Go, Go, Goers!

Pria has definitely made herself at home. Her tail is always wagging, she snuggles in on the couch, and often follows us around, hoping for an extra ear or back rub. I made the mistake of trying to switch her food over to a new brand last weekend, so we've had a dog with some GI issues over the last several days. One night she got me up every hour to take her outside. That was reminiscent of having a baby, and I don't ever want to do that again. UGH. But, we've been giving her rice and beef, and so far, she hasn't had a runny pooh in over 36 hours, so...I'm hoping she's on the mend! (I mean, to be fair, she hasn't poohed at all in 36 hours, but I'm hoping that means that when she does, it won't be a disaster.) Plus, I know that the diet that she's been eating has been a bit easier for her to absorb, meaning there will be less waste. I thought when G was done potty training, my days of thinking and talking about pooh would be done. Clearly, I was ...

By far, the biggest news of this week is the furry new addition to our family. Pria, the 5-year-old rescue beagle, joined us last Saturday, and it's been fun seeing her transition into becoming one of our family members. She wasn't sure of us the first night, and waited by the front door, thinking her foster would be coming back for her (it was rather heartbreaking.) But, we lavished her with love and attention, and gave her space when she needed. She quickly figured out "her" spaces in the house...the multiple beds, and crate where she feels safe. I am so glad that we ended up putting the crate in the office right next to my desk. She hangs out with me so much during the day! Pria and I take multiple walks during the day (she's pretty easy to walk, and her tails wags so high when we're out in the neighborhood), which is good for both of us. I don't get the sense that she got many walks in her last (non-foster) home. Her joy at sniffing ALL the smells is a...

This is a big week for Ava...she had a band concert at the high school on Tuesday night, and for two of the songs, the 8th graders partnered with the RHS Wind Ensemble. They sounded fantastic! It was great to hear the music from the band program that she's moving into...and I think it helped inspire her for the marching band audition the next day.  Now, this isn't just any old marching band that toots their horns and plays a few drums half-heartedly. This is the Rosemount High School Marching Band, and they are amazing! They are award-winning, nationally recognized, and have marched in the Macy's Day Parade in 2017. They are also one of the only high school marching bands that have been invited to play in the Rose Parade twice. Next up is the Rose Parade in Jan 2023 (last time was in 2014.) So...we were really hoping that Ava would make the band. And guess what? SHE DID! Ava's level of playing is going to get even better AND she gets to ring in 2023 in southern Californ...

Yes, yes, I bought into the whole "feeling 22 thing". It's catchy, and this seems to be the only time in my life that I'll be able to sing that about a year. :) We had a wonderful time at our friends for New Years Eve. There were quite a few people there, which was weird. No, the people weren't weird, they were lovely. But it was really weird being around people for an extended amount of time. Since Ava and G are in school and Scott works out of the home five days/week, it's just me who is never around people. I mean, we have Teams meetings all of the time, but it's not the same as having to interact with a real, live person in 3D. Weird! But, it was fun! Scott managed to stay awake until 12:03pm, and then off to bed he went. I stayed up with Darren, Tiff, and their youngest daughter until 2:45am, and when I went to bed, I checked on G. He was laying down, but still wide awake, watching a move. As for Ava...I think she might have been up until 4am or so? I...

It's hard to believe the holidays are coming to a close...and 2022 is almost upon us (I'm writing this on NYE, so...by the time you read this, it WILL be 2022!) We celebrated Christmas Eve at my parents house. We snacked on goodies, slurped butterball soup, and shared a lovely dinner together. We enjoyed opening our gifts and once we got back home, we put together a slim plate for Santa and his reindeer (poor Santa has to eat a lot of cookies on December 24, so I'm mindful of how much food we leave out.) And then the kids headed off to bed! I did my best to stay up and watch the candlelight Christmas Eve service...so beautiful, and I wish we could be there in person. Butterball goodness... G insisted we read "The Night Before Christmas"...so we read from my very old copy Treats for the Santa man! I love that G wrote a welcome note to him :) We woke up at 2:45am because we heard a thump in the top level of the house. And no lie, my first thought was...Santa? But al...