Webkinz

The latest craze. Julia with her new webkinz kitty. Thanks Baily!
You might also notice Julia has lost some more teeth.

Sam gets his regular bath

Sam gets his regular bath as Maggie looks on. She knows she
's next.

On the way Home

I've been wanting to photograph this ever since I moved to our new home. I see this red caboose every day on my way home from work. The cows gather around it at times and I wanted to capture the moment. So I hopped the fence and snapped a few shots. I was worried that the bull was a little mad (bottom photo) , but he kept on eating after looking me over.

Mushrooms everywhere!

These mushrooms popped up after a long drought and a little rain. We walked through the woods and couldn't believe the varieties of colors and shapes. Michael and I took these photos I challenge you to guess which images are his and which are mine. Click on the photo to get a better view.

New friends

Puppy and kitty get along just fine.

Hot dog day!

Sam uses this baby pool for a giant water dish and to cool off when its too hot. We have had some record breaking heat and drought this year and are now at approx -20" of rainfall. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2007-06-15-southern-drought2_N.htm

"Most adorable pup ever!"

That's what Beth told me when she called me from work one day. "I have a surprise for you when you get home." So be prepared." UHHH.... was the only thing I could think of. She couldn't pass up this pup that was rescued from being mistreated. I am still in shock that we now have yet another adopted pet. She is so sweet and fluffy. We call her Maggy for short. Her full name is Magnolia.

Chicago

Visited Chicago and took these photos from the Sears tower and the chrome sculpture at Millennium Park.

Baby Bat

Phillip found a baby bat when we returned home from Applebees.

Fathers Day fun

The kids took me to Applebees for Fathers day.

Kitten

Well we have new addition to our pet population. I still don't know what to name her but I think the girls want to call her:

Cassiopeia (IPA: /ˌkasiˈəʊpiə, ˌkasiə(ʊ)ˈpɪə/) a northern constellation which Greek mythology considered to represent a vain queen who boasted about her unrivaled beauty. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy.

The boys want to name her Puppet from the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. I think that name fits better.

Phillips Graduation

Phillip graduated today. We had a good crowd for the homeschool graduation ceremony. Phillip played guitar for the opening song and I presented him with his diploma.

LFR Church Camp

Our youth group went to camp at LFR for a church weekend retreat. I brought the whole family except for the cat. Sam got his own bunk below Michael. We had a hard time getting him to give up his bed.

Tales from the Crypt

We went to a semetary in a town close by and enjoyed a community drama portraying the history of the towns people.

In the pond

Sam's favorite place is in the pond. I run with him in the mornings, Michael takes him in the woods for lunch and
Beth walks with him in the afternoon around the pond.

Julia and Michael

Julia and Michael try out one of the tire swings next to the tree house.

We love Sam

Having this dog has been the best thing for us right now. I can't say enough good things about him. He learns quickly and needs lots of affection.

Sam

We named him Samwise. (For Samwise Gamgee on the Lord of the Rings)

Sam for short.

From Wickpedia:

In J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, Samwise Gamgee, commonly known as Sam, is a fictional character who was Frodo Baggins's servant and companion on the journey to Mordor. He is one of the major characters in The Lord of the Rings.

I will post more photos later. This one is of the first time we met. Someone gave him as a Christmas present and they couldn't keep it so they were giving it away to a good home. He is a pure bred border collie, smart, obediant, and loving. The kids love him and he has plenty of room to run at our place.

He is only 7months old and will get just a little larger. I have been running with him in the morning. He has been a great companion.

Bald Eagle

We had lots of fun at the refuge. Lately Bald Eagles, like this one, have been nesting and have made the refuge their home. Time to invest in a longer range lens.

I got my chance to photograph this is immature Bald Eagle while he was circling overhead in search of food.