happy be-early birthday, Sharon!

Some pictures of Kazan make him look really big. This one makes him look gigantic. Pictures can't lie, can they?


Sharon's compassion and empathy for all creatures is legendary. Here she is trying out Kazan's cage. I have a feeling that we do not pass the test as to the comfort of Kazan's sleeping quarters! Oh, and by the way, Sharon's birthday is coming up on March 2nd. Hint hint.

surreality

We walked into our house at suppertime on Ron's 56th birthday, and - lo and behold - there was Josh sitting on the couch. As if he'd just dropped in from next door,instead of having just crossed an ocean to get here. Bright and early the next morning he was off to Waterloo for house-hunting and department-visiting, and we're still pinching ourselves to figure out if it was real, or all just a dream. Can't wait till Josh and Heather and Jamie can drop in anytime for really real. We're missing you all so much!





The kids all pitched in to buy Ron this cool t-shirt, that says it all.

how embarrassing...

No, Kazan is not becoming a yuppie puppy. He went in for his three-month puppy shots today, and the veterinary assistant put this bandana on him. Thought I'd leave it on for the day. Keeps him humble. We've had him less than three weeks, and already he's almost doubled in size. He now weighs in at 17 pounds. However, the vet says that his REAL growth will take place between 4 and 8 months. Hmmmmm... I noticed EVERYONE at the vet's trying to make really good friends with him - now.




First and last (i.e. only) time we're buying brand new living room furniture. SOOOO comfy and so beautiful! Our old living room furniture is now in our screened-in porch, crowded but cozy. Can't wait till the weather warms up so we can sit out there, rain or shine, whatever the bug season... Meanwhile, we're loving our new living room!

woof-dog / wolf-dog

Ron and Caitlin finished the outhouse roof today. Meanwhile, Sharon and I took our chances indoors with our multiple-personality puppies. Here's Kazan at his most innocent...




Don't Kazan and Beatrice seem so sweet as they cooperate for a peaceful puppy portrait? But don't be fooled...




Kazan the Wolfdog (defending himself - really!)

Ron blows his cover...

Kazan endears himself, teeth and all!

the start of a beautiful friendship!

Say cheese!



Wrestling - sometimes Beatrice has the upper paw, and sometimes it's Kazan! Watching them has made me realize that when Kazan plays with us, he really IS trying to be gentle! Those teeth are razor-sharp - I don't know how those two could enjoy this, but they both kept coming back for more (until they both finally dropped from exhaustion)!





Tug-of-war


Ron and I are babysitting Beatrice and Heidi today. You won't see Heidi in these pictures, because she has snuck upstairs to get some peace and quiet! Meanwhile, Beatrice and Kazan have been having a blast!

surprise!

Meanwhile, the two lovely girls with their matching braided hair (Cara's handiwork) found a cozy nook to play in. Michaela spent much of the evening trying to find a dance partner who had the energy to go the distance with the Lion King theme song "The Circle of Life" (I think she found inspiration in her wildcat-skirt!). And an exhausted Elizabeth was unable to stay awake long enough to taste the delicious cake she had been waiting for (semi-patiently) all evening. Just before it was served, she collapsed into a corner, fast asleep on the floor under her Daddy's big warm jacket. But not before our delightful and very well-behaved little grandbabyboy managed to pull out a tuft of her goldilocks as she was passing by! As usual, it was Auntie Sharon to the rescue, with a helping hand and a consoling hug. All in all, a truly memorable evening.



Micah spent much of the loooong restaurant evening totally focused on his careful artwork. And I watched him write his name all by himself! M - i - c - a - h... I didn't know he could do that. I am so proud of you, Micah!



Celebrating being family, and being together. Happy 60th, big brother! Glad we managed to surprise you!

Kazan

Introducing Kazan, my sweet little woof-dog. With gratitude to James Oliver Curwood for the name, and for the lifelong inspiration that I have received from his 1914 tale of a mighty wolf-dog with a great heart.

happiness is...

A BRAND NEW PUPPY!

Adoption announcement! Ron and I are the proud and delighted parents of an incredibly gorgeous Leonberger puppy - a breed developed in 19th-century Germany (town of Leonberg), a combination of St. Bernard, Landseer Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees (yes, Puppy will be big - his Daddy weighs in at 130 pounds)! Until just a few days ago, we had not heard of this breed of dog, and we had no plans (o.k. I had dreams and longings) of getting a puppy. Today we are loved by the sweetest little guy imaginable. It's a wonderful story of serendipitous circumstances and of Ron's sacrificial love for me. Care to help us name Puppy? So far the possibilities are Kazan, Kodiak (Kodi for short), Yosi, Ben and Leopold. Would you like to help by voting on one of these names or by suggesting another one? Puppy needs a name - soon!