Carson Turns Two!!!

September 29th was a great day for Carson because it was his second birthday AND because BB, Big, and Tine were all in town to help him celebrate. Uncle T came out and joined us all for dinner and even helped Carson blow out his candles....

The other birthday boy, Carson Beck (aka the "other" Carson) came over to play in the afternoon. The boys always have a great time when they are together. It's so much fun watching them grow up.


On Saturday the 30th Carson had his party with a few kids at our neighborhood clubhouse. The kids loved playing with the toys in the children's center and I loved the fact that there weren't a bunch of people in my house ;o) The big surprise was a visit from Elmo!!! The kids were so excited he was there but as he got closer they weren't so sure. Elmo was having his picture taken with me and Carson wasn't too happy about this so he said to Elmo, "don't touch my Mommy." Too cute. After Elmo's big arrival, he led the kids on a wagon ride around the block.





We are on vacation right now (October 8th) and will post vacation pictures when we return. So far we've been to Malibu, CA for a few days, to my Great Aunt's 80th birthday party and to the San Diego Zoo. We've had a blast so far and tomorrow we head to Albuquerque, NM for the International Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Maggie Winn, Sept 29, 1994 - Sept 8, 2006

Today Maggie has left us to join others before her in doggie heaven. It was a very peaceful ending to such a full and joyous life. Maggie will be greatly missed! The picture below was from this morning, just before she passed on. We very much appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers as we struggle with this difficult time.


She was the central player in some of the happiest chapters of our lives. Chapters of young love and new beginnings, of new careers, many moves, and the birth of Carson. Maggie came into our lives just as we were trying to figure out what they would become. She became part of our melded fabric, a tightly woven and inseparable strand in the weave that was us. Just as we helped shape her into the family pet she would become, she helped to shape us, as well - as a couple, as parents, as animal lovers, and adults. Despite everything, Maggie had given us a gift which was priceless and free. She taught us the art of unconditional love. How to give it, how to receive it.

The above was adapted from "Marly & Me" by John Grogan. When I read this book it reminded me so much of how we felt about Maggie.

First Day of School

Our little boy is growing up...
This week he moved into a new class at Primrose and it's much more like a kindergarten classroom. He was so cute in his little backpack that I just had to share it with you all.