Riley-dog

We found out that my family's dog is really sick and will probably not be with us for much longer so the boys and I made an uber quick trip back to Sac to say goodbye to Riley-dog and give him some last loves. T was trying to make sense of it all. I told him that the doggie-doctor said that Riley was really sick and will be going to live with Heavenly Father soon. "You mean he's going to DIE?" he asked in a scared, shocked, confused and genuinely curious tone. So we had a good talk about heaven and about death and about how Riley will be happy even though we will miss him so much. That night he prayed for "all the people on earth who are missing their dogs or their people who are in heaven." I smiled and cried. He is so sweet. 

 

We decided to bring Riley cupcakes from Sprinkles to make him happy. The doctor said to do the things with Riley that we usually wouldn't or couldn't (or shouldn't!) do so a caramel apple cupcake was definitely a must from a cupcake-lover like me. He loved it, although I probably should have cut it for him before letting him inhale the whole thing ;)

The boys were really sweet and gentle with him. Everett turns everything into a sword lately and did try to battle Riley once or twice, but luckily it wasn't too extreme! Talmage gave him lots of love and was so soft and tender.

As always the trip was far too short (and ended with a very sick Talmage) but I'm so glad we got to say goodbye to Ri, should he not be there the next time we go home. He's been such a loving, kind, obedient and loyal dog. I still remember the day we brought that rolly-polly puppy home for Christmas, his endless licks after my wisdom teeth surgery and his gentleness as we've brought each new grandbaby into the family. What a good, good dog. We'll miss you Riley!

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All on a rainy day

Many days last week were rainy ones in these parts. Add that to a whole lot of virus going around our house and we have been spending a lot of time inside. The rain mostly excites Talmage. Usually he is out of bed and in boots on our patio in lightning speed, with McQueen umbrella in hand of course ;) I'd love the rain a little more if my boys liked to cuddle and watch movies but alas, they don't. I try to keep busy though!

This rainy day happened to be laundry day. And this is what happens when Evie's blanket has to be cleaned. I wish I was kidding when I tell you that he sobbed during most of the wash and all of the dry cycle. It was insane! I disgustingly put off washing his blanket because I know this will happen--but the corners of the blanket were straight as a board so I knew it was time!

More pictures of the laundry madness! Poor kid really, really, really loves that blanket. What is it with my boys and blankets?

Luckily I was able to distract him (for a few minutes) with play dough. I could tell he thought he was a super big deal playing at the table with his brother and it was way too adorable. And I got to see his smile again, major plus!

I seriously LOVE that smile. It's so happy and bright and cute! I saw that smile until he realized that his blanket was still in the washing machine. Then the tears returned.

I kept telling Evie to watch what T was doing with the playdough so he could learn the right way to play with it (you know, instead of shoving it in his mouth by the fistful!)

And T was a good little teacher! He was working so hard on "his special work." We also colored on the doors with our window markers and did Halloween crafts. It was a great rainy day!

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Basketball

Basketball season is right around the corner and no one is more excited than Evie Knight. He LOVES balls in general, but especially basketballs. He frequently can be found plopped down right in the middle of the courtyard basketball hoop--he just loves to watch the big boys play (and they are SO nice to him!)

On Friday Stanford had their first scrimmage and the boys were excited to suit up in Stanford gear to cheer for our Cards. But first we grabbed dinner at Arillaga dining hall, which has proven to be our favorite lazy-night place lately.

Franklin and Talmage were running through Maples Pavillion singing songs about how they are friends and love basketball. I wish I had it on camera because it was seriously priceless.

They then proceeded to do all of the same things in multiple pictures in a row:

Can you tell they spend a lot of time together? ;) 

Our friends the Gibb's were also at the game, and even amidst the whistles, game and my screaming hooligans their little girl fell fast asleep. We were all laughing so hard about the cuteness! It was such a fun night.

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First day of soccer

Talmage is doing a soccer program once a week called Soccer Shots. It's held at his preschool and he was so excited for his first day. (Although the only soccer practice he has known was with his cousin Kai at the park by Mema's house so at first he was excited because he thought we were going to Sacramento.) He was running and stretching and doing a great job with drills. It was too cute! 

 

 T is in the tie-dye. His bestie Frankie in the orange.

The two boys showing me their "Goal!" sticker after practice. I'm pretty sure both boys had lost their stickers by the time we got home, but they were excited while it lasted!



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My Pancake Makers

James let Talmage help make Saturday morning pancakes. T was thrilled and kept yelling, "Hey Mom. I'm flipping pancakes. Wanna come see? Wanna come watch?" SO adorable!

He even smiled for a picture. I know. Crazy. (And yes, technically I think that is a smile!)

The absolute deliciousness that came from their kitchen-duty. I LOVE pancakes...and add chocolate chips in them and I'm in breakfasty heaven.

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One more thing about swimming in October.

Everett thinks he is a big boy. Like, a three-year-old big boy. He follows T and his friends around doing every last thing they are doing (or attempting to do so!) So, it shouldn't shock you that he was in the water the whole time the big boys were playing in there. As I was looking at the pictures, two of them caught my eye and made me laugh so dang hard! Poor little Evie was trying to brace himself when the big boys were jumping and splashing! So cute.

 

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Swimming in October

 

 I love California!

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