Davis is 2!! And a wild child for sure! He enjoyed the cake pops his mom made, but didn't like his costume much. This was the only good picture I got of him as Dracula.He was so pumped about his bike, because he wants to do EVERYTHING Cole does!

Proof he hated the costume...
But we had to torture all the kiddos for at least one group shot!Cole didn't mind his Dracula costume a bit!Davis made his own... :)
He is such a fun kid! He loves attention and knows how to get it. He sasses his Pappa all the time (which I think is funny), but gives great little hugs. And just in the last two weeks, he started saying my name. Melted my heart!

Dos Rios Perfect Alibi

Watson turned one back in August and then just a week ago marked the anniversary of the day I brought him home! And what a year it has been! He has reminded us of all the work and worry that come with having something that relies fully and completely on Scott and I to survive. He's managed to get himself into trouble a few times and cost us some money at the vet. But more than that he has worked his way into our hearts in a way I didn't think was possible after losing Tanner. So much about him that I appreciate and adore, some are things we saw Tanner do and some that make him unique.

He's a thinker...in more way than one. He isn't a huge impulse dog, he definitely thinks things through at least most of the time...however, sometimes that thinking may just be confusion. But I feel I can relate to his "blonde" moments.

He is sweet and sensitive. To this day, the baby gate is his ultimate enemy. He didn't flinch the first time Scott shot a gun by him, but we throw a toy within inches of the gate, and fun time is over. He refuses to go and get it.

He's playful and funny! With a wiggle butt that doesn't quit! His favorite game is pushing his toys under the couch and waiting for us to dig them out.He loves kids...and he absolutely ADORES the boys. And his tennis balls.He loves being outside, camping, swimming, and just watching his world go by.I am seriously addicted to this face. He has the sweetest, most loving personality and he has fully melted my heart in every way possible.With his name being Watson we finally settled on his registered name of Dos Rios Perfect Alibi. Watson being Sherlock Holmes sidekick in their detective work, we figured Alibi was pretty fitting...and it's hard to deny that this face isn't his Perfect Alibi. It has already gotten him out of a few tight spots, and I imagine this is just the first year of many of him using that face against me!

Last camping trip 2011

Labor day we went on our last camping trip of the summer. However, this time, thanks to a recent purchase by my parents, we camped a little easier! Wow...I really had no idea how nice it would be not to set up and sleep in a tent! It was a nice time. We relaxed, visited, laughed and relaxed some more!Everyone got some fishing in... Mom even caught her first fish, completely on her own!!!And we finally spread Uncle Jerry's ashes, same spot as Grandpa Bob. Still makes me so sad that my dad is without his dad and only brother, but I'm hoping this helps him heal.

Life is hard. And this week has been tough. Some things I have been reminded of...

Life is short. Really short. Never. Take. One. Day. For granted.

Cancer sucks.

Bad things happen to really good people.

There are some things in life not worth worrying about. It's important to focus on the things that matter the most.

We attended Ernest Sr.'s funeral on Saturday. It was a beautiful service, with amazing Native American traditions and then the military service. It was sad to see him go, and hard to see Ernest's families pain, but he was sent off in such a beautiful manner with so many people there to celebrate his life, I don't think it could have been done better.

Monday, we received the sad news that mom's little dog, Zoe, has a degenerative, terminal condition that is causing pressure in her brain. It caused her to lose her vision rapidly the last couple of months which is what clued us all in. Hopefully they can treat her and give her some relief so that she can have a few more good years with us, but the outcome is really not known. I know not everyone knows or understands the love I have always had for animals, but you want to know unconditional love, get a pet. Enough said.

Tuesday, the news came that my friends mom, Janice, who was also my first grade teacher lost her battle against cancer. My heart has broken all over again. May not make sense to people that I can be so upset over someone I haven't seen since high school, but the hurt is there. She was my favorite elementary teacher. And her memory is stronger than some because she offered me a good year of school before my second grade year, which had it been my first, I think things would have turned out much different for me. And then I became friends with her daughter Jaime. And she was one of the best parts of high school. We always had a blast hanging out so I can only feel sympathy for her as I imagine what life will be like now without her mom...

