Sweet Elvis

This week we had to put our dog, Elvis, to sleep. It was sad for us, but I definitely think it was the right decision. When we traveled over Christmas, he started to have trouble walking. We took him to the vet in Indy who said it was probably some sort of spinal lesion. We tried prednisone which seemed to really help. Over the past few weeks the prednisone has worked less and less. By Monday he couldn't even stand up to eat his food. It was sad to see him that way.

The kids are still feeling a little sad. On Tuesday afternoon we released some balloons to go to heaven to be with Elvis. That helped give them a bit of closure. We also got a book called, Dog Heaven, which the boys really love.

Here are a few pictures of the kids with Elvis from the past few weeks...

We will miss him. When we first rescued him, he was a nervous mess who wouldn't even take a dog treat out of our hands. In the end we had a loving (although still nervous) pet who was sweet with our kids and wanted to be in the mix of our family. What a sweet little guy.

Nanny McPhee No More

This week Griffin finally lost his other front tooth. It was so loose and crooked that I started calling him Nanny McPhee. Anyway here is how he looks now. There was no way to get a normal picture of him. So here is crazy instead:)

Griffin

Here is the latest with Griffin. He started Upwards basketball a few weekends ago at our church. Brent is the coach, and Steve is the assistant coach. I only got a few pictures of them. Griffin is #3 and Kaleigh is #14.

Last week he lost one of his top front teeth. Here is what he looked like.

Tonight he lost another top tooth so he is especially snaggle toothed at the moment.

Burgerham

Cute story. Gray often comments on what color a person likes based on their favorite sports team. So for example, it is assumed that Uncle Adam's favorite color is red because he likes Alabama. He is constantly talking about what color Uncle Adam likes whenever we play a board game. So today he said Uncle Adam would pick red because of Alabama. Then he asked, "why him live in Burgerham?". That is supposed to be Birmingham.

Funny story

Last week the kids got out of school on Thursday because of the snow. I remember telling Griffin that I wondered if school was going to be cancelled for Friday too. He said, "Well, it is all up to Mrs Cribbs". I asked him, "why does Mrs Cribbs get to decide if you have school?". Griffin replied, "Well, she is the school canceller". Yes, Mrs Cribbs is the school guidance counselour. Thought that was a cute comment.

Santa Brunch

On Saturday we took the kids to have a brunch with Santa at the botanical gardens. It is one of our favorite holiday things to do with the kids. Santa comes around to each table to talk with each kid. Then you can also go up and sit on his lap and read your Christmas list. Here are the 3 kids before the brunch started. Griffin was starving!

Santa dropped by the table for a visit with the boys.

Little Ashby has been sprung from her high chair.

She was very curious about Santa.

No crying this year!

Griffin read his list to Santa.

Gray was super excited to sit on his lap.

All 3 kids on Santa's lap.

Little bit of snow

On Monday we got a little bit of snow. Maybe 2 inches- enough to play in but not enough to keep Griffin home from school. So Gray and I went outside to play a bit. We built a little snowman to surprise Griffin when he got home.

Tomorrow school is already cancelled in anticipation of the snow we may get so hopefully we will have even more time in the snow. Should be fun:)