Where's Abby (+ Dylan and dogs)

That's exactly what this summer has been and it's been great .  On Memorial Day weekend, Dana, Martin, and baby, Leslie and Steve and I reunited for a surprise house-warming visit at the Hendersons' new lake house. We had a weekend full of baby cuddles, hiking, and good old times. We all went for a hike in search of a waterfall, but found ourselves on a buggy, muddy, humid, manure-filled path on which we gave up on the waterfall. The next day, just the girls headed out for a hike up to Amicalola Falls with the pups. Best part about this hike was our pitstop at the lodge for a Smoky Mountain view, food and drinks before wandering back down the mountain. I've never laughed so hard on a hike before.  Father's Day Weekend was spent with the Ross fam (Dad's side with his brother and all their family) at a Silver Springs cabin. Addie that could be found attached to my hip during our whole wedding was found in the same spot this day. I loved catching up with cou...

Early mornings   three a day   meeting strangers along the way She changed our walks   Low protein food   what kind of leash How much her sickness gave us grief She changed our talks   Daddy dances Mama brushes Attempting smelly teeth brushing   She changed our roles Cozy mornings   Cuddles with Papa I fry the eggs as I cherish this view She changed our mornings Hormone altering bringing excitement to see the other one as mom or dad She changed our love Slowly walking   pausing for smells chasing the birds, soaking in the sun She changed our pace   Finding joy in her joy watching her prance on the trails  accepting all strangers with a wagging tail She changed our views Our first pup bringing us closer together so much love and adventure   She changed our lives

It's still very strange without our Sisi Laroo around. I still picture her sweet little face light up with excitement at the sound of kiddos on the beach. And b-lining to the beach when I ask her if she wants to go. Frolicking in the grass at Howell park and taking over our pillows whenever we get out of bed. She was the sweetest dog.  But we welcomed this little guy into our lives and he's been filling it with a whole new set of excitement. We picked him up in Bristol, TN of all places, and didn't even stop in to say hey to King College. On our drive back, we empathized with the little one, thinking of how he had no idea he was going to move from the mountains to the beach with a whole new family in one day. He had no idea about this whole lifetime of adventure ahead of him. And he had no choice but to accept it. Get ready for all the beach walks, hiking, biking, nose pinchings (thank Dad for that one), and travel, little Hobie man!  He's teaching us the pati...

Inspired by Todays Letters , I decided to host our first celebration of this important guy.  We packed our apartment with (almost) everyone we invited! We watched his speech and educated the kiddos on his history while we ate some of Martin's favorite foods: collard greens  (and a veggie version minus the bacon, add the tomato),  mac and cheese,  and  fried chicken . Next time I'll make some homemade fried chicken and follow through with the pecan pie plan.  An hour before the party started, I figured I'd bring in some activities and created a trivia game and scavenger hunt around the apartment revolved around Jr.'s life. The hints included Sexo y Amor en Tiempos de Crisis, his hometown, Ginsberg's Howl poem about racism and society, curry spice next to some knives  and more. I think we'll make this a tradition.