Teresa at Four

Teresa at four is a wonder to experience. She is kind, hilarious, bossy, infuriating and imaginative. Teresa at four can melt my heart one second and anger me the next. She is so special, so precious that every time I try to describe her my words are inadequate, so I will simply say this. Teresa at four is a blessing, our great joy.

Four

Teresa is now four, and it boggles the mind to think she has been around for four years. It seems so much longer/shorter than that. This year Teresa requested a princess tea party, and that is what she got. I loved seeing her school friends all dressed up and running like maniacs in the park. Teresa and the girls had a good time, and so did I. Ken, well, you'll see....

Climbing in a princess dress takes a certain finesse....

Being "king" has it's privilages.

Opening presents

Frances being Frances.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

The Social Event of the Season...

4 years (minus one week) ago, Teresa came to us and as such we have to plan her birthday.  This year she asked for a Princess Tea Party, so we will be having one with some of her preschool friends (and aunties) on Saturday, then the grandparents along with other family on Monday.  I thought you might be amused by her invitation.

I find it hard to believe that I have a four year old...

First of Many

Wednesday was Teresa's second first day of school, the day she has been anticipating for two weeks now. She loves school, her friends, her new teacher, and I love that she's excited. I love her independence, giving me a quick kiss before heading off to do puzzles, and her excitement of seeing us when we return. School has never been a time for tears, and I hope it never is.

Addicted too Young

If Frances decides to love chocolate any more, we may have to stage an intervention.

All Dogs Go to Heaven?

Well, while I am well aware the I am not on solid doctrinal ground here, I am pretty sure that every day I see Rowdy I am seeing the first dog destined towards sainthood.  Rowdy came to us just under 5 years ago now, where he was for a very short period in time #1 in the house, getting all of our attention...  Of course we all know why he slipped down the ranks, but it is wonderful to see how well he plays with the girls, and how he just leaves when he doesn't like what is being done.

This has been a tough summer on Rowdy, as we left him for the first time in a kennel.  Although he was playing with dogs constantly there, when we got back you could tell how happy he was.  We then retired to one of his favorite places, Grand Beach where he got more pets than ever from my dad, but he was restricted from swimming in the lake for too long due to the algae slick.  He continues to prove his mettle on a daily basis.  Today I saw some things that I had to take pictures of and share.  As the years have gone by we spend less time taking pictures of Rowdy, but he keeps showing up in the background.  Here is our gracious dog back in the foreground.

In the background, but happy likely due to consumption of dropped food.  We have to check his total food intake daily...  And at least one person/thing is looking good in this picture.

Rowdy in his element.  If you look closely there a bajillion dragon flies.

Princess Rowdy.  Please note the fearlessness of Frances.

And let's grab the princess' tail.  I am sure Rowdy is thinking here "Why don't you help me?"

Paging Dr. Dog...

I was told that these were all of Rowdy's babies.  Teresa has also told us how he has babies in his tummy before, this is their first adventure outside.  Rowdy initially moved away because Teresa was sticking them under his belly.

A wet dog is a happy dog.