2008 at a glance

Happy New Year from Kota and Lily

I started our family blog the last week of January of 2008. Those who are avid readers to our blog have probably read all that this post contains. I was just thinking that as this year comes to close all that the Smith family had go on...everything from birthdays, surgery, weddings, Dr. appointments, oh! you get the picture. So let's see all that I can remember. If I get something wrong, which I probably will, I am going to blame it on my C.I.A.D.D. (Child Induced Attention Deficit Disorder)

January:

We celebrated Dakota's 2ND birthday (28Th) and Jed's 24Th birthday (1st). We also found out that Miss Lilyann~7 weeks old at the time~had a hole in her heart. January 22ND changed all our lives.

February:

Our family going to Corpus Christi for Matt and Sarah Duckett's wedding...we made a little vacation of it by taking in some sites around the city. (Texas Aquarium and U.S.S Lexington)

After our short vacation, it was back to Dr appointments, weigh ins, heart Dr visits, and keeping track of Lily's formula intake. February 20Th, Lilyann was admitted to the hospital for Failure to Thrive. She stayed just shy of 2 weeks. While there, Lilyann received the blessed feeding tube and RSV (which postponed her heart surgery date). But everything happens in good time...there is a season for everything.

March:

Lilyann came home from the hospital. Home is where the heart is. And we started the up and down weight roller coaster. Most was weight gain...thank God. It snowed this month...enough to stick for a little...which is not usual TX weather. Lilyann reached the long awaited 10 lbs mark!!

And we celebrated Easter with family and friends.

April:

This was the month of all months...You never knew what would happen next...Lilyann was the boss of this month. Lilyann had her open heart surgery on April 15Th. It was one long week for us all. The 5 hours that Lilyann was in surgery was the longest 5 hours of my life. Just waiting and praying and trying to stay upbeat for the sake of family and Dakota. Lilyann came home on April 22ND...one week after her surgery. Thanks for all your prayers.

May:

We celebrated my birthday (April 30Th) and Grandma's (1st) birthday and a late party for Andy (April 24Th, i think). Lilyann had a followup with the cardiologist and she got an excellent!! recovering nicely. And we ended the month with a trip to Temple, TX to visit Brittiany, Andy, and Alexis. While down that way, we went to San Antonio and spent the day at Sea World.

Also, Jed and I celebrated our 4Th wedding anniversary (28Th)

June:

Lilyann is up to 12 lbs!! and Dakota is loving the warm weather. It is swimming pool time. Dakota loved playing outside in the pool...making Shamu splashes. June 20Th was the day that my little brother, Phillip, got married. So, we went to FL for a long weekend. Spent some time at the beach, at the wedding, and with family. It was great seeing everyone that weekend.

July:

Lilyann is 13 lbs now!! She is doing great!! Dakota loved the fireworks and spending time with everyone during the 4Th of July. We also had our blueberry adventure. Picking blueberries and foraging through the "jungle" as Kota called it. More pool time and walks to the park.

August:

Lilyann is 8 months old...and receives the all clear from the heart Dr. All is well with Lilyann's heart. The hole has closed up. Thank you, God! We celebrate Samantha's 4Th birthday at the water park. Lots of fun in the sun this month.

September:

Labor Day was celebrated with friends and family swimming at Nana's pool. Lily and Dakota both loved it. Hurricane Ike made his presence made...blowing through East TX, knocking down trees and bringing the power lines with them. Fall is starting to show..the leaves are changing and cooler weather is coming.

October:

Lilyann is up to 17 lbs. Fall is in the air meaning the East Texas Yamboree is in town. Parades, rides, livestock shows, and more. This year, we took Pumpkin patch pictures at a local church. Everyone following the blog learned what Rhino poop is...lol...read the October archive to learn more. Memories.

November:

7X7...remember to pray for your children always. Obama was elected as President of the United States. Lilyann is still gaining weight, she just hasn't caught up with kids her age. Jed changes jobs. Now working for Safety-Kleen. We celebrated Lilyann's 1st birthday on Thanksgiving Day with the family.

December:

The Christmas tree was put up..and then decorated, and redecorated for the first week of December...thanks to Dakota and Lilyann. Christmas pictures are taken. Lilyann is at 17 lbs 4 oz...still below average but good given her 1st year of life. Dakota teaches mommy that everyone deserves a "Merry Christmas" no matter how mommy feels!! And Christmas with Family is priceless!

