We are Family...

I got all my sisters and me!  

Well, ok...that's how the song goes but not necessarily the case in this post!  More like, we got our brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew...see it doesn't exactly have the same ring to it :)

We don't get to see Chris, Jess and the kids that often but when we do, you can be sure it is a good time.  Wish we got to do it more.  But there have been some talks of another California visit ~ one that might just include some Disney characters and an amazing creation of Legos :)  Oh, and a special whale and dolphin watching excursion!  This might not exactly be for So-So, but can we just pretend it is for now?!  Ok, thanks :)

For Chris' birthday, we went to Genghis Khan for dinner.  I have to say, I had my doubts...BIG doubts.  However, I can admit when I'm wrong (most of the time)!  Just so happens, I loved it ~ so did Sophie actually.  Not that we have encountered many things this child won't eat.

Sophie playing with her cousins.  This is the best form of babysitting that ever existed!

Sharing coasters with Sarah...funny isn't it? 

All these toys and my child chooses coasters!

Brooke opening her birthday gifts!  Officially a teenager!!!

Shopping at the mall...pre-pacifree days :)

Some kind of water hamster thingamajig. 
Better Mike than me :)  He seemed to have a good time!

Waterpark Fun ~

Can you say ALL boy?!

Sprinkler ~ Auntie Jess Style!

Left: Sophie, Brooke and Sarah

Right: Brooke and So-So

All the cousins (minus sweet Emma)

More water ~ Different Day

I mean what else is there to do in Texas when it is 100+ degrees outside?

Sophie loves, and I do mean LOVES, this slide!

She will do it over and over and over...

Warning:  Please excuse the last 15 seconds or so of the video.  

It's quite difficult to video, supervise and catch your kid all at the same time!

Our attempts at distracting her from the infamous slide...

Family Fun :)

Warning:  Please excuse the first 15 seconds or so of the video.  

I was trying to clear the screen off ~ I have already learned about water spots on 

photos and videos the hard way.

Taking it Back...

to July!

Here are some random photos of our sweet girl...just wait until I get caught up!  It's hard to believe how much she has grown in such a short time!!!

First visit to the new pediatrician...ear infection :(  But at least they have fun books!

Fifteen months old!  

Soooooooo much harder to get her to sit still for a picture these days...

She loves brushing her teeth!

 Taking a ride before school...

She loves this toy sooooo much.  The downside...the song gets VERY old!

Love this!

 Helping Daddy

A Little Girl and Her Teddy :)

Teddy was So-So's Valentine's Day present from Mommy and Daddy and the two of them are literally inseparable during naps or night-nights.  I love how sweet my little baby is ~ I hope the hugs, kisses and cuddles never stop!!!

Happy Fourth of July! (In September...)

Told you I was behind :)

After a weekend of moving into our new home and a TON of help from some amazing family and friends, almost everyone got some extra rest thanks to the holiday weekend.  I say almost because I had to work :( But thankfully, my sister and sweet nieces got Sophie dolled up and holiday ready!  And if I do say so myself, she looked pretty stinkin' cute :)

Hope everyone had a great holiday!   Maybe next year I will get to this post in a slightly more timely manner...notice I said maybe :)

Oh where do I start?!

I am so behind on blogging that I don't even know where to begin!  On the positive side of things, I did sort through a gazillion pictures so that I can at least attempt to catch up :) See what happens when you FINALLY replace the camera that you broke months ago?! Pictures, pictures and more pictures!!!

Sophie's adoring public should be very happy in the days to come :)  Hint, hint!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

Not a day has gone by in the last 39 days that I have not missed you with all my heart.  You were such a precious, sweet, amazing dog...a lifelong friend I will never forget, who will never be replaced and who will always hold a piece of my heart that is meant for you alone.

I hope you know that we did what we felt was best for you ~ it was by far one of the hardest decisions of our lifetime but I wanted YOU to be happy no matter the sorrow and pain it meant we had to endure.  You fought such a long battle, never giving up and never changing your sweet spirit.  There are still days that Sophie points at your picture and says Nanie.  I know you two would have been the best of friends.  And while she may not remember you years from now, the rest of us will, and as she grows I will show her pictures of you and her and the love that you two shared.  You touched so many lives, encouraged so many people, and reminded us all that love is unconditional.  Your smile, your kisses, your prescence.  I miss all of it more than words can ever explain.

Thank you sweet girl for fighting so hard for those two years.  I know they were tough on you and that your life wasn't what you expected it to be.  But what I do know, is that no matter what ~ even knowing the trials we would face after your surgery ~ I wouldn't change one second of our time together, other than of course for the injury to never have happened and most importantly more time with you.  I have never been so honored or so proud to be a part of an animal's life.  You made me a stronger person...a better person.  Even on the ride to the vet's office that day, as I fought to be strong for you, you licked my tears and worried about me. 

That is who you were sweet girl...an absolutely devoted, loyal, sweet, amazing dog who was loved beyond words.  I hope that you know that hasn't changed.  I can't say for sure whether or not dogs go to Heaven, but I am choosing to believe that they do.  Because I can picture you running, chasing, barking and playing all with a smile on your face.  No more pain and no more struggles.  Just the perfectly healthy, happy dog you always were in your heart.  And I know several people who would welcome you with open arms to give you all the snuggling you could ever desire.  So yes, I choose to believe that one day, I will get to see you again.

You have forever changed me sweet Annie.  I will miss you every single day likely for as long as I live because no matter what, there will simply never be another Miss Annie.  You were one of a kind and it was a true honor of my life to be your Mommy.  And even though I can't be with you today on  your birthday, please know that even through my sadness and tears, we are celebrating down here ~ for you lived a life that even the best of people would be proud of.

I will miss you forever and love you for always.  Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl. 

All my love forever and always,
Mommy