Erik, Brandy, et al January 2014

Best part of the three week trip was definitely stopping to see Erik, Brandy, Nathan, Isabella, Sarah, Aria and Zack. Whew — that’s a mouth full. As one can imagine, a house with 3 adults, 5 kids, and 2 big dogs got pretty crazy at times, but it was a blast — lots of visiting, lots of playing, and more attention for the dogs than they ever imagined possible.

So glad I got to see their beautiful new home and catch up on what’s going on. My only regret is using my phone to take pictures. The quality is poor with lots of noise so I wish I would have gotten out the real camera. Thank you Brandy for sending me the pictures of Zack, Ellie dressed up, and Sarah on the floor with Ellie.

The funniest event of many was when Aria walked into the living room straight from getting up the second day and exclaimed “Not you AGAIN!” She had started out a little worried about the dogs, but was happy with them in no time. I believe it was Aria who started wrapping the dogs in blankets.

At first it was a child/dog mashup.

These pictures are all from the second day.

The dogs were pretty worn out from the day before so the girls wrapped them in blankets and gave each a stuffed animal to sleep with. The dogs were out like lights after being tucked in.

While the dogs napped, Aria set up a tea party and Isabella and I joined her. Isabella brought her English accent to the party.

When the dogs woke up it was play time with them. Er, lay with them and pet them.

Sarah, Nathan, and Ellie.

Sarah and Ellie.

Zack got to play with the dogs when he returned home from school. Zack loves dogs.

At lunch we had butterfly and star sandwiches.

Sarah preparing sandwiches.

The star sandwich Sarah made for me.

Nathan and Isabella relaxing after lunch.

Aria being silly with Brandy.

Before we were going for a walk with the dogs in the frigid temperatures outside (this was one of the days the Artic Vortex swept through with bitterly cold weather) the girls dressed up Ellie. Please note Nikki was discretely absent from this event. Evidently Ellie wanted to do her imitation of a French poodle since she tolerated it all so well. She probably thought it was the price one has to pay for spending most of the day snuggled in warm blankets. For Nikki being 11 and Ellie 9 and neither having had spent any time with kids I was pleased they did so well — but they were very, very tired.