Vicious or not?

NOT! Brown, please! You might look at this pup and think she is a vicious, wild beast. You would be absolutely and completely WRONG! This is Brown when she is scared, in trouble, tired, cranky, lonely, happy, sad......anything but mad. It's mostly a way to know that she has done something wrong. However, try to explain that to unknowing people walking down the street who bend down to pet a cute little brown dog. GRRRRR....

Pool Time

As expected, Van loved the pool. Just like Riley he is not scared of the water at all. He kicks and splashes as fast as he can. Riley has come a long way with swimming. She was, by far, the worst swimmer in her class, but we found that with her floaties and a little direction she is going to be just fine. She LOVES jumping in the water and is getting more comfortable doing without her raft or floaties. Papa took them to the pool during the week and occasionally we went on the weekends. The pool is closed and another summer is behind us. Now back to driving past the pool twice a day and explaining to Riley 10 times why we can't go and how long she has to wait to go again. Fun!

Van and Declan

Here's some pictures of Van and his..............not sure what to call him. This is his friend, Declan, who is his cousin Taylor's little brother. They are 5 weeks apart. We look forward to them growing up together!

Can't forget Mrs. Brown

Deep in conversation.

Sweet Brown kisses.

Brown in action.

Refusing to smile.

Refusing to smile again.


There's nothing like a Brown Dog. Charlie Brown is such a unique puppy. What Callie doesn't have, Brown makes up for. She is the cutest puppy I've ever seen and by far the sweetest. She can snuggle like no other and, as many of you have seen, she smiles. She refuses to allow it to be photographed or video taped. She is not interested in stardom, which it would surely bring if captured on film. She doesn't like people coming around and prefers other dogs to stay away, but isn't confrontational. She would just prefer it be her and the family. She LOVES Van. Has since day one. She likes to sit right by him and will let him pet her. Van is much more gentle than Riley and I think Brown senses that. Plus, she actually fetched a ball a few times! She really did! We are considering calling her a real dog now. But just considering.......

Absolutely Stunning!

I know what you're thinking...."Is that dog for real?" Yes, she is and she is actually even more stunning in person. Callie has a whole new world open to her now that Riley can throw her ball with a launcher that helps it go far. She and Riley will throw the ball all night and even some of the neighborhood girls come over to play too. Cal loves it! She doesn't notice if another dog walks by, she doesn't care if you're mowing or people are playing with other dogs at neighboring homes. All she cares about is the ball. That's it. Nothing changes with her. She can still go for hours (although she does squeeze in a rest every now and then) and loves the exercise. I am thrilled to have her out front playing and burning off some of her endless energy. Plus, it's gives the neighbors and people who drive by a chance to revel in her beauty. It's truly is amazing. And she's the smartest dog ever!

So, it's been a while......

These pictures are from the end of spring and early summer. Of course, a lot has changed, but at this time we were just getting to start to enjoy the outside. Weather was getting better and Van and Riley love being outdoors! Van was sitting up at this time, but still hadn't rolled over and no sign of any teeth. Riley was well into gymnastics and loving it! She followed instructions really well and absolutely loved the class. It also started helping her understand and notice the different days of the week. She started asking lots of questions about where she went each day and why she she to get up earlier on some days. Of course, in true Riley fashion, she asks 5000 times a day "Where am I going tomorrow?" and then "Where am I going the other tomorrow?" Eventually, we just followed up with "I don't know. Where are you going tomorrow?" She answered her own question every time. I'd love to say that she only did that for a few months, but that would be a lie. She still does it 100's of times a days. Van refused to roll over, won't grow teeth, but was sitting up really well on his own late this last spring. He was eating baby food on a regular basis and loved all of it. We also discovered that he wants to try everything. EVERYTHING. He will try and food you give him (soft food only). He loves beans and real veggies and fruit. We are hoping this will help guide him towards being a better eater.

We have all been doing great! It's nothing but crazy around here and I don't get much time for anything other than running the house and working, but I hear it's all worth it in the end. I'm holding thought on to that for dear life!

P.S. Riley still loves Justin Beiber and has requested to change her name to Riley Beiber. Van has a lamby that he can't live without and sometimes he get embarrassed when other boys see he needs it to sleep or calm down.

Family Update

Taking a quick "Brown Nap". Nobody naps like a Brown Dog.

Riley is the tiny dot in the pink leotard.

Riley already wants to dress Van up.

Brown does a great job of watching over Van.

I know I start almost every post this way now, but I am sorry I haven't updated this in a long time. I really need to organize my time a little better. My life is crazy and hectic, but I sure do love to brag about my babies so here goes....

Riley is doing great! She is getting so big. She has started gymnastics and swim lessons. Gymnastics is going great. Swim lessons are not. She loves gymnastics. She is very good about following the teachers instructions (can't seem to bring those same behaviors home) and trying new things. I get such a kick out of watching her. She is really outgoing and has such a bubbly personality. She gets that from me....clearly. Swim lessons.....the good news is she really likes going. The bad news is she is most definitely the worst one in the class. We are making no progress. We are going to really work with her while at the pool on the weekends. She isn't scared of the water which makes a big difference. I know she'll get better.

Riley is also getting very good at "testing my limits". She is a very strong willed child. That's the nicest way I can describe her. I can appreciate her determination but it's very difficult to reason with her. Most of the time, it's funny. I have a hard time keeping a straight face. Baby is also developing a love for make-up and jewelry. It makes me so happy! I can't wait to shop with her! The fun we'll have.......... She is also such a good sister and adores Van. We are working on being gentle with him and sharing with him. I think they will be great friends!

Van is the best little boy ever! He reminds me so much of Riley. They could be twins! He is getting so big and handsome. He has the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen. He sits up and plays by himself now which is a big help in the mornings. However, he refuses to roll over or grow teeth. Just like Riley. Callie has even been working with him on rolling over. She tries to show him how easy it is, but he isn't interested. He is sleeping much better at night and is slowly getting a solid schedule down. He insists on being held all day long. That's not an easy task for us and he spends a good amount of time throwing a fit while sitting on the floor. He is such a joy, though. I know for a fact that no woman could ever love him half as much as I do (so there's no point in even trying, ladies). I plan on being the only lady in his life forever. I'm sure he'll be fine with that.

Overall, I have the two best kids (and dogs). Even though I don't have time to do anything but chores, I wouldn't change it for the world. They all complete me.