Foster Dogs

 We started fostering with Wags & Walks this year.  I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but overall, it has been a great experience.  Definitely a lot of work, some more than others, but it has been fun to get to know so many different dogs a little bit and to play a part in helping these dogs find forever homes.  

I have to say, Ruby has done AMAZING with all these different dogs.  Most all of them have ended up snuggling on top of Ruby on the couch, and she has been so tolerant of all of it.  Such a good girl!

Frist, we had Ribbit.  He has such a big personality and was a lot of fun.... also barked a lot and destroyed things when we were gone.  He found a home with a great family in El Segundo, and we even get to see him sometimes.  

Then we had Marty, such a sweet, gently guy.  He reminded me a lot of Gordon.  

Then we had Fergus.  Another sweet little guy, but he wasn't neutered so he peed everywhere.  He wore a diaper whenever he was in the house.  

Then we had Dylan.  She was such a good dog and really smart, but too big for our space.  

Then we got some of the B Litter puppies.  We started with Banks, Bliss, and Briar, then also got Briar and Blaze for a few days.  We had Banks the longest, but they all ended up getting adopted.  

Then we got Momma Mia and her 5 puppies.  They were 5 days old when we got them, now they are 6 weeks.  We'll have the whole family for 1 more week, then the puppies will move to other fosters and we'll keep fostering Momma Mia.  

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Merry Christmas!!

 We've definitely been enjoying Christmas break, and had a great Christmas yesterday.  Silas got a Sphero robot, a build-your-own pinball machine and Animal Crossing.  Daphne got her own sewing machine (it's nicer than mine!), a sewing kit and Barbie.  

We're not traveling this year at all but doing some local things.  Daphne and I went to Lumee DIY, Steve and Silas played ping pong, and we all went to the zoo.  It's been a while since we've gone and it was a nice visit.  

Almost Christmas??

 I can't believe it's just over two weeks until Christmas.  The end of this year has gone so quickly!  We had a nice Thanksgiving break.  We didn't travel anywhere but did some local things.  We did another trip to Knotts Berry Farm, it may be our last for a while.  I don't know if we'll make it back over Christmas break and we probably won't renew next year.  We also went to the tide pools in San Pedro which was fun. 

We're all decorated for Christmas.  We got Lola and Jinx back this year, and we have a new elf!  Daphne had asked for a pet elf, so we have Jingle Sniffer with us this year!  So far, he hasn't been much trouble... we will see.  

Puppy-Palooza

 Our latest foster was 3 7 week old chihuahua puppies.  There were 5 total in the litter, and the rescue wanted them sent to fosters in pairs.  Then the rescue decided to send 3 of the 5 up to Oregon, so we ended up with all 5 for a few days.  They are all so cute, it was fun to have the full litter and watch them play, but definitely lots of mess!  Briar, Blaze and Blair went up to Oregon, Bliss got adopted, and we still have Banks.  So far, no adoption interest in him. 

Happy Birthday Daphne!!

 Happy 8th Birthday to my baby girl!!  I can't believe how much you have grown and how much you are learning.  I am so proud of how hard you try in school, and your willingness to try new things.  You are so creative with all of your projects, and incredibly thoughtful and generous.  Your laugh is like music, and your smile lights up the room.  You are so much fun to be around. 

I love you so much.  Forever and always. 

Love, Mom

Lacrosse

 Both kids started lacrosse and are having a lot of fun.  Silas practices Tuesday evening and has games on Sundays, Daphne practices Wednesday evening.  I'm so proud of them for trying something new!

We've also had two other foster dogs, Fergus and Dylan.  Dylan is super sweet, but she's a big girl!!

The end of summer :(

School starts tomorrow.  Silas is starting 5th grade with Mrs. Dooley, and Daphne is starting 2nd grade with Mrs. Huang.  Yet again, summer went by way too quickly. 

We ended up not going camping due to a fire in the Santa Barbara area, but we did a lot of local things.  We went kayaking at Mother's Beach, Sky Zone, Knott's Berry Farm, Daphne and I went to Lumee DIY and Steve took Silas go carting.  Ribbit got adopted, so we also have a new temporary foster dog, Marty.  His regular foster is coming back Sept 1st, so we'll only have him another week.

Two Weeks Left of Summer

 I can't believe there are only two weeks left of summer, it has gone by way too quickly.  It seems like every year it goes faster and faster.  The kids don't have summer camps the last two weeks, hopefully we'll be able to get a camping trip at Cachuma Lake and also another trip to Knotts Berry Farm.  

We went to the picnic at the beach with the Cub Scouts yesterday.  It was really nice weather.  I realize we hadn't done a picnic in awhile, so I'm glad we went.  Ribbit got adopted today.  His new family was super excited about him, so I am happy for him.  He was such a handful, but I'll really miss him.  Such a sweet boy. 

Almost August

 I can't believe how quickly the summer is going, it's already the end of July!  We've been busy, but enjoying the summer.  We still have Ribbit who is definitely keeping us busy.  The kids have been enjoying their camps.  Last week Daphne did the Girl Scout camp and Silas did Top Golf with Alex.  This week Daphne has sewing and Silas has a second week of tennis camp.  They have one more week of camps next week, then a bit of a break before school starts.