Maggie

When I started looking for the perfect dog - I had an idea of what I wanted.  When I saw a post about this little shitzu, I was DRAWN to her and I wanted her immediately.  I called right away and unfortunately she had already been adopted by another family.  I was heart-broken because there was something different about her and looking at her photo online - I really thought she was for us.  So imagine my surprise when the family called a week later and asked if we were still interested in their little puppy - it hadn't worked out with the other family (their other dog was being mean to her).  We picked her up that night!  Here are a few pics over the years - we got her in Jan of 2008 (I was pregnant with Danny).

The first night we brought her home...  she was 3 months old.

About 5 months old in this pic

6 months old

First haircut 

She loved going on walks and going to the park - children would come ask if they could hold her leash and they'd run her around.  She used to be such a crazy active little puppy!  And she chewed on EVERYTHING.

Helping Danny learn to crawl

Danny and Maiya with Maggie

Jenny and Tyler with Maggie

I didn't take enough pictures of her.  She was a constant in our lives and a spirit that belonged in our home.  She loved to sit in the window and watch everyone and everything.  She was my doorbell because I always knew if someone was approaching the house well before they got to my porch!

When she got injured last spring - we were terrified of losing her.  She HATED wearing this shirt - which kept her from itching her injuries.  My dog did NOT want to be wearing clothes - lol.

Another favorite spot - on the couch looking out the back window.

While we were in Bear Lake and Shayne was at home, she got really sick.  We had noticed she was getting thinner but hadn't really been concerned about it since she was still the same Maggie - loved to run out the front door and run around the neighborhood, barking at the all the dogs passing by, and super happy to go on a walk. 

We ended our Bear Lake trip a day early and came home to spend some time with Maggie - she was anemic (her gums had turned white) and needed a blood transfusion.  We decided not to do the transfusion because there was also a growth in her abdomen - and the quality of life was not good.  I'm grateful that everything happened so fast - but at the same time, it was heart-wrenching to lose her so quickly and suddenly.  We all cried many tears that week.

What I miss about Maggie:

Barking at the window

Whenever I opened the fridge - she knew if I was getting out ham!

I actually miss her in-and-out, in-and-out, through our sliding door.

At bedtime, I would say Maggie go to bed - and she was the only child who understood and did it!  Or she'd put herself to bed!

My floors have spilled food on the floor - funny how that never happened while she was here

She always greeted us. Always.

I miss her in the front window.

When taking her in the car - she could tell if it was Nana's or the groomer - she'd start whimpering with excitement for Nana's house and she'd hide in the back if it was the groomer.

Perpetual optimism for food from us

When I'm cutting cheese up, I miss sharing it with her

I still look for her when I walk past the piano room

I really miss you Maggie.  I sometimes wish we could get another dog, but it hurt so much to lose you that I just can't fathom loving another dog as much as I loved you.   I worry about you being cold outside where we buried you.  You never said a word - but you definitely had your way of communicating with me.  I miss everything about you sweet Maggie.

Bear Lake means fun in the sun

Our week in Bear Lake was fantastic.  The sad thing was that Daddy could only be up there for the 1st weekend and then he, Steve, and Julia had to head home.  We had Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Chanin, myself, and the boys having a blast together.  Here are some pix!  

Steve and Chanin brought their boat for the weekend and we had a great time on the boat!

Julia & Hunter

Skyler did NOT want to go tubing - but we convinced him he could be brave and try it.  He was very brave and he still reminds me of that day he was brave on the lake.  Maybe he'll WANT to go tubing next year?!?!

Cheryl and I getting thrown around - I was SOOOO sore the next day and it was partially from water-skiing - but mostly my neck from the thrashing and bouncing on the tube!  Dang-it - I think I'm still 15! 

Julia

Late night dominoes with Grandma - She loves to play with her grandkids! 

On Sunday, we went to church and that is a crazy experience all by itself.  They do a whole sacrament meeting just for visitors.  And it's not just in the chapel - every classroom, every INCH of that building is getting the meeting piped in on TV because every chair is FILLED.  We didn't get there on time - so we sat in the hallway on the floor.  Seriously - an experience! 

We decided to head up to Idaho and visit Soda Spring Geyser and then the Soda Spring and eat a picnic.  Here are a few pics of the geyser - it's actually man-made and managed by a timer.  That makes it convenient to see it!

Here is the spring - in a different location than the geyser.  We brought along kool-aid flavoring and added it to the water and it was still DISGUSTING.  Well, I think someone might have liked it - but I sure didn't.

Later that week we went to the Pickleville Playhouse and saw Juanito Bandito in Ready, Fire, Aim

We all loved it - super cheesey - funny - and just made us all laugh!

The next morning - we did the BEAR LAKE BIKING CHALLENGE!  Chanin, Hunter and I rode 50 miles AROUND THE LAKE!  Chanin and I have been riding a lot this summer and Hunter has been on only a few rides but said he would do it with us.  We started early and went North - East - South - then wrapped around the southern end and came back into town.  We took only a couple pix because really, we just pedaled, pedaled, and pedaled more.  Hunter hit is wall around mile 30, but he pushed through it.  Chanin really hated the last 10 miles and she pushed through it.  We rewarded ourselves with crepes at a darling little Crepe shop in Lake Town.  I'm so proud of Hunter and Chanin for doing this - it looks relatively flat, but the East side is rolling hills and narrow roads.  It was stressful at times with cars but overall a great experience and a HUGE accomplishment! 

More fun on the beach - Grandpa playing with the boys.

I saw a little of this after playing on the beach. 

There was a lot of time at the pool too - look at these funny boys.  I loved watching them play together.  We didn't have cousins around and that meant they found ways to play together.  

These are called "5 stars" - I never want one.

Skyler had a little issue - not sure what bit him, but we had a little trip to insta-care and the Dr. thinks he got bit.  Otherwise, both eyes would have been swollen if it was a food allergy.  

24 hours later

I did keep my promise and bought them FAMOUS overpriced RASPBERRY SHAKES.

On our last day, Hunter went to play with Carter's family on their boat.  Check out these awesome pix!

Meanwhile - we were having fun on Jet Skis that Chanin rented!

Bear Lake was absolutely gorgeous and I forget how amazing it is - especially compared to Utah Lake!  It's even better when surrounded by family.  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a week in Paradise!  And thanks Aunt Chanin for being a great sport about having the chaos of 4 boys at all times!