Happy January

Now that the holidays have passed it's time to catch back up with the blog. It feels like we've had so much going on over the past few months. Of course we had the holidays, which we kept pretty low key this year and just spent it at home together.

Angie has been very busy with work. As many of you know, she recently went to school to become an esthetician and she has been working for the past several months at a spa not far from home. She loves it! Earlier in January, she was able to take some time off to go back to Iron Mountain to attend Grandpa Marv's birthday celebration. I've included some pictures of the event courtesy of Roxann (Lady Jane).

While Angie was out of town, I got to play Mr. Mom to Sidney running her to school, her friend's, and everywhere else she needs to go. She is one busy girl! I think we both enjoyed being able to spend the time together.

Way too Long

So it's been waaaaay too long since my last update.  I can't even begin to recount all the events that have gone on during the past 6 months....really? It's been that long? Sigh.  Anyway, the good news is I am renewing my commitment to keep this blog up to date.  Maybe I need to work on a means to fine myself when I go too long without posting.  Maybe a token amount to our family fun fund?

 I blame Facebook...really I do.  But now I've even been neglecting posting there.  So back to the blog I come.

I won't go into details of all the goings on over the past 6 months, but suffice it to say we had a fabulous summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and everything else.  The zoo is very much looking forward to the holidays and while we aren't trekking away from home, each of you will be in our thoughts.

I promise to at least have a Christmas posting, if I don't provide one before that.

Emotional Day

Today we said goodbye to our great friend and family member, Titan. We have spoiled him the past few days. Last night he had steak for dinner and Frosty Paws ice cream for dessert. We spent this morning at the dog park and then bid our farewells. He went very peacefully, looking as if he was simply laying on the floor like he does at home.

After a day of grieving, laughing, and crying, we were treated to Titan smiling down over our home in the form of a beautiful rainbow. On a day that called for no rain, we had a few showers followed with an amazing double rainbow directly over our house. We know in our hearts it was a special request from our best boy ever. All our love. We miss you Titan.

Sweet Titan...

Many of you received an email from Angie earlier letting you know of our painful decision to let Titan move on to the next stage. I'm sure I can not express our true feelings any better than Angie already has, so I will just copy her email here:

Hello All,

As most of you know, our sweet Titan has developed a neurological issue since November of last year. We have decided to let God take over and leave it to his hands. Titan has lived a full, blissful, happy 11 years and it is time where we believe his life isn't quality enough to continue the battle. This decision has been hard not only because we are losing a best friend, but he is mentally fine. As a family, we will lead Titan into another world Saturday morning. He will be deeply missed but we are excited for his journey.

Titan sends his lasting love.

Since Angie's email, we've received a number of replies providing support. Thank everyone of you for you thoughts and prayers. While this has been a difficult decision, we know it is for the best. Titan is being spoiled for the next few days before he goes to his favorite dog park to play with all his new friends. One day we will all be together again.

The Travelling Man

Pictures from NYC

This quarter has been a busy travel one for me. I've been out of town 4 of the past 5 weeks, visiting Mountain View, CA, New York, and Dublin. Travel is one part of my job I really enjoy, but when it all comes at once, it can be overwhelming. Add that to starting the process of selling the house, Angie finishing up school, taking tests, and Alex graduating has proven to be very busy times for us.

Pictures from Dublin

The Graduate!

It's hard to believe Alex's graduation day has finally arrived. Eighteen short years have passed and she has reached that milestone we all remember looking forward to throughout our teenage years.

Debbie and Robert flew in from NC to attend the graduation and we all spent the night at a hotel in Greeley the night before the graduation since the ceremony was at 8AM. Taylor stayed with us at the hotel and we all enjoyed sitting by the pool after dinner. My sister Nancy and my mom stayed at a nearby hotel, so we all met up and headed to the high school the next morning.

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the ceremony. The sun was shining and the skies were blue. If anything it was a bit too warm considering there was no shelter from the sun. It could have been much worse if the graduation took place later in the day.

After the ceremony, Michelle and Troy held a graduation party at their home. They cooked most everything, including delicious BBQ. Alex was so excited to be finally done with high school, you could just see the glow on her face. All in all it was truly a great day and I have never been so proud.

Alex recently accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy prep school and is awaiting to find out when she reports. This has been a long time goal for her and we are all very proud.

WAY TO GO ALEX!!!

Horse Show

Many of Taylor's favorite activities include anything that has anything do with horses. She has been active in 4H over the past few years, nearly always involved in a horse project. Fortunately she has 2 horses she gets to take care of and enjoy. Every time I see her around them, she truly shines and is completely responsible for them.

Today was one of her horse shows, so I went up to Kersey to spend the day attending the events. I didn't get to spend too much time with Taylor, as she was very busy tending to the horses and participating in various events. She did very well, winning several ribbons and even Reserve Grand Champion in one of them.

When the show took a break for lunch, Alex, Taylor and I went to Kersey Pizza and enjoyed lunch together. It was great to spend some time with the busy girls.