Pets: "Goodbyes" and "Hellos"

~Hellos and Goodbyes~

Our first goodbye: Dear Cora passed away earlier this year. She was fourteen years old and such a sweet family dog. She was full of energy up until the last year of her life. The kids miss her so much, but we are thankful she is not hurting anymore.

A happy hello: Meet Bailey! She is a one year old puppy that was given to our family by a woman who couldn't take care of her anymore. She is full of puppy energy but is very sweet and well-behaved. She just needs to always be with people, and she never has trouble finding plenty to be with around our house!

It wouldn't be a proper "pet post" without another round of baby chicks!! Our little flock is growing and producing dozens of eggs for us and some happy neighbors!

Siobhan and Brendan had been married for a little under three weeks when she talked him into getting their first pet. Meet Piper!! She is a rescue kitty from the Kentucky Humane Society. She is precious!! Named after Piper and Leaf tea (for Siobhan) and John Piper (for Brendan)!

They aren't our pets, but Mom and Connor have been working at a nearby farm six days a week, mucking out stalls and helping take care of the horses there. They do a wonderful job and have enjoyed the time together. Connor loves driving the tractor, as you can tell from the above pictures :) 

Then, of course we have Ethan's cat Chiquita (Chi-chi for short) who gave us two little surprises. She had kittens which the kids named Olive and Popeye.

 

We were able to find a home for Olive, but not for Popeye. Brendan and Siobhan weren't able to resist him so they adopted him along with Piper.

So many animals, and we wouldn't have it any other way 😉😉

Springing into Summer (Siobhan)

~Springing into Summer~

I have such a random selection of pictures that I have not gotten around to posting here!! Here's just a little peek into our family's life this spring and summer. We've had such a busy season with school, graduations, weddings, college prep, and all the busyness a family of 11 brings. 

Spring for Aidan has meant college applications! It's crazy to think that he will be going to Patrick Henry in August!

Laundry anyone?!

Connor does such a beautiful job landscaping our home!! He also has started a wreath-making business. I currently own three and love them all.

It wouldn't be summer with lake days!

And of course, Cade selfies :) 

Co-Op is always the highlight of the kids' school weeks. Mom taught the kids Latin this year, and they had so much fun, culminating with a feast at the end of the year. Another highlight for the twins was their Christmas paegant!

We can't not mention the 24 hour drive to CT for Ethan and Grace's wedding. Little O settled right in!

More Owen!

Mom, Dad and the kids came to visit me and Brendan after we moved into our first apartment. The kids had a blast playing with our kitty, Piper and exploring the Louisville area a little bit!

Family dinners in our apartment: my absolute favorite!! 

And of course we can't forget about visits to Ethan and Grace's house! Sibling sleepovers are the best!

We love you guys! Thank you for always supporting us on this crazy journey!