T-ball, new dog, and more.

We have been having a great summer (until the past two days) when the kids and I all broke out in a very severe case of poison ivy. Let's just say that not only is Mommy is hurting too but is very tired from being up hours at night comforting kids. This is NOT fun! We have no idea where we got it but hope we will be on the mend soon.

The kids finished up soccer in May and took a few weeks off before beginning t-ball. I played Molly up one level so they could be on the same team. She spends most of the time digging in the dirt and chalk. She does love to hit and run the bases though. Jack is all around doing really well, though he could do without the heat. He is showing a really strong leftie throw and hitting on a slow coach pitch.

I am playing softball too and doing some pretty instense training for my upcoming bike races in the Fall. I'll have to put all of that on hold until my poison ivy clears up. We have also been working hard trying to improve our grass this year which includes at least four hours of moving sprinklers once a day (usually me!). Not fun. We have seen some improvement so that is good. Some is better than none I guess.

Jeff has been working hard as always but also managing to find some time at home. He's been building his pub room and I have become impressed at how well he does with woodworking. He's sure taught himself a lot over the years. We are looking forward to the upcoming four day weekend and possibly having some family over to celebrate the 4th.

Unfortunately, this has been a Hallmark year for us, and just following Papa Hadley's death, we are faced with a tough decision about our beloved Odin. We will be saying good bye to her in the next couple of weeks. Jeff and I just have to work up the courage to let her go and figure out how to tell the kids. Hence, we introduce you to "BOLT," our female West Highland Terrier. We rescued her last week and she has been a crazy addition to our family. We thought it was time to get the kids their own dog and help buffer the coming situation. She is quite funny and Molly (not so much Jack) is an awesome dog mom. We are working on her bonding with Molly instead of me. I try to ignore her most of the time for that reason, but honestly, who could resist that face?

The whole family is so excited that Uncle Joel, Aidan, Abbey, and Alec will be coming down for a visit in late July/early August. Along with Grandpa and Grandma from California. The kids ask every day "when" and we are anxiously discussing what fun and exciting things we will be doing!
As Jack puts it, " I just can't wait any longer!"