Dog Tired!

The other night, Abby announced that she was tired and wanted to go to bed. She didn't head upstairs to her own bed though... Sydney's bed was closer!

What a silly girl!

Puppy Love

Is there anything sweeter than watching a child and pet grow up together? Sydney, our crazy Miniature Dachshund, was a little out of sorts when we brought Abigail home from the hospital. It was tough for her to accept that she wasn't going to be receiving quite so much attention. It didn't take her long, however, to bond with Abby. Within a few weeks, she even became quite protective of our new addition. Two and a half years later, Sydney and Abigail are very good friends (even though they have their moments.... almost like siblings). Here are some of my favorite pictures of Abby and Sydney together.

Sydney watches over Abby (2 months old).

Abby was a pumpkin for her first Halloween (3 months old). Sydney was a hot dog. (As you can see, Sydney was not too thrilled about the costume or the picture!) Abby LOVES pulling out the scrapbook and looking at this picture. She laughs as she says, "Look! Sydney is a hot dog!"

Abigail (6 months old) and Sydney begin the on-going fight over Mom's lap. Abby can be busy playing, but if she spots Sydney sitting in my lap, she instantly needs Sydney out of the way so SHE can sit in my lap... It's can get pretty crazy sometimes!

Abby (about 2 years old) and Sydney just hang out together one morning.

Abby (2 1/2 years old) hugs Sydney.

I love that Abigail and Sydney are such buddies!

Barbeque Weather Begins in Upstate NY

Last year (about this same time in March), I remember taking a walk in our neighborhood and smiling to myself as I watched several people rolling their barbeque grills out of their garage. There was no snow on the ground, but the trees were still bare. I think it was probably around 55 degrees. After living more than half of my life in California, I found this rather humorous.... my neighbors were ready to have a barbeque while still needing to wear a coat outside. On a day with similar weather in California, people would have been complaining about the cold.

A year later, there is still some snow on the ground, but it is melting, giving us hope that Spring will be here (hopefully) soon! I guess 55 degrees is the magic temperature because the grills are starting to emerge from garages everywhere.

Is it too cold to barbeque? I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

Just Another Snowstorm?

The above pictures don't really tell the complete story of our Friday morning last week..... You know the snowstorm is a bad one when you live in Rochester (where they are equipped to handle the snow) and the city snow plow (a MASSIVE piece of equipment- the truck has 10 wheels) gets stuck trying to plow the snow right in front of your house! Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of the driver standing outside of his truck with a shovel. He had to call for another plow to come plow him out!

Meanwhile, Coley was supposed to be on call at the hospital and couldn't get out of the driveway with the car. I had an appointment that afternoon, so I couldn't just let him drive the Tahoe (with 4 wheel drive), so off went the three of us to take Coley to work. Since the plow (with a blade on the front and another on the side) was completely blocking our nearest exit, we had to venture around the circle (in unplowed territory) hoping to make it all the way around before we got stuck! Just as we neared the last turn before reaching the main road, we had to stop for a van that was stuck (and, of course, blocking the road). By the time we could get around the van, the second city snow plow had rescued the plow stuck in front of our house. With the cleared road, Coley ended up just driving the car. We had a good time 4 wheeling in the Tahoe though!

It was one of few days since we've lived here that they actually canceled school. We are hoping that since it IS March already that we might get a break from the white stuff for several months..... Where is Spring? Abby really wants to ride her tricycle and gets a little distraught when I won't let her ride down the icy driveway! Riding the tricycle in the garage and along the walkway to the front door just isn't good enough!

Abigail Loves Her Cousins!

While we were in Arizona last month, Abby had a great time playing with her cousins. She has been missing them quite a bit since we came home! She asks me about three or four times a week if she can play with them again. I don't think she realizes how far away they are!

Abigail, Samantha, and Logan

Abigail and Olivia

Anna (my cousin's little girl) and Abby became fast friends. We couldn't believe how much they resemble each other!

To all of Abby's cousins..... She wants you to know that she loves you and can't wait to see you again!

4th Annual Pinewood Derby for ALL the "Boys"

Last Friday, February 12, our ward had its 4th annual Pinewood Derby for the men (and young men too). This has become quite the ward activity! The first derby occurred right after we moved to Rochester. Coley claimed the title of "Track Champion" that year. Ever since, it has become a battle between Coley and the bishop. Year two and three were close races, but the bishop claimed the title those years.

With all of our traveling during the past month, Coley didn't have much time to work on his car (and even had to enter his car unpainted), but he claimed the title of "Track Champion" again this year- much to the dismay of the bishop!

I think the men are already planning the changes to their derby car for next year!

Abby was so excited to go to the race. She even wore her "Lightning McQueen" jacket just for this event!

Coley (with Abby's help) accepts his trophy. (Notice the racing uniform! It was an early birthday present to Coley from my dad for the 2nd annual derby. It caused quite a stir that year!)

Abby just can't get enough of the trophy!

I love you, Dad!

The past several weeks have been very difficult for our family. Since receiving the news on New Years Eve that my father had cancer, life has felt like a whirlwind of events. My dad passed away on January 25, 2010, just a few weeks after his diagnosis. We miss him so very much, but we are grateful for the peace and comfort we feel through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are also thankful for the love and support that has been extended to our family at this time of mourning.

I love you Dad!

Dad and Tara
August 5, 2006