This is the end to our wonderful year. I pray that all reading had a wonderful year and will continue to have an amazing 2009.

Christmas with the Smiths

Make a Smilebox slideshow

**a note...I just started using this new site to do slideshows, postcards and whatnot...I didn't know that it would open another window to view slideshow...let me know if it doesn't work right. Thanks!**

Christmas time has come and gone. What a wonderful time. I felt like we were running from one thing to the next, but when I sit back and look at all the pictures, It was more than worthwhile. The kids had a wonderful time...and as a parent, I did too.

First off, we started Christmas Eve at our Christmas Eve service. It was nice. Singing Christmas carols and then Dr. Gray read the Christmas Story to all of the children. It was just what we all needed--> a time to sit back, forget about all the hustle and bustle and remember what Christmas is all about.

This year, we all (all includes Jed, myself, Dakota, Lilyann, Brittiany, Andy, and Alexis) spent Christmas Eve night at Grandma's. And Grandma made our Christmas Eve and Christmas morning so special. Grandma made Santa boot prints in the front entry way (ssshh!! don't tell the kids) and left Santa's bag where the boot prints end. The kids were eager to see what Santa had left for them. And then the present opening started...with a frenzy of wrapping paper.

Grandma knew exactly what everyone needed to make the day go on. I received a new coffee maker and Andy received a large container of coffee...EXCELLENT!! It was time to try out the coffeemaker and get our energy for the day! After presents, breakfast was started and we all started getting ready to go to Boo's house.

At Boo's house, it was time for Christmas dinner and of course, more presents. Christmas dinner was delicious...we all had our fill. Watching everyone open their presents is fun. You get to see the expressions on their faces and usually the excitement in their eyes. (Dakota was in one of those moods where I rarely saw the excitement...I think it was a mix between shyness, stubborness, and a tad bit of excitement...I guess you had to be there to get the picture--->it will be something we will work on this year with Kota Man.) After opening all the presents and snacking on Christmas dinner some more, everyone started to pack up and go their separate ways. Andy and Brittiany with Alexis headed off to Andy's family Christmas. Later, Aunt Samantha, Uncle Jerry, and the girls (Jerilyn, Katie, and Brooke) were off...after Kota played some baseball with Uncle Jerry.

It truly was a memorable Christmas. I think it makes it that much more exciting when you have little ones..and you get to experience Christmas morning not once but twice, through your eyes and through their eyes.

From the mouth of a child....

When a child sets you straight, it's quite humbling.

Tuesday was--how can i say it?--a day of all days. Things were just jumbling all together, the kids were underfoot, and it was cold and wet outside....and mommy is experiencing cabin fever. It was just one of those days. I called Marge to come pick up Lily since Dakota had an appointment at the WIC office (re certification). For me, this day couldn't get any worse. So Marge comes and gets Lily and Kota starts crying because he wants to go to Samantha and Cash's house. He doesn't want to go to the "Dr".

So we finally make it to the WIC office and Dakota turns a quick 20 min appointment into an hour appointment. For some reason, he didn't want to stand on the scale to be weighed and don't even try to get him to stand against the wall for height measurements. It was quite a hassle, so the WIC lady put Kota on the baby scale. Needless to say, the nutritionist was not happy with Dakota's stats...so she wanted to weigh and measure him again. It took awhile, but after a promise of his choice of 3 stickers, he was more than willing. This time, the weigh and measurements were correct and exactly what the nutritionist wanted to see. YAY!!

Kota is almost 3 yrs old (turns 3 on January 28Th) and weighs 29 lbs 4 oz. He is 38 inches tall.

Well, on to the reason of the post...what kids say!! We finally finish at the WIC office and now I am so ready for a nap and some quietness. I forgot that I had promised Dakota that we would stop by McDonald's for Cheeseburger and fries. So, now we are off to McDonald's. By this time, I'm stressed, not thinking about anyone else. I just want to get Kota his cheeseburger and fries and get to the house. I pull up to the pay window and hand the lady the money...and this is where is happens................. Dakota says, "Mommy, tell her Merry Christmas!" Just like that, I'm stuck in my own world thinking of what i will do when i get home, and Kota is thinking of others....wanting to make someone else's day bright. So, I tell the lady at the window, "Merry Christmas!!" You should have seen the smile on Kota's face not to mention the surprised look and smile on the lady's face. I truly think that that "Merry Christmas!!" was exactly what she needed to make it through the rest of her day. I sit and wonder...what might have not happened if Dakota wouldn't have set his mommy straight and told me to tell someone "Merry Christmas!!"

