Bixby

Scott and I moved to Southern California in 1999 with Murphy and his litter mate. Unfortunately, shortly after we moved here, the litter mate died. Murphy and I went through a deep depression and so we got Bixby. He became Murphy's baby. Bixby always had Murphy. Murphy took care of Bixby, groomed him and everything. Although Bixby wasn't always in the family mix as much as Murphy was, Bixby came around in those quiet moments and just sat with us. He enjoyed being with the adults and in his last few months, even with the kids. After Murphy died, I believe Bixby was at a serious loss without his friend. Bixby started to always be around us, looking for companionship. But even with this new behavior, it became apparent that there was something wrong. We took him in and found he had severe kidney failure... so bad there was nothing to do but send him to be with Murphy. We are without our kitty babies but I take comfort in knowing they are together again. 

Lake Tahoe 2013

Between Christmas and New Years, we went up to Lake Tahoe to spend time with my parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephew. I can't even begin to describe what an amazing vacation it was. Just being with my family was all I could ask for - but then topped with watching the kids playing in the snow, going sledding and being with their cousin was icing on the cake. 

Murphy

It was December 1997, Scott told me his car had broken down I needed to drive him to his boss' place to drop off some office work. I'm complied and when we got to "his boss' house", it was actually a cat breeder.... Scott was getting me a Christmas present.... Murphy! 

He was my first kitty but by far, the best kitty one could ever ask for. He was friendly, he was always around us, he would come running to door when we came home, he slept with us, he sat next to us when we ate meals. He was our baby. 

Not only did he embrace us, he embraced the kids when they invaded his life. Even when they were babies, he never ran from them - he always let them pet and play with him. He was even by their side as they slept, watching over them.

He was just part of the family. Always around the action and chaos of the house. Never overly demanding, just present and a part of our lives.

A year and a half ago, he went into kidney failure. Scott gave Murphy IV fluids every other day, as well as 3 pills every day. I'm sure he didn't like it, but he tolerated it. He trusted us and knew it was for his well being. But last week, he had a stroke and his little body was done. We couldn't let him suffer. We knew the time was coming - Murphy was already on borrowed time with kidney failure. But it still didn't make it any easier. We have a heavy heart and a huge void in our home with Murphy now gone.

Murphy will always be in our memory and hearts. 

Pumpkin Patch

Jiu-Jitsu & Family Bday Party

Jack earned a new belt in Jiu-Jitsu this month. He had to earn 7 stripes to get to this level -- big deal for him!

We went to my cousin's son's birthday party at Scooters Jungle. The kids had so much fun with the big slide and zip line, as well as I had fun playing foose ball with them!

4th of July Weekend With My Sister

My sister, her husband and son came down for 4th of July weekend and we had so much fun just hanging out at home. My nephew, John, is 16 months old and is at that great age of exploring and finding everything. John is starting to talk and the two things he said most this past weekend was "hi kitty" and "no". John and Jack were enamored with each other - giving hugs and kisses freely. It was wonderful to witness.

Our street did a 4th of July block party - pancake breakfast, waterslide, bike decorating, parade, balloon lady, water balloons, etc. It was an all-day, fun-filled affair.

Kids with friends/neighbors.

Bike decorating.

 Pancake eating.

Balloon lady. Bow & arrows were the high ticket item as they kept popping with all the play-fighting.

Bike parade. 

Water slide - there was always at least two kids on it at all times - from 9am to 5pm!

Water balloons - two amazing dad's took point.

Kiddie pool for the babies, although more "big" kids used it.

And Jack pulled out his other top, middle front tooth!

 Red, white and blue strawberries.

 Rest of the weekend was was spent in the pool, relaxing.

John and Jack kisses!

Silly Daddy and Brooke in the pool.

Our Saturday

I took Jack to jiu-jitsu on Saturday morning and on the way home, passed Scott as he was taking Brooke to swim lessons. I then took Jack to a friend's birthday party while Scott took Brooke to our niece's Morgan's 5th birthday party. Jack and I left the friend's birthday party early to meet up at Morgan's princess tea birthday party late. Lots of running around, but we managed to squeeze it all in. 

That night, Jack decided he wanted money, so he pulled out his top, front, left tooth! This was his fifth tooth, but first on the top row. Again, I didn't think it was that loose, but sure enough, Jack was determined and pulled it right out. I got it on video and you can actually hear it when Jack pulled it out. 

John's Birthday

Today my nephew turns 1 year old. My sister's baby is 1! We went up last weekend to celebrate his birthday and what fun we had. John is crawling and his personality is coming out more and more. We had a party for John and he did great. He wasn't sure about his cake, but also didn't cry -- what a champ!

It was great for me to see my kiddos with John. John was very taken with the kids and the kids were wonderful with him. They got on his level, they were patient and gentle with him.

On a selfish note, it was the weekend before we move, so I left Scott to manage the house and everything we were doing to prep for us moving in.