colten had to try) and everything took us to the islands. Austin even got his suit on for his mom. It continued on late into the evening because later it turned out to be game day and Chuck and Steve had planned a party for that. Great food, great friends and great time! (Click on the pictures and they enlarge).Also below is a hula video of Colten. (Click on the play button)

Dog ownership is like a rainbow. Puppies are the joy at one end, Old Dogs are the treasure at the other.

Scooter

Sam and Spencer

Sloan

Bindi


It started out at 37 degrees this morning and is up to 42 right now. For most that isn't cold, but remember California blood still courses through my veins. I guess that I passed my feelings toward cold, nasty, achey weather on to the furkids. They can hardly wait for me to open the southern windows in the morning to feel that sun. Yes those are former grandkids chairs that they sunbathe in now. They also have some of their own beds. I won't tell you about the pj's that I have them wear, because than you would think I'm really nuts. They enjoyed this so much and when the sun moved so did they to the back of couches, etc. to see if they could spot anyone trying to go by the house, because they're sure that's how they can protect me.
Those squirrels are really dangerous!

Where's.......?

I went to the mall and of course had to go into Build-a-Bear. That's where I get the toys, beds and little houses for my kids. We play a game when I'm chasing them and playing hide and seek...it's called "Where's (insert their name)....? They immediately run into one of the houses and hide. Than we keep calling their name pretending we can't see them. Scooter went into it for the first time and we "couldn't find" him.
Where's Scooter? Can you see him?

Fred's Belated Birthday celebration

Because schedules were so hectic, it was a month later before his girls could get together for a celebration. And WOW, they took us to Bodean's which is an elegant restaurant that specializes in fish. It was so nice to see them again and what a fabulous treat. Sarah had been running around all day at another social event that she had put on and she had driven up from Texas for the weekend. Long weekend, but so appreciated her and Jennifer and the kids.

Fred's Very First 1/2 Marathon

Fred did his very first 1/2 marathon on Sunday. He had projected that he would do it in 2:15 which was the average for his age and pace group...he did it in 1:57. So proud of him. I didn't want him to do it because I was worried about him. He's done the annual Tulsa Run for 25 years (9.3 miles. Beat his former record of 1:28 by 7 minutes 1:21) but this was a hilly 12.1 miles. He's moving a little slow last night and today but it was worth it.
Had to awaken him 1/2 hr. earlier that morning because the pilot on our heater had blown out which made it 42 outside and almost inside. Needless to say, because of the California blood still coursing through my veins, I still don't like the cold. Now Oklahoma does not have severe fall or winters, but cold is cold. That was prefaced to tell you that I did not go...and because of that, no pictures but I will post from his Tulsa Run last month. He's just as cute in that as he was yesterday. He's so proud of himself.

Doggie Play dates

We had a Puppy Play Day yesterday in the afternoon. It was a gorgeous day and perfect for visiting and walking. I decided to only take 3 of the 5. Bindi and Sam who I didn't take pouted all evening and showed me they were upset. A few dehydrated "Cod" treats, their favorite, put them in a better mood. Scooter, Spencer, and Sloan and I went in their new double stroller that normally carries all five of them, to meet their new girlfriend. She's younger but taller than them (they're like their human uncles, they like taller women). We met at the Dog Dish, our favorite store with treats, clothes and everything a Furbaby could want. It ended up taking up 2 1/2 hrs. just to go a couple of blocks. That always happens because everyone comes out of the shops or meets us walking and they have to look at the babies. Mia and her owner, Rita, were with us and she has one blue eye and one dark. She's a beautiful Pom and very elite for a 10 month old and just a little spoiled (but mine aren't(?)). Great day and did they sleep when they got home. We walk every day but only do the play dates once a week because schedules are so busy. Fun day. Saturday they are going to a Paw Painting get-together. We will only socialize because with 5 it's too messy. They get 15 mins. to paint a picture and have it framed. Always brings out lots of people. Their Santa picture party is coming up next month and they love Santa. It's fun to see him try to hold all of them and get all of them in the picture. Watch for those.

NEW BABY GIRL for Erin and Chuck

Make a Smilebox greeting

I think my daughter is trying to keep up with me in the number of babies that she has. Erin and Chuck adopted the cutest little girl yesterday.
They have named her SMOKEE and she is as cute as can be.
Visiting hours will be this weekend.
She's only 3 months old and Mama had to go out of town last night, so she got to sleep with her daddy. He says that she is as good as can be and seems to be happy all the time.
I am a very proud Bubbe and I'm sharing her first photo with you.

Baby Ella

These are the most current pictures of our little chunky monkey! She looks just like her mama Crystal. She is definitely daddy's girl (as is Madison) and Jadon is the spitting image of daddy Marc when he was young. Baby Ella is growing so fast that in a month she'll be walking and that little extra padding that she has now will all be gone. She loves to hug and kiss and when I hold her she rubs her hands all on my cheek and lets me snuggle with her. Love that baby.

Briana's pride and joy

Briana finally downloaded some of her pictures and I was able to take and copy a lot of them. If I showed all of them, there would be no room left, so I'll make the pics smaller and show as many as I can. I get to see Colten 5 days a week on the webcam from his school and that gives me my "Colten" fix. He's so far away but that brings him a little closer. He's starting to change in his looks a little. I used to think that he looked like his daddy, but the funny thing is now I think he looks a lot like Marc (uh uh, don't get any ideas now). Anyway, he's Colten and that's all that is important.

Lazy, cold day.

It turned out to be just a lazy, cold day with company coming to see the furbabies and not us yesterday. Sam and Sloan kept watching out the window because neighbors were raking leaves and their dogs were racing up and down the street. Sam and Sloan wanted to make sure no one would get us. They were truly on guard. Bindi was protecting Scooter and Spencer in the house and kept falling asleep. Love lazy days.