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It seems that whenever there are functions with Derek’s family, there are always just as many kids as there are adults. It’s hectic and loud, but it’s wonderful. Whenever there are functions with my family, however, the dogs seem to take over the role that kids seem to fill. It’s just as hectic and loud, and it’s just as wonderful.
We went up north earlier this month to celebrate my grandmother’s 88th birthday. And just as always, had a very relaxing trip.
We got there and Derek went fishing with my cousins and their spouses, while I sucked it up and put my toes in the freezing lake to give the dog’s their bath. Because the last bath they’d received was the last time we were there, and that was two years ago.

They met up with all their “cousin” dogs and played the afternoon away on the beach. Here’s the beginning of the pack.

My sister-in-law showed up and brought her husky. Those three absolutely love each other. And notice how Kirra just sits and watches over her men?

And because eight dogs just wasn’t enough, she had to go and adopt this little creature.

And Derek and I almost left with another. What a trip that would have been. I’ve puppy-sat that little girl only a few times and boy, am I glad we didn’t get another puppy.
As far as the people go. Remember, those human beings? Well, we didn’t actually do a whole lot of anything. There was plenty of this going on.

And this.

Up North. I miss you already. And I almost kissed the beach before we left, knowing there would be a peaceful ride home.

They didn’t make a sound the entire six hours. Those are some worn out puppies.
So, Virginia. What a lovely place. Especially when your time is spent with a hoard of wonderful women.

The Capri’s (that’s what they call themselves, and I’m still not sure just how that came about) finally decided to allow us young gals into their ‘club’. I’ve officially decided that no matter the reason for the name, to me it simply means good luck.
We shopped. A LOT. As in, we shopped the entire time we were there. It wasn’t a shopathon, it was a completely new word that I haven’t quite put my finger on yet. Whatever the case, just realize that there was no skimping on the amount of shopping we did. Have I gotten my point across yet?
When all the shops were closed and we weren’t physically able to shop, we sat on the porch, taking in the view, talking about nothing in general, and just having a great time.


And oh yeah, doting on this fuzzball.

This is Paddy. The beaver. My Aunt rescued her and is raising her until she is able to go out into the wild again. And let me tell you, I almost died from the cuteness of this creature. And the sound she made. If you ever get a chance, please find some audio of a beaver and just listen. It’s pretty adorable.


Among the multitude of animals on Sassy Cat Hill, some of the others include; Mr. Kowalski, the rooster, Cedric, the box turtle, and of course the eight?? cats that live there.

Thanks again ladies for a wonderful weekend! Same time next year?




We spent last weekend up north for Derek’s brother’s wedding. It was held at Castle Farms and that place is simply beautiful!
Most importantly, we got to see our niece and nephew from Florida!

This little angel turned one the day before the wedding so we had fun celebrating.

And this little man couldn’t have been more adorable in his tux. He was the ring bearer, though when the time came he wasn’t nearly this happy about it.


I had to throw this picture of Derek and his dad in there because you really have no idea how rare a shot like this is. I remember asking them to smile and almost falling off my chair when they actually did. It’s a little blurry, mainly because I don’t think I was all there at this point, and definitely not enough to remember to use the auto-focus.

Can we please talk about babies for a moment? Since mine don’t have that soft, sweet smell, are covered in fur, and sleep on the floor, I have to settle for doting on my nephews and niece. Let me tell you, that’s a pretty hard thing to do.

Or not. That little guy I am holding there is my brother’s son, who I just saw for the first time since Christmas and am refusing to let him grow up any further.


These two belong to Derek’s sister. The boy just turned two the day after Christmas and the sweet little girl is seven months old. Those two couldn’t be more different, he is a little hellion (though I suppose most two year olds are) who I don’t have a single picture of with a smile on his face, and she is all smiles and laughs.
And if you’re like most people I know, I’ll give you the shortest answer I can right now. Yes, the feeling is there, and it’s not going to leave.


Hi there! I seem to have lost track of time yet again. I need to catch up, and I realize this is coming a little late, but I just had to mention it!


I couple of weekends ago was the long awaited wedding of my cousin. It turned out to be a beautiful night, and the party on the boat was great!


We boarded the boat in St. Clair Shores, traveled down to the Ambassador bridge and then back again. The scenery was beautiful along the way, especially the city lights later in the evening. Everyone had a wonderful time!



I don’t know where the last two weeks went. Things have been somewhat crazy. Yet, it doesn’t feel like I’ve done much. Two weekends ago is when my dad and I traveled 2,500 miles in a matter of 40 hours. Last weekend was filled with a Garden walk and a bridal shower. Honestly, bridal showers are always so boring, but this one was actually fun! We spent time painting flower pots, decorating flip flops, and making chocolate covered pretzels. This wedding is in August, and the reception is on a boat. Hence, flip flops!

Here’s the bride to be (my cousin), with our grandmother.

My sister and I with her.

We had a really good time, and decorating those flip flops was such a good idea, I will probably make some more eventually.
So, this weekend we hit yet another milestone in our family. My brother got hitched!!

I honestly didn’t think it was ever going to happen. But he found her. An amazing, beautiful, wonderful woman. They are truly perfect for eachother. Not only did he gain a wife, but I gained one of the best friends I’ve ever had.

It was a beautiful winter wedding, and we all had a wonderful time.



It has been quite a year. I am actually looking forward to it ending. Starting fresh. I hate to be a downer, but it’s true. There has been plenty of good things, but it didn’t seem to trump the bad this year.
Everyone just needs a fresh palette. No more sickness or surgeries. No more grief. It’s done. We are expecting some more nieces or nephews next year, and there are already two weddings planned. It’s going to be a good year. I am counting on it.
I am taking the rest of this year off. I just wanted to tell you that. I am sure you will all miss me horribly. Actually, I am taking the first part of January off as well. So, I will be back sometime in January.
I wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday. See you in the new year!
Yesterday was a big day. My little sister turned 21 years old! She is actually my only sister, but still the baby nonetheless. The same sister that used to throw stuffed animals at me and my friends from her crib, telling us to leave her room (which, was a room we shared). The very same sister that was such a ham when she was little that no matter what she did, it always made you laugh. The same sister that drove me crazy all throughout childhood.
It’s a rather hard thing to get used to. She is no longer a kid, although she hasn’t been for a few years, she works a full time job, has a car payment, and we talk about grown up things! But, its going to happen sooner or later, right? I no longer feel young at all. I suppose the only time I will get to feel young anymore is at family gatherings. Atleast there I know I am dubbed as a “kid”, because I still don’t get to sit with the “adults”. It’s nice to know that, to some people, you are still just a kid.
Anyway, back to my sister….she is growing up so quickly, and I am so proud of her. There isn’t a whole lot better in this world than a sister. We had a great time at her party, here are a few pictures from the festivities.

And of course, I can’t leave my brother out of all this…

There’s a little bit of that kid left in each of us!
