Sienna's favorite memories

Playing ball. Scratching my back on the twelve-foot lilac bushes until they shook. Frolicking on a Lake Michigan beach with crinkly hair and chicken legs while trying to catch fish. Playing ball. Sleeping on the bed when we went tent camping. Getting a good nub scratch. Playing ball with Asia on the beach, even though she always got the ball first in the water, but she didn't on shore. Rolling around on the grass to get the stink off after a-day-at-the-spa. Playing ball. Taking long walks in a Minnesota park – without a leash. Swimming in the stinky, muddy pond at the dog park. Oh, and playing ball.

She was a beautiful dog. We loved her and will miss her.

Neil's First Birthday

Neil got to start his day with a present from Grandma. A very fun ball popper that amused both boys all day long. Before dinner we opened presents from our friends the Wassons. Then after dinner we had cake – and baths.

Neil seemed to enjoy the cake.

Halloween '08

Ben & Neil greeting trick-or-treaters.

The boys had the pleasure of passing out candy to all their neighborhood friends. And Brian passed beer out to his. They also enjoyed treats and cool toys from Grandma & Great-Grandma.

Heather is trying to figure out how to recycle the fireman costume. Next year Neil can be the fireman and Ben can be a policeman, then Neil can be the policeman and Ben can be a burglar the following year. Not sure what to pair with a burglar after that. By then the boys will have their own opinions about what they want to dress as for Halloween.

Woof-woof.