Take Two

So if you remember my post from a couple of months about our new dog we got for Christmas, you might have noticed I never mentioned what kind of breed she was. I purposely left that bit of info out because we had no idea. To make a long story short, 3 weeks ago we found out she was part PIT BULL. Although she was a wonderful dog from the moment we brought her home, and Pit Bulls can be great dogs(blah, blah, blah), we weren't willing to risk ANYTHING as far as our kids were concerned. So, after finding Copper a new home and realizing we still wanted a dog, the hours of research began to find a breed that would fit our family. I was nervous to get a big dog again for the kids safety, but soon came to find that all the small breeds we were interested in all said "not good with children." Then, Ben found an ad for a dog that is regarded as one of the best, most tolerant breeds with children and we didn't want to pass it up. So meet Barkley, our 8 week old purebred Great Dane! It may seem crazy, but we used to have a Lab/Great Dane mix before we had kids and she was the most beautiful, most amazing dog we've ever known and Ben's wanted another one ever since she was hit by a car:(

The day we brought her home

She's so sweet and calm

The couch is off limits but she's turned me into a softy

She's been incredibly patient with Samuel stepping, sitting, and crawling all over her.

So far she's proven to be perfect for us. Check back with me when she's full grown and I've got a horse in my backyard:)

Jumping time

A nurse that Ben works with was nice enough to invite us all to her 3-year-old boys birthday party last night. It was at this Jumping Party place here in Midland we had never heard of, but figured Katelyn would have a blast. We didn't think Samuel would have so much fun as well!

You'd never know how sick he is by looking at him

No fear

Happy Birthentines Day!

Four years ago today, at 7:16 am in American Fork Hospital, we received our greatest Valentine ever. Katelyn was born at 36 weeks, but still weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. Since she was early, her lungs weren't quite developed and she gave us quite a scare. But here she is 4 years later, healthy as can be and giving Ben and I a run for our money. Our baby girl is the glue that has held us together and helped us become the family we are today. She has proven to be an awesome big sister and a huge help around the house. She has always been extremely independent, but at the same time very lovable. We couldn't be more grateful.



Samuel and his buddy Charlie

Katelyn's birthday slipped by us last year, so this year she was spoiled with more of a birthweek. On Wednesday we went to Chuck E. Cheese's for her first official friends birthday party and it was so much fun. (Thanks to all who were there.) We were so excited when Ben's parents arrived at the party fresh off their mission from Alaska. That night we went to a delicious dinner at Outback.

Grammy & Poppy sent some festive chocolate covered strawberries

Yesterday we went and visited Baby Zach, went to breakfast at IHOP, did some much needed shopping with Grandma, and had another birthday celebration with the family at home. Grandma went above and beyond by baking three individual cakes each catering to Katelyn, Ben and I. (She totally spoils us!) We grilled some steaks, honored Katelyn's wishes by having a pinata, and opened some presents. Tonight she'll open some more presents and has a movie date with her daddy.



Samuel met his Grandma & Grandpa for the first time this week

I hate the fact that she was born on Valentine's Day. Not because I don't get to celebrate it anymore, but because her birthday will forever be over-looked and her husband will have it waaay too easy!

January

Last month was a tad uneventful. The highlight of the month was probably our field trip to the Fire Station. The kids loved it and the firemen were so-o nice. Other than that we've spent a lot of time at home taking turns being sick. We're hopeful that February will be much more exciting.




My Super Family!




Samuel turned 10 months old yesterday and we just love how much fun he is for us, even if he is also Trouble!