I'm trying to refocus.

Life is hard. This week has been tough.

But...

Life is also beautiful. Wonderful. Amazing. And just the way it should be.

I'm lucky because I knew these people. It has reminded me that I need to do something to make more of a difference. I need to be better. A better wife, daughter, friend. I need to love harder, and give more. Life may be short, but there is a purpose and it's time I found mine.

Life certainly has a way of shocking us all back into reality in an instant. And in the instant you are reminded how very short life is...and to never take a day for granted.

Our dear friend, Ernest, lost his dad on Saturday. He was on his way home from a motorcycle rally riding his new pride and joy, when a wrong way driver hit him. He made it to Farmington for further testing before his heart let him go. My heart breaks for his whole family and everyone who knew him. I had the honor of spending time with him numerous times since I met Scott and Ernest, most recently on our trip to Telluride. He was a great man. Let Scott come down to hunt when he got his first and only Elk, I know that will always be a very special memory for Scott. He was so proud to show us his new Harley over the fourth that Ernest, and his two sisters had gotten for him for his recent retirement. And most importantly, he brought Ernest into this world. Ernest has been the best friend to Scott and we owe that to his parents. I hope Ernest, Jennette and their entire family can find comfort in all of the memories...

Grandma broke her foot on Saturday as well...hoping this convinces her it's time to move to a downstairs apartment. I know that is a blow to her ego and may be the last thing she wants to do, but we all just want her to stay safe.

My first grade teacher is fighting a brave battle against pancreatic cancer. I became close friends with her daughter when she finally joined us at the same school in high school. Her boys are coming home this weekend from the Army and Navy...sending their entire family prayers and love...

Counting my blessings today...

Boys Club

Girls came to visit!!

Sara and Rowan came to visit for a couple weeks in July. It was wonderful as always to see them both, and we had so much fun!

Sara and I went to visit Grandma. We love visiting her any chance we get and she was so excited to see Ms. Ro. We did a little shopping at Hobby Lobby and ate lunch. Such a nice afternoon!

She loved GG's baseball. And that couldn't have made Grandma more proud!Watching some tv.

Estes Park.I also took a day off from work to go to the zoo. It was hot, but we had a good time!
Rowan got so excited after, she peed on the carpet! Or maybe this was our fault for not changing her quite fast enough!Found a crown at the zoo that matched the tutu I bought her perfectly!

And of course Watson just loved her!!! We attempted to get a matching picture of Rowan and her Papa, like the boys have...but this was the best we could get! At least I have another goofy picture of the old man! It was such a great couple of weeks having them here. Rowan is growing up and changing so fast. She was almost ready to walk before she left. She is such a happy baby, always smiling. And she is a chatterbox! I guess that is just the Radich girl in her! And having Sara around was wonderful as always. I never would have guessed growing up that my sisters would one day really become my best friends!

**Edit**

I debated deleting this. But decided it was best to keep for myself.

Watson is fine. Perfectly fine.

I let his toenails get a little too long. So one of his poor toes was getting twisted painfully every time he would walk/run on it.

They have been trimmed down. The limp is gone. I have learned my lesson.

And I never called the vet!!

My boy is limping...has been since I returned home from a work trip to Montana on Sunday. This time it is not his paws. It is one of his front legs. He has not cried out, and he is still the happy, playful lab as always. I'm trying not to let bad thoughts creep in. I did do a little research (wrong thing for me to do), google is my worst enemy at times like these. However, I found a lot of talk of a condition called Panosteitis, which in english, is "growing pains". There is a lot of research that this effects large breed dogs when they are puppies, often between 5 and 12 months, but sometimes up to 2 years. Watson falls into that large, fast growing breed and he turns 1 at the end of the month. I am praying that he just pulled a little muscle, or is experiencing these so called "growing pains". I'm not sure my heart will be able to handle anything worse...