Lesson learned for me...and now I'm sharing with you.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good afternoon."

Lily Lu update

It has been almost 3 weeks since Lilyann's 1 yr checkup. With all the goings on of the holidays, I completely forgot to post an update about Lily. Here are Lilyann's stats:

• 27.5 inches tall (8.83%)


• 17 lbs and 4 oz (2.97%)

The percentages are where Lilyann is compared to other kids her age. So she is still in the below average range. The Dr decided to keep Lilyann on formula for 6 more months to ensure that she is getting enough calories, and proper nutrients to continue growing. Lily has tried milk, but doesn't really care for it; though she will sneak sips from Dakota's cup. So we are now on a Next Step formula. The Dr also put Lilyann on Singulair. Lily has had an off and on runny nose for the last 3 months. The Singulair seems to be helping...and without the runny nose, Lilyann is eating like a pro. I am still shocked at how much that little girl can put away.

All in all...Lilyann is doing good, just a little behind growth wise.

The Joys of December

No! I'm not talking about me...lol...but I am talking about all the exciting things going on. The spending time with family, dressing the kids up, taking pictures, and just having fun.

With the weather getting cooler, I decided to go out to my sister's house (Marg) where we dressed the kids up and took Christmas pictures..As you can tell from some pictures, the kids were getting aggravated with us. Lilyann wasn't feeling too hot--she was cutting molars; molar #4 is working on cutting through now.

Samantha and Lilyann had a great time taking pictures. They loved getting dressed up and dancing around in their pretty dresses. The boys (Dakota and Cash) were another story. I guess Boys will be Boys.

It's beginning to look like Christmas

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22,23~

Lilyann tasting the lightbulbs--i know, not a good thing, but it was a Kodak moment
Checking to see who was watching her~~she did manage to stand on tiptoes and grab that bell

Dakota putting the candycanes back on the tree and more than likely telling Lily, "No, sir!"

Lilyann tasting the candycane..she had to make sure that it WAS plastic

Dakota helping me put the ornaments on the tree

Christmas time is once again upon us. So, Let's all spread some joy and cheer.

Dakota and Lilyann are loving the Christmas tree and all the new things they think they can play with. This year, the tree has all plastic ornaments..so if the kids succeed in playing, nothing will get broken. All is child-proof..or so i think! Dakota was so excited to finally have a Christmas tree inside our house. When I first pulled the Christmas tree out of the shed, I put it together in the garage and plugged it in to see if the lights still worked. Only half of the bulbs worked; so as not to have to buy a new tree, I decided to take the strings of lights off. What a tedious job that was. I secretly think that you have to be all hyped up on coffee and sugar to be the one to put all the lights on those pre-lit artificial trees. Wowzers!! let me tell you, that took a better part of my morning unstringing lights. But I saved myself about $40 not having to go and buy another tree. This tree was/is our first Christmas tree we bought. I was pregnant with Dakota; and I got off work early to go to Walgreen's to find the last tree that they had on sale (this was a Black Friday sale item) A 6 ft pre-lit tree for $9.99...what a deal!! and this year, it proved to be a good deal as well. I'm all about good deals around here.

With the Holiday season in full swing, Dakota loves seeing all the lights on the way home. We are attempting to put up lights on the front of our house, but we still haven't gotten around to it..hopefully, soon.

It's beginning to look (and feel) alot like Christmas! Let's spread some cheer!

Happy 1st Birthday, Lilyann

Thankful. We all have a lot to be thankful for this year. Our Little Lilyann is now 1 yr old!! Today is her 1st birthday. I can't believe it has already been a year since Lilyann was born.

