Way To Go Brynn!

We are so proud of Brynn! She was nominated by Mrs Miller as an outstanding student of character! We all got to go to school to celebrate with her and have a pizza party! Here's what Mrs Miller had to say about her... "Brynn is a joy to have in class. She is caring, helpful and respectful and shows great character in all that she does. Brynn is always positive and willing to help others. She is a great friend to her peers. I am so happy to have Brynn in my class this year. " YAY!!

Here she is with Danielle, the Assistant Principal on the left - and the Principal, Amy, on the right!

Adventures at the OdySea Aquarium!

Since Daddy was going to be away in China for a month, we booked a bunch of fun days out with Auntie Janice! His trip was cancelled last minute, but we're keeping our dates anyway to have some fun! On Sunday, we all needed to smile - so we went to the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale. The place is huge and amazing. I think one of the highlights were the otters. They were so cute!! Brynn is trying to figure out a way to take one home and it can live in our pool. Hmmm

She must be the animal whisperer because this particular penguin loved her too!

There were even sharks in the bathroom! Brooky wasn't a big fan of that - that's why she's BEHIND me!

They had an escalator that actually is like a tunnel! Pretty neat

Here's the crew!

Here we are! - these are the pics from a book we bought... we're at sunset here...

Now we're about to get attacked by sharks. I think I look a little too happy for that!

and here we are with our penguin friends!! Such a fun day! I asked the kids how they thought all the fish got there?? Brooky said very confidently that they came on a boat! Of course... a boat right in the middle of the desert! lol

A Tribute To Our Sweet Jack...

Heartbreaking pretty much sums up all of our feelings these past few days... We said goodbye to one of the best dogs I've ever had. Jack went to heaven on Friday March 31st to be with Maddy. My first 3 kids who taught me how to be a great Mom - Maddy, Jack & Jada - are together again. Our hearts are broken but I know he is not in pain anymore and is happy and will always watch over us. He loved us so much; you could see it in his eyes and he just always hugged you and held on tight with his paw. Most everyone who ever had the chance to meet Jack instantly fell in love with his gentle kind hearted little soul. He had such a sweet personality & for a big dog - he was so goofy with a lot of things. He didn't like water, he would not walk around anything that was in his way - he'd wait for you to move it, and he burped from the time he was a puppy. I've never met a dog like him! He would never hurt a soul and never even looked at anyone the wrong way. He was SO great with our kids and never even flinched even if they were pulling his ears or using him as a step stool. There will be a void in all of our hearts for a long time. This has been really rough - and watching our kids experience this for the first time has been heartbreaking. What do you say to Brooky who has been crying all the time because she wants Jack to stay with us? Or Brynn was already crying when we picked her up from kindergarten because she misses Jack and said our house doesn't feel like home without him? Joey is still little but I know he knows someone is missing and he always was so excited to feed Jack every morning. Things will definitely be different. I am forever grateful that he was with me for almost 14 years. He gave me so much unconditional love and affection and has a place in my heart that no other human or pet will ever replace. If you are reading this and ever got the chance to meet Jack and show him love, thank you! He definitely deserved that!

To Our Jack...
I miss your sweet little face more than anything. We are all so sad and I told the kids today that it's ok to be sad... it only shows how much we love you and how much you're missed. I saw a little golden at the park after picking Brynn up from school and it looked like you. I think that was a sign letting me know that you are happy and free. Just like Brynn's note to you said, "I hope you are happy in heaven with your Mom & Dad & Maddy". I'm sure you are! We will never forget you buddy. Thank you for being such a great dog and always being there for me through all of my challenges and my many moves throughout the years. Thank you for being such a great first dog to Brynn, Brooklyn & Joey - you gave them such a great experience of how a pet should be. You have set the bar high for any doggies in our future. There are no words to describe how much you mean to me and I will never ever forget you. We love you Jack! XOXO

So true...

Baby Jack! Born on June 25, 2003

These guys were best buddies and it brings me some comfort knowing that they have each other again.

My first 2 kids - love them both so much!!

The kids had a hard time dealing with this and they each grieved a different way. They both made him pictures though and Brynn wrote him a letter.

Animals are so smart. I redid the area where we had Jack after he passed away and Lily has just been sitting right here by his picture :(

Yes it is - will NEVER forget these guys!