New Foster

We've jumped back feet first into fostering. I still miss Olaf and it's hard to get invested in a new foster dog when I'm still missing him, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for this poor guy when I first saw him. His coat hides how absolutely scrawny he is and he was so confused and hesitant when I put him in the car. He was super dehydrated to boot. I didn't know his name. When I called Tammy to let her know I was headed home, Heidi insisted on grabbing the phone to talk. I said, "Hi, baby," and the dog nearly jumped into my lap as I drove down the highway. He settled down after a few minutes and laid right behind the driver's seat, popping up occasionally to look around and get some ear rubs. He hopped right out of the car and the introduction to Andi, while a little tense at times, went really well. She's still missing Olaf I think, and isn't quite taking a liking to him. I think I like Gus-Gus, Bear or Bernie as names, but we'll see what Carolyn says.

Independence Day Family Get-Together

We had an awesome family get-together today! I love it when all the cousins, aunts and uncles get together to spend time and hang out. Bamaw had a great idea to put two slip-n-slides end to end and the kids LOVED it! Austin made a now-famous layered trifle, Mitchell is becoming a serious grill master and grilled a bunch of chicken legs, hot dogs and an amazing pork loin. I broiled some delicious pineapple with a butter/brown sugar/cinnamon glaze. Ah-mazing! Liz's sister, Rebekah, was in town visiting them and came over to hang out too. It was fun to catch up with her and hear about her recent trip to Houston and San Antonio with Isaac and Katelyn. Such a fun family day!

 Hahaha, I thought this was hilarious!

 Uncle Austin made two of these!

 This was seriously good pork! So moist!

This is seriously so good, oh my word!

 Tucking in

 Aunt Bekah and the kids

 Buddies!

 More buddies!

 Our oldest cousin. She is so sweet!

 Ow ow!! Sexy man!! <3 p="">

 Jon fell asleep, mwahahaha!

 A Crush of Cousins!

 Emeri started putting cherry halves on her fingertips and Katelyn wanted in on the fun

 Mwahahahaha!

 First splash, haha

 Organized chaos

 Drinking the water, just like a country kid

 Gotcha!

 Zoom!

 Collision!

 Cool dude

 Super(wo)man!

 I have no idea where he got this, but it's hilarious!

 Wet and squishy hugs

 The laid-back slip-n-slide

 So much I love about this pic

 Brothers!

 Our most frequent trifle eater!

 Trying to launch a basketball with a towel...

 Catch it!

 Liz and Austin took their youngest kids home to pack and get ready for their early morning departure to Washington tomorrow. We persuaded them to leave Isaac behind while the rest of the adults played the card game "Oh Heck." 

 Baby Makenzie! Mitchell is especially smitten. She's so calm.

Sweet smiles!