Loving our pets

When Lucy died in 2010 and Dante in 2011 I thought my pet owning days were over. I was perfectly content with that decision.  Then Olivia was born and once she could talk she started asking for animals.  For her fourth birthday we surprised her with Galaxy.  It was a bit of a transition, but slowly I got used to having an animal again.  It was wonderful watching how much a cat can add to a home.  Via LOVES her!  Ike was very cautious of G at first but slowly warmed up to her and her to him.  One of my favorite memories was watching Ike and G accidentally walk around a corner and be surprised by each other. They would both jump and run the opposite way.  Prior to getting Galaxy Ike was terrified of dogs!  We had several dramatic encounters with other peoples dogs.  After G though he slowly warmed up to cats and dogs, so when Via AND Ike started asking for a dog in the fall I knew it would be such a good thing for Ike and our family.  I don't love scooping kitty litter or picking up poop in the back yard daily, but they had added so much to our home that it is worth it!   Yesterday morning when I was woken up at 1am to Ike's coughing I walked out of my room to find Ike and Via sitting on the couch hanging out with Galaxy- AT 1 A.M.!  If I hadn't been so shocked and tired I would have taken a pic.  The next morning I realized how precious it was.  These two animals are very loved.  Olivia can be a bit smothering with her love for them but they both know they are loved! Ike's anxiety about animals is so much better.  Ike has taught me that avoiding things that makes us anxious is not the answer.  Go toward it and learn that it is okay. 

First Bath!

Olivia thinks this is wonderful entertainment. Olive and I would like to disagree.  Why can't dogs brush their own teeth?!

Galaxy is lucky she can escape the puppy through her cat door.

Ike is always so sweet and gentle with them both.

Mama Via cleaning Oli's eyes.

Puppy tea party

Friend Joseph getting some puppy time

Saying good morning to G in her safe space.  Olive can't get to her here so she hangs out there a lot.  Olive would SO love if Galaxy would be her friend, but G just isn't ready for all the puppy energy.

President's Day 4day Weekend

Day One: Friday-  We met Katie, Eamon, Joseph, Theo and Calli at the movies.  Peter Rabbit was a pretty good!

When we left we went to the Orchard Outdoor play area.  It was to cold for me so we didn't last long.

Theo and Joseph then came to our house to play for a bit.

Ike, Theo, Joseph and Via

Saturday:  It was a bit nicer so after swimming and basketball we had a little outside time.  Then Nanna and Papa watched the kids for us for a few hours.

Denny and I met some friends at Irish snub in Denver.

Sunday: I was off to my friend Beth's baby shower and Via, who still want me to be with her all the time, watched me go out her window.  It was a beautiful day so the kids spent a lot of time outside playing bball and running around at the Tate's house.

Monday:  It is cold and snowy outside!  I picked up pizza for all the kids to eat, and Elizabeth and I took our kids and Tanner and Amelia to the rec center to burn off energy.  They went back and forth between the gym and the children play area.

One last thing before going to bed to end the four day weekend: Family shoveling session. 

Valentine's Day

Watches from mom and dad.  Ike has been asking for a watch and Via would be mad if they didn't get the same thing so watches for both!

They were pleased with the surprise gift.

I attempted a heart shaped hairdo.

Snacks with Sweethearts at Erie Elementary before school.

Trin loving her heart shaped donut!

Olivia's class party with Ms. Melissa.  Via only has 8 kids in her class so it feels pretty low key.

Ike's classroom party.  Ike and I made a shark card box last weekend for his party.  There are 28 kids in his class so his parties are a bit more chaotic. I am also room mom, so I am always happy when each party is over and went smoothly.  

After picking the kids up from the bus we played at the park.  Ike, Via, Eamon, Joseph, and Theo all had on red shirts. Katie and I were on our Valentine game this morning getting kids ready!

Home and tearing into valentine boxes.

Monster Jam Sunday

For the second year we took the kids to Monster Jam at the Pepsi Center. We all love it and look forward to making this a yearly event.  Ike and I were rooting for Grave Digger, Via was doing a great job cheering on Dalmatian, and Denny was all about El Toro Loco.