SomeWhere Over The Rainbow

Here's the beautiful rainbow we captured on our drive back down the Interstate.

We had a fun day, and it ended with this amazing image. I guess Dorothy was right, somewhere over the rainbow dreams really do come true.

Cabin Fun '08

Here Rob, Brendan and I are at the Cabin last summer. We had gone up to spend the night, but ended up coming home the same day due to some major storms. It was a bummer, but made for some amazing sites... I will post the rainbow, and you will see how beautiful the scene was on the Lake where we were fishing at. We had a blast grilling, and Brendan is becoming quite the pro at it., supervised of course. We can't wait for this summer to get here, though we aren't sure how much travel we will get to add to our agenda if we get the house going... but hope to get a trip or two into the cabin at least. Have fun watching, and bare with Brendan's numerous attempts at lighting the grill. :0)

Round 8

We had hoped it wasn't true, but low and behold on February 6th Brendan had his 8th, yes that's right 8th, set of ear tubes surgeries. It was a breeze, thank goodness, though you will see from this clip someone was a bit feisty afterwards.

Brendan was having some nerves beforehand, but his doctor's and nurses were all great and helped him to relax. His anesthesiologist even found him lime flavored scent for the "gas mask!" If that wasn't cool, and we found out that Dr. Cook even let Brendan hold the mask on for his surgery. His E.N.T., Dr. Wilson, said that hopefully this would be our last go around with ear tubes. Joe had some problems growing up too, so let's just hope it doesn't damage his hearing too much.

After the surgery, Grandma Peggy came in with some balloons and Bakugan for Brendan. He got his special bunny from NOCH, I think this is his fourth!! Then Grandpa came by with a plate of sushi for Brendan to take home with him. And if that wasn't enough... He and Dad went out for a special sushi lunch later that day after he was feeling a bit better! Talk about living the high life! I am dying for sushi and this little munchkin has eaten it three times in the last two weeks.

He's feeling great now, and he says he can hear much clearer. Thank heavens... I was beginning to think we might be needing to get a hearing aid. ;-)

Ashley tinkle-time

Ashley is getting to be such a big girl! Here's a clip practicing potty-time on her princess chair. We were on a roll for awhile there, and it seemed like to only way she wanted to go to the bathroom was if she was on her potty. Lately though, we have been slacking a bit and she is back to being comfortable with a wet diaper... have no fear, Mama Mel is here!! We will get back on track and master the art of pee-pee in the potty. ;-) Have fun watching this one, and don't giggle too hard, or you might have to make a run to the bathroom yourself!

George

Here is a the newest member of the Milligan-Loughlin Crew: Gorgeous George is our 18 month old St. Bernard/Boxer mix. He is full of energy and life, a great running partner for Rob, and the best pal to the kids and myself.

We met him while being evaluated as an adoptive home for a rescue dog. The woman who was meeting with us was his rescue home, and just happened to bring George along for the ride that day. Brendan and I had been searching dogs on petfinder.com, and had come across his profile, but knew Rob would laugh at us if we confronted him with a St. Bernard mix... Go figure, Rob was the one who fell in love with him. You can see that from the video clip down below.

Before we could bring George home with us, everyone in the family had to meet him in front of the rescue parents. So on Tuesday, Jan. 27, I took Brendan to meet him. We weren't planning on bringing him home with us that evening, but had such a great time that we were given permission to take George home. Brendan and I looked at each other, giggled, and thought, what the hey? We'll just surprise Rob! It was a great car ride home, and he was so excited to walk into our home, his home, for the first time that night.

It has been a little over a week now, and everyone is adjusting nicely. We've had a few toys chewed up here and there, but for the most part George knows his place in the home. He loves playing with Ashley, and is so relaxed with her. She loves to give him kisses, and are still trying to explain to her that she shouldn't drink from George's water dish. ;-) Brendan has added doggy clean-up duty to his chores list, and is having a lot of fun with him too. I am looking forward to the weather breaking for spring so we can hit the trails with him. Brendan and George are really cute playing with his rope, and he loves to snuggle up for a good rub-down.

Ashley & George

These two are quite the pair! I was in the kitchen this morning cooking, when I realized how quiet it had gotten. Low and behold, I look around the corner to find Ashley and George cuddled up in his crate. She had closed them in!! If this doesn't make you giggle... ;-)