Norm's new house

Although I really really wanted to build a garden-top dog house for Norman this summer, after the intense fence project, we decided we had had enough building for one summer. So, after some recommendations from friends and intense internet research, I nervously bought the igloo.  Nervous because I wasn't sure how the igloo was going to gel with my backyard decor, and most of all because he has never even gone into a dog house before, and I read some dogs simply refuse.

I put one of his old dog beds into it hoping that would "trick" him into thinking it was just a bed with a top on it.

my beautiful nieces

4 days old...aren't they ADORABLE?

I love dogs

Norman is very happy to be outside, and even happier that I have been spending more time back there.  He always wants to be a part of the activity, and it's so sweet that he wants to hang out with me, it makes my heart happy.

 I have never tried to grow veggies before, so here's hoping.  Next weekend we should have plants in the ground.

These last few weeks we have had just beautiful mornings, so I have been leaving the back door open to enjoy the sounds and smells of outside.  Norman usually ends up going in and out a few times before he settles outside and falls asleep on his nap mat.  This morning, he came out of his room and was walking behind the couches, very quiet, very sneaky, almost as if he was trying to get outside without being noticed. I didn't think anything of it, and kept sipping my tea and reading. Finally I heard a familiar squeaking sound, and all that sneaking around made sense.

Here's what I found....

His tail was wagging and his expression said "oh, was I not supposed to bring this inside toy out here? Don't worry, I'll keep it on the mat."

And he did! That toy never landed on the grass once. He would squeak it then poke his head inside the door and check to see where I was, then go outside and play again.

Then finally the squeaking stopped.

babies!

Here they are!
Kadyn = bald
Bristol = girl has some serious hair

DeBabies

My big sis gave birth to two healthy, happy babies last night in a worry-free delivery.  Her family went from 3 to 5 in one day, amazing. Praise God for Bristol Lynn and Kadyn Jean!

Pics coming soon...

Backyard

This is for all you nerds out there who thought I couldn't save my upside down cactus plant that I nearly killed. Not only is he living, but he's makin' babies.

(just ignore that big black spot on the right where a part fell off, hee hee)

The only thing normy loves more than his new "kingdom" is his large red outside bed, otherwise known as the nap mat. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this boy loves his bed!  And to prove it, I moved it a few times.

He eventually got tired of that game and tried to keep me from moving it anymore.

 

Happy Dog :)

Georgia

We went on an incredible trip to visit 3 incredible ladies this past weekend.  My sis-in-law lives in Georgia, and what a trip it was! There was river exploring, walks, wine, visiting, visits to the creek, tears, laughter, and stories of old times.  As always, I wish there were more pictures, but luckily I managed to snap a few keepers!

I was so honored that this little hand reached out to hold my hand every time we rode in the car, and a few times outside the car too.  She is normally very timid around new people, and her want to be close to me spoke to my heart and made me feel like family.

 This one was so sweet, full of smiles and happiness, and there's really nothing better than hearing the sound of little running feet coming toward you at full speed and a voice yelling "aunt birdie! aunt birdie!"

I also loved watching how he loved them... it came out in hugs, book reading, hand holding, listening (with the help of an occasional "translator" to make sure he understood what that little voices were actually saying), and it was precious.