On a Brighter Note...

Eli had his 4-month checkup Monday, and he is doing great. He laughs and babbles all the time, can roll over onto his stomach, lift his head up for about15 seconds while on his stomach, grab one foot at a time, recognize family members and smile when we come into view, and he sleeps for about 10 hours at night.

Hayes taking pictures of the checkup.

Eli now weighs 13 lbs 6.2 oz. Length is 26" and head circumference is 41.75cm.

Hayes taking a picture of his foot.

Here we are with our pediatrician, Dr. Pradeep Reddy. He is so kind, personable, and makes sure all my questions are answered. He has a 7 year old daughter and a 5 month old son (born a month before Eli).

A Tribute to Roscoe

Last night our family pet of seven years went to live at a Beagle Rescue Group of Illinois. They will find a home for him that hopefully consists of a family with a farm so he will have lots of room to romp around, and come back to play with the family when he needs some loving.

Roscoe has provided a lot of stories and conversations over the years. Not to mention the memories of being our first dog, first four-legged baby, and the move to Illinois.



I could tell you about the endless Nutra-Grain Bars, waffles and any other food he has swiped from the table (sometimes he even got up on top of the table on all fours chowing down)...

the time Sheldon had just finished cleaning our carpet - he let Roscoe inside and Roscoe immediately peed on the carpet...

the time Sheldon spent several hours fixing holes in the fence at our old house in Easley then Roscoe dug another hole and got out that same day...

all the times we've told Roscoe to get off the couch (because of the endless shedding)...

all the times he begrudgingly let Hayes run and jump on him, chase him around the house and lasso him...

the time Roscoe got out of our house in Illinois, and I had to prop the door open and wait for him to come in while crouching in the recliner. I had to push the recliner back and quickly close the door behind him...

the time he got out in Easley around 11pm one night (he would usually stay out at least 2-3 hours before coming home), and our next door neighbors opened their window and said "shut up, Roscoe" then slammed the window closed...

the time in the near future where I am going to have to replace five blinds in our home that Roscoe damaged


I'm confident Roscoe is going to be a happier dog with a new family. He's not going to have to be boarded at the vet all the time, and will be around other beagles for a little while waiting for a home.

Goodbye Roscoe, Rossketti, Sketti, Houdini, Boscoe - Russian Beagle. It is going to be hard not having you around, and I know one little 3 1/2 year-old that desperately misses you already (sob, sob). I'm just hoping Hayes won't remember your departure. That was the hardest part.

Goodbye to our vacation!

More Vacation Pics

Shopper in training at Paul's Supermarket. Poor thing was so tired, but when he saw the mini shopping cart he was a whole new boy.

Eli chillaxin!

Hayes loved his double bunk beds! I was afraid he would fall off he top, but thankfully he didn't.

This is Pancho Willie from the Mexican restaurant, Vista Grande. Entrees were great! Salsa that they serve and sale is NOT so great. Also, the guacamole is NO match for Taco Boy on Folly!

Crusin on the lake

Sheldon and Hayes coming back in from being on the lake. Hayes LOVED the waverunner! Apparently he was yelling and waving to other boaters and wanting Sheldon to go faster. When they went fast he said they had super powers.

Abstract Artist?

Things got a little crazy around here last week so I pulled out the paint! Here is Hayes's painting he did all by himself. He said it was a turtle. Can you see it? I can. I'm thinking it's a green leatherback.

(Don't worry Mom! I know what you are thinking, and I did not let him paint on top of the tablecloth.)

You've Got a Friend in Me

We haven't seen Toy Story 3 yet, but can't wait!!!

Hangin at the pool

Hayes is swimming all around the pool in his water wings; Eli's first time in a pool.

Happy Father's Day!

Brought a few Clemson items back for Sheldon for Father's Day, and the Band of Brothers DVD collection that he has been asking for for seven years. He's already watched a couple of episodes.

We spent the day at the pool and then headed out for dinner at Lil' Rizzo's. Sheldon enjoyed a steak brought out on a hot skillet that you cook to your liking at the table. It was yummy.

View of the Lake of the Ozarks

View of Osage Beach area of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri from our condo. Pool, beach and playground is below.