Our new dog Buddy

We never thought we would own a dog, but I guess having kids makes you do crazy things! We adopted Buddy(at that time Fred) from a shelter last Saturday. He isn't what we were looking for in alot of ways, but we liked him. He just cracked us up! Buddy is a Lab/Bassett Hound mix-yes, we're seriuos! He is sooo mellow. He justs wants someone to love on him all the time. He doesn't bark and seems to be house broken. Maddie thinks she's pretty cool now. She hugs him all the time. He is still a dog though, and seems to enjoy rolling around in other dogs poop. I keep trying to convince Ben that anything Buddy does outside is like yard work and anything he does inside I will take care of like housework. Ben seems to think all things involving poop are my responsibility. Go figure! Anyways, we are glad to have an addition to our family, even a funny looking one!

Maddie's first trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Maddie had a blast at the pumpkin patch. She got to play all over the pumpkins, pet animals in the petting zoo, ride around in a wheelbarrow, and she even jumped in the Jolly Jump all by herself! This is such a fun age! Little things are so exciting to them because everything is a new experience. We sure are blessed to live in such a neat country that allows us to do all these fun things with our kiddos.

My Buddy Luke!

Meet Maddie's new friend Luke. He is 2 years old and alot of fun. Maddie will miss all the cool things they did together, but they can play again at Christmas time!

Utah With the Bullocks

We had a great time with our friend's the Bullocks in Utah this past weekend. This picture was taken after our kids had a blast running through the little crick (stream for Cali readers). It was really cold and Maddie couldn't get enough of that frigid water on her... 

Fun with the Fam!

We have had so much fun this last week hanging out with our family. Not only does "Big Grandma" live right up the street now, but "little grandma" has been visiting from Indiana and spoiling Maddie all week! We celebrated Carla's 27th birthday with some awesome ribs that Aunt Jenni made. And you can't beat a pie from Marie Callenders for $5.99! Maddie had a blast riding around with her cousin Grace in the Barbie Jeep. As you can see, things can get a little hectic at times. Maddie looks like she's about to lose her mind, but she is a little dramatic!

More Zoo Pics

Maddie's first trip to the San Diego Zoo

Grandma Karen and Papa C.V. came to visit from Indiana and joined us on our trip to the zoo. What a treat! We all had alot of fun and best of all it was free!!! Maddie's favorite were the Panda Bears and the Polar Bears. Grandma Karen bought her a Panda Bear that she's been snuggling ever since! Auntie and Grandma Lisa came along too, so Maddie had plenty of attention.