Tanner's cancer the last month of his life was so traumatic for me. I have found myself worrying about Watson more than I ever worried about Tanner and I feel that experience has contributed to this worry. Not to mention all that we have already gone through with Watson. His neuter, his feet problems and his choice of snack foods. I have to find a way to stay positive and know that this will pass with no serious issues. I am resting him and have placed him on some leftover rymadil from a prior vet visit. My hopes is that in a few days the limp will disappear and he will be fine. Fingers crossed...this boy certainly doesn't need anymore vet visits.

Sad news...

Nine short days after our too short trip fishing in Canada, the lodge we were staying at faced a terrible tragedy. One of the pilots, Andre, was on a routine pick up at one of the lodges outpost camps on Buss Lake. He was flying the plane he has flown for, I believe, the past ten years, a de Havilland Beaver, or the Beaver for short. The exact plane in which he had flown Scott and I from the lodge to the airways on the second to last day of our trip. Something went wrong with the flight and details haven't been pieced fully together, our best guess it was close to take off after having picked up the fisherman. Sadly, the plane crashed and was found close to shore. All five people on board, including Andre, had died. Andre was the second person we met associated with the lodge and he did not disappoint. He was nice and welcoming, and talked to us for a bit before he left on a run. He had just arrived at the airways to drop off the coordinator of the fires that were burning in the area, and was off to run some more cargo. We watched him fly that plane in and out of the lodge our entire trip. I do believe that Beaver was something all of the guests looked forward to seeing each day.

Our view from the Beaver on our flight out of the lodge. It was a beautiful and easy flight. Scott in the front, myself in the back.

I hope his family, including his "family" at the lodge can find peace in the fact that he died doing what he loved. And I hope the families of the other victims can do the same in knowing that they had just finished a once in a lifetime experience.

It was hard news to take. Not only did it remind me how lucky Scott and I are, but it made me hurt for all involved. It gave us a moment to reflect on how short life can be and to not take one minute for granted. We are so very lucky to have eachother, our families and friends. But we are also fortunate enough to be able to share these amazing adventures together. We will do this again and again. Never take our lives for granted and live them to the best of our abilities.

I find myself hoping that this news does not deter others from visiting their lodge. It truly was an amazing experience, one that can't fully be put into words. And it was everyone of their staff and family that made it what it was. The pilots, the guides, the kitchen/cabin staff. And the owners. Accidents happen and I can only hope that they can overcome this and stay just as successful! We have no doubt that this will not stop us from visiting again.

Birthday's

Cole is 4!!! I can't believe it!! He is turning into such a little man and I'm completely smitten with him. He still loves his Uncle Scott to pieces, always asking for him when he isn't around, but I always get the first hug! He loves doing anything outside and especially with the boys! He has been so proud of riding his two wheeler, he wants to show us every time we are around. So excited to eat cake...and that little guy next to him, is just as cute as ever! I definitely think he will be more of a handful than Cole ever will be, but time will tell! Davis is just very fearless!! Into everything...but he gives the best little hug...and he has the best little walk ever!Of course the boys hid for most of the party. I think the 15 little kids under ten running around were a little overwhelming!! Although, Scott still did manage to play with the dart gun!!Cole with Jack...his first buddy!!And then there are these two....Sara got to come visit for a few weeks and we had a great visit. But on top of that Colbie and Rowan got to see eachother again! They still don't seem to care too much, but we have had so much fun watching them grow up together! Each time we get to see them at the same time is so much fun!! And they are both such beautiful little girls!!Just a few weeks after Cole's party, Rowan and Colbie both turned 1!! Sadly, we couldn't make it to celebrate with the Mackey's but we celebrated while she was her visiting...looks like she had a great day!!!And at least we were able to celebrate with one of these little ladies!!