Lilyann--4D sono picture

holding daddy's finger--just after birth

It was November 29, 2007, when I was admitted. I had been for a checkup at the Dr's office that morning and the Dr said that Lily was high, she floating in all the extra fluids (I was on the verge of gestational diabetes during this pregnancy) So the Dr wanted me to check in Thursday evening to get everything ready for my Friday morning induction. At 6am on November 30, the Dr comes in to check me and see if I am all thinned out and dilated anymore...well, during this process, my water breaks. And all the fun begins. Around 6pm (i think), Lilyann Jade Smith was born...weighing in at 7 lbs 1 oz and measuring 21 inches long. It was one exciting day.

Lilyann with Great Great Aunt Gloria

On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008, we celebrated Lilyann's 1st birthday. We did a Blue's Clues theme party. Lily seemed to have a good time, even though she was sporting a Rudolph red nose from having a runny nose all week. It is surprising to see how quickly little ones change.

Happy Birthday, Lilyann. You are one special little lady. Mommy, Daddy, and Dakota love you very much.

Absence makes the Heart grow fonder

Dakota--he was in mid sing.

Lilyann with Dakota's Shamu we got at a yard sale

Lilyann and Dakota on the twisty slide

Action shot

Lilyann on her car that turns into a walker

Definitely true. I miss my husband so much. Jed has been gone since Sunday afternoon. He left to go to Houston for training for his new job. He will be working at Safety-Kleen. It will be a better job. He will still get the same pay but not have to work as many hours. He used to be a milkman (I'm going to miss my free chocolate milk...Dakota will probably miss it more than me, though.) and a usual day for him was from 4am to 4pm. If he finished early, it was great...if he didn't, not so great. He was paid salary. Now he gets paid by the hour. So it is definitely a better job.

Tonight, Jed comes home. He will get out of class at 4pm and then head home to his family. Dakota is ready to see Daddy. Lily had been saying, "dadadadada" the last few days. And I am ready to see my hubby. I am ready for someone to take care of me...lol

It has actually been a pretty smooth week for us--even without Jed being here. Jed's mom (Grandma) has helped out tremendously. Coming over in the evening time to help me put the kids to bed. I guess I took it all for granted...the small breaks that Jed would give me while he was here. The time to myself in the bathroom is a treasured break. Do you know how hard it is to do the paperwork when you have 2 children underfoot in the bathroom?? and if you close the door, they just stand at the door and cry/keep talking...fun times, I tell you!!

Another one of my lifesavers and safe havens this week has been Stomp Time at the Institute (the gym). We have become quite familiar faces at the gym this passed week. Dakota loves going to the daycare (stomp time, as he calls it) He doesn't even cry. He likes playing "with the guys". Lily enjoys it, too. Dakota and I started attending a Mom and Tots class..It is fun. I have met a few mommies there...and it gives Dakota and I a chance to have one-on-one time with Lily Lu. Dakota did okay the first class... the second class, he had a meltdown when the teacher picked up his green ball and put it in the bucket. But in the end, he told Miss Danielle "thank you" and helped her pick up all the blue mats when class was over. Not only attending the Mom and Tot class but also working out has kept me busy. I enjoy the time to walk the treadmill or ride the bike...with peace and quiet.

What a week it has been...it has been long, but it was fun. I learned a lot; and I now know not to take my husband for granted. I miss my nice long hot baths.

Another Day in the Life of the Smiths

Lilyann ~~ on the porch
Dakota riding on the tractor with Cash driving

Lilyann playing


Samantha and Lilyann

Another Day in the Smith household started early. We all got up (though Dakota wasn't happy about it) around 4 a.m. to take Jed to work. Lilyann had an appointment at the WIC office for her re certification. Since she will be a toddler on the 30Th of this month, she needed to be weighed, measured, and iron levels checked.

We make it to the WIC office around 8:35...a few minutes before a scheduled appointment 8:45. We waited almost an hour before they finally took us back. Lilyann was weighed...she is now 16 lbs 14 oz (a little under her last weigh in at her Dr's appt). She was measured...she is now 27 1/4 inches long. And her iron levels were checked~~via finger prick. After all this, we sit and wait some more (yay!! fun!!) and then we are called back to see the nutritionist. The nutritionist informs me that Lilyann is not on the chart for her weigh and she is really concerned about it. (as we are too...but given the circumstances, Lilyann is doing great!!) Now don't get me wrong, I'm concerned about Lilyann's weight (according to the nutritionist, Lily should weigh, at the least, 4 lbs more to be "on the chart" weight wise) but give us a break!! Lilyann eats anything we give her...and as much as we give her. She is like a food vacuum...consumes and picks up whatever is in her path. Maybe she just has a high metabolism...I don't know. After this, the nutritionist proceeds to tell me that Lilyann is anemic. Her iron levels are low. They are at 9 points and they should be, at the least, 11 points. So, hearing all this and dealing with 2 fussy children (we have been at the WIC office for 2 hours now) had me quite overwhelmed. It was a long morning. I talked with Jed and his mom and my mom about it. Jed and I came to the conclusion to wait and see what the pediatrician has to say about all of this. And see, if perhaps, Lily can have another iron test done at their office. I found some information on eating iron enriched foods and what to feed your toddlers and such...so I'm going to implement that into Lily's eating. If you have any ideas of ways to add more iron, Vitamin C, and protein to a child's diet...I'm all ears!!

Our day wasn't all about the WIC office. After the appointment, we went out to my sister's house, Marg. Dakota was excited to see Samantha and Cash. Lily and Kota both had a great time playing with their cousins. Samantha found out that she can pick up Lily...as you can see in the photo posted of Lilyann and Samantha. The kids had a great time playing in Marg's backyard...and the pretty leaves made for some great photos.

We ended our day with a trip to the gym. A nice work out to get rid of some of the frustrations of the day....and then topped it off with a trip to Grandma's house where Dakota watched his new favorite movie, Finding Nemo.

Thanks for listening about a day in the life of the Smiths....check back for more stories...coming soon to a blog near you.

Taste Test

Guess what happens when you turn your back to your children for a few seconds??? This:

Little Miss Lily Lu decided that she needed to taste her formula...and she didn't want it from her bottle. She wanted it as the powder. When I wasn't paying attention, she pulled her diaper bag off the table and found her formula container. She emptied it, tasted it, and tasted it some more...and then decided to crawl through the wonderful formula mess. She comes crawling to me somewhat proud of her accomplishment and taste test adventure.

As I've said before, there is never a dull moment here!

7x7

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
~2 Chronicles 7:14~

One thing for sure, I'm overjoyed that all the political advertisements are over. Though now it is a very crucial time for our nation. Some seem to find that bashing the new President-elect makes the fact that their candidate didn't get elected makes their bashing okay. The President-elect needs all the prayers that he can get. I'm so glad that I do not have to fill those shoes. Being a mommy and wife is hard enough for me.
Just adding this post to remind you all to pray for our President, President-elect, and the First families.

The above button was posted on a blog that enjoy reading: Bring the Rain, The Story of Audrey Caroline. Angie Smith is the blog author; she is the mother of Audrey Caroline, and wife of Todd Smith (a vocalist in the group, Selah). She posted this button for everyone to add to their blog to remember to pray for your children especially with all the changes that are happening and will continue to happy in our great United States of America. Here is a link to Angie's blog if you would like to check it out: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

I urge you all to pray for your children daily...and to pray for our nation.

Halloween weekend

Dakota and Alexis
Dakota, Alexis, and Uncle D

Lily Lu

Smiling Dinosaur Dakota

Buzz Buzz Lily Lu

It was a quiet weekend. Dakota left on Thursday night with Grandma (Jed's mom) to go visit his cousin, Alexis, in Temple, TX. While in Temple, Dakota went to Boo at the Zoo (he wouldn't wear his costume, though) and he got to go to the park with Alexis and Aunt Brittiany (if you are reading this, Britt, he still talks about going on the trains...he had a blast!!)

Lily stayed home with mommy and daddy. This weekend, we went to Canton's Trade Days. It was fun...there were tons of people there. And when we weren't at home, we were at the Institute (the gym that our local hospital started). They offer daycare so that Jed and I can exercise without having to worry about what the kids are doing.

It was a nice relaxing weekend. Enjoy the pictures.

Memories...

Memory: The faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of previous thoughts, impressions, or events.
Reminiscence: The act or process of recollecting past experiences or events. An experience or event recollected. A narration of past experiences. Often used in the plural. An event that brings to mind a similar, former event.

What is in a memory? What memories do you have that are triggered by a sense? I have many memories triggered by the sense of smell. Like smelling the cool, crisp fall air; a hot sweet potato pie fresh from the oven; and one that triggers the memory of fall/winter is this: the smell of the dust burning off the coils on the heater. You may wonder why a smell as that would trigger a memory...oddly, it does. You have to realize that I lived in the South my whole life (Born in Georgia, Grew up in Florida, and now Raising a family in Texas) So we, Southerners, aren't avid heater users. This morning was the first time we have turned on the heat since last winter. I'm not sure of the temperature outside, but inside the house it was a chipper 64 degrees. A little too cold for the kids. When I turned on the heat this morning, it started almost instantly. The dust starting burning off the coils. It brought back the memories of my dad turning on the heater for the first time of the cold season. I, and all my siblings, loved this--it meant that on the cold mornings the first one of bed could sit in front of the heater and warm up. The key was being the first one out of your warm bed to sit on the floor in the living room in front of the wall heater. It always seemed like my brother, John, made it to the heater first. Aww! such sweet memories.

The Fall and Winter Seasons hold many memories for me (and I'm sure for others, too). I love cuddling up on the couch with a book--well, when you have kids...you don't get this chance very often. It is more: I love cuddling up on the couch with the kids watching a Movie. Another experience about the cool weather is starting the day with Hot Chocolate. I started this when I moved into my own apartment. I love Hot Chocolate with marshmallows. I tried to get Dakota to try some hot chocolate, but no, all he wanted were the marshmallows. So, Dakota had his marshmallows; and I had my Hot Chocolate...and shared a marshmallow with Lily Lu, of course!!

Not only do I love enjoying the warmth inside but also I love being outside in the cool, crisp air. We did just that yesterday. Jed has been trimming the brush away from along the back fence; so Myself and the kids played outside on the swing set. Dakota climbed in his "castle"; and Lily Lu played in the grass with the leaves. Dakota (as you see in the picture above) enjoyed saying, "Cheese!" for me while standing on the tree stump. Dakota is growing into a little man. And it is happening fast! I hope he doesn't start changing like the seasons.

East Texas Yamboree

At the Livestock show
Lilyann with her balloon
Dakota and Lilyann on the carousel with Boo
Dakota riding the ladybug ride--see monkey sitting with him?
Lilyann with Grandma and playing with Uncle Leonard

What a wonderful weekend we had here in East Texas! This weekend was the Annual East Texas Yamboree. http://yamboree.com/ A festival dedicated to the yam/sweet potato (yummy!!) Dakota and Lilyann are both big fans of this famous yam...especially the way their Boo (Jed's grandma) makes them. I love sweet potatoes, too. Nobody makes them like our Boo.

Enjoying some funnel cake and corn dogs
Dakota watching the parade with Daddy

This year, Dakota was tall enough (over 36 inches) to ride most of the kiddie rides. He rode the carousel with his Boo; the ladybug ride and a car ride, all by himself; and then he finished out by riding the Pebbles and BamBam train ride with Grandma. It was an eye-opener seeing my once little baby boy, Dakota, riding big boy rides all by himself. He is growing up so fast. My little man will soon be 3 yrs old. It is hard to believe how fast they grow up. It seems as if time is running away from me.
I can't believe I almost forgot to tell about the Queen's Parade. This parade includes the Yam Queen, Duchesses, local school bands, and different organizations sponsoring the Yamboree. Lily enjoyed the parade. She sat on the curb and watched the parade for a bit; and when one of the marching bands came by, she decided to crawl out to join them.
Lilyann watching the parade
Crawling out to the band

Playing "redneck horseshoes" with Aunt Georgia

Not only did we have a wonderful time at the Yamboree but also we were able to spend some time with Great Uncle Leonard and Great Aunt Georgia. Dakota loved being outside with Aunt Georgia...she showed him how to play--i think it is called, Redneck Horseshoes. Dakota loved that. And Lily was so taken with Uncle Leonard. She enjoyed sitting with him...she always seemed to smile when she saw Uncle Leonard.

We, also, went to the livestock show. We saw rabbits, goats, cows, bulls, etc. Dakota wasn't too fond of being so up close and personal with the animals. And listening the auctioneer had me laughing and wondering if the auctioneer actual understood what he was saying...It almost sounded like he was singing.

It was a wonderful weekend. And to top it all off, we enjoyed dinner at Boo's house. What a great end to a perfect day.