Happy Anniversary

Lee and Jenn

July 26, 1997 Drew and Cathy. They were so adorable!

Bass Pro Shops Visit

The new Bass Pro Shops near our house
Sam and Lub in all their glory

Drew helping Sam at the Shoot 'N Range
A family that shoots together stays together
Big D was asleep the whole time
View from the second level overlooking the fish tank
Dad checking out some binoculars
What's up there, Sam?
The guys in front of the big tank o' fish
I think this is an elk...
Our family and a big bear

Playing Outside

Catch me if you can...it's the Grill Bandit
I can just picture the imaginary light saber Caleb is fighting with

Dad & Big D
Our neighbor's dog, Petey, barking and barking...
Hey, he's not barking! He is a cutie.

Oliver B. Herman

Today my beautiful friend, Oliver B. "Baby Boy" Herman, aka Ollie, died. He was my first baby and was a loving pet. He was so cute and eager for affection. His last few months had been pretty rough with his illness, and it was finally time to let him go. I took him in to the animal hospital and he passed peacefully and quickly. I am relieved he isn't suffering anymore, but I do wish he could still be here with me. I love you, Ollie. I will miss you very much. See you at the Rainbow Bridge.

This is lovely. Author Unknown.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Visiting Baby Stephen

Sam, Daniel and I went to Jeff and Lisa's house to meet baby Stephen. He is such a good looking little guy. He was very good and slept practically the whole time we were there. When I look at Daniel, little Dutch looks so tiny! It is amazing how fast they grow in just three months.

Welcome Stephen!

Stephen Jeffrey
Born July 5, 2008
1:40 p.m.
7 lb. 14 oz.
20 inches long
Proud parents Jeff and Lisa
and big sister, Jeana

Welcome Nolan!

My friend, Kathy, and her husband, Michael, had a baby boy on Monday, July 7, 2008. Congratulations to Kathy, Michael and big brother Caden. He is a beautiful little guy.

At The Lake

We went to the lake for the 4th of July. The boys enjoyed swimming, fishing and the bon fire. Sam went fishing with Grandpa on the fishing boat and caught six fish. Sam and Caleb rode the jet skis with Aunt Cheryl and Grandpa. The weather was so nice and enjoyable. Sara was there and she and Sam were good buddies. Caleb was thrilled he got to play the Super Mario video game again. We don't have it at our house and he loves it. There were Coldwater Lake fireworks to watch and many from the neighbors on the lake setting them off.

Cute Baby!

Daniel was all smiles for me. He is growing so fast. I can hardly believe he is three months old already. Daniel smiles and coos for me so much, it is wonderful. He is a cute little guy. Of course, I am a little biased.

New Addition

We have a new family member as of yesterday. Lisa and Jeff had a baby boy Saturday, July 5, 2008. A name has not been chosen as of yet, so we are still waiting to hear that news. I do know that his nickname is Dutch, since his big sister, Jeana, has been calling him Dutch for several months. I am guessing that will stick around for a while. I believe his stats are 20 inches long and 7 lbs. 14 oz. Sounds like Lisa and baby are doing well. Congratulations on your new baby boy.

The Rain

We got quite a bit of rain last night and it flooded some in the back and down our street. My garden is in a raised bed, so it did not get overloaded. The sewer backed up down the street on the corner and it was pretty flooded. A lot of the neighborhood kids were playing in the water this morning. Our neighbor said her basement flooded, but we think her sump pump was defective. Thankfully our basement was dry, but the pump was working like crazy keeping the water out.

Sauder Village

We went to Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio, the other day for the afternoon. We ate lunch in the barn restaurant and it was very delicious. Believe it or not, we must of had four different people come up to us and say how well behaved our children were. Ha! The boys enjoyed getting ice cream, fudge and lollipops. There was a children's activity area that was interesting, too. Joah really enjoyed milking the cow. We bought some cookies and bread from the bakery. The cookies were excellent. I had to get my bread knife out to slice the bread for toast this morning. The museum there is huge and full of antiques. I really enjoyed looking at the furniture and glassware. The boys were totally bored at that point and I was afraid they would break something, so we headed out of there. We drove around to the campground to check it out. It was small and not very busy, but it looked nice and clean. There was some firewood for sale in the campground, so we bought a bundle for the bon fire back home. It looks like they are expanding onto the village currently. We noticed eventually there will be the original jailhouse from Edgerton, Ohio